Category Archives: News

SEDCO Capital and Wahed Partner to Broaden Access to Makkah and Madinah Real Estate

The companies intend to launch a publicly offered, Shariah-compliant real estate suite combining SEDCO Capital’s Saudi real estate expertise with Wahed’s digital investment capabilities supporting Vision 2030’s investment and economic diversification ambitions.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SEDCO Capital, a global, Shariah-compliant, and ESG-led asset management and investment advisory firm with over SAR 50 billion in assets under management, and Wahed Inc, (Wahed), a New York headquartered global Islamic financial technology company, with north of $2bn in assets under management today announced a strategic partnership to launch a publicly offered, Shariah-compliant real estate investment suite focused on Makkah and Madinah.

It is intended to give eligible investors, including Waheds 500,000 global investor base, diversified exposure to professionally sourced and managed real estate serving residents, pilgrims, businesses and visitors across the Two Holy Cities. It would bring together SEDCO Capital’s local investment and asset-management capabilities with Wahed’s experience as a category leader in making professionally managed investments easier for investors to access.

A long-term opportunity at the heart of Vision 2030

Makkah and Madinah sit at the center of one of the world’s most enduring demand stories. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program aims to enable 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, alongside a wider program of investment intended to improve the experience of pilgrims and visitors. Meeting that ambition requires continued development across accommodation, hospitality, retail, residential property and the infrastructure that supports both cities.

This will provide a Shariah-compliant route into this long-term growth story while directing private capital toward real assets that can help meet the needs of residents, pilgrims and visitors. The partnership also aligns with Vision 2030’s broader economic diversification goals: attracting international investment, increasing private-sector participation, deepening Saudi capital markets and supporting the growth of real estate and tourism sectors in Saudi Arabia..

Opening an opportunity that has historically been difficult to access

For overseas individual investors, direct access to real estate in Makkah and Madinah has often been limited by high entry values, local-market boundaries  and a scarcity of professionally managed products built for investor participation. It is intended to narrow that gap, giving eligible investors exposure to a professionally selected portfolio without requiring them to source and manage an individual property.

The concept responds to demand Wahed says it has seen from clients across international markets seeking credible, Shariah-compliant access to Saudi real assets – and, in particular, to Makkah and Madinah. It also builds on the successful launch of Wahed’s U.S. private real estate fund, which was designed to give accredited and non-accredited investors pooled exposure to professionally managed US based residential real estate from a $100 minimum.

Abdulwahhab Abed, Chief Executive Officer of SEDCO Capital noted “Makkah and Madinah are at the heart of the Kingdom’s most important transformations. The investment taking place is about meeting the needs of growing numbers global demand while creating lasting economic opportunity. SEDCO Capital brings deep local real estate capability and a long history of managing capital in the Kingdom. By partnering with Wahed, we intend to connect that expertise with a much broader investor audience and channel long-term international capital into opportunities that support Vision 2030.”

Mohsin Siddiqui, Chief Executive Officer of Wahed said: “Over the years, one question has come up again and again from Wahed clients around the world: how can I invest in Makkah and Madinah? For most people, there has never been a straightforward answer. This partnership is designed to change that. SEDCO Capital brings the local depth and real estate expertise; Wahed brings the distribution network, digital platform and experience of making professionally managed real estate easier to access. Together, we want to give everyday investors a credible, Shariah-compliant way to participate in the long-term growth of cities that mean so much to them.”

About Wahed

Headquartered in New York, Wahed Inc. (Wahed) is a global Islamic fintech and asset management company committed to democratising access to financial services. Licensed in nine countries, Wahed combines cutting-edge financial technology with Shariah principles to deliver innovative products that align with faith and values. With 500,000 clients globally and more than $2 billion in assets under management and administration across its entities, Wahed serves investors across multiple continents and is pioneering a new era of ethical and faith-based investing.

About SEDCO Capital

SEDCO Capital is a global, Shariah-compliant, and ESG-led asset management and investment advisory firm. Our investment philosophy is underpinned by three Ps: principles, partnership, and performance. We provide clients with investment solutions through a dynamic asset allocation process across diversified asset classes that deliver strong risk-adjusted returns. By adopting a global view to investing while looking through the lens of our proprietary Prudent Ethical Investment (PEI) approach, an integration of Shariah-compliant and Responsible Investment principles, we provide our clients with unparalleled global access to investments across developed and emerging markets, including Saudi Arabia, in alignment with their investment objectives. In 2014 we proudly became the first Saudi company and the world’s first Shariah-compliant asset manager to become signatory to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and we continue to be recognized for our commitment to responsible investments. SEDCO Capital oversees over $13.5 billion in total assets under management (AUM) and is headquartered in Jeddah with offices in Riyadh and Luxembourg. SEDCO Capital is licensed by the Capital Market Authority (License No. 11157-37). Find out more at www.sedcocapital.com

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Another Versatile Android Tablet Alternative: Huion Kamvas Pad 12 Unveiled

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Huion officially announced its new Android tablet, the Kamvas Pad 12, one year following the launch of its Kamvas Slate tablet series. As an industry-leading manufacturer and innovator, Huion has expanded its product lineup to adapt to today’s competitive market landscape.

Unlike Kamvas Slate series, Kamvas Pad 12 features the battery-free EMR pen PW600C, powered by the latest PenTech 4.0. The pen can magnetically attach to the tablet for superior portability and convenience. This tablet is also equipped with other eye-catching technologies and handy creative features. Let’s quickly walk through its standout highlights.

What Makes It Special?

With a 12.2-inch 2K (2400 x 1600) resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, it delivers crystal-clear details and smooth line performance. Its 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for document reading; combined with the split-screen functionality, it boosts productivity when drawing with reference images or jotting down notes mid-read.

The tablet also features Canvas Glass 3.0 technology, the signature glass treatment featured across Huion’s third-generation Kamvas creative displays. The soft-light screen reduces eye fatigue during long drawing sessions, while its textured surface delivers a realistic paper-like drawing feel. The AG+AF coating minimizes distracting reflections and prevents stubborn fingerprints and smudges from covering the screen.

Most importantly, Kamvas Pad 12 runs on the latest Android 16 OS, built to balance enhanced productivity, robust security and intuitive usability. It also comes preloaded with a full suite of creative apps, including HiPaint, Clip Studio Paint, ibisPaint X, MediBang Paint and Huion Note, enabling users to sketch and take notes anytime, anywhere.

For users focused on processing power, the tablet is driven by an 8-core MediaTek Genio 720 processor. It delivers fluid, crisp graphics with zero lag, even when running multiple apps simultaneously or creating multiple layers in the drawing application.

Is It the Perfect Tablet for You?

Kamvas Pad 12 is an all-round creative tablet built for drawing, gaming, studying and office work. It is a lightweight, portable pick for pen display and pen tablet enthusiasts who travel frequently and want to create anywhere, anytime.

Who Is Huion?

Huion is an established leading brand with 15 years of experience developing and manufacturing cost-effective, high-performance digital creative hardware. For our latest product news and updates, follow our Instagram account @huiontablet or learn more at huion.com.

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Redefining the Safety Ceiling for Small EVs! AION UT Earns 2026 Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating

BRUSSELS, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In the automotive world, Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous and prestigious crash testing standards globally. Recently, Euro NCAP officially released its latest 2026 safety evaluation results: GAC’s all-electric hatchback, the AION UT, achieved a prestigious Five-Star Safety Rating powered by its extraordinary hard-core strength.  

Compared to the assessment protocols of previous years, the new 2026 Euro NCAP standards have undergone a comprehensive overhaul with significantly heightened criteria.

As one of the first mass-produced Chinese brand models to pass the latest 2026 Euro NCAP test protocols and earn a five-star honor, the AION UT demonstrated comprehensive and balanced strength across all four key evaluation dimensions: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection, and post-crash safety. This impressive performance not only highlights the technical prowess of Chinese manufacturing to the world, but also redefines the safety ceiling for small pure-electric vehicles.

The key to AION UT’s exceptional performance in collision testing lies in its substantial engineering investment in structural architecture, which includes 71% High-Strength Steel Body, One-Piece Hot-stamped Dual-Ring Design, 180mm Extra-Wide Crash Box & High-Strength Bumper Beam, and Extreme Load-Bearing Capacity. In terms of occupant protection, the AION UT offers ultimate safety configurations that go far beyond its class, such as 2.1-Meter V-Side Air Curtains and Far-Side Airbag Protection. Beyond its physical steel architecture, the AION UT is further empowered by all-weather intelligent driving technology, featuring Full-Scenario Active Safety Algorithms, Precision Handling Chassis & Wide Tires, Ultra-Safe Magazine Battery Technology as well as CPD, DMS, and OMS Cabin Monitoring.

Earning the Euro NCAP Five-Star Safety Certification represents the ultimate endorsement from an authoritative international body for the AION UT’s uncompromised safety engineering. GAC remains dedicated to prioritizing user safety, safeguarding every journey with world-leading quality and all-around protection! 

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

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SPJIMR rises to #26 globally and ranks #2 in India in FT Masters in Management 2026 ranking

Institute ranks #1 in India for Careers Service, Alumni Network, Value for Money, and ESG and Net Zero Teaching

Key pointers:

• SPJIMR has climbed nine places to #26 globally and #2 in India in the Financial Times Masters in Management 2026 ranking, up from #35 globally and #3 in India in 2025
• SPJIMR ranks #2 globally for Careers Service and #6 globally for Alumni Network, reinforcing its strong performance in career support and alumni engagement
• The institute ranks #1 in India across Careers Service, Alumni Network, Value for Money, and ESG and Net Zero Teaching

MUMBAI, India, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) has risen nine places to #26 globally and #2 in India in the Financial Times Masters in Management (FT MiM) 2026 global ranking, up from #35 globally and #3 in India in 2025.

SPJIMR has now featured among the world’s top 50 business schools for the seventh consecutive year. In the 2026 ranking, SPJIMR is the second-highest ranked Indian business school, behind IIM Bangalore and ahead of IIM Ahmedabad. Five Indian business schools feature in the global top 50 this year, compared with four in 2025.

On the improvement in SPJIMR’s global and India standing, Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, stated: “This year’s ranking reflects sustained gains across the metrics that matter most to our participants: career outcomes, alumni engagement, and the value our programme delivers. We remain focused on strengthening every dimension of the participant experience, from placement support to the depth of learning we build into the programme.”

SPJIMR ranks #1 in India across four FT MiM categories 

SPJIMR has retained its #1 position in India across four FT MiM ranking categories, while also improving its global position in each:

• Careers Service – #1 in India (Global Rank: #2, up from #3)
  
  Assesses the effectiveness of the careers service in supporting student recruitment, as rated by alumni.
• Alumni Network – #1 in India (Global Rank: #6, up from #11)
  
  Evaluates how effectively the alumni network supports career opportunities, start-ups, idea exchange, recruitment, and event information, based on alumni feedback.
• Value for Money – #1 in India (Global Rank: #50, up from #56)
  
  Calculated using current alumni salaries, tuition fees, and associated programme costs.
• ESG and Net Zero Teaching – #1 in India (Global Rank: #28, up from #63)
  
  Measures the proportion of teaching focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and climate solutions, as well as alumni evaluations of this content.

Strong performance across career and programme outcomes

The 2026 ranking also reflects SPJIMR’s performance across several dimensions of student and alumni experience, including career progression, career support, alumni engagement, programme value, and sustainability-focused learning.

The institute also recorded an overall satisfaction score of 9.6 out of 10, reflecting strong participant sentiment towards the programme experience.

Indian business schools gain greater representation globally

The FT MiM global ranking evaluates management programmes designed primarily for students with limited work experience. The ranking considers only business schools accredited by AACSB or EQUIS and assesses performance across criteria including alumni career progress, alumni networks, school diversity, international experience, research, ESG and net zero teaching, and careers service.

In 2026, 14 Indian business schools feature in the FT MiM global ranking, compared with 11 in 2025. The increase reflects the growing representation of Indian business schools in the international management education landscape.

For the full ranking and methodology, visit the Financial Times Masters in Management ranking.

For more news and updates from SPJIMR, visit the SPJIMR Newsroom.

About SPJIMR

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) is one of India’s leading postgraduate management institutes. It is recognised in the Financial Times Masters in Management 2026 ranking as the #26 business school globally and #2 in India and in the Financial Times Global MBA 2026 ranking as #74 business school globally for its PGPM programme. SPJIMR is also consistently ranked among India’s top business schools by leading publications, including Business Today, Fortune India, India Today, and MBAUniverse. It has also been recognised by the Positive Impact Rating as one of the world’s top five business schools for societal impact. Known for its innovative and socially conscious approach to management education, research, and community engagement, SPJIMR seeks to influence managerial practice and enable value-based growth for students, alumni, organisations, and society. The institute holds the international Triple Crown of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, placing it among a select group of business schools worldwide to hold all three accreditations.

Visit SPJIMR.org for more information. 

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GST Council Meeting Shifted to October 7, Focus Likely on Simplifying GST System

New Delhi, Sep 7: The 57th meeting of the GST Council has been rescheduled from September 12 to October 7 as the earlier date coincides with the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The meeting will be preceded by discussions among senior GST officials on October 5 and 6. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the meeting, which will bring together representatives from the Centre and state governments.

The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on making the GST system simpler and more business-friendly. Improving compliance procedures, resolving pending issues and providing greater clarity on GST rules are likely to remain important areas of discussion.

Another key objective will be to improve GST administration and reduce difficulties faced by businesses and taxpayers. The Council may also look at ways to streamline procedures related to tax payments, refunds and input tax credit.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the Centre and states to review the functioning of the GST framework and discuss measures that can improve revenue collection while keeping compliance manageable for businesses.

The GST Council last met in September 2025, when major changes were approved in the GST rate structure. The revised system introduced 5 per cent and 18 per cent as the main tax rates, while a 40 per cent rate was retained for selected luxury and demerit goods.

The October 7 meeting is expected to be closely watched by businesses, consumers and state governments. Any decision aimed at simplifying procedures and improving the GST framework could make compliance easier and provide greater certainty for businesses.

AARAV Fragrances & Flavors Appoints Mayur Kapse as Chief Operating Officer – Fragrances

AARAV brings in seasoned professional to strengthen its Fragrances business, drive strategic growth and expand customer partnerships.

MUMBAI, India, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AARAV Fragrances & Flavors Limited, one of India’s leading fragrance, flavor and ingredient houses having presence across domestic and international markets, has announced the appointment of Mayur Kapse as Chief Operating Officer – Fragrances, based at its Thane headquarters.

The appointment comes at a crucial stage in AARAV’s strategic expansion of its growth journey. With more than 100 years of promoter family legacy dating to 1922, the company has grown from a fragrance-led business into an integrated business offering of Fragrances, Flavors and Aroma Ingredients in a short span of 19 years (Estd 2007). Today it serves clients in over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas. The organization continues to grow rapidly with a business size of ₹350+ crore, a team of over 300 employees and operations spanning Maharashtra and Karnataka.

AARAV continues to invest in R&D, creative capability, manufacturing infrastructure, technology and talent to serve an increasingly diverse global customer base across the FMCG and Food & Beverage sectors. Strengthening the leadership team of its Fragrances business is a significant part of the overall expansion strategy.

In his role, Mr. Kapse will lead the Fragrances division’s commercial and operational growth along with strengthening its already existing robust customer relationships. He brings more than 18 years of industry experience across sales, marketing, consumer insights, operations and customer service.

Commenting on the appointment, Ajit Vaze, CEO & Managing Director, AARAV Fragrances & Flavors Limited, said: “As we continue to invest in innovation, expand our global presence and create differentiated solutions for our customers, strengthening our leadership is central to accelerate our strategic ambitions. Mayur’s expertise in understanding of the fragrance industry, customer-first approach and leadership capabilities is a value addition to our business.”

Speaking about his new role, Mayur Kapse added: “AARAV has built a strong reputation as one of India’s most respected fragrance, flavor and ingredient companies, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, technical excellence, and customer focus. I am excited and look forward to working with colleagues, customers and partners of AARAV to build on that foundation and help create new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

The appointment reflects AARAV’s continued commitment to attracting industry-leading talent as it advances its vision of becoming a globally respected partner for fragrances, flavors, and specialty ingredients and shaped by a culture of collaboration, creativity and continuous learning across its team of more than 300 professionals.

Discover more about AARAV: www.aarav.co

Contact: AARAV Fragrances and Flavors Pvt. Ltd. 

Email: marketing@aarav.co

Website: https://www.aarav.co/

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China Xplained | The China Squeeze, or the China Opportunity?

GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South: 

Is China’s manufacturing rise squeezing out or creating opportunities for other economies?

Ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China this November, journalists and experts from around the world gathered in Guangdong for the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026.

The forum opened in Shenzhen on September 5, bringing together more than 400 representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from international organizations.

Before the opening of the forum, participants travelled across Guangdong to see China’s industries and development first-hand.

In this episode of China Xplained, we look at the numbers, supply chains, investment and voices from across the developing world—to ask a bigger question: Is China squeezing out room for other economies?

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FDI World Dental Federation launches Generation Smile, the oral health movement for all

Generation Smile is a generation unlike any other. It isn’t defined by the year you were born. It unites people of every age, background and culture around one shared purpose: making oral health a priority because it is essential to health and well-being – for everyone, everywhere.

– Picture is available at AP –

PRAGUE, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, at the FDI World Dental Congress in Prague, FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) officially unveiled Generation Smile – the oral health movement for all, a new platform for World Oral Health Day (WOHD). Under its first-year theme, Join Generation Smile, the campaign invites people around the world to come together to champion oral health as an essential part of overall health and well-being.

Generation Smile is built on the powerful idea that lasting change begins with each of us. Whether it is brushing twice a day, adopting healthier habits, visiting a dentist regularly, encouraging others to care for their teeth and gums, or advocating for the right to oral health for all – everyone has a role to play, and every action counts. Because together, millions of individual actions can become a global movement for change.

Generation Smile redefines oral health as something bigger than just the mouth, while remaining unmistakably connected to it.

“The smile is not the outcome. It is the symbol of everything a healthy mouth makes possible – from health to confidence, comfort, connection and well-being. By helping people protect their oral health throughout life, Generation Smile aims to create healthier communities and brighter futures around the world,” said Dr Anna Lella, WOHD Working Group Chair.

At the heart of this is an important reality: the health of our mouths is integral to general health, with oral diseases linked to a range of systemic conditions.

Inspired by the universal language of street art, Generation Smile introduces a bold new visual identity designed to transcend borders and cultures. Throughout the campaign, people around the world will be invited to add their voice to a global digital mural – turning individual support into a collective work of art.

“With Generation Smile, we want to give people a shared space to say: my oral health matters, and caring for it matters too. We want to create a movement for lifelong oral health – because oral health has the power to change lives, and everyone can be part of that change,” said Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, President of FDI. “With nearly 3.7 billion people affected by oral diseases worldwide, we cannot accept that so many continue to live without the oral healthcare they need. Every healthy choice we make, every conversation we start and every person we inspire brings us one step closer to FDI’s vision of a world with optimal oral health. Generation Smile is an invitation to people everywhere to join a movement that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Over the years, World Oral Health Day has united thousands of people behind a common cause: individuals, oral health professionals, National Dental Associations, schools, partners and policymakers from every corner of the world. Generation Smile builds on that momentum by bringing these voices together under one global movement – creating an even stronger force for oral health.

On 20 March 2027, as World Oral Health Day returns, people everywhere will be invited to Join Generation Smile and help shape a future where everyone can realize their right to oral health and enjoy the lifelong benefits of a healthy mouth.

Media contact

Francesca Nava, FDI Campaign and Social Media Manager

Email: fnava@fdiworlddental.org 

About World Oral Health Day

Celebrated annually on 20 March, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) was launched by FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention and control of oral diseases. www.worldoralhealthday.org

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Haier Showcases AI-Powered Smart Home Ecosystem at IFA 2026

Connected products understand and adapt to everyday needs

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Haier, the world’s No. 1 brand in major home appliances for 17 consecutive years*, showcased an AI-powered smart home ecosystem at IFA 2026 spanning garment care, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment, digital services and robotics. Under the theme “Home of Intelligent Possibilities,” the showcase demonstrates how connected appliances can evolve into a coordinated home that senses conditions, understands context, learns from user habits and adapts the way devices operate, creating a more intuitive and responsive experience at home.

AI That Adapts to Everyday Life

Across the portfolio, AI turns real-time information into practical adjustments. The Vision 15 washing machine uses an internal camera, sensors and algorithms to detect factors such as load size, balance and foam levels, and then adjust water levels, detergent dosing, drum movement and program settings. In refrigeration, the Maestro prototype brings several preservation technologies together. Its AI Food Care System 2.0 recognizes stored ingredients and recommends suitable conditions to help users manage food more effectively.

The ID Ultimate Series 6 oven applies the same approach to cooking. Its internal camera recognizes food, monitors cooking progress and can stop the program when the desired result has been reached. In the living room, UltraSense AI analyzes content and ambient conditions to adjust picture and sound on Haier Smart TVs in real time.

Together, these technologies extend AI into coordinated home scenarios across laundry, food care, cooking and entertainment. The hOn app brings Haier Europe’s connected products, services and home experiences together in a single digital environment, enabling them to work together around daily routines and translate connected technology into practical benefits at home.

This progression from individual products to coordinated home scenarios is already reaching users at scale. According to Euromonitor International, Haier Smart Home was recognized as the world’s No. 1 smart home enterprise based on global smart home revenue in 2025. Haier smart home platform has surpassed 130 million registered users worldwide and recorded 86.1 billion smart scene interactions in 2025.

Extending Intelligence Into Physical Interaction

Haier also showed how AI and embodied intelligence could translate smart home intelligence into physical tasks. The showcase featured humanoid robots interacting with appliances, robotic cleaning systems designed to recognize objects and different types of dirt, along with companion robots developed for voice assistance and personalized support.

The Haier Exoskeleton extended this theme beyond the home. Its sensors and algorithms interpret movement intentions in real time and adjust the assistance provided to each user, supporting mobility while preserving natural movement. Together, the demonstrations reflect Haier’s work to connect AI, appliances and robotics around practical human needs.

This technology portfolio is supported by Haier’s “10+N” open innovation system, which connects global research resources with local user insights. In the first half of 2026, Haier topped on IPRdaily’s global smart home invention patent list for the 15th consecutive time. Looking ahead, Haier plans to invest at least 13 billion euros over the next five years, with a focus on foundational technologies including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and IoT security to underpin its AI-native transformation.

Haier’s presence at IFA also highlights its global sports partnerships under the “Play with the Number Ones” concept, connecting the pursuit of excellence in sports with the brand’s focus on innovation, performance and better user experiences worldwide.

Visitors can experience Haier’s smart home technologies in Hall 3.1 at Stand 101 during IFA 2026 in Berlin from Sept. 4 to 8.

*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2026 Edition; % unit share, 2025 volume sales data

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Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh Re-elected APPU Secretary-General for Second Term

New Delhi: Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh, a 1988-batch Indian Postal Service officer, has been re-elected as Secretary-General of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) for a second consecutive four-year term. He was elected unopposed by acclamation during the 14th APPU Congress held in Bangkok on September 4, 2026.

Dr. Singh’s re-election is seen as a significant recognition of India’s role in international postal cooperation and reflects the confidence of postal administrations across the Asia-Pacific region in his leadership. His second term will begin in January 2027 and continue through December 2030.

India’s Role in Asia-Pacific Postal Cooperation

The re-election comes as the Asian-Pacific Postal Union continues to strengthen cooperation among postal administrations across the region. Headquartered in Bangkok, the APPU is an intergovernmental organisation with 32 member countries and functions as a Regional Union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the United Nations specialised agency for the postal sector.

Dr. Singh first assumed the position of APPU Secretary-General in January 2023 after being elected at the 13th APPU Congress in 2022. During his first term, he contributed to strengthening cooperation among postal administrations and supporting efforts to modernise and develop postal services across the Asia-Pacific region.

His second term is expected to provide further opportunities to deepen regional postal cooperation, promote modernisation and address emerging priorities facing the postal sector.

Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh’s Career in Indian Postal Service

Dr. Singh has more than three decades of experience in public administration and the postal sector. During his career, he has held several senior positions in the Government of India, including Member of the Postal Services Board, Senior Deputy Director General and Chief Vigilance Officer in the Department of Posts.

He has also served as Chief Postmaster General of Uttar Pradesh Circle and Chief General Manager at India Post Headquarters. His professional experience includes assignments with the Union Public Service Commission, the United Nations Development Programme in Afghanistan and the Army Postal Service Corps.

Academic Background and Recognition

Alongside his administrative career, Dr. Singh has an extensive academic background. He was a Gold Medallist in Modern History from the University of Allahabad and holds a Ph.D. in Management from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

The Department of Posts has congratulated Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh on his re-election and wished him a successful second term as Secretary-General of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union.

His continuation in the post through 2030 is expected to further strengthen India’s engagement in international postal affairs and regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific postal network.