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Deep Depression Nears Odisha Coast, Landfall Likely Tonight; Heavy Rain, Strong Winds Forecast

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for heavy rainfall and strong winds as a Deep Depression over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moves towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast.

 Representational Image 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system is likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the night of September 23, bringing intense rainfall to several coastal and southern districts of Odisha.

The system has been moving westwards and travelled at a speed of around 7 kmph during the six hours preceding 11:30 pm on September 22, according to the IMD.

System Positioned Close to Coast

At 11:30 pm on September 22, the Deep Depression was centred near 18.0°N latitude and 85.0°E longitude over the Bay of Bengal.

It was located approximately 100 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, around 150 km south of Gopalpur and about 220 km south-southwest of Puri. The system was also around 180 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam.

The weather system is expected to continue its west-northwestward movement before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast.

Winds Could Reach 75 Kmph

IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said wind speeds could reach 55-65 kmph, with gusts of up to 75 kmph, around the time of landfall.

Such conditions could damage small trees and branches and affect standing crops, particularly paddy and vegetables. Vulnerable structures, including old tin-roofed, thatched and mud houses, could also face damage.

Authorities have been advised to remain alert in areas likely to experience the strongest winds and rainfall.

Heavy Rain to Continue in Interior Odisha

The Deep Depression is expected to produce heavy rainfall across coastal and southern Odisha, with prolonged rain potentially triggering waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Continuous rainfall may also increase the possibility of landslides in hilly and vulnerable areas, particularly in southern districts.

While rainfall activity is expected to continue over interior Odisha on September 24, the IMD has forecast a gradual reduction in rainfall intensity from September 25.

Residents Advised to Stay Alert

With the system approaching the coast, residents in affected areas have been advised to monitor official weather updates and follow instructions issued by local administrations.

People living in vulnerable structures and landslide-prone areas have also been urged to exercise caution as the Deep Depression makes its way towards the coast.

Deep Depression to Cross Odisha-Andhra Coast on Sept 23; South Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): Odisha is likely to experience a spell of intense and prolonged rainfall as a Depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression before moving towards the coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

 Representational Image

According to IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the system is likely to strengthen by Tuesday evening or night and move in a west-northwestward direction before crossing the coast between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopalpur in Odisha on the night of September 23.

South Odisha Likely to Receive Prolonged Rain

The weather system is expected to slow down as it approaches the coast, potentially resulting in prolonged heavy rainfall across southern Odisha.

Several districts in the region may receive very heavy rainfall, while extremely heavy rain is likely at isolated places, according to the weather office.

The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity along the coast may begin to ease from September 24. However, interior parts of Odisha could experience increased rainfall intensity as the system moves inland.

After crossing the coast, the system is expected to gradually travel north-northwestwards towards Chhattisgarh.

Strong Winds, Landslides Possible

The Deep Depression is likely to produce wind speeds of around 55-65 kmph near the time of landfall.

The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds could create problems in vulnerable areas, particularly in hilly and mountainous districts. The IMD has warned of the possibility of landslides and mudslides in susceptible locations.

Strong winds could also damage smaller trees and branches, while standing crops, including paddy, may be affected by the heavy rainfall.

IMD Keeps Close Watch on System

Dr Mohapatra said the system’s relatively slow movement near the Odisha coast could increase the duration and intensity of rainfall over southern districts.

The weather department is closely monitoring the system and its expected movement, with residents in vulnerable areas advised to follow official weather warnings and instructions issued by local authorities.

The developing system comes as several parts of Odisha remain under heightened weather alerts, particularly across the southern districts, where authorities have been asked to maintain preparedness for heavy rainfall and associated risks.

Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain as IMD Issues Red Warning in Several Districts

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): Odisha is set to witness another spell of intense rainfall as a Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue Red Warnings for several districts.

 Representational Image 

The weather system is expected to trigger extremely heavy rainfall between September 23 and 25, particularly across southern and interior parts of the state.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday said the state government is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and has directed district administrations in the vulnerable areas to remain prepared.

Red Alert for Southern Odisha

The IMD has placed Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam under a Red Warning for September 23 and 24.

For September 24 and 25, the Red Warning will be in effect for Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.

District Collectors in the affected areas have been asked to maintain close vigil and take precautionary measures in view of the possibility of extremely heavy rain and related incidents.

The weather system could also bring difficult conditions to several other parts of southern Odisha, with authorities keeping a close watch on rainfall, water levels and possible localised flooding.

System May Cross Coast

According to Minister Pujari, the Deep Depression could cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, with the likely landfall period falling between the night of September 23 and the morning of September 24.

Despite the rainfall threat, there is currently no major concern regarding river levels in southern Odisha, the minister said. The Rushikulya and Bansadhara rivers are reportedly flowing below their respective danger marks.

Sea to Remain Rough

The IMD has also warned of deteriorating sea conditions. The sea is expected to remain rough to very rough over the central Bay of Bengal and later over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts, through September 24.

Fishermen and others engaged in marine activities have been advised to exercise caution and follow official weather advisories.

With the Red Warning covering multiple districts over the next two days, the state administration has stepped up preparedness measures. Residents in the warned areas have been urged to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Roborock Maintains Global No.1 Position in H1 2026

BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Roborock ranked No.1 globally by both unit shipments and sales value among robotic vacuum brands in H1 2026, according to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Smart Vacuum Robotics Tracker, 2026Q2. The result further strengthens Roborock’s sustained leadership in the category, with the company also ranking No.1 globally in cumulative sales value among robotic vacuum brands from Q1 2023 through Q2 2026, according to IDC.

The latest recognition comes as the global robotic vacuum market continues to evolve, with market concentration increasing and competition shifting toward technology innovation, premium products and deeper cleaning experiences. IDC reported that the global robotic vacuum market shipped 7.885 million units in Q2 2026, while leading brands continued to strengthen their positions in the increasingly concentrated market.

Roborock’s continued leadership is underpinned by sustained investment in AI-powered perception, intelligent navigation, cleaning performance and robotic mobility. At IFA 2026, the company showcased its latest innovations across indoor and outdoor cleaning, including the Saros 20 Flow, Qrevo Edge 3 Pro, F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 and F25 Pro Turbo Combo, alongside its expanding outdoor robotics portfolio, including the RockNeo Q2 LiDAR robotic mower and RockAqua P1 robotic pool cleaner.

“Our mission is to give time back to our customers by automating everyday tasks,” said Quan Gang, President of Roborock. “Building smarter robots is the means, not the goal. Every minute spent on housework is time taken away from family, passions, and personal well-being.”

Roborock’s global leadership is supported by continued investment in research and product development. In the first half of 2026, the company recorded RMB 10.084 billion in revenue, up 27.6% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 986 million, up 45.6% year on year. R&D investment reached RMB 720 million, representing 7.14% of revenue, supporting continued development across intelligent navigation, AI-powered environmental perception, cleaning systems and robotic mobility.

As robotic cleaning evolves from individual products toward broader, full-scenario applications, Roborock is expanding its robotics portfolio beyond robotic vacuum cleaners. Its sustained leadership in the category provides a foundation for bringing intelligent robotics into more areas of everyday life, with the goal of helping consumers spend less time on routine chores and more time on what matters to them.

Roborock ranked No.1 globally by unit shipments and sales value among robotic vacuum brands in H1 2026. Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Smart Vacuum Robotics Tracker, 2026Q2.

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Mayo Clinic Laboratories Invests in Pathology Asia Holdings and LifeStrands Genomics to Advance Diagnostics and Precision Medicine

SINGAPORE, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mayo Clinic Laboratories and Pathology Asia Holdings (PAH) have announced a strategic investment and collaboration aimed at expanding access to advanced diagnostics and precision medicine across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories and PAH are deepening a long-term relationship that brings together Mayo’s global clinical and diagnostic expertise with the regional healthcare network, capabilities and market knowledge of PAH and its genomics subsidiary, LifeStrands Genomics. William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, has been appointed Scientific Adviser to PAH.

Genomics is a central focus of the collaboration, delivered through LifeStrands Genomics. Mayo Clinic Laboratories and LifeStrands Genomics will work together to broaden access to advanced molecular and genomic testing across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, with applications spanning the identification of genetic conditions, disease risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, enabling healthcare providers to integrate clinically relevant genomic insights into more personalised patient care.

LifeStrands Genomics will operate as “LifeStrands in collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories” in certain markets, reflecting the organisations’ shared commitment to expanding access to advanced genomic testing and precision medicine across the region.

Together, the organisations will pursue joint scientific initiatives, education and thought leadership to support the integration of genomics into patient care. “Healthcare providers across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand are increasingly seeking advanced diagnostic solutions to guide patient care,” said Dr. Morice. “Our collaboration with PAH and LifeStrands Genomics reflects our commitment to a long-term strategic relationship that unites complementary strengths in laboratory diagnostics and genomics. Through this collaboration, we are bringing advanced diagnostic capabilities closer to patients and equipping healthcare providers with the insights needed to deliver personalised care.”

“Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ investment marks an important milestone in our relationship and a strong foundation for the next phase of diagnostic innovation across the region,” Christopher Ting, M.D., founder and CEO of Pathology Asia Holdings, added. “Combining Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ global clinical and scientific expertise with PAH’s regional diagnostic capabilities and network will enable us to broaden access to advanced testing and increase access to genomics and precision medicine capabilities across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.”

About Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Mayo Clinic Laboratories, the global leader in turning test results into clinical answers, provides advanced testing and pathology services for healthcare organisations worldwide in partnership with Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers more than 4,400 tests and pathology services, delivering specialised diagnostic expertise to help healthcare providers make informed decisions and improve patient care.

About Pathology Asia

Pathology Asia is a leading regional provider of pathology and laboratory diagnostics services, with operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia. Its network encompasses established diagnostics brands including Innoquest, Singapore Diagnostics, TissuPath and Safework Health, as well as its specialist genomics businesses, LifeStrands Genomics and DNA Laboratories. Pathology Asia delivers a comprehensive range of pathology, molecular and genomic testing services to healthcare providers, hospitals and patients across the region through its network of internationally accredited laboratories.

About LifeStrands Genomics

LifeStrands Genomics is a leading Asia-Pacific clinical genomics company comprising three specialist laboratories: LifeStrands Genomics Singapore, LifeStrands Genomics Australia, and DNA Laboratories. Together, the group provides advanced molecular and genomic testing across oncology, reproductive health, inherited disorders and wellness. Operating through CAP- and ISO 15189-accredited laboratories, LifeStrands Genomics delivers clinically actionable insights that empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, advance personalised care and improve patient outcomes.

DFPD Launches Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign to Promote Cleanliness and Public Participation

New Delhi, September 23, 2026: The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva-2026’ campaign across the country, with a focus on cleanliness, sanitation and encouraging greater public participation in cleanliness initiatives.

The campaign is being implemented by the Department along with its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), attached and subordinate offices. The initiative is being carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Urban Development and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

This year’s campaign is being conducted under the theme ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’, emphasising participation as an important component of sustained cleanliness efforts. The campaign seeks to encourage behavioural and cultural changes that can support cleaner public spaces and improved sanitation practices.

As part of the campaign, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, administered the Swachhata pledge to officials of the Department on September 17, 2026, at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.

The pledge ceremony was followed by a cleanliness drive across the premises. Officials and employees participated in the activity as part of the Department’s broader efforts to promote cleanliness within government workplaces.

The campaign extends beyond routine cleanliness activities, with an emphasis on developing sustained awareness and participation among employees, stakeholders and citizens. The initiative seeks to make cleanliness a shared responsibility rather than limiting it to periodic drives.

Through the participation of its offices and PSUs across the country, the Department aims to reinforce sanitation practices at institutional and workplace levels while supporting the broader objectives of the national cleanliness mission.

The Swachhata Hi Seva-2026 campaign also highlights the link between citizen participation, sanitation and the broader goal of building cleaner and more sustainable communities. The theme calls for collective involvement in maintaining cleanliness and supporting improved sanitation practices.

The DFPD’s campaign is part of the wider nationwide effort to promote cleanliness through public participation and institutional action. The Department’s activities during the campaign are expected to focus on creating greater awareness and encouraging sustained behavioural change among officials and stakeholders.

YOTEL TO MAKE THAILAND DEBUT IN CLOUD 11 – BANGKOK’S NEWEST CREATIVE LANDMARK

YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is taking bookings for stays from 15 October 2026 and will be the first hotel to open in the new Cloud 11 development, providing seamless, fully connected stays and a great night’s sleep in South Sukhumvit.

BANGKOK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YOTEL, the global hospitality brand known for its design-led, tech-enabled hotels, will make its debut in Thailand with the opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit on 15 October 2026. The cutting-edge 250-key property is located within the impressive Cloud 11 development, which is a brand new creative landmark in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district, in the south-east of the city.

YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the brand’s 24^th hotel globally, its fourth property in Asia and the first YOTEL in Asia to be part of Select by Hilton. It bears the brand’s distinctive signature features, from self-service stations enabling guests to check-in in under a minute, to YOTEL’s calm, smart rooms, purposefully designed to encourage quality sleep, including the reclining SmartBed™.

Located in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district, which is emerging as a haven for the city’s creatives, YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the first hotel to open in Cloud 11. More than a mixed-use development, Cloud 11 opened in July 2026 and is a first-of-its-kind destination incorporating professional content production and music recording studios, galleries, event venues, cinema, wellness, offices, retail and year-round programming designed to inspire creativity, facilitate collaboration and generate new business opportunities.

At the heart of Cloud 11, YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit provides a calm, connected place to rest and recharge, whether guests are staying to explore Cloud 11, travelling on business, or visiting the city as a tourist.

Rooms have views of the rooftop park at the centre of Cloud 11, or towards Bang Krachao, dubbed Bangkok’s ‘green lung’ with higher floors also revealing the city’s skyline. There are twin and interconnecting options, and larger First Class King rooms with a sofa or sofa bed, ideal for groups of friends and families. All rooms have super-fast WiFi, SmartTVs to connect devices, wireless charging and mini coolers. Mood lighting, reclining SmartBeds™, monsoon showers and bathroom amenities by Urban Jungle ensure guests feel relaxed and rested. For anything else, the hotel’s guest service robots can deliver bottled water, fresh towels and other amenities to the room, while reception is open 24-7 for local recommendations.

Facilities include YOTEL Swim Club, comprising a stylish outdoor pool and pool bar, and a high-spec gym. Komyuniti brings together all-day dining and co-working in one lively social hub. Grab + Go sells drinks and snacks 24-7 for guests on the move.

Opening in November 2026, Fatty’s will be the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and restaurant, giving hotel guests and Bangkok locals a new sky-high spot to eat, drink and unwind. Located on the 23rd floor, it will offer bird’s-eye views of Cloud 11 and a spectacular panorama of Bangkok. Further details will be revealed ahead of its opening.

The hotel is connected to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain network via a 300-metre skywalk, putting the entire city within reach. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is 2.3km away, and there are direct links to the city’s two international airports.

“Bangkok is not only one of the world’s most iconic tourist cities; it is also a vibrant business hub that is attracting entrepreneurs and digital nomads from around the globe. Cloud 11 is at the heart of Thailand’s growing creative economy and a new investment landmark for the entire country. This makes it the perfect location for the city’s first YOTEL. Our brand has always been about challenging traditional hospitality with intelligently designed spaces, smart experiences and rooms engineered to deliver the best sleep. YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit not only gives us the opportunity to introduce our brand to a new destination, but also to become part of a community that is helping to shape its future,” said Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of YOTEL.

“YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit will be a real game-changer for Thailand’s hotel sector. Our unique location within Cloud 11, combined with fast connectivity, 24-7 services and sleek design, will intuitively meet the needs of today’s travellers who crave complete convenience. My team and I are excited to welcome guests to Bangkok from 15^th October,” added Mike Smith, General Manager, YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Founded in London in 2007, YOTEL signed an exclusive agreement with Hilton in March 2026, becoming the first brand in the newly established Select by Hilton. The collaboration means that YOTEL retains its independence and brand management while participating properties will connect to the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program and enjoy the benefits of Hilton’s superior distribution and technology platforms.

Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points and enjoy benefits based on their membership tier when they stay at YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit. Members can also earn Bonus Points on eligible meetings and events held at YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit through the Hilton Honors Event Planner program.

The opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit represents the next phase of growth for YOTEL with the target of tripling its portfolio in the coming years. It joins the region’s popular hotels in Tokyo, Singapore Orchard Road and Singapore Changi Airport, with YOTEL Kuala Lumpur slated to open by early 2027.

Book at yotel.com.

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FXT Unveils FXT AI: A Multi-Agent Trading Co-Pilot for Market Insight, Risk Awareness and Trader Development.

SYDNEY, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FXT today announced the launch of FXT AI, an advanced AI trading co-pilot integrated directly into the FXT trading platform. Designed to give traders an immediate edge. FXT AI acts as a dedicated partner that continuously watches the market, reviews trading history, and monitors risk.

Traders often struggle to make sense of overwhelming market data while managing risk exposure. FXT AI solves this by operating as three specialist agents working together seamlessly within a trader’s existing account. There is no new app to download. Traders simply open their dashboard to get instant, actionable insights, asking questions to dig deeper into market movements and personal performance.

Three Specialist Agents

• Market Reader: Reads the market around the clock and explains what matters and why.
  
  Traders can ask about specific instrument movements.
  
  
  
  
• Trade Mentor: Turns a trader’s history into their next advantage. It breaks down trade history,
  
  flags costly habits and compares win rates.
  
  
  
  
• Risk Monitor: Explains the risk in open positions in plain terms, offering stop-loss suggestions and leverage exposure insights.

Unlike generic market signals, FXT AI is built on the trader’s actual account activity. Every insight is transparent and explainable. FXT AI informs the strategy, but the trader always decides and executes the trades.

“We built FXT AI to give traders a partner that understands their habits and the wider market,” said Adam Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at FXT. “It turns complexity into clear, personalised insight, helping clients recognise opportunities, strengthen their process and make confident decisions.”

FXT AI runs directly on the FXT platform across web, desktop, and mobile devices, alongside third-party MetaQuotes platforms such as MT4 and MT5. Additional specialist agents are currently in development as FXT continues to expand the platform’s capabilities.

About FXT

FXT is part of the Gleneagle Group being a leader in the evolution of financial markets offering corporate advisory, funds management, institutional dealing, broking and trading platform services. It has an Australian Financial Services license and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) Financial License. FXT is a multi-asset CFD trading platform offering access to 200+ instruments across FX, indices, commodities and shares from a single account.

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CJ 4DPLEX EXPANDS SCREENX PRESENCE IN EUROPE THROUGH NEW AGREEMENT WITH PATHÉ CINÉMAS

Partnership marks a major SCREENX milestone with one of Europe’s most prominent cinema exhibitors

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CJ 4DPLEX, the world’s leading producer of premium cinema formats and immersive theater experiences, and Pathé Cinémas, one of Europe’s leading cinema operators, today announced a new agreement to bring four new SCREENX auditoriums to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Two locations in Belgium, one in France and one in the Netherlands are set to open by the end of 2026.

The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between CJ 4DPLEX and Pathé Cinémas. What began with the introduction of multisensory 4DX to European audiences evolved to include the launch of SCREENX at Pathé La Villette in Paris in 2018. Adding four new SCREENX locations across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands represents the next phase of that partnership and reflects both companies’ ongoing commitment to premium cinema experiences in Europe.

Pathé Cinémas is one of Europe’s most notable cinema exhibition companies. The company has played a defining role in shaping modern moviegoing in France, with operations also spanning Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Morocco. Pathé Cinémas remains a central force in European film production and distribution through its broader entertainment business.

SCREENX transforms the moviegoing experience with its revolutionary format, which seamlessly extends the picture beyond the front screen and onto the auditorium’s surrounding walls on the left and right sides. Delivering this premium 270-degree panoramic display enhances key scenes with exclusive visual elements and fully immerses audiences in a one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure.

“Europe is one of SCREENX’s most dynamic and strategically important markets, and this expanded agreement with Pathé Cinémas represents another significant milestone in our growth,” said Don Savant, Chief Business Officer, CJ 4DPLEX. “Pathé is one of Europe’s most respected and innovative cinema exhibitors, and we are proud to deepen our longstanding partnership across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Together, we look forward to bringing the uniquely immersive SCREENX experience to more moviegoers and creating new opportunities to expand our partnership throughout Europe.”

“Our relationship with CJ 4DPLEX has been built on a shared belief in the power of premium cinema, and this expansion deal follows naturally from that foundation,” said Laure de Boissard, Managing Director of Pathé Cinemas. “Bringing SCREENX to additional markets across Europe is an exciting step, and we look forward to offering our guests a premium experience that goes beyond the traditional screen.”

Together, the four auditoriums will further establish SCREENX’s presence across three of Europe’s most active cinema markets.

About Pathé Cinémas

Pathé is the leading cinema operator in France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and also operates in Belgium, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Morocco. Pathé operates 129 cinemas with a total of 1,308 screens. Its strategy of moving upmarket and modernizing its cinemas is driven by an active policy of building, rebuilding, and renovating; continuous innovation featuring the best technologies; unique, tailored services; and an optimized moviegoer experience, both in-cinema and online.

About CJ 4DPLEX

CJ 4DPLEX is a proud subsidiary of CJ Group, Korea’s leading lifestyle and culture company. Headquartered in Sangam, Seoul, we design and develop immersive cinema technologies that inspire audiences worldwide. Guided by creativity, technology, and cultural vision, we are committed to redefining the future of cinema starting right here in Korea.

CJ 4DPLEX is redefining the moviegoing experience across many countries worldwide, working with the world’s top exhibitors to deliver SCREENX, 4DX and ULTRA 4DX to audiences everywhere. From the United States to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, our global presence keeps growing driven by our mission to make immersive storytelling the standard in cinema. Innovation drives us to connect people beyond language and borders through shared experiences.

About SCREENX

SCREENX is the world’s most immersive platform, breaking free from the boundaries of a single screen to place audiences at the heart of the story. With visuals flowing seamlessly across the walls, SCREENX connects film and space, creating moments of true natural immersion. Every sequence is curated to reflect the director’s vision, turning each film into a journey only SCREENX can deliver.

About 4DX

4DX provides the best synesthetic viewing experience that connects the audience with movies through its state-of-the art motion-seats and 21 environmental effects that include water, wind and scents. The 4DX theater is a special theater where you can feel various environmental effects such as wind, light, fog, fragrance, and vibration, as well as motion chairs that move according to the scene of the movie. Audiences can feel a new level of 4DX effect that maximizes vividness in each scene beyond simply watching movies with limitations of existing video and sound.

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GREEN FUEL FORWARD EXPANDS INDUSTRY ALLIANCE TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL ADOPTION IN ASIA

Center for Green Market Activation (GMA) and Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (SAFCo), join GenZero on the Steering Committee, while Amazon, Bain & Company, and Temasek Trust join the growing industry alliance to support credible demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and SAF certificates in Asia.

SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Green Fuel Forward (GFF), launched by GenZero and the World Economic Forum (WEF) in May 2025 to scale demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), today announced an expanded partnership structure and new members as it enters its next phase of market activation.

Announced during Green Markets Day at New York Climate Week, the expansion marks GFF’s shift from building market awareness and procurement readiness to facilitating greater corporate action and participation in SAF and SAF certificates (SAFc) transactions across Asia.

GFF welcomed the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA) and the Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (SAFCo) to its Steering Committee (SteerCo), alongside founding SteerCo member GenZero. The expanded SteerCo combines investment, demand-aggregation, procurement and market-development expertise as GFF works to translate growing corporate interest in SAF into credible and scalable demand.

Building this demand is particularly important for aviation decarbonisation in Asia, where much of the sector’s future growth is expected. SAF supply remains constrained by its premium over conventional jet fuel and production capacity that is still developing. Stronger and clearer demand signals can encourage investment in new supply and help lower the cost of SAF adoption.

SAFc can provide these demand signals at scale by enabling companies to support the use of SAF and claim the associated emission reductions towards their climate targets, even where direct access to physical SAF is limited or impossible. To support the development of a robust SAFc market in Asia-Pacific, GFF will work with industry, policymakers and standards bodies to establish a trusted framework for corporate engagement.

Frederick Teo, Chief Executive Officer, GenZero, said: “Given the growth of aviation in the Asia-Pacific, the region has a critical role in decarbonising aviation globally. There is tremendous potential to develop technologies in SAF, source feedstock, build production capacity and drive adoption. Corporate ambition to address air travel emissions can direct financing into scaling SAF adoption through the purchase of SAF certificates. Green Fuel Forward aggregates corporate participation into credible, collective demand large enough to meaningfully support production growth across the region. The expertise that GMA and SAFCo bring in demand aggregation, procurement, and market development strengthens Green Fuel Forward’s broad membership base to translate corporate readiness into concerted market action.”

Kim Carnahan, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Green Market Activation, said: “We know that book and claim and demand aggregation can drive new investment and grow the supply of high-integrity SAF. We are thrilled to be joining the Green Fuel Forward SteerCo to bring this model to Asia, ensure it complements existing global initiatives like the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance, and steer it toward real-world contracting that scales SAF uptake in one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.”

Seow Hui Tan, Chief Executive Officer, SAFCo, said: “As Asia-Pacific’s aviation sector continues to grow, the region has a unique opportunity to lead the next phase of sustainable aviation growth. Singapore’s early leadership in advancing SAF policy demonstrates how practical regulations, trusted governance, and market-based mechanisms can accelerate SAF adoption while maintaining environmental integrity. Beyond supporting Singapore’s national SAF ambitions, SAFCo’s expertise, processes, systems, and market infrastructure being developed through the SAF policy can help lay the foundations for a credible and scalable voluntary SAF and SAF certificate market across Asia-Pacific. Through Green Fuel Forward, we look forward to working with partners to strengthen corporate participation, build market confidence, and accelerate the development of a trusted regional SAF ecosystem.”

With added institutional expertise and a broader corporate buyer base, GFF is better positioned to help companies move from learning about SAFc to evaluating and participating in procurement opportunities. By aggregating demand and strengthening connections among buyers, market intermediaries and suppliers, GFF aims to create a stronger commercial foundation for SAF growth in Asia.

As GFF moves from capacity-building towards supporting more pragmatic action, WEF will hand over the secretariat function of the initiative to the SteerCo. WEF played an important role in the initiative’s formative year, helping to shape the platform, convene stakeholders, build momentum, and strengthen the understanding of the SAF market.

Pedro Gomez, Head, Industry Agenda, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum, said: “With GenZero and dozens of private sector companies, we launched Green Fuel Forward to spark interest in SAF in the Asia-Pacific region. One and a half years later, this collective effort has shown that the local SAF market is maturing fast, and more corporates are planning to take pragmatic action and invest in the sector. The World Economic Forum looks forward to seeing this momentum transform into credible demand as GenZero and the new SteerCo take over the strategic leadership of the campaign, bringing experience from transactions that can really scale the impact of Green Fuel Forward in the coming years.”

New members broaden the alliance

Alongside the expanded SteerCo, GFF has recently welcomed Amazon, Bain & Company, and Temasek Trust as new members, broadening the group of companies seeking to accelerate the shift towards lower-carbon aviation. Temasek Trust also joins as a catalytic contributor, providing funding to offset procurement costs and help SAF adoption. GFF’s total membership now stands at 48.

GFF’s members span three key groups: companies with significant business-travel footprints; companies with substantial logistics and air-cargo operations; and international corporations looking to decarbonise their value chains in Asia.

Corporate interest in SAF is growing, but buyers continue to face practical barriers to procurement. Questions remain around how SAF certificate purchases can be reported under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, while buyers may also have limited visibility of credible regional supply and lack dedicated in-house procurement capabilities.

Through GFF, participating companies can better understand the SAF market, explore credible procurement pathways, and stay updated on accounting and reporting for SAFc. Catalytic funding, including cost offsets and co-matching for select first-time buyers, can also help lower cost barriers and support early participation.

Sam Israelit, Chief Sustainability Officer, Bain & Company, said: “Business travel is the largest share of Bain’s carbon footprint, and sustainable aviation fuel is central to our science-based path to net zero. Having been among the first corporate buyers of SAF certificates through the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance and the First Movers Coalition, joining Green Fuel Forward is a natural next step: it brings that commitment to Asia-Pacific, where aviation’s growth – and the opportunity to decarbonise it – is greatest. We look forward to helping build the credible, aggregated demand that will catalyse new SAF supply across the region.”

Ryan Tan, Head, Planet Collaborative, Temasek Trust, said: “Aviation is a carbon-intensive sector that is an integral part of the carbon footprint of many companies, such as through business travel and value chains. This makes SAF certificates an important entry point for collective action. Through Green Fuel Forward, Temasek Trust is participating as both a member and catalytic funder to lower barriers for other companies and facilitate demand for SAF. This reflects our commitment to catalysing practical, scalable solutions for tangible climate impact.”

About Green Fuel Forward

Founded by GenZero and the World Economic Forum in 2025, Green Fuel Forward (GFF) is an initiative designed to scale corporate demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Asia-Pacific region. While continuing to build capacity and increase awareness of SAF certificates, in its second year, GFF will explore more structured procurement of sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc), enabling corporate buyers to participate in SAF markets and address their aviation-related Scope 3 emissions. The initiative complements ongoing work by international standards bodies to advance the use of book-and-claim mechanisms, while contributing to global aviation decarbonisation. Through demand aggregation, capacity building and policy engagement, GFF aims to provide clear demand signals required to lower barriers to SAF adoption, strengthen market confidence and ultimately, catalyse new investments into SAF production across Asia-Pacific.

For more information, visit https://genzero.co/initiatives/green-fuel-forward.

About GenZero

GenZero is an investment platform company focused on accelerating decarbonisation globally. Founded by Temasek, it seeks to deliver positive climate impact alongside long-term sustainable financial returns by investing in opportunities with the potential to be nurtured into impactful and scalable solutions.

Driven by a common purpose to decarbonise for future generations, GenZero recognises the need for a holistic and integrated approach to achieve a net zero world. It adopts a flexible investment approach across three focus areas to drive climate impact: (i) nature-based solutions that help protect and restore natural ecosystems while benefiting local communities and biodiversity; (ii) technology-based solutions that deliver deep decarbonisation impact; and (iii) climate ecosystem enablers that support the scaling of carbon markets and enable broader industry decarbonisation.

For more information on GenZero, visit www.genzero.co.

About the Center for Green Market Activation

The Center for Green Market Activation (GMA) is a U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze markets for low- and zero-carbon goods and services in hard-to-abate sectors. GMA develops and deploys demand aggregation, collective procurement and book-and-claim approaches that enable companies to send stronger demand signals for emerging climate solutions. GMA manages buyers alliances across aviation, maritime shipping, heavy duty trucking, cement and concrete, chemicals, agriculture and other sectors, including serving as the Secretariat for the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA).

About Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company Ltd (SAFCo)

Established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, SAFCo builds a transparent, integrated SAF demand market connecting airlines, corporate buyers, fuel producers, registry providers, carbon market platforms and aviation fuel chain stakeholders in Singapore. Its mission is to enable a scalable, credible and efficient SAF ecosystem that supports the decarbonisation of Singapore’s air hub and catalyses regional SAF adoption. For more information, visit https://safco.com.sg.

About Temasek Trust

Temasek Trust is the philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings, with community stewardship goals of protecting the planet, uplifting communities, connecting people, and advancing capabilities. By forging new pathways in philanthropy and impact investing with like-minded partners, Temasek Trust advances catalytic philanthropy as a force for good. Through the Temasek Trust Collective, an ecosystem of organisations united by a shared purpose of building better for every generation, Temasek Trust builds capacity, convenes partnerships, mobilises capital, and catalyses solutions innovation to drive positive impact. For more information, visit www.temasektrust.org.sg. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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