Category Archives: News

Kartika Brata Habishyali Scheme: Online Registration Opens October 6 for 2,500 Women

Puri, Oct. 3 (UDN): Women planning to observe the month-long Kartika Brata in Puri can apply for the Odisha government’s Habishyali scheme from October 6, with the district administration making arrangements for accommodation, darshan and Mahaprasad.

 Representational Image 

The online registration process will begin at 10 am on October 6 and remain open until all 2,500 available seats are filled.

The Kartika Brata observance will be held from October 26 to November 24 this year.

Applications Only Through Online Portal

Eligible women from all 30 districts of Odisha can apply through the government’s official e-District portal. Since the number of seats is limited, registration will close as soon as the 2,500-seat capacity is reached.

The administration has also decided to give priority to new applicants this year.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to:

Widowed women up to 70 years of age
Married women between 50 and 70 years
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to observe the Kartika Brata.
Free Stay, Darshan and Mahaprasad

Under the scheme, accommodation for the selected Habishyalis has been arranged at three locations in Puri — Brundabati Niwas, the Municipal Kalyan Mandap and the Railway Tourist Complex.

Beneficiaries will receive free accommodation, along with special arrangements for darshan at Srimandir and free Abadha Mahaprasad during their stay.

Volunteers will assist the beneficiaries with accommodation and help ensure smooth movement during temple darshan.

Administration Steps Up Preparations

The Puri district administration said preparations have been completed through coordination among different government departments.

Puri ADM Sarat Chandra Behera said officials would be deployed at the accommodation centres as well as during the beneficiaries’ temple visits. Volunteers from organisations including St John Ambulance and the Red Cross will also assist the administration.

While special arrangements are being made for the 2,500 registered beneficiaries, the administration is also working on arrangements for darshan for other elderly and local Habishyalis visiting Puri during Kartika Brata.

With the month-long religious observance approaching, authorities are focusing on accommodation, security, crowd management and hassle-free darshan for devotees.

Odisha Woman Sonali Seshadri Fulfils KBC Dream, Wins ₹12.5 Lakh

Mayurbhanj, Oct. 3 (UDN): A long-cherished childhood dream came true for Sonali Seshadri, a young woman from Khunta in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, as she made it to the hot seat of the popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and walked away with ₹12.5 lakh in prize money.

Sonali, who works as a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) in the Postal Department, appeared on the show and shared the hot seat with Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

From KBC Registration to the Hot Seat

Sonali had nurtured the dream of appearing on KBC since childhood. She registered for the show in January this year and cleared the selection process in March.

Her journey continued with an audition in Kolkata in June. After successfully clearing the audition, she finally took the coveted hot seat on September 17.

The episode featured a total of 16 questions. Sonali answered 12 questions correctly before choosing to quit the game at the 13th question. Her decision earned her ₹12.5 lakh.

An Unforgettable Meeting With Amitabh Bachchan

Sonali’s experience went beyond the quiz itself. During the approximately three-hour shoot, Amitabh Bachchan interacted with her and asked about her family and background.

Reflecting on the experience, Sonali said that sitting opposite the legendary actor and fulfilling her childhood dream was an unforgettable moment.

She also revealed that although she knew the answer to the 13th question, she chose not to risk her winnings because she was uncertain about proceeding further.

Mother Shares Her Joy

Sonali’s mother, Reena Dalei, accompanied her during the programme and witnessed the memorable experience.

Reena said that travelling by flight had also been one of her long-standing dreams, and she was able to fulfil it because of her daughter. Meeting Amitabh Bachchan, speaking with him and shaking hands with him made the experience particularly special for her.

Sonali’s parents, who work as private tutors, expressed pride in their daughter’s achievement.

For Sonali, the journey from a childhood dream and KBC registration to the iconic hot seat has become a memorable milestone — and a moment of celebration for her family and the people of Mayurbhanj.

Bhubaneswar-Bangkok Flights Resume After Two-Month Hiatus; Dubai, Singapore Routes May Follow

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Direct flight connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Bangkok has resumed after a nearly two-month suspension, bringing back an important international travel option for passengers from Odisha.

 Representational Image 

The Bangkok-bound service resumed on Friday night, with flight 1065 reportedly departing from Bhubaneswar at around 11:05 pm. The return flight from Bangkok arrived in Bhubaneswar on Saturday morning at around 5:30 am.

Flights to Operate Twice a Week

Initially, the service will operate twice a week.

The flight will depart from Bhubaneswar on Friday night, with the return service scheduled for Saturday morning. The second weekly service will operate on Monday night, with the return flight from Bangkok scheduled for Tuesday morning.

The resumption of the route is expected to benefit passengers from Bhubaneswar and neighbouring districts who rely on international air connectivity for business, tourism, education and other travel needs.

Daytime Operations From October 25

The flight schedule is set to undergo a change from October 25 with the introduction of the winter schedule.

Instead of operating at night, the service will run during the daytime. Under the revised schedule, the flight is expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar at around 11:00 am and depart for Bangkok at approximately 1:35 pm.

The Bhubaneswar-Bangkok route has reportedly attracted a significant number of passengers, making its resumption a notable development for the city’s international air connectivity.

Dubai and Singapore Connectivity on the Radar

With the Bangkok service back in operation, attention is now turning towards expanding Bhubaneswar’s international network.

Efforts are reportedly underway to introduce a direct Bhubaneswar-Dubai flight in the coming days. A Singapore service is also being considered, subject to sufficient passenger demand.

If these routes materialise, passengers from Odisha could gain more direct international travel options, reducing the need to depend on connecting flights through other major Indian airports.

The developments could further strengthen Biju Patnaik International Airport’s position as an international gateway for Odisha and improve connectivity with key overseas destinations.

Goldin Brings Hollywood History to the Auction Block This Fall

Princess Leia’s iconic gown joins memorable pieces from Harry Potter, Rocky, Top Gun, and A Star Is Born

October 3, 2026 – Goldin, an internationally recognized auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today opened its Fall Movie Prop & Memorabilia Auction, running through Wednesday, October 28. Celebrating some of film’s most memorable moments, this auction highlights artifacts from stories audiences know and love. 

Diving into a galaxy far, far away, Goldin’s Fall Movie Prop & Memorabilia Auction offers an array of costumes and accessories from the legendary world of Star Wars. Led by a “Princess Leia” gown worn during The Star Wars Holiday Special, this white, floor-length garb praises the heroine and the impact she’s had on fans over the decades. When it comes to loyal supporting characters, Chewbacca’s devotion displays faithfulness even in the most challenging moments. Fans of the thick-coated furry character can bid on a piece of his story with a “Chewbacca” Production-Made Signature Bowcaster Prop found in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015). This signature character prop is one of the only production-made Chewbacca bowcasters to survive and surface from a Star Wars film set and one of the only known bowcasters held in private hands. In addition to heroes within the franchise, Goldin’s auction spotlights the iconic villains who shaped the story. With a First Order “Snowtrooper” Four Piece Ensemble and a 1976-77 Star Wars: A New Hope Original Prototype “Stormtrooper” Helmet, collectors can connect with the unforgettable antagonists who brought conflict and warfare to the Dark Side.

When it comes to fantastical worlds that continue to captivate audiences around the globe, no conversation is complete without the Harry Potter franchise. Fans who wish to wield their own authentic wizarding wands can bid on Emma Watson’s “Hermione Granger” Light Up Effects Wand and Rupert Grint’s “Ron Weasley” Production-Made Broken Wand from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Reflecting the damage sustained during Ron and Harry’s adventures in the second film, Ron’s “broken” wand is bent near the tip, with colorless tape holding the pieces together. Also available from the franchise is the Production-Used Hedwig Prop Cage. Known for housing Harry’s loyal snowy owl, gifted by Rubeus Hagrid, this piece celebrates the little details that shape the franchise’s storytelling.

On the action side of the house, Goldin’s Fall Movie Prop & Memorabilia Auction showcases pieces connected to Rocky Balboa, Top Gun, and Peaky Blinders. Rocky’s stories of victory and determination could not be completed without the opposing characters who faced him in the ring. In this auction, the Philadelphia titan’s opponent, Clubber Lang, is represented with a Mr. T “Clubber Lang” Production-Made Costume from Rocky III. Consisting of a boxing robe and shorts created for the “South Side Slugger” in the third film of the franchise, this production-made piece signifies the challenges Rocky had to overcome to achieve his much-deserved success. Further, fans can take flight by bidding on a Top Gun production-made flight helmet set, complete with an oxygen mask, hose connector, and high-g suit pants, worn by the late Val Kilmer in the hit 1986 film. This performance earned the actor high praise and made the role one of cinema’s most iconic characters to this day. Also not to be missed in this auction is a Cillian Murphy “Tommy Shelby” Screen-Used Peaky Blinders Suit, worn by the infamous protagonist during the show’s 9-year run on Netflix from 2013 – 2022. 

Goldin’s Fall Movie Prop and Memorabilia offers tangible connections to movie soundtracks as well. From the 2018 rendition of A Star Is Born, is the Lady Gaga Screen-Used Piano from the singer’s time on set. Having earned eight Academy Award nominations and winning Best Original Song for “Shallow,” this piano highlights the music that touched fans’ hearts near and far. Also up for grabs is an Eminem Screen-Worn Costume Ensemble from the film 8 Mile. Worn by Eminem during his performance as Jimmy Smith Jr., also known as B-Rabbit, the rapper’s performance helped bring the film critical and commercial success and turned Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” into the first hip-hop song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. 

Viewers of the celebrated 1990 film Gremlins can now take home a Gizmo Mogwai Original Production-Used Puppet from the film Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990). With the iconic character returning in the second film to play a pivotal role in controlling the chaos, this prop remains renowned within the franchise decades after the film’s release. For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Baby Groot’s moments of humor and joy remain a light within the franchise’s high-intensity plot points. Now the character’s electric energy is captured not only on screen but also at auction with a Screen-Used Baby Groot Maquette from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017).  

Fans worldwide continue to celebrate the horror genre, with one of its most memorable villains to this day, Freddy Krueger. Originally introduced in A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Friday the 13th franchises, this auction brings the character back to the public right in time for Halloween with a Freddy vs. Jason (2003) Production-Made “Freddy Krueger” Glove. Items from the Scott Spiegel Collection and Estate include a Scott Spiegel personally owned Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn Production Bible and a 1960s-70s original Don Post Studios, “The Wolfman” Deluxe Mask. 

Goldin’s Fall Movie Prop & Memorabilia Auction is open for regular bidding through Wednesday, October 28, at Goldin.com. Extended bidding begins at 10 PM ET.

Additional ongoing auctions include the 2026 Fall Vintage Elite Auction open until October 10, the 2026 Fall Music Memorabilia Auction open until October 14, and the 2026 Fall Coin Auction open until October 21. Goldin is set to open its 30th Anniversary Pokemon Auction on October 5, and its 2026 Fall Game Used Auction on October 9.

Gareth Parker-Jones named Head of Education, Rendeavour, and Founding Master of Wellington College International Kenya

TATU CITY, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — One of the UK’s leading educators, Parker-Jones, will join Wellington Kenya as Founding Master a year ahead of the school’s official opening, in September 2028. He will be joined by his wife, Amanda Parker-Jones, who has been appointed Head of Teacher Development for the school.

Developed by Rendeavour, Africa’s new city builder, in partnership with Wellington College, Wellington Kenya is the second school in the Wellington College Education family in Africa, alongside Rendeavour’s Wellington College International Lagos, and part of a wider network of 12 super premium British schools spanning the UK, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia and the United States.

Located in Tatu City, Africa’s leading new city, Wellington Kenya is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, attracting families locally, regionally and globally. With access to Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, bountiful wildlife, rich cultural diversity, temperate weather and remarkable athletic excellence, Wellington Kenya is set within Tatu City’s 5,000 acres of lush parks, running and equestrian trails, legendary coffee estates, indigenous trees, lakes and rivers.  

Regarding his appointment, Gareth Parker-Jones said, “Wellington College International Kenya delivers a genuinely world-class education in arguably the most beautiful environment on Earth, carrying the full weight of the Wellington name. Backed by the scale, expertise and ambition of Rendeavour, Wellington Kenya is a great success story in international education, and I could not be prouder to lead it as Head of Education, Rendeavour, and Founding Master.”

Commenting on the appointment, James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Gareth Parker-Jones to the Wellington College Education family. Gareth is one of the UK’s leading heads and has had a transformational impact at Rugby School, raising standards, developing a vibrant and growing family of schools in England and around the world, and acting as a thoughtful and thought-provoking ambassador for the sector. I have known Gareth for many years and have the deepest respect for him both personally and professionally; Wellington College International Kenya could not be in better hands. We congratulate Gareth, Amanda and the family in this exciting new chapter, and I very much look forward to working alongside such accomplished educationalists.”

The appointment of Parker-Jones, who has a strong background in boarding, signals the scale of ambition of Wellington Kenya. Alongside its day school provision, boarding will be an important part of Wellington Kenya’s identity, character, community and pastoral offer from day one. This will give families the flexibility of both day and boarding options, while ensuring that the boarding experience is delivered to the same exacting standard as Wellington College Education family of schools around the world.

Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, added, “To attract a Founding Master of Gareth’s renown and experience is itself a statement of our intent and the ambition we hold for the school. Having spent considerable time with Gareth and his wife, Amanda, I have no doubt whatsoever that we have found the perfect leaders for building one of the best school in the world. Great cities are built around great institutions, and world-class education is central to attracting families, employers, and investment over the long term. Wellington Kenya will set a new benchmark for educational excellence – establishing a world-class school in the heart of East Africa, so families no longer need to look abroad for extraordinary schooling. Gareth’s appointment gives us the leadership, warmth, and vision to turn that ambition into reality from day one. Our goal is to build a learning community that seamlessly combines Wellington’s global educational heritage with a strong local identity, one that will serve families across the region for generations.”

WCIK Contact  

Deborah Stanford

Head of Admissions & Marketing at Wellington Kenya

Admissions@wellingtoncollege.ke

Media Contact

Prudence Karimi                                                  

Pkarimi@tatucity.com

+254 795 368 905

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GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM 64GB Unified Memory Version Expands Possibilities for Desktop AI Development

TAIPEI, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE today announced the launch of a new 64GB unified memory version of GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM, expanding its existing 128GB offering. Available starting October 23, the new configuration retains the hardware design of AI TOP ATOM, based on the NVIDIA DGX Spark platform, giving developers, researchers, and enterprise teams greater flexibility to select the configuration that best fits their AI workloads and memory requirements, while enabling dedicated on-premises AI development environments.

As generative AI and agentic AI applications continue to evolve, model testing, data processing, and application validation are becoming increasingly integral to everyday development workflows. GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM integrates AI computing capabilities into a compact desktop form factor, enabling users to perform model inference, prototype development, and data analysis in offices, laboratories, and educational environments. By running models and processing data locally, users can maintain greater control over development resources and project data while reducing reliance on cloud computing resources.

The new 64GB unified memory version, together with the existing high-capacity 128GB version, creates a more comprehensive AI TOP ATOM product lineup. Users can evaluate and select the memory capacity that best matches their model sizes, workflows, and multitasking requirements, enabling them to develop AI applications on the same platform and progress from early proof-of-concept development to practical deployment. With built-in ConnectX-7 networking, developers can cluster up to 4 units with NVIDIA Sync for larger memory pool and compute capability.

On the software side, AI TOP ATOM integrates NVIDIA CUDA accelerated AI software ecosystem with GIGABYTE AI TOP Utility, providing capabilities including model downloading, inference, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to help users establish local AI workflows. Developers can explore open models, test AI assistants, or leverage their own documents to build knowledge-based question-and-answer applications, allowing them to continuously refine and validate solutions based on project requirements and accelerate the transition from ideas to real-world applications.

GIGABYTE is also continuing to explore the potential of AI TOP ATOM for agentic AI applications. In a multi-node scientific computing demonstration, GIGABYTE integrated NVIDIA Nemotron open models with the NVIDIA NemoClaw open agent blueprint to connect research hypothesis generation with simulation workflows, demonstrating the potential of AI agents to support scientific research. Through the continued integration of hardware platforms, software tools, and real-world applications, GIGABYTE is committed to expanding the use cases for desktop AI computing.

With the addition of the 64GB unified memory version, AI TOP ATOM is now available in both 128GB and 64GB configurations, addressing the needs of users across different stages of AI development and application scales. GIGABYTE will continue to expand its AI TOP product portfolio and software ecosystem, helping individuals and enterprise teams build on-premises AI capabilities and bring AI from technology exploration into everyday applications.

The GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM 64GB unified memory version is officially available starting October 23, 2026. Product availability, sales channels, and pricing may vary by region. Please refer to GIGABYTE’s official announcements and authorized local distributors for details.

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“THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL” HEADS TO SEA FOR THE FIRST TIME ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S HERO OF THE SEAS

Inspired by the hit Broadway musical and Nickelodeon animated series, the all-new production will bring the world of Bikini Bottom to life on the new Icon Class family vacation debuting August 2027

MIAMI, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Caribbean is introducing “The SpongeBob Musical,*” the first-ever at-sea production inspired by the Tony award-winning Broadway show on Hero of the Seas when the fourth Icon Class vacation sets sail from Miami in August 2027. As part of the bold entertainment lineup on the newest family vacation, the adventure-packed show will bring the vibrant world of Bikini Bottom to life in the Royal Theater. “The SpongeBob Musical” joins Royal Caribbean’s award-winning entertainment portfolio, which continues to push the boundaries for experiences across stage, air, water and ice for vacationers of all ages.

“At Royal Caribbean, we’re focused on creating incredible experiences that bring families of all ages together in meaningful, memorable ways,” said Christi Coachman, vice president, entertainment, Royal Caribbean. “Our entertainment lineup on Hero of the Seas is designed with something for everyone. ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ delivers on that by bringing generations together through a story families know and love, while showcasing the creativity, cutting-edge technology and world-class production that can only be experienced on a Royal Caribbean vacation.”

From under the sea to at sea, “The SpongeBob Musical” on Hero will transform the beloved Nickelodeon animated series and 12-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway show into a reimagined production for the whole family that can be experienced only on Royal Caribbean. Filled with unexpected twists, larger-than-life characters, hit songs and above all – friendship, the adventure will show audiences that heroes can come from even the most unlikely places as SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends race against time to save their town from total destruction.

Beyond groundbreaking entertainment for all ages, vacationers can go all in on adventure across eight neighborhoods with experiences including:

• Crown’s Edge, part skywalk, part zip line experience suspended 154 feet above the ocean
• Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea
• Nine pools, including the new Coconut Cove pool and the adults-only The Hideaway, featuring two pools and the largest swim-up bar at sea
• 28 dining venues, including the multi-course Orleans Parrish Supper Club; an immersive train car dining experience at Royal Railway – Hero Station; hands-on cooking classes in a new venue to be revealed and more
• Brand-new family accommodations, including the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse featuring a rooftop terrace, whirlpool and two-deck teen space

Hero will take vacationers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every adventure visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas. Adventurers can choose to explore Western Caribbean spots like Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, or head to tropical Eastern Caribbean destinations such as Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

For more information on Hero, vacationers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website.

About Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and signature destinations revolutionize vacations with industry-leading innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills and ways to chill, to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 23 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Santorini, plus Royal Beach Club Lelepa coming soon. 

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.

About The SpongeBob Musical

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and tells the story of the optimistic SpongeBob and his irresistible friends coming together to save their undersea world from volcanic destruction. The musical features a book by Tony Award-nominated, Obie Award-winning writer and musician Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by renowned writer, director and Drama Desk Award-winning Tina Landau.

About Paramount Products & Experiences 

Paramount Products & Experiences oversees all licensing, merchandising, and location-based experiences for Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), a leading next generation global media and entertainment company. The division brings to life iconic franchises and beloved characters through innovative products and immersive experiences across categories including toys, apparel, publishing, food and beverage, theme parks, hotels, cruises, attractions, and live entertainment. Its global portfolio is powered by content from brands such as Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and Paramount+, and fan-favorite franchises like PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek and Yellowstone. To explore our range of consumer products and Paramount-branded merchandise, visit ParamountShop.com.

* Nickelodeon’s THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg with a book by Kyle Jarrow, is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. ©2026 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

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New York Giants at NYSE for 40th Anniv. of Super Bowl XXI: NYSE Content Update

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

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 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. 

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on October 2nd

• New York Football Giants celebrate the 40^th anniversary of their 1986 Super Bowl team.
  • Simms, the MVP of Super Bowl XXI, will join NYSE Live to discuss how winning the Big Game impacted the rest of his career.
  • The team will also be honored during half of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium.
• Flow Engineering says it’s the ‘de facto’ platform for agentic hardware.
  • The company says the fresh funds will help accelerate its mission to do for hardware what AI has already done for software.  
  • Flow Engineering’s Founder + CEO Pari Singh will join NYSE Live to reveal how his company will deploy the $50 million in fresh funding.
• The September jobs report came out this morning ahead of market open.
  • Economists expected to see that the U.S. added 90,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%.
  • Treasury yields retreated from recent highs following a report that the EU countries were considering releasing strategic fuel reserves.

Opening Bell

The New York Giants celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the 1986 Super Bowl Championship Season

Closing Bell

The Manufacturers Alliance celebrates the annual meeting of its Investor Relations Council

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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World Trade Centers Association Establishes Global Headquarters at One World Trade Center

International trade organization returns to the World Trade Center site after 25 years, establishing its headquarters at a global center for business, commerce and connectivity, marking a new chapter for the Association

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories — today announced the relocation of its global headquarters to One World Trade Center in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, establishing a new home for the Association at one of the world’s most recognized addresses for international business and trade.

The move returns WTCA to the WTC site for the first time in 25 years and marks a significant milestone for an organization founded in New York in 1969. From its new headquarters on the 46th floor of One World Trade Center, WTCA will advance its mission of “Connecting Businesses, Globally.“

The new headquarters reflects both WTCA’s longstanding roots in New York and the increasingly global nature of its work. From its new office, WTCA will continue advancing its mission to help its Members create connections across markets and facilitate opportunities for international trade and investment while creating a global gathering point for its Members, partners and business leaders.

“Returning our global headquarters to One World Trade Center is both a meaningful homecoming and a significant milestone for WTCA and our continued growth as a global organization,” said John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors. “New York City has been WTCA’s home since our founding more than five decades ago, and today, our global network reaches nearly 100 countries and territories. This new office space gives us a dynamic setting — and a fitting global address — to bring together Members and partners from around the world as we continue building connections that support trade, investment and economic growth.”

WTCA now occupies Suite 46C, a 2,556-square-foot office on the 46th floor of One World Trade Center. The built space includes private offices, a conference room, reception and pantry areas, along with an open workspace that supports day-to-day collaboration. Expansive views of the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan provide the backdrop for the office designed to serve both WTCA’s New York-based team and the Members, partners and other stakeholders who visit from across the global network.

The new headquarters also strengthens WTCA’s ability to use New York as a convening point for its global Membership, showcasing the city’s importance at the center of global commerce and trade. Through its network, events and programming, WTCA brings together business leaders, economic development organizations and WTC businesses to exchange market intelligence, build cross-border relationships and identify opportunities for trade and investment.

As a tenant, WTCA and its guests will also have access to Well& by Durst, a 25,000-square-foot amenity space on the 64th floor of One World Trade Center. The space includes a sky lobby, café, and 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting, conference and event space, serving as a world-class business and social hub fostering workplace creativity, collaboration, and community. Access to this premium floor expands WTCA’s capacity to host gatherings and international delegations at its new global headquarters.

“The World Trade Centers Association’s decision to establish its global headquarters at One World Trade Center is fitting given the organization’s international reach and mission to advance trade and business connections globally. We look forward to welcoming them to One World Trade Center, an address known around the world,” said Jody Durst, President of The Durst Organization.

One World Trade Center was developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Durst Organization in a public-private partnership.

“For more than two decades, the Port Authority has invested in rebuilding the World Trade Center as a place that drives economic growth and brings together commerce, culture and community in the heart of Lower Manhattan,” said Jolene Yeats, World Trade Center Director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Welcoming the World Trade Centers Association back to the site of its original headquarters is another exciting step in fulfilling that vision – there’s no place more fitting for its mission of building new bridges and creating new connections.”

WTCA’s office relocation comes 25 years after the Association last maintained offices on the 77th floor of the original World Trade Center’s North Tower. While the return carries historical significance, the headquarters office is intended to serve a distinctly forward-looking role — providing WTCA with a permanent global base for an organization whose reach now extends across nearly 100 countries and territories. Together, the network serves as an international ecosystem for commerce, community and connection, helping businesses access new markets and supporting trade and investment across borders.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

Chanelle Dimalanta

Phone: +1 212 432 2644

Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org 

Violet PR 

Christina Forrest

Phone: +1 646 586 9932

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About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.

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‘DEAL OF THE CENTURY’ PAYING DIVIDENDS FOR FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP AS FORD RACING CONFIRMS ITS RETURN FROM 2028

Dubai, UAE, 2^ndOctober, 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has welcomed Ford’s announcement that it will return to the FIA World Rally Championship with a full factory programme from 2028 and develop an all-new Rally1 car under the FIA’s WRC27 technical regulations for 2029.

Ford’s return to the championship will mark its first full works programme in the FIA WRC since 2012 and comes at a significant moment in the championship’s development.

With new technical regulations arriving in 2027, increased investment under new ownership and plans to expand the WRC’s presence in key markets including the United Kingdom and United States, the series is entering a new period of sporting and commercial growth.

The announcement makes Ford the fourth constructor to commit to developing a car under the FIA’s new WRC27 technical regulations. Designed around safety, affordability, flexibility and accessibility, the regulations will reduce the cost of competing at the highest level of rallying, with the price of a ready-to-compete car capped at €345,000 in asphalt specification.

From 2028, Ford Racing will become directly involved in its FIA WRC programme alongside long-standing partner M-Sport, before introducing an all-new Rally1 car developed to the WRC27 technical regulations in 2029.

The commitment reflects the growing attractiveness of the FIA World Rally Championship to global automotive manufacturers and reinforces the role of FIA World Championships as genuine laboratories for the development, testing and demonstration of future technologies.

Ford’s commitment follows growing interest in the new regulations from both global automotive manufacturers and independent constructors and comes as the championship has recently secured the ‘Deal of the Century’ and enters a new period of commercial development under its recently appointed promoter team.

The growing manufacturer interest also underlines the wider role of the FIA’s World Championships as global platforms for automotive manufacturers to develop and demonstrate new technologies, test solutions in demanding competition environments and transfer knowledge between motor sport and road-going vehicles.

Ford’s return to the WRC also forms part of an expanding global motor sport programme. The Blue Oval returned to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2026, competes in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and is preparing to return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027, having already launched its LMGT3 programme. Its WRC programme will give Ford a presence across four FIA World Championships from 2028.

Ford has played a major role in the history of the FIA World Rally Championship, with cars including the Escort, Sierra, Focus, Fiesta and Puma competing across more than five decades of international rallying.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “Today’s announcement represents another significant moment for the FIA World Rally Championship. With a new promoter in place, three constructors already committed to the new technical regulations, and now Ford confirming its return as a full works manufacturer, there is real momentum behind the championship’s next era.

“Ford is one of the great names in motorsport and its commitment to FIA World Championships continues to grow. The manufacturer returned to Formula 1 this year, is competing at the highest level of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, will return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027, and from 2028 will once again compete as a works manufacturer in the WRC.

“That will give Ford a presence across four FIA World Championships and demonstrates the importance it places on motor sport as a global platform, and laboratory, for its brand, products and technologies.

“I had the privilege of driving for Ford during my own career, so welcoming them back is a particularly special moment for me. The WRC continues to grow, and this long-term commitment from such an iconic manufacturer is a testament to the strength of the championship.”

Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, said: “Rallying is where Ford’s character faces its toughest test, and where generations of fans come to share the thrill of seeing a car take on the impossible. We want our next generation of European vehicles to carry that same unapologetic spirit. Responsive, confidence-inspiring, and rewarding to drive on the roads people use every day.”

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Racing, said: “As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest because of its direct connection to the fun and exciting cars that came from that. We can’t wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond.”

Eric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, said: “Ford’s decision to return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full factory team is fantastic news. The brand has an extraordinary history in rallying and has been part of some of the sport’s most memorable moments.

“More importantly, this renewed commitment to WRC, as part of its extensive global motorsport programme, is a strong statement about the relevance of rallying to one of the world’s leading automotive brands.

“Seeing WRC support both its racing ambitions and the development of future road cars is particularly exciting. We are delighted to welcome Ford back as a full factory team and look forward to this new chapter together.”