Category Archives: News

Zoomlion Expands Mining Machinery Business as International Revenue Grows

CHANGSHA, China, Oct. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion”) is expanding its mining machinery business and strengthening international operations. In the first half of 2026, its mining machinery business grew by more than 57.20% year on year, while company-wide international revenue rose 12.45% to RMB 15.535 billion, accounting for 57.25% of total revenue.

Zoomlion is developing its construction, agricultural and mining machinery businesses across three major global equipment markets. Its mining portfolio covers excavation, loading, haulage, crushing and screening.

Flagship models include the ZE4000G, a 400-tonne mining excavator, and the ZTE520 hybrid electric-drive mining truck, with a rated payload of 300 tonnes.

Zoomlion’s mining engineering roots stretch back decades. In 1987, its predecessor, the Changsha Construction Machinery Research Institute, received a State Council award for developing a complete open-pit mining system capable of handling 10 million tonnes a year.

Zoomlion attributes the recent growth of its mining business to its focus on lowering equipment operating costs through continual product development, real-world testing and new technologies.

The company develops its equipment based on conditions in operating mines. In a previously reported six-month period, Zoomlion’s research teams visited around 150 mines worldwide, identifying and addressing more than 50 technical challenges and incorporating field findings into product development.

“We calculate operating costs across the full equipment lifecycle so customers can see the economic benefit,” said Wu Yuanfeng, deputy general manager of Zoomlion Mining Machinery. “Our pure-electric products can cut costs by more than 50%, and hybrid models can improve profitability by 15% or more, helping mines move toward more efficient, higher-quality operations.”

Electrified mining equipment is also a growing focus for Zoomlion. Its hybrid mining trucks can cut fuel consumption by up to 40%, while its 100-tonne-class battery-electric mining trucks have logged more than 8,000 hours of stable operation. Its ZT160HEV hybrid mining truck can support up to 18 hours of continuous autonomous operation.

Zoomlion is also using automation and digital technology to improve mine productivity. The company has deployed autonomous trucks, remotely operated excavators and a system to coordinate mining fleets. At a large open-pit metal mine in northern China, the system increased average daily trips per truck by over 10%, according to Zoomlion.

The business has also gained traction across several international markets, with electrified equipment delivered to coal mines in Indonesia, open-pit mines in Argentina and projects in Ecuador and several African countries.

In the first half of 2026, Zoomlion’s international revenue reached RMB 15.535 billion, up 12.45% year on year. International business accounted for 57.25% of total revenue, an increase of 1.67 percentage points from a year earlier. The company said growth in South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and East Asia outpaced its overall international growth rate.

To support its international business, Zoomlion is strengthening localized manufacturing, sales and service capabilities. As of June 30, 2026, it operated more than 30 primary business hubs, over 530 secondary and tertiary outlets, and more than 300 spare parts warehouses worldwide. Its Hungarian aerial work platform factory began production, while its German facility was expanded and upgraded into a multipurpose hub.

“Our overseas front-line operations and back-office teams are now digitally connected, enabling seamless 24-hour coordination,” said Liu Jianqiang, Zoomlion’s marketing director and deputy general manager of its overseas business.

The expansion of mining machinery and the continued growth of international operations are broadening Zoomlion’s sources of revenue. In the first half of 2026, its mining machinery business grew by more than 57.20% year on year, while the company continued to build localized capabilities in overseas markets.

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Chandigarh University Launches Campus Tank Season 2 with US $15-Million Funding Pool to Help Young Innovators Take Ideas to Market; Accelerate India’s Start-up Growth

Chandigarh University Launches CU-IRP in Collaboration with IIT Madras as a Plug-and-Play R&D Hub to Connect Industry with Academic Research and Startups

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 10, 2026/PRNewswire/ — Chandigarh: Expanding funding opportunities for India’s next generation of entrepreneurs, Chandigarh University has launched Season 2 of Campus Tank – ‘India’s Next Unicorn’, India’s first university-led startup launchpad with a US$15-million funding pool up from US$6 million in Season 1, providing young innovators opportunity to pitch their ideas and access investors, mentorship and support to take their ideas to market and strengthen India’s start-up growth and build capacity to develop market-ready products and technology-driven enterprises.

The announcements was made on the second day of the national-level Incubator & Capital Summit 2026 and ISBACON 2026, organised by Chandigarh University Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) in association with the Indian Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Business Incubators Association (ISBA) at Chandigarh University that brought together 400 incubators institutions from over 20 States and Union Territories, 100 curated startups, 80 investors and more than 60 government, policy and industry delegates on a common platform to strengthen India’s startup and deep-tech capabilities. The launch builds on the overwhelming response to Season 1 that recorded 21,789 registrations from more than 1,200 cities including over 10,800 registrations from universities and colleges. The new season brings together eight investment partners including APNA, Venture Catalysts, Aeravti Ventures, PedalStart, Eaglewings, Faad, Be an Angel and Cube Founders Space.

Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman, Jindal Steel attended as Chief Guest alongside Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu. The prominent among other dignitaries who participated in the summit were Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder, Infosys, Nirmit Parikh, Group CEO, Apna, Hemant Malhotra, COO, Venture Catalysts (VCats), Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Dr. Gaurav Raina, Professor, IIT Madras, Dr Preet Deep Singh, Public Policy, Amazon, Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Jindal Steel said, “India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 will be driven by youth of the nation pursuing their own ideas, passions and aspirations. Unlike 10 or 20 years ago, young people today have access to far greater opportunities, knowledge, funding and platforms to turn their ideas into reality. India does not lack talent or imagination what young innovators need is the right opportunity, an encouraging environment and support to realise their potential. Initiatives such as Chandigarh University Innovation and Research Park, in collaboration with IIT Madras, and Campus Tank Season 2 can help bridge this gap by connecting promising founders with investors, mentors and resources.”

“I would leave young entrepreneurs with three thoughts, start before you feel completely ready, test your ideas, fail early and learn fast, think big, but build solutions that address real problems and genuine needs and stay rooted because success without service to society is incomplete. Pursue your ideas with passion but remain open to criticism and learn from setbacks. Success takes time and requires conviction, teamwork and perseverance as I experienced during my decade-long effort to secure the right to fly the national flag. Enjoy the journey, not just the outcome. And when you succeed, take others along with you. In a country as large and diverse as India, our progress must also create opportunities for those who are less fortunate.”

Rajya Sabha MP and Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “Campus Tank is an initiative by Chandigarh University aimed at providing young people from small towns and villages with a platform, mentorship and investment opportunities to turn their startup ideas into reality. A nation progresses by drawing inspiration from the vision of its national leadership. After Independence, people spent much of their time striving to meet basic needs. However, in 2014, the country witnessed a new ray of hope with the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Today, the world’s perception of India and Indians has changed and every Indian is filled with confidence and believes that India will become a developed nation by 2047. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Chandigarh University recognized its responsibility in nation-building and launched initiatives such as Campus Tank. He believes that the contribution an educational institution can make to nation-building is difficult for any other institution to replicate. It is essential to transform the potential of young people into opportunities and contribute to building a self-reliant and developed India.”

Nirmit Parikh, Group CEO, Apna said, “The first season of Campus Tank was a huge success and the second season of Campus Tank will be even better with three key themes. First, with the advent of AI, jobs in India and across the world need a lot of reskilling and upskilling. So lots of startups will come up inside that space. Secondly, AI models need pre-training and post-training, so I’ll be excited to see startups coming inside that space. And the third thing is applied AI. So I’m excited about startups in these three areas.  I strongly believe that India will not only build applied AI solutions for India but also for the world,”.

Hemant Malhotra, COO, Venture Catalysts (VCats) said, “The real opportunity lies in discovering promising founders beyond metro cities and supporting them at the right time. India’s next unicorn could emerge from anywhere, and what matters is identifying founders solving real problems, demonstrating customer traction and understanding their markets. At Venture Catalysts, our commitment goes beyond funding to mentoring startups, strengthening their go-to-market strategies and connecting them with the right mentors and incubation support to scale their businesses. Our participation in Campus Tank Season 2 reflects a long-term commitment to Chandigarh University and its startups. Together, we aim to help promising founders access the capital, guidance and support they need to build scalable businesses and take their ventures to the next level.”

India Needs Partnerships for Innovation, IIT Madras-Chandigarh University MoU to Drive innovation at Scale, says Dr Gaurav Raina, Professor, IIT Madras

Dr Gaurav Raina, Professor, IIT Madras said, “IIT Madras Research Park which has incubated 575 startups valued at over 8.5 billion US dollars, generated more than 10,000 jobs, in past 15 years. Our next vision is to have a startup a day and our 2030 vision is to have an IPO a month. Given the size of our country and the problems we have, there’s an opportunity over the next 20-25 years to have 10,000 unicorns. For this, just building platforms for innovation is not going to be enough. For innovation at scale, we don’t need just platform but partnerships also. And it is in that context that we have actually an MOU between Chandigarh University and the IIT Madras Innovation and Research ecosystem to actually build innovation at scale,’

Chandigarh University Launches CU-IRP in Collaboration with IIT Madras as a Plug-and-Play R&D Hub to Connect Industry with Academic Research and Startups

Complementing the Campus Tank Season 2 announcement, Chandigarh University launched the Chandigarh University Innovation & Research Park (CU-IRP) in collaboration with IIT Madras which will serve as a plug-and-play R&D hub for industry, bringing corporate research centres closer to university researchers, faculty, students and startups to facilitate industry-linked research, product development and the translation of innovations into market-ready solutions. The CU-IRP launch was attended by MP Satnam Singh Sandhu and MP Naveen Jindal, along with representatives of IIT Madras. The launch also included the announcement of a ₹50-crore innovation and startup fund to provide financial support to promising ventures and strengthen the commercialisation of research and the development of startups.

Modelled on the IIT Madras Research Park, CU-IRP’s Phase 1 pilot is planned across 30,000–40,000 square feet, providing dedicated space for research, incubation and R&D to bring industry, academic expertise and startups together to develop market-ready solutions. It will bring together Centres of Excellence and advanced laboratories, C-Hub’s incubation and venture infrastructure, and industry consultancy and sponsored research. Planned facilities include MakerSpace; Frontier Labs focused on Artificial Intelligence, Bose-Einstein Quantum and Robotics; and industry anchor laboratories in GeoAI, Automation & Exoskeleton, Biotech and Agritech. A Product Studio and an Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office will further support product development and the transfer of research innovations towards commercial applications. CU-IRP will also serve as a platform for credit-based participation by faculty and students in industry projects, enabling companies to work directly with academic teams on research, technology development and product innovation.

Campus Tank Season 1 Winners Announced; Krvvy, Offlyn and Medoc Health Emerge as Winners

The programme on the second day included the announcement of the winners of the Campus Tank Season 1. The Campus Tank Season 1 recognized three startups for their innovation and business potential.

Krvvy was adjudged as the winner which was co-founded by Thapar University engineering graduates Yash Goyal and Anant Bhardwaj. The women’s innerwear and shapewear brand focuses on comfort, fit and products designed around Indian body types. It received a proposed ₹4-crore investment commitment from Venture Catalysts against a ₹12-crore funding round and a ₹60-crore valuation.

Offlyn, founded by Kumar Ayush Sinha, a postgraduate in Technology and Business Management from Masters’ Union and R. V. College of Engineering alumnus Arpit Arora is a platform for discovering, booking and hosting offline experiences including workshops, supper clubs and social gatherings. It received a proposed funding allocation of ₹3.85 crore at a ₹25-crore post-money valuation.

Medoc Health, founded by Chandigarh University alumnus Utkarsh Luthra, develops hospital management and healthcare technology. With a proposed ₹1-crore funding allocation, it serves 98 hospitals across five states and reported ₹1.26-crore revenue in FY2025–26, with an estimated valuation of ₹24 crore. Together, the three winners span consumer products, offline experiences and healthcare technology.

ICS26 Demo Day featured startup pitches across four tracks, followed by recognition of four track winners and an Investor’s Choice award. The summit also included an industry roundtable on “The Future of R&D on Indian Campuses”, examining the role of industry partnerships in university research and innovation.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Pune Vet Performs Urinary Bladder Tumour Removal (TURBT) on Shih Tzu Dog Using Minimally Invasive Surgery

Pune: Blood in the urine in an elderly dog can easily be mistaken for a urinary infection or another routine urinary problem. In Angel’s case, the symptom persisted for nearly six months. The 15-year-old female Shih Tzu, weighing just 5.6 kg, was eventually found to have two tumours, each measuring 2 cm, in her urinary bladder, which were later diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

A team led by Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, Veterinary Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgeon, along with Dr. Oojas Pardeshi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon; Dr. Radheshyam Chaudhari, Urosurgeon(Humans Uro surgeon); Mrs. Reena Haribhat, Veterinary Assistant; Ankita Dwivedi; Tanuja Mungale; and budding veterinarian Anwesha Bhat, at The Small Animal Clinic, Pune, performed a minimally invasive Transurethral Resection of Urinary Bladder Tumour (TURBT), reported as the first such procedure performed in India. The approach enabled the team to remove the tumours through the natural urinary passage, avoiding conventional open bladder surgery and reducing surgical trauma and blood loss. Angel’s prolonged health struggle began with a symptom that could easily have been mistaken for a routine urinary problem. For nearly six months, the 15-year-old Shih Tzu continued to pass blood in her urine, even though her appetite remained normal. Concerned by the persistent bleeding, her pet parent, Miss Arora, sought further medical evaluation at The Small Animal Clinic, Pune, on September 11. A urine examination detected cancerous cells, prompting the veterinary team to investigate further. A CT scan subsequently revealed two aggressive tumours, each measuring 2 cm, in Angel’s urinary bladder, which were later diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Considering Angel’s age and small size, the operating team explored a minimally invasive option that could remove the tumours while reducing surgical trauma.

Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, Veterinary Surgeon at Dr. Pardeshi’s Small Animal Clinic, Pune, said, “Angel’s case required careful consideration because she is 15 years old and weighs only 5.6 kg. While her appetite was normal, the fact that she had been passing blood in her urine for several months could not be ignored. Our investigations confirmed that this was not simply a urinary infection or stone, but two bladder tumours, which were later identified as transitional cell carcinoma. Considering her age, small size, and the location of the tumours, we wanted to avoid putting her through a major abdominal surgery if a safer alternative was possible. This led us to choose Transurethral Resection of Urinary Bladder Tumour (TURBT), a minimally invasive approach that allowed us to reach the bladder through the natural urinary passage using a resectoscope.”

The procedure, carried out on September 11, is reported by the team to be the first TURBT performed in India, offering a minimally invasive approach to bladder tumour removal in dogs.

Dr. Narendra Pardeshi further explained, “The minimally invasive procedure involved passing a camera through the female genital and urinary tract into the bladder, followed by the insertion of a small resectoscope. Using a monopolar system, we carefully removed the tumours. The procedure lasted around 2.5 to 3 hours, with blood loss of less than 5 mL. In a dog weighing just 5–6 kg, conventional open surgery could involve higher blood loss, making the minimally invasive approach particularly valuable for an elderly and small-sized patient. The procedure was performed under anaesthesia with advanced ventilatory support, and Angel was able to walk within around 15 minutes after the operation. She was discharged the same day. Her blood in the urine started returning to normal over the next two to three days, and she has not had further bleeding since then. It has now been around three weeks, and she is active, alert, and doing well. This approach, which is routinely used in human medicine, allowed us to apply minimally invasive technology to a veterinary bladder tumour and avoid the trauma associated with conventional open surgery.”
The tumour tissue has been sent for histopathological evaluation, while staging is currently underway. Depending on the final staging and pathology findings, the team may consider administering anti-cancer medication directly into the bladder rather than using systemic chemotherapy, if clinically appropriate.
Dr. Pardeshi added, “Bladder cancer is seen in dogs, but it is not always diagnosed early because blood in the urine can initially be attributed to infection, stones, or other urinary problems. Angel’s case shows why persistent blood in the urine should not be ignored, particularly in an older dog. The important aspect of this case is not only the diagnosis but also the minimally invasive way in which the tumours could be treated. We hope that such techniques will open new possibilities for veterinary patients who may otherwise have to undergo more invasive surgery.”

“Angel has been part of our family for so long. Seeing blood in her urine for months was worrying, but we are relieved that Dr. Narendra Pardeshi and his team identified the problem and treated her. We are grateful for the care Angel received,” concluded Miss Ankita Arora, Angel’s pet parent. 

Unseasonal Rain, Chilly Weather Blamed for Himachal Pradesh’s Apple Output Decline

Shimla, Oct 10 (UDN): Unseasonal rainfall, cold conditions during the flowering stage and insufficient chilling hours have adversely affected apple production in Himachal Pradesh this season, state Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Friday.

 Representational Image 

Addressing the media in Shimla, Negi said unfavourable weather conditions had affected the state’s apple crop. He also outlined the procurement figures under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), along with measures taken by the state government to clear pending payments to farmers and orchardists.

According to the Minister, the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) and the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers Federation Limited (HIMFED) had procured 13,202.666 metric tonnes of apples under the scheme so far.

Meanwhile, 1,23,34,739 apple boxes had reached markets during the current season, he said.

Government Reports Progress on Pending Dues

Negi defended the state government’s handling of MIS payments, alleging that the present Congress government had inherited outstanding liabilities of Rs 114 crore from the previous BJP administration.

He said the government had cleared the inherited dues and disbursed more than Rs 262 crore to farmers and orchardists so far.

The Minister also accused BJP leaders of misleading apple growers over the payment issue, maintaining that the government had taken steps to address outstanding liabilities and improve the implementation of the scheme.

Application-Based System Introduced

Highlighting reforms under the state government’s Vyavastha Parivartan initiative, Negi said the traditional registration system under the MIS had been replaced with an application-based mechanism.

According to him, the revised process was intended to improve transparency and streamline beneficiary verification. He added that the number of registered farmers and orchardists had declined following the change.

The government has also been making payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.

Thousands of Beneficiaries Under Verification

The Minister said DBT payments had been made to 11,285 farmers and orchardists with fewer than 30 bags and another 2,827 beneficiaries with fewer than 100 bags.

Around 7,000 farmers and orchardists with more than 100 bags had been identified for verification, he added.

Of these, approximately 2,000 cases had been verified, while land-related documents were being sought to complete the process for the remaining 5,000 cases.

The verification exercise is aimed at establishing beneficiary eligibility and ensuring that payments under the scheme reach the intended recipients.

Re 1 Increase Announced Under MIS

Negi further said the state government had announced a Re 1 increase under the Market Intervention Scheme, a move expected to benefit apple growers across Himachal Pradesh.

The announcement comes as growers contend with weather-related challenges affecting production, alongside concerns over procurement and payments.

With apple cultivation serving as a key source of livelihood for thousands of farming households in the hill state, the impact of adverse weather and the timely implementation of government support measures remain important concerns for the sector.

Odisha Student Union Elections: Nomination Process Ends Across Colleges, Universities

Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (UDN): The nomination process for student union elections across colleges and universities under Odisha’s Higher Education Department concluded on Thursday, marking a key step towards the conduct of student polls across the state.

 Representational Image 

The state government has put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the election process proceeds smoothly, transparently and in an orderly manner, according to an official statement.

The Higher Education Department has been closely tracking developments at educational institutions through a state-level control room operating under the direct supervision of Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal.

The control room has been established to monitor election-related activities, coordinate oversight and facilitate the smooth conduct of student union elections across the state.

With the nomination phase now complete, attention is turning to the subsequent stages of the electoral process at participating institutions. The department’s monitoring arrangements are aimed at ensuring transparency and maintaining orderly procedures throughout the elections.

Student union elections play an important role in campus life, providing students with an opportunity to elect representatives who can raise their concerns and advocate for their interests within their respective institutions.

The Higher Education Department’s continued oversight is intended to support a fair and well-coordinated electoral process across colleges and universities in Odisha.

Durga Puja 2026: Rourkela Pandals to Showcase Jagannath’s Suna Besha and Dantewada’s Rani Mahal

Rourkela, Oct 10 (UDN): Preparations for Durga Puja are gathering momentum across Rourkela, with artisans and puja committees working against the clock to create spectacular pandals for this year’s celebrations. Among the major attractions, Sector 7 will feature an entrance inspired by Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, while Sector 9 is set to recreate the architectural grandeur of Dantewada’s Rani Mahal.

 Representational Image

The two installations are expected to draw devotees and visitors with their distinctive designs, elaborate craftsmanship and impressive dimensions, adding to the festive atmosphere in Odisha’s Steel City.

Sector 7 to Present a Grand Tribute to Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha

The Sector 7 Durga Puja committee is preparing an elaborate entrance structure inspired by Lord Jagannath’s Suna Besha, the revered golden attire of the deity. The design aims to bring the splendour of this iconic religious tradition to the city’s Durga Puja celebrations.

Measuring approximately 45 feet in height and 120 feet in width, the structure is expected to make a striking impression on visitors. Organisers plan to use around 4,000 bamboo poles, 300 cubic feet of timber and more than 1,000 pieces of cloth to bring the ambitious design to life.

More than 15 artisans are engaged in the construction, working long hours to complete the intricate structure before the festivities begin.

Beyond the main attraction, the committee is also planning a meena bazaar to offer visitors an additional festive experience. Devotees will be able to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga while exploring the surrounding attractions.

Sector 9 to Recreate the Heritage of Dantewada’s Rani Mahal

At Sector 9, the Durga Puja committee is preparing a grand entrance inspired by Dantewada’s Rani Mahal, bringing a distinctive architectural theme to its 35th year of celebrations.

The proposed structure will stand 80 feet tall and span 90 feet in width. Its construction involves approximately 300 bamboo poles, 600 cubic feet of timber and more than 1,500 metres of cloth.

Over 20 artisans are working on the installation, carefully shaping the materials to recreate the grandeur of the chosen design. The scale of the project is expected to make the entrance a prominent attraction during the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the clay idol of Goddess Durga is nearing completion, marking another important milestone in the committee’s preparations.

Artisans Race Against Time Ahead of the Festivities

With Durga Puja approaching, workers at both Sector 7 and Sector 9 are focused on completing their projects within the stipulated time. From assembling the large bamboo frameworks to adding decorative elements and finishing the idols, every stage requires careful planning and coordinated effort.

The contrasting themes promise to give visitors two distinctive experiences: the spiritual splendour of Lord Jagannath’s golden attire at Sector 7 and the architectural magnificence of Rani Mahal at Sector 9.

As the final preparations continue, Rourkela is gearing up for a vibrant celebration, with the two pandals poised to become notable highlights of the city’s Durga Puja festivities.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Reports Healthy H1 FY27 Results: Embedded Value Reaches ₹7,622 Crore, Operating RoEV at 19.8%; Traditional Products Drive VNB Growth

New Business Premium stood at ₹1,984 crore, registering year-on-year growth of 16.1%

Individual weighted premium income (WPI) of ₹1,117 crore, with year-on-year growth of 14.5%

Value of New Business (VNB) stood at ₹266 crore, with year-on-year growth of 24% and new business margin of 21.3%

Protection business grew 44% year-on-year, with share of protection at 10.5%

Credit Life continues strong trajectory, year-on-year growth at 35%

NEW DELHI, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (BSE: 544583) (NSE: CANHLIFE) approved and adopted the unaudited financial results for the half year ended September 30, 2026.

During H1 FY27, Canara HSBC Life Insurance delivered a resilient performance amid a dynamic operating environment. The Company reported healthy growth in Individual WPI and APE while continuing to strengthen the quality of its business through improved customer penetration, healthy renewal collections, and sustained persistency.

During the period, it further expanded its protection offering through the launch of Promise2Secure, designed to provide flexible financial security solutions for evolving family needs. The Company was also recognized among India’s Best Workplaces for Women 2026 – Top 50 by Great Place To Work® India, reflecting its continued commitment to fostering an inclusive and high-trust workplace.

Performance Highlights (H1 FY27)

• Individual Weighted Premium Income (WPI): ₹1,117 crore; year-on-year (YoY) growth of 14.5%
• New Business Premium Income: ₹1,984 crore; YoY growth of 16.1%
• Total APE: ₹1,250 crore; YoY growth of 14.4%
• VNB: ₹266 crore; YoY growth of 24%; VNB margin of 21.3%
• Total Premium Income: ₹4,742 crore; YoY growth of 17.3%
• Protection APE: ₹131 crore; YoY growth of 44%; share of total APE of 10.5%
• Assets Under Management (AUM): ₹50,200 crore as at September 30, 2026; YoY growth of 14%
• Embedded Value (EV): ₹7,622 crore as at September 30, 2026; operating RoEV of 19.8% on a rolling 12-month basis
• Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹71.2 crore; YoY growth of 10.8%
• Persistency Ratios: 13th month at 85.6%; 61st month at 54.6%
• Solvency Ratio: 180% as at September 30, 2026
• Product Mix (on APE basis): ULIP 41%; Non-Par Savings 24.6%; Par 9.9%; Non-Par Protection 10.5%; Annuity 13.7%

MD & CEO’s Statement

Anuj Mathur, MD & CEO, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, said, “H1 FY27 reflected the resilience of traditional segments’ demand, enabling us to deliver healthy growth while further strengthening the quality of our business. Our protection portfolio continued to gain traction, growing by 44% and accounting for 10.5% of total APE, while strong renewal trends underscored the strength of our customer franchise.

We reported a Value of New Business of ₹266 crore, up 24% year-on-year, with a VNB margin of 21.3%, reflecting our focus on disciplined execution and profitable growth. We also continued to see sustained momentum in credit life and annuity streams, reinforcing our strategy of building a balanced and diversified portfolio aligned to customers’ protection, savings and retirement needs.

We view the proposed regulatory reforms as a positive step towards enhancing transparency, customer outcomes and the long-term sustainability of the insurance sector. As the industry evolves, we remain committed to leveraging our strong distribution franchise and customer-focused approach to create enduring value for customers and stakeholders.”

Financial Metrics

Other Key Ratios

Definitions and abbreviations

• Individual weighted premium income (“WPI”): Individual WPI is defined as sum of individual non single new business premium and 10% of individual single new business premium during the relevant Fiscal/ period.
• Annualized premium equivalent (“APE”): APE is calculated by summing the annualized first-year premiums of regular premium policies and 10% of the single premiums during the relevant Fiscal/ period.
• Renewal business premium: Renewal business premium includes life insurance premiums falling due in the years subsequent to the first year of the policy during the relevant Fiscal / period.
• Total Premium: The total of all premiums received in a year — including first year, single and renewal premiums for both individual and group policies.
• Asset under management (“AUM”): AUM represents the total carrying value of assets managed by the life insurance company as on the date of reporting.
• Persistency ratio: Persistency ratio is defined as the ratio of premium received from policies remaining in force to all policies issued, prior to the date of measurement. It is the percentage of premium pertaining to policies that have not discontinued paying premiums or surrendered.
• Profit after tax: Profit after tax is the total of income less expenses after deducting tax expense for the relevant Fiscal/ period attributable to Shareholders as reported in the annual report/ financial statements for the relevant Fiscal/ period.
• New Business Premium: Insurance premium that is due in the first policy year of a life insurance contract or a single lump sum payment from the policyholder
• Embedded value (“EV”): EV is the sum of the Adjusted Net Worth and present value of future profits from all the policies in-force of a life insurance company as at the date of reporting
• Value of new business (“VNB”): VNB is the present value of expected future earnings from new policies written during a specified period / fiscal and it reflects the additional value to shareholders expected to be generated through the activity of writing new policies during a specified period / fiscal.
• Solvency Ratio: Solvency Ratio means ratio of the amount of available solvency margin to the amount of required solvency margin as specified in form-KT-3 of IRDAI Actuarial Report and Abstracts for Life Insurance Business Regulations and IRDAI Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers Regulations as on the date of reporting
• VNB margin: VNB margin is the ratio of VNB to APE for a specified Fiscal/ period and is a measure of the expected profitability of new business during a specified period
• Expense ratio: Expense ratio includes all expenses in the nature of operating expenses of life insurance business including commission, remuneration/ brokerage, rewards to the insurance agents and intermediaries which are charged to revenue account divided by total premium during the specified time Fiscal/ period.
• Operating return on EV (“Operating RoEV”) Ratio: Operating RoEV Ratio is defined as the annualized ratio of embedded value operating profit (“EVOP”) for any given Fiscal/ period to the EV at the beginning of that Fiscal/ period. For the above purposes, EVOP is defined as measure of the increase in the EV during any given period, excluding the impact on EV due to external factors like changes in economic variables and shareholder-related actions like capital injection or dividend pay-outs.

About Canara HSBC Life Insurance

Incorporated in 2007, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture promoted by Canara Bank (36.5 per cent) and HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Limited (25.5 per cent). Punjab National Bank is also a shareholder of the Company, holding 13% as an investor. As a bancassurance-led insurance company with its corporate office at Gurugram, Haryana and 107 branch offices as of September 30, 2026, pan India, Canara HSBC Life brings together the trust and market knowledge of public and private banks.

For more than 18 years now, Canara HSBC Life Insurance has sold insurance products to customers through multiple channels and a well-diversified network of Canara Bank, HSBC Bank and its other bancassurance partners located in multiple Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities across the country. Canara HSBC Life Insurance has a vast portfolio of life insurance solutions and offers various products across individual and group spaces comprising of life, term plans, retirement solutions, credit life and employee benefit segments through partner banks and digital channels.

With an aim to provide simpler insurance and faster claim process, Canara HSBC Life Insurance intends to keep the promises of their customers alive with their “Promises Ka Partner” philosophy.

Disclaimer

Except for the historical information contained herein, statements in this release which contain words or phrases such as ‘will’, ‘expected to’, etc., and similar expressions or variations of such expressions may constitute ‘forward-looking statements’. These forward-looking statements involve several risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, opportunities and growth potential to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the actual growth in demand for insurance and other financial products and services in the countries that we operate or where a material number of our customers reside, our ability to successfully implement our strategy, including our use of the Internet and other technology, our exploration of merger and acquisition opportunities, our ability to integrate mergers or acquisitions into our operations and manage the risks associated with such acquisitions to achieve our strategic and financial objectives, our growth and expansion in domestic and overseas markets, technological changes, our ability to market new products, the outcome of any legal, tax or regulatory proceedings in India and in other jurisdictions we are or become a party to, the future impact of new accounting standards, our ability to implement our dividend policy, the impact of changes in insurance regulations and other regulatory changes in India and other jurisdictions on us. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof. This release does not constitute an offer of securities.

For further press queries email us on prateek.sharma@canarahsbclife.in 

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GAC Goes Deeper in Europe — the “New Chapter” to Be Unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show

PARIS, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 91st Paris Motor Show will be held from October 12 to 18 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, France. At this year’s show, GAC will be at Hall 5.1 with its new brand, new products and new services, systematically presenting cutting-edge technologies such as its energy ecosystem and smart green mobility. The star models of its three portfolios — HYPTEC, GAC Motor and AION — will also be on full display, together presenting GAC’s “New Chapter” of deeper roots in Europe across the full value chain, and accelerating its strategic expansion in the European market.

Based on deep insight into the European market, the all-new AION UT Cross — a crossover tailor-made for European mobility needs — will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show. In addition to the new car, GAC will also unveil its in-depth localization strategy for Europe and officially launch its global service brand, responding comprehensively to European market needs from products to services.

On the day, Bosch, ZF, Michelin, Valeo and other world-class partners that have worked with GAC for many years will visit the GAC booth, working together to build a localized supply chain in Europe. At the same time, GAC’s dealer partners from across its European network will also be present, offering on-site visitors expert product guidance and attentive advice.

In addition, GAC will hold the “GAC × Chelsea global partnership signing ceremony,” officially announcing a strategic partnership with Chelsea Football Club. GAC will use football as a bridge to craft brand experiences tailored to the local market and foster a closer emotional connection with European customers.

In Europe, GAC does not simply export products — it truly integrates locally and creates value for local customers. GAC has always been practicing “in Europe, for Europe,” truly putting down roots in Europe and serving Europe.

On October 12, we warmly invite you to join us in Hall 5.1 at the 2026 Paris Motor Show to witness GAC’s “New Chapter” of deeper roots in Europe.

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

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HackerOne Report Highlights Challenges of ‘Exposure Debt’: NYSE Content Update

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on October 9th

• HackerOne released its 10^th annual Security Research Report this week.
  • The report found that the backlog of validated, unresolved vulnerabilities grew by 131% in two years.
  • ‘Exposure Debt’ is at the focus of the report, which HackerOne defines as the growing gap between what organizations find and what they can fix.
  • CEO Kara Sprague will join NYSE Live to dive deeper into the findings and discuss the impact of AI across cybersecurity.
• Zeta Global held its Zeta Live ’26 event in New York City on Thursday.
  • Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA) announced that it teamed up with Fireworks to develop the Athena Inference Model.
  • CEO David Steinberg spoke to the heightened enthusiasm for Zeta Global’s work and the evolution of Athena in an interview that will air on NYSE Live.
• The major averages will look to bounce back as investors monitor the AI trade.
  • A revenue report from OpenAI impacted market activity on Thursday.
  • Elevated Treasury yields and oil prices continue to drive economic sentiment.

Opening Bell

FDNY rings the Opening Bell to mark Fire Prevention Week

Closing Bell

NorthStar Earth & Space (NYSE American: NSTR) marks a new chapter in its mission

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial

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KONE Inaugurates India’s First Digital Experience Centre in Pune to Advance Digital Innovation

New Centre showcases how AI, connectivity, data and digital solutions are transforming customer experiences and enabling smarter, more connected buildings

PUNE, India, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, today inaugurated India’s first KONE Digital Experience Centre (DEC) in Pune, marking an important milestone in its digital transformation journey and commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences through technology, data and innovation. The Centre was jointly inaugurated by Jussi Herlin, Executive Vice Chair, KONE; Philippe Delorme, President and CEO, KONE along with Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Infosys.

The KONE Digital Experience Centre is an immersive customer environment where customers can see, experience and engage with digital capabilities shaping the future of People Flow™ and smart buildings. It brings together KONE’s business, technology and engineering expertise to demonstrate how digitalization, connectivity, AI and data-driven insights can create value across the building lifecycle.

Built around the customer journey, the Centre brings together interactive experiences spanning design and configuration, product experiences and digital interfaces, customer lifecycle visibility and real-time service insights. Customers can explore how digital technologies can support better decision-making, more transparency and proactive service management across different stages of a building’s lifecycle.

At the heart of the experience, KONE Studio enables customers to explore and configure elevator solutions digitally, while MyKONE provides visibility across projects, equipment and services throughout the customer lifecycle. E-Link offers real-time visibility into equipment status and operations, supporting proactive management, and a customer centric Service Dashboard brings together key service and operational insights to give customers a consolidated view of equipment performance. Together, these experiences demonstrate how digital solutions can create a more connected and responsive customer experience, from design to decision-making.

Philippe Delorme, President and CEO, KONE Corporation, said:

“It is great to see the Digital Experience Centre come to life in India. Being the first of its kind in the elevator and escalator industry in the country, the Centre gives our customers an opportunity to experience how digitalization, connectivity and AI are shaping the future of People Flow. India is an important market for KONE, and this Centre brings innovation closer to our customers.”

Amit Gossain, Managing Director, KONE India, said:

“Today’s inauguration of KONE’s Digital Experience Centre in India marks an important milestone in our digital transformation journey and our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences through technology, data and innovation. The Centre gives customers a first-hand view of how digital technologies can create value across the building lifecycle. We are very pleased to have Jussi Herlin, Philippe Delorme and Nandan Nilekani with us today as we mark this important milestone for KONE. As buildings become increasingly connected, we are focused on using data, AI and digital innovation to make them more responsive, efficient and sustainable.”

The Digital Experience Centre brings KONE’s digital vision to life, giving customers a first-hand view of how technology, data and AI are shaping the future of connected buildings and People Flow™.

About KONE

At KONE, our purpose is to shape the future of cities. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, we move two billion people every day, making their journeys safe, convenient, and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow™. In 2025, KONE had annual sales of EUR 11.2 billion, and at the end of the year over 60,000 employees in close to 70 countries. KONE class B shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. in Finland.

www.kone.com

About KONE India

KONE has been present in India since 1984 and today serves customers across the country through 50⁺ branches and 6000⁺ employees. Headquartered in Chennai, KONE India provides sustainable People Flow™ solutions for India’s rapidly growing cities. Its manufacturing unit in Sriperumbudur produces elevators for India and neighboring markets, while its training centres and global technology and engineering centres in Chennai and Pune support high-quality, safe and innovative solutions.

For more information, please visit www.kone.in.

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