Category Archives: News

University School of Business at Chandigarh University organizes India’s First Corporate Crisis Championship ‘CEO Under Fire X’

CEO’s, Founders of MSMEs & SMEs take part in CEO Under Fire event at Chandigarh University; Gives leadership tips to B-School students  

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To equip students with applicable insights and practical skills for crisis management, Chandigarh University (CU) hosted ‘CEO Under Fire X’, India’s first ultimate corporate crisis championship, bringing together management students from about 150 institutions across the country for an immersive platform to act as CEOs managing simulated high-stakes business emergencies designed and test their critical thinking, strategic decision-making, problem solving, collaboration, leadership and business communication skills under pressure in a dynamic corporate environment.

The dignitaries who graced the launch of ‘CEO Under Fire X’, organized by CU’s University School of Business (USB), included Sham Kumar, Co-Founder & COO – Aerial Telecom Solutions; Gaurav Malik, President, Homeland Group; Asit Prakash Sharma, Vice President – CX Capability & Presales Leader, Tech Mahindra; Zubair Chaudhary, Founder & CEO,  Einstellen.AI; Vatsalya Chaturvedi, Director & CEO – MintSteer; Rohit Gupta, Director Grant Thornton; Prof (Dr) Satbir Singh Sehgal, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Nilesh Arora, Executive Director, Management, Chandigarh University.

As a part of the ‘CEO Under Fire X’, CU’s University School of Business (USB) also hosted ‘CXO Summit 2026’, bringing together Startup Founders, CEOs, Co-Founders and Managing Directors from various business domains including finance, telecom, real-estate and human resource to share their perspectives on leadership, strategic excellence, digital innovation and measurable business outcomes. On the occasion, the University School of Business (USB), Chandigarh University, unveiled its Centre of Excellence ‘AURA’ – Centre for AI-Driven Universal Business Re-engineering & Analytics and also launched its first professional skill certification programme ‘Generative and Agentic AI for Business Applications’ in collaboration with Grant Thornton, as a part operational launch of the CoE.

The first round of ‘CEO Under Fire X’ titled ‘Shock Wave – Face the Crises’ witnessed participation from around 150 teams representing institutions across Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country. The prominent institutions represented in the championship included Amity University, Bennett University, Thapar Institute, Graphic Era University, Rayat Bahra University, Indira Global School of Business, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology (PIET) and University of Jammu.

In second round of the championship, ‘Decision Under Pressure’ at CU Campus, top 50 teams assumed roles of various stakeholders such as investors, board members, regulators and business partners, creating a realistic corporate crisis boardroom experience before the judging panel. Top 10 teams worked on live corporate crisis situations in limited time during the final round ‘CEO Verdict: Grand Finale – CEO Hot Seat’ in which participants assumed the role of a CEO and defended the team’s decision before the judges.

On the basis of performance in rapid-fire questioning, decisive leadership, judgement and communication under pressure, Indira Global School of Business Pune team ‘Boardroom Wizards’ secured first position while the second and third position was bagged by Amity University’s team ‘Business Mavericks’ and Chandigarh University team ‘Titans’ respectively.

Participating in a panel discussion on ‘Leading Through AI, Market Disruption & the Future of Business’, Sham Kumar, Co-Founder & COO, Aerial Telecom Solutions urged the youth to embrace and learn new technologies like AI which help in resolving customer problems, reduces costs, boosts productivity. He said, “AI will affect mundane jobs, so adding AI as a skill set can also create jobs. Anyone not accepting AI may find it difficult but somebody who adds AI as a skill set to his knowledge base can definitely prosper and do better jobs. This applies both to organisations and individuals.” 

Asit Prakash Sharma, Vice President, CX Capability and Presales Leader, Tech Mahindra said, “Today’s generation is fortunate to have been born in the digital era. I have witnessed three generations of technology: the first, when there was no technology or AI; the second, characterized by digitization and basic automation; and the third, the current era of Generative AI and Agentic AI. This shift is transforming consumer and buyer behavior. Companies are no longer seeking mere optimization or incremental improvements; they are asking to reimagine and transform entire processes. Whether it involves deploying 20 AI agents alongside 10 people or utilizing 100 AI agents without any human intervention, what matters to the customer is the outcome. So it’s not about increment and improvement, it’s about the leap of faith which companies are forced to take. There is no escape from AI.”

Gaurav Malik, President, Homeland Group said, “AI can enhance and accelerate the learning process but cannot replace human experience. AI can provide data, charts, and recommendations, the tasks of engaging with people in the market, making decisions, and taking responsibility for their outcomes remain inherently human. In the real estate sector, AI is being utilized to better understand and optimize market dynamics, customer needs, competitor activities, and business operations; however, the final decision rests with the customer. Building a trustworthy and transparent relationship with the customer, maintaining clarity regarding products and future goals, and fulfilling one’s obligations are aspects that cannot be fully digitized or automated. AI will prove to be extremely beneficial for the real estate industry, but it cannot fully replace years of experience.” 

Zubair Chaudhary, Founder & CEO – Einstellen.AI said, “Even since AI has come into the picture, we are still catching up with the way the technology is evolving. As a startup ecosystem, technology is secondary as our main priority should be the problem that needs to be solved. So, we should not wait for technology to evolve and rather focus on what are the business problems that we are solving as a startup ecosystem. When you go out in the market, identify a problem, solve it and there is somebody that is going to pay for it.”

Vatsalya Chaturvedi, Director & CEO – MintSteer said, “AI platforms can enhance a user’s capability to provide solutions in a better way but core skills matter the most in a business. AI can only help you, you know, enjoy the dish, but you have to prepare the dish for which you should know the ingredients. You should know what your skills are bringing to the table to help the customer and how can your core skills enhance it with AI.”

In his welcome address, Prof (Dr) Satbir Singh Sehgal, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “Chandigarh University integrates experiential learning through hands-on workshops, industry collaborations, and real-world projects which bridge the gap between theory and practice. In line with this, ‘CEO Under Fire X’, India’s First Corporate Crisis Championship, is an excellent opportunity for management students to hone their leadership skills and put to practice all the classroom learning. I am sure the hands-on learning experience gained during this championship will equip students with applicable insights and practical skills for navigating critical moments during a real-world corporate crisis.”

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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CM Majhi Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Courage During Flydubai Emergency

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and quick action during a serious mid-air incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.

Representational Image

The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after a violent confrontation in the cockpit left Captain Machchhar injured. Reports said the aircraft experienced a sharp loss of altitude before passengers, crew members and other pilots onboard helped regain control of the situation. The exact circumstances and motive behind the incident remain under investigation.

Majhi Applauds Captain’s Courage

In a post on X, Chief Minister Majhi commended Captain Machchhar for putting the safety of passengers and crew ahead of his own despite sustaining serious injuries.

“Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary courage and devotion to duty are deeply inspiring,” Majhi said, adding that the pilot’s actions reflected the spirit of “Seva Paramo Dharma.”

The Chief Minister also expressed his prayers for Machchhar and his family, seeking Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath’s blessings for his strength, healing and complete recovery.

Pilot Injured, Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia

According to reports, Captain Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit during the flight. Despite being injured, he was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently assisted in stabilising the aircraft before it made an emergency landing at Tabuk.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, according to multiple reports. Captain Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk for treatment following the incident.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with Indian and international leaders praising the pilot’s actions while authorities continue to investigate what happened inside the cockpit.

Infineon opens new backend manufacturing hub in Thailand adding resilient capacity for future growth

• New backend manufacturing hub strengthens and further diversifies Infineon’s global production network
• Strategic investment reinforces Thailand’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and talent development, creating up to 1,000 highly skilled jobs
• Designed for phased expansion, Bangkok has the potential to become one of Infineon’s largest backend manufacturing sites over time

BANGKOK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX) (OTCQX: IFNNY) officially inaugurated its new backend manufacturing site in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, together with Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand and Alexander Gorski, Chief Operations Officer of Infineon Technologies. The site strengthens and further diversifies the company’s global manufacturing footprint while adding capacity for future growth. Strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, the site reinforces Infineon’s ability to serve customers worldwide at a time when long-term semiconductor demand continues to grow, driven by digitalization, electrification and the energy transition.

Built for future growth, the facility can scale up to five modules, giving Bangkok the potential to become one of Infineon’s largest backend manufacturing sites over time. As a strategic addition to Infineon’s globally diversified manufacturing network, the site complements the ongoing expansion of Infineon’s frontend manufacturing capacities.

“What makes Bangkok such an important addition to our global manufacturing footprint is its unique combination of location and growth potential,” says Alexander Gorski, Chief Operations Officer of Infineon Technologies. “We are establishing a new hub in the heart of Southeast Asia, surrounded by a fast-growing ecosystem and with excellent access to global logistics. This helps us further diversify our manufacturing network across regions and serve our customers with resilient capacity and great flexibility. We have built the Bangkok site with the future in mind. Starting with Module A, the site can grow to up to five modules over time, giving us unique scalability to support future growth.”

“Infineon’s new backend manufacturing site in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, is a strong vote of confidence in Thailand’s future as a leading semiconductor location,” says Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. “Together, we are advancing Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem, strengthening our role in the global value chain and creating new opportunities and highly skilled jobs for future generations. We welcome Infineon’s long-term engagement and look forward to deepening our cooperation.”

A long-term investment in Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem

Thailand’s commitment to building a strong semiconductor ecosystem, guided by its national technology strategy, is creating new momentum for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven growth in the region. Thailand offers excellent connections throughout Southeast Asia, proximity to key customer markets and a long-standing semiconductor manufacturing heritage. The Bangkok site builds on local expertise, established partnerships and a highly skilled workforce while contributing to the further development of Thailand’s flourishing semiconductor ecosystem.

The site currently employs around 350 people and is expected to grow to approximately 1,000 employees as the first building (Module A) ramps up. Beyond manufacturing, Infineon supports talent development through collaborations with universities, educational institutions and industry partners.

Expanding capabilities for complex, high-value semiconductor solutions

The Bangkok site combines advanced automation, scalable design and a digital manufacturing backbone to support efficient, stable and high-quality production at scale. Built as a greenfield site, the facility leverages proven expertise from Infineon’s established backend manufacturing locations while providing the flexibility to adapt to evolving customer requirements, new technologies and large production volumes.

Equipped with advanced cleanroom, assembly and test capabilities, all supported by a high level of automation, the Bangkok site covers the full spectrum of semiconductor backend processes as well as wafer test. This unique combination strengthens its role within Infineon’s manufacturing network and enables increasingly complex, high-value semiconductor solutions for applications across the automotive, industrial and energy infrastructure, contributing directly to technologies that drive electrification, energy efficiency and digitalization worldwide.

Sustainability built in from the ground up

The Bangkok site runs on 100 percent green electricity, incorporates water recycling and rainwater collection systems and is equipped with solar modules that generate renewable energy on site. Together, these measures support resource-efficient manufacturing and contribute to Infineon’s strategic priority of continuously reducing its carbon footprint across the entire value chain.

For more information about the new backend manufacturing site in Bangkok, please visit: 

https://www.infineon.com/careers/our-locations/thailand#highlights 

For press pictures, please visit:

https://brandportal.infineon.com/file-exchange/list/287a46dc81f8ee3793598fc9d8001829

For footage, please visit:

https://brandportal.infineon.com/file-exchange/list/614a2724ddb32ff277721f8e913fcf9f 

About the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is a government agency under the Office of the Prime Minister. Its mission is to foster valuable investment in Thailand through promotion packages, facilitation services and the integration and connection of businesses.

About Infineon

Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The Company had around 57,000 employees worldwide (end of September 2025) and generated revenue of about €14.7 billion in the 2025 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Media contact:

Franziska Hofmeister

Head of Operations Communications

+49 89 234 2216

franziska.hofmeister@infineon.com

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Puri Srimandir Rolls Out Special Darshan Facilities for Elderly and Differently-Abled Devotees

Puri, Oct. 1 (UDN): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has introduced special arrangements at the northern gate of Srimandir to make darshan more accessible and convenient for elderly and differently-abled devotees.

 Representational Image 

A ramp and railing connecting the northern gate Gumuta to the Kurma Bedha have already been completed as part of the initiative. Specially trained volunteers will assist eligible devotees and help them proceed towards the Natamandap or Jagamohan for darshan.

Online Booking Facility in the Works

Srimandir Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee said an online and mobile-based application is being developed to facilitate access to the service.

During the initial pilot phase, the facility is expected to accommodate 50 elderly and differently-abled devotees every day, with beneficiaries able to avail themselves of the service through the digital platform.

Trained Volunteers to Assist Devotees

The temple administration is also working to strengthen the volunteer support system. Discussions were held under the chairmanship of the Governor of Odisha regarding the possible involvement of trained volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance.

Dr. Padhee has written to the Puri Collector and President of the District Red Cross Society seeking deployment of trained volunteers for the initiative.

The Chief Administrator said ensuring a peaceful, orderly and accessible darshan for all devotees remains a key priority of the temple administration.

Gundicha Temple Opens for Devotees

Meanwhile, the Shree Gundicha Temple was opened to the public on Wednesday at an auspicious time.

The temple administration, district administration and police have put necessary arrangements in place at the Gundicha Temple premises to facilitate smooth movement and orderly darshan for devotees.

SUJÁN APPOINTS THOMAS F. MAECHLER AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

The Swiss luxury hospitality leader joins SUJÁN to lead its next chapter of global growth, building on 25 years of pioneering conservation-led luxury hospitality.

NEW DELHI, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SUJÁN, India’s leading conservation-led luxury hospitality company, today announced the appointment of Mr. Thomas F. Maechler as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective the 01st of October 2026. A highly regarded hospitality leader with extensive international experience across luxury hotels, destination brands, and hospitality enterprises, Maechler will oversee SUJÁN’s operations and lead its global ambitions.

The appointment comes at an important stage in SUJÁN’s growth journey, following the celebration of its 25th anniversary. As the company builds on its strong foundations in India while pursuing new opportunities internationally, it remains guided by the principles that have defined the brand since its inception: conservation, community development and sustainable luxury.

SUJÁN’s three camps, SUJÁN Sher Bagh, SUJÁN The Serai and SUJÁN Jawai, all members of Relais & Châteaux, have established SUJÁN as one of India’s most distinctive names in luxury hospitality, defined by extraordinary wilderness, deeply personal service and a long-standing commitment to conservation. Over the past two and half decades, SUJÁN has built a distinctive reputation for creating immersive wilderness experiences that combine exceptional guest experiences with a deep commitment to wildlife conservation, community development and sustainable practice. In 2024 SUJÁN Jawai became the first Indian hotel to be included in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. SUJÁN’s three camps in India are all recipients of Michelin ‘keys’ – SUJÁN Sher Bagh and SUJÁN JAWAI with two each, and SUJÁN The Serai with one.

As the company prepares for its next chapter, strengthening leadership has been a key priority. Maechler brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience across some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands. His career spans leadership roles at Beau-Rivage Hotel in Neuchâtel, Switzerland and La Reserve Eden au Lac in Zurich, Switzerland as well as executive responsibility for international hospitality and real estate portfolios. He has also been a Member for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Relais & Châteaux, and has been Vice-President of the board of Swiss Deluxe Hotels and on the board of Les Grandes Tables de Suisse.

Commenting on the appointment, SUJÁN founders, Anjali and Jaisal Singh, said: “SUJÁN was founded on a belief that luxury hospitality and meaningful conservation can go hand in hand to make a tangible positive impact. As we continue to build on that vision and expand our global footprint, we are delighted to welcome Thomas to the SUJÁN family. His global perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, operational excellence and deep understanding of luxury hospitality make him exceptionally well placed to support our long-term vision whilst staying true to the values that have defined SUJÁN from the very beginning.”

“I am delighted to carry forward the extraordinary story built by Anjali and Jaisal Singh”, says Thomas Maechler. “SUJÁN represents a rare combination of conservation, culture and uncompromising hospitality, unlike anything I have experienced in this form before. Together with the entire team, we will take this vision into its next phase: by opening new properties, and by developing further initiatives that carry the spirit and values of SUJÁN out into the world, without ever losing sight of our commitment to conservation, sustainability and lived community responsibility.”

With Thomas Maechler’s appointment, SUJÁN is accelerating its next phase of growth. Central to this strategy is the expansion of its African footprint following the acquisition of two camps in Zambia, alongside the potential of additional properties across the continent. The company is also evaluating opportunities in other regions of the world and aims to double its portfolio over the next four years while maintaining its uncompromising commitment to conservation, sustainability and community impact.

About SUJÁN

Raised within a family of passionate conservationists, Jaisal Singh inherited a deep-rooted commitment to protecting India’s wilderness. This legacy found its first expression in SUJÁN Sher Bagh, Ranthambhore, founded by Jaisal aged 21 years old on land rewilded in the late 1980s by his parents and his late maternal uncle, Valmik Thapar – India’s most formidable wildlife conservationist.

SUJÁN proudly remains independent and family-owned. For the past twenty-six years, SUJÁN has stood as a custodian of Rajasthan’s wilderness, bringing together the art of hospitality and the purpose of conservation. Every guest stay contributes to protecting endangered species, preserving extraordinary landscapes and empowering local communities through employment and opportunity. Anjali and Jaisal carry this purpose forward alongside their dedicated team, many of whom have worked with the family for decades. Their knowledge, warmth and shared commitment to conservation are at the heart of SUJÁN.

www.thesujanlife.com

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NMIMS School of Business Management MBA 2027 Application Closes on 10 October

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Applications for the MBA 2027 intake at NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM) are set to close on 10 October 2026, giving aspiring management professionals a final opportunity to apply.

The flagship MBA Core programme is offered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad campuses under the aegis of NMIMS SBM, ensuring a unified, rigorous, academic foundation while exposing students to diverse business ecosystems across India. The Mumbai campus of NMIMS SBM also offers specialised MBA programmes in Human Resources, Pharmaceutical Management, Business Analytics and Digital Transformation.

Designed to connect academic learning with practical business exposure, the programme brings together industry interactions, live projects, business case challenges and experiential learning. Students can apply management concepts to real-world business challenges while developing perspectives across functions and industries from day one.

Recent recognitions of NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai include the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2026, where it was ranked 73^rd globally, 10th among Indian institutes and 29th globally for Career Progress.

The school’s industry engagement is reflected in its 2024–26 placement outcomes, with 1,800+ recruiters participating and 100% placement assistance provided across campuses. Students received opportunities across sectors including BFSI, consulting, FMCG, IT and analytics, established companies and start-ups, with an average CTC of ₹24.60 lakh and a highest CTC of ₹41.28 lakh.

Applicants for the NMIMS SBM MBA 2027 programme must complete both their NMAT 2026 registration and the NMIMS SBM application process by 10 October 2026.

NMIMS SBM MBA Application and Selection Process:

Stage 1: Steps to Apply for NMIMS SBM MBA:

Visit https://nmat.nmims.edu , Fill Step-1 and submit. Verify your email, complete your NMAT registration and pay the exam fee.

Revisit https://nmat.nmims.edu, click on Step 2, and log in using the NMAT by GMAC ID & password. Complete the NMIMS application form, select the preferred programme(s), and pay the application fee.

Full details on eligibility, deadlines, and courses are available on the official website. Candidates are advised to complete both steps well within the deadline.

Stage 2: Competency test and Personal Interview by NMIMS

** The final merit list will be prepared based on NMAT score, personal interview, competency test, work experience and academic performance.

Registrations for NMAT and NMIMS SBM close on 10th October 2026. Don’t miss your chance to secure admission to one of India’s most sought-after management institutions.

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INFORM Launches Aviation Software for Passenger Assistance Operations

As surging passenger assistance demand strains global airports, INFORM’s Passenger Assistance (PA) Dispatching software delivers predictive forecasting, real-time control, and decision support to boost service quality and operational efficiency

AACHEN, Germany and ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — INFORM, a global leader in AI-driven logistics and operational optimization solutions, introduces Passenger Assistance (PA) Dispatching, a cloud-native SaaS solution designed specifically for passenger assistance operations.

Passenger assistance is growing increasingly complex. Rising traveler volumes, higher service expectations, staffing shortages, and frequent disruptions force dispatchers to make rapid decisions to protect service standards. Reliance on manual processes and fragmented operational data prevents teams from responding proactively to real-time changes.

INFORM’s Passenger Assistance (PA) Dispatching software addresses these challenges across PRM, unaccompanied minor, VIP, and special assistance operations. By unifying predictive forecasting, real-time visibility, and decision support, the platform accelerates response times and sharpens operational decisions—integrating easily into existing airport systems via standardized interfaces.

“The challenge is not a lack of data,” explains Dr. Eva Wille, Product Manager for PA Dispatching at INFORM. “Most organizations already have a lot of information available. The real question is how to turn that information into better decisions while operations are running. Passenger assistance teams need to know what requires attention right now, what is likely to happen next, and where they should focus their resources.”

Powered by INFORM’s decision intelligence and decades of airport expertise, PA Dispatching enables teams to anticipate demand, spot bottlenecks, and allocate resources efficiently. Dispatchers benefit from real-time visibility and actionable recommendations, while field staff stay connected via mobile workflows and live updates. The result is an agile operation that preserves service quality, optimizes workforce use, and adapts swiftly to last-minute disruptions.

Dr. Johannes Richenhagen, Senior VP at INFORM Aviation, added: “PA Dispatching marks the launch of our future-ready product strategy. Built cloud-native and AI-native, it is simple to implement, intuitive to use, and designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows while scaling with operational growth. Paired with our Performance Products, it gives our customers clear flexibility on their journey toward decision intelligence.”

About INFORM

INFORM develops software that optimizes decision-making across aviation, industrial, logistics, and financial sectors. Founded in 1969, the company combines explainable AI (XAI) and operations research to help more than 2,000 global customers minimize risk, boost operational efficiency, and make reliable, data-driven decisions.

www.inform-software.com

Press Contact

Elke Jäger

INFORM GmbH

Phone Office: +49 2408 9456-1433 I Mobile: +49 151 14884 265

E-mail: elke.jaeger@inform-software.com 

North America

Valerie Harding

Phone: +1 (0) 617-536-8887

E-mail: valerie@rippleeffectpr.com 

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Three in Four Travelers Get Their ESTA, UK ETA or eTA Right the First Time, Service eVisa Index Finds

Passport details are the most common source of corrections, and travelers from Singapore are the most likely to get every detail right

NEWARK, Del., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Three in four travelers (76%) complete their electronic travel authorization correctly on the first attempt, according to the Service eVisa Travel Readiness Index. Passport details are the most common source of corrections, and travelers from Singapore are the most likely to get every detail right.

The Travel Readiness Index measures the share of applications that needed no correction at caseworker review. It is based on more than 10,000 anonymized applications for the UK ETA, US ESTA, Canada eTA, New Zealand NZeTA and Australia ETA, submitted between January 1 and September 1, 2026.

What are the most common travel authorization mistakes?

Passport details (number, issue or expiry date) accounted for 31% of corrections, followed by name order and middle names (19%), confusion between nationality and passport issuing country (13%), and date-of-birth format (9%).

These details matter because each authorization is linked electronically to a specific passport. On the US ESTA system, an error in passport or biographical information requires a new application and a new fee.

Which nationalities are the most travel-ready?

1. Singapore: 89.4%
2. Japan: 88.1%
3. Switzerland: 86.7%
4. Denmark: 85.9%
5. Netherlands: 84.2%

“The travelers who do best copy their details straight from the passport they will travel with, character by character,” said Fred Jordan, Director of Operations at Service eVisa. “Small details, like the order of your names or the format of a date, are where even experienced travelers slip.”

How to get a travel authorization right the first time

1. Copy details directly from your passport, not from memory.
2. Enter your names exactly as printed, in the same order.
3. Apply when you book your trip, not when you pack.

Travelers can check the requirements for each destination at serviceevisa.com.

About Service eVisa

Service eVisa is a private, independent travel authorization assistance platform that helps travelers prepare and submit electronic travel authorizations for destinations including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Applications are supported by registered migration agents and licensed immigration advisers. Service eVisa holds a travel agency license, is accredited by IATA and is a member of ASTA and PATA. Learn more at serviceevisa.com. 

Media contact: contact@serviceevisa.com

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HSBC Mutual Fund launches #StayDiSIPlined campaign to encourage investors to make SIP investing a routine, not a reaction to market volatility

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSBC Mutual Fund today announced the launch of #StayDiSIPlined, an investor education campaign designed to nudge investors, especially millennials and Gen Z (25–45 years), to stay consistent with SIPs through market ups and downs.

#StayDiSIPlined is built around a simple yet powerful human insight: people are remarkably disciplined in the aspects of life where consequences are immediate. They wake up on time, maintain fitness routines, pay bills before due dates, honour professional commitments, and follow daily habits with consistency. However, when it comes to investing for the future, emotions often override discipline. Short-term market fluctuations tend to influence long-term investment decisions, causing investors to lose sight of their financial goals.

Built around the thought ‘Discipline for life. DiSIPline for the future.’, the campaign creatively integrates ‘SIP’ within the word DiSIPlined, reinforcing the importance of maintaining investment discipline through every phase of the market cycle, so routine replaces reaction.

The digital film, created by Born Hi Digital, is a humour-led contrast between life discipline and market reactions. It tells the story of Arjun, a young man obsessively disciplined in daily life—waking up before his alarm, sticking to gym routines in the rain, parking perfectly—yet emotionally reactive when markets move. The film closes with a nudge: ‘Baaki sab mein disciplined ho… but Di-SIP-lined nahi ho.’, encouraging viewers to start and stay consistent with SIPs.

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/iKjye_ZczjA (English) and https://youtu.be/OqzWo99zK9Q (Hindi)

Commenting on the launch, Ankur Thakore, Chief Business Officer, HSBC Mutual Fund, said, “Markets will always move up and down, but reacting emotionally can derail long-term financial progress. With #StayDiSIPlined, we have tried to share this behavioural insight in a way that’s simple, relatable, and engaging. The goal is to help investors see SIPs as a consistent, disciplined habit, so they can stay focused on their long-term wealth goals.”

To maximise reach and engagement, HSBC Mutual Fund has adopted a multi-channel approach. The #StayDiSIPlined campaign will be rolled out across social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Other channels to boost visibility include digital, outdoor, print and activation.

The campaign is an investor education and awareness initiative and is a part of HSBC Mutual Fund’s continued broader commitment to investor education and awareness, as done previously with #RetireToMore, SIP Hai #FaydeWaliAadat, Apne #SIPKoDoPromotion campaigns, empowering Indians to take control of their financial future for a fulfilling life via SIPs. #StayDiSIPlined is another step towards encouraging investors to look beyond short-term market noise and stay focused on building long-term financial well-being through disciplined SIP investing. Visit Stay DiSIPlined to know more.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. 

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J.K. Fenner (India) Limited Announce Strategic Relationship with Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

CHENNAI, India, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — J.K. Fenner (India) Limited, a leading manufacturer of automotive and industrial engineering solutions, today announced a strategic relationship with Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Japan, to strengthen the development and manufacturing of advanced automotive components for domestic and global markets.

Established in 1946, Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Japan, is a leading Japanese automotive component manufacturer with expertise in oil pumps, water pumps, steering columns, drivetrain components, and other precision automotive systems. The company serves leading global OEMs, bringing decades of engineering excellence and manufacturing expertise.

The strategic relationship combines JK Fenner’s strong manufacturing capabilities, engineering expertise, and customer reach with Yamada Manufacturing’s advanced Japanese technology and product development capabilities. The partnership aims to accelerate innovation, enhance product quality, and address the evolving requirements of automotive OEMs, including next-generation mobility solutions.

Through this strategic relationship, the two companies will focus on:

• Technology transfer for advanced automotive component manufacturing.
• Joint product development to meet global quality and performance standards.
• Localization of advanced technology products for the Indian automotive market.
• Enhancing manufacturing processes, quality systems, and engineering capabilities.
• Delivering innovative, reliable, and cost-effective mobility solutions to customers.

Through this strategic relationship, Yamada aims to accelerate its market entry and business expansion in India.

About Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd. 

Yamada Manufacturing Co.,Ltd. is specialized in development, design and manufacturing auto parts for the critical function of “driving, steering and braking” including transmission components, steering system components and automotive pumps, particularly oil and water pumps for automobiles and motorcycles. Yamada operates in Japan, United States, China and Thailand. Yamada’s philosophy is working together as a technology oriented corporation to provide value beyond customers’ expectations in a creative and original way, and to spread joy to people all over the world.

www.yamada-s.co.jp

About J.K. Fenner (India) Limited

J.K. Fenner (India) Limited is one of India’s leading manufacturers of automotive and industrial engineering solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes power transmission products, automotive components, sealing solutions, fluid transfer system, and engineered products. With a strong manufacturing footprint, advanced engineering capabilities, and a customer-first approach, the company serves leading OEMs and industrial customers across India and international markets.

www.jkfenner.com

Media Contact:

Phone: +91 44 4399 4666

Email:contact@jkfenner.com

Website:www.jkfenner.com

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