Category Archives: News

Segway Powersports Brings Latin American and Canadian Media and Creators from Factory Floor to Real-World Terrain

CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Powersports hosted 14 media representatives and creators from Canada, Chile, Peru, Panama, Brazil and Argentina from September 14–19 for the SEGWAY POWERSPORTS CHINA TOUR-2026 LATAM & CANADA EDITION, an immersive program connecting behind-the-scenes manufacturing insights with a full-lineup off-road riding experience.

The program began at Segway Powersports’ manufacturing facility in Changzhou, China, where participants explored production, assembly, vehicle testing and final inspection. The visit offered a closer look at the manufacturing processes, quality controls and traceability practices behind Segway Powersports vehicles.

The experience then moved to Keping County in Aksu, Xinjiang, where participants took the full Segway Powersports lineup across desert terrain, gravel sections and water crossings. Driving multiple models in varied conditions allowed them to experience power delivery, handling, terrain capability and comfort firsthand—connecting what they had seen on the production line with how the vehicles perform in real-world environments.

Beyond the factory and riding experience, the program created a two-way exchange between Segway Powersports and its international guests. Participants shared perspectives on local riding environments, user expectations and product needs directly with the brand’s marketing, product, R&D and after-sales teams, bringing insights from six markets into the discussion.

“Seeing how a vehicle is built is one thing; experiencing it in real terrain is another,” said Ethan Zhang, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Segway Powersports. “By bringing these experiences together, we want media and creators to understand our products more completely. At the same time, their local perspectives help us better understand what riders in different markets really need.”

Segway Powersports plans to extend similar programs to more markets, strengthening relationships with media and creators while bringing real-world perspectives into ongoing product and service development.

About Segway Powersports

Segway is a global leader in micro-mobility, powersports, and consumer robotics, known for its innovation and user-focused products. Segway Powersports focuses specifically on the design and manufacturing of next-generation powersports vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SxS) for both utility and sport applications. As a high-tech enterprise, Segway Powersports integrates a superior supply chain with its own manufacturing capabilities, managing the full lifecycle of its products – from R&D and production to sales and after-sales service.

For more information, please visit https://powersports.segway.com

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Fatehpur House Collapse: Death Toll Rises to Five After Powerful Blast

Fatehpur, Sept. 29: The death toll from the collapse of a two-storey house in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district has risen to five after one of the injured victims succumbed to his injuries, officials said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday evening in the Malwan police station area, where a powerful explosion at the house of a fruit trader caused a major portion of the building to collapse.

Four people were initially killed in the incident, while three others were rescued from the debris and rushed to Fatehpur Medical College for treatment.

One of the injured victims, who had suffered burns over more than 90 per cent of his body and was reportedly on ventilator support, later died during treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Kunal, Alok, Arpit, Ved and Yash, aged between six and 25 years.

Rescue Operation Launched After Blast

Police received information about the incident through the Police Response Vehicle (PRV) at around 5:30 pm on Monday.

Local police teams immediately reached the area. However, the narrow lane leading to the damaged house made it difficult for a fire tender to access the spot.

A rescue operation was subsequently carried out using a JCB machine to remove the debris.

Around 16 personnel from the police and fire departments, along with local residents, joined the search operation and worked to locate people trapped beneath the rubble.

Seven people were eventually pulled out of the collapsed structure and taken to the medical college. Doctors later declared four of them dead, while the remaining injured victims were admitted for treatment.

Gas Cylinder Blast Suspected

Fatehpur Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik said preliminary inquiries indicated that a gas cylinder could have triggered the explosion.

Police reportedly recovered four gas cylinders from the site, two of which are believed to have exploded.

However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the blast.

Forensic experts and Fire Department teams are examining the site and collecting evidence to determine what led to the explosion and subsequent collapse.

Nearby Houses Also Damaged

The blast caused the upper two floors of the main house to collapse, while parts of neighbouring structures were also affected.

Beams of some nearby houses reportedly suffered damage, although no casualties were reported from those buildings.

Police and administrative officials continue to remain at the site as the investigation into the incident proceeds.

Authorities are now focusing on determining the exact sequence of events leading to the explosion and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.

Luxury Watch Works Launches Integrated Centre of Excellence for Luxury Timepiece Ownership in India

Mumbai-based horological facility combines authorised servicing for 13 global brands, India’s first watch lifecycle programme ‘Hour Circle’, blockchain-backed ‘Virtual Vault Report’ authentication and ‘Horological Education’

MUMBAI, India, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Luxury Watch Works (LWW), a Mumbai-based authorised service provider for international luxury watch brands, has established India’s first unified Centre of Excellence for luxury timepieces. The ecosystem integrates official after-sales technical maintenance, digital blockchain certification, horological education, and comprehensive lifecycle management to address the end-to-end operational demands of luxury watch collectors in India.

The facility is staffed by Swiss-trained watchmakers possessing technical mastery of over 100 mechanical calibres and operates using brand-specific diagnostics, specialised Swiss tooling, and genuine OEM manufacturer components.

Key takeaways:

• LWW is an authorised after-sales service centre for 13 international watch brands, including Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, TAG Heuer, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin.
• The company has launched Hour Circle, described as India’s first lifecycle management programme for luxury timepieces, covering theft and accidental damage protection, concierge services, and resale assistance.
• Its Virtual Vault Report (VVR) is India’s first blockchain-secured digital authentication and certification platform for luxury watches, based on a 50+ point inspection.
• LWW’s Swiss-trained technical team has in-house expertise across more than 100 watch calibres.
• The company is headquartered pan-india reach catering to collectors, enthusiasts and patrons at Kala Bhavan, Charni Road, Mumbai.

What Luxury Watch Works Does

Luxury Watch Works operates Four integrated service pillars for luxury watch owners in India: authorised after-sales service, lifecycle management through Hour Circle and digital authentication certification through the Virtual Vault Report and horological expertise and education through its Centre of Excellence.

Serving Luxury Watch Owners Across India

Luxury Watch Works serves collectors, enthusiasts and patrons across India, with its Mumbai Centre of Excellence supporting collectors, enthusiasts and owners from cities and regions across the country. While the facility is headquartered in Mumbai, Luxury Watch Works’ service and ownership ecosystem is designed to support its community beyond its immediate geographic location.

Through its authorised after-sales service, Virtual Vault Report, Hour Circle and horological expertise, LWW provides a centralised destination for the care, authentication, documentation and lifecycle management of luxury timepieces for collectors, enthusiasts and patrons across pan-India. 

1. Authorised After-Sales Service

LWW is an authorised after-sales service centre for the brands Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Carl F. Bucherer, Chopard, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Seiko, TAG Heuer, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin.

Every watch received for service goes through three steps: registration and identification, technical assessment, and a no-obligation service estimate. Repairs use brand-sourced genuine parts and follow each brand’s own service procedures.

2. Hour Circle: What It Is and What It Includes

Hour Circle is India’s first lifecycle-management membership programme designed to support luxury watch owners, collectors and enthusiasts throughout the ownership journey.

“You own the masterpiece. We secure its legacy.”

The programme brings together personalised support, protection, maintenance, restoration, collection assistance and resale guidance. Its available in two tiers, Hour Signature and Hour Prestige. It includes:

Hour Signature

The Hour Signature programme provides access to:

• Personal Concierge
• Accidental Damage Cover
• Comprehensive Repairs & Restoration
• Expert Collection & Curation Support
• Resale Assistance

The Hour Prestige programme includes the benefits of Hour Signature along with:

• Theft Protection
• 15-day purchase/refund window
• Personalisation Services
• Authentication & Valuation

3. Virtual Vault Report: What It Is and How It Works

The Virtual Vault Report (VVR) is a blockchain-backed digital certification platform designed to provide owners, collectors and prospective buyers with a comprehensive digital record of a luxury timepiece.

The report provides a 50+ point inspection, covering the watch’s authenticity, condition, technical specifications, movement assessment, aesthetic condition, originality of visible components, estimated market value and overall condition grading.

India’s first blockchain-based digital authentication and certification platform

The Virtual Vault Report creates a digital passport for the timepiece, allowing its information and certification record to be accessed digitally and supporting informed decisions when buying, selling or trading luxury watches.

The report is designed to document the condition and provenance of a timepiece while creating a structured digital record that can be updated as the watch moves through its ownership lifecycle.

4. Horology 101: Experiential Horological Education

As part of its Centre of Excellence proposition, Luxury Watch Works conducts Horology 101, a hands-on masterclass introducing participants to the fundamentals of mechanical watchmaking.

The 120-minute experience allows participants to work with a mechanical movement under the guidance of LWW’s Swiss-trained technical specialists, providing an introduction to movement assembly, disassembly, precision and the craftsmanship behind mechanical timepieces. Designed to be beginner-friendly and conducted in small groups, the masterclass forms part of LWW’s broader commitment to developing horological awareness and appreciation in India.

Why This Matters

LWW’s founder frames the announcement around a single idea: ownership of a fine timepiece doesn’t end at purchase. “A luxury timepiece is more than an object that tells time. It carries craftsmanship, history, ownership and, often, significant emotional and financial value,” said Sarosh Mody, Founder & Director, Luxury Watch Works. “Our vision for Luxury Watch Works is to create a Centre of Excellence where the complete ownership journey can be supported, from authorised after-sales service to lifecycle management, digital authentication and education.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hour Circle?

Hour Circle is Luxury Watch Works’ lifecycle-management membership programme for luxury watch owners in India, covering concierge support, theft and accidental damage protection, and resale assistance, available at two membership levels.

What is the Virtual Vault Report?

The Virtual Vault Report is LWW’s blockchain-secured digital certification for luxury watches, based on a 50-point-plus inspection covering authenticity, condition, and market value, issued as a digital passport the owner can access at any time.

What is Horology 101?

Horology 101 is LWW’s hands-on horological education experience, providing participants with an introduction to mechanical watchmaking through guided assembly and disassembly of a mechanical movement under the supervision of technical specialists.

Which watch brands does Luxury Watch Works service?

LWW is an authorised after-sales service centre for 13 brands: Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Carl F. Bucherer, Chopard, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Seiko, TAG Heuer, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin.

Where is Luxury Watch Works located?

Luxury Watch Works is based in Mumbai, India, at Kala Bhavan, behind the Opera House, Charni Road.

Is this India’s first lifecycle management programme for luxury watches?

Yes. LWW states Hour Circle is India’s first dedicated lifecycle-management programme for luxury timepieces, and the Virtual Vault Report is India’s first blockchain-based digital authentication and certification platform in this category.

About Luxury Watch Works

Luxury Watch Works (LWW) is a Centre of Excellence for luxury timepieces based in Mumbai, India, offering authorised after-sales service, lifecycle management through Hour Circle, digital certification through the Virtual Vault Report, horological consultancy, certified pre-owned timepieces, and horological education. LWW’s Swiss-trained technical team operates with specialised, brand-specific tooling and in-house expertise across more than 100 calibres.

The company’s philosophy is reflected in its guiding principle:

Luxury Watch Works

Preserving Legacy, Delivering Value.

Unit No. 39/A, 1st Floor, Kala Bhavan

Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Behind Opera House

Charni Road, Mumbai – 400004

India

Website: https://www.luxurywatchworks.com/

General Enquiries: info@luxurywatchworks.com  | +91-77108-47999

Press & Media: thelibrary@luxurywatchworks.com 

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Companies risk losing their most AI-savvy employees while leaving majority behind: PwC

• Across the workforce, AI use is up 10 points – but access to learning and development resources is down 8 points
• Workers who use AI daily are significantly more likely to trust management, feel secure in their jobs and view technological change positively
• However, the majority of workers (56%) are falling behind – only two in five say they have access to the learning and development resources they need
• Meanwhile, almost a third (29%) of ‘front-runner’ employees with strong AI capabilities and scarce skills say they are very or extremely likely to change employer in the next year.
• Cost-of-living pressures rise: Only a third of workers report having money left at the end of the month, down 8% year on year

LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A growing AI skills divide is creating a diverging workforce, with the majority of workers at risk of being left behind as access to learning and development falls – even as AI use and the pace of workplace change accelerate.

PwC’s 2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, which interviewed nearly 50,000 workers across 48 countries and regions, finds diverging optimism in the growth trajectories and experiences of employees – as workers face rapid change, rising workloads and greater cost-of-living pressures.

Just 51% say they have access to the learning and development resources they need, down from 59% last year.

The divide is particularly stark among the 56% of ‘engine room’ workers whose skills are less scarce and who are not far along the AI learning curve: only two in five of those workers say they have access to the learning and development resources they need.

Meanwhile, workers who use AI daily are more confident in their job security, more likely to trust management and more confident about their ability to learn new skills.

Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said:

“Workers are under growing pressure from rising workloads, rapid change and external uncertainty. But those using AI every day are more confident, more ambitious and more positive about their careers and prospects. The challenge for leaders is to keep developing those people – but not at the expense of the rest of the workforce.”

AI adoption continues to rise but workers face growing pressures

Workers are feeling significant pressure. Only a third report having money left at the end of the month, down 8% year on year.

At the same time, almost a third (29%) say they have significantly less bargaining power than three years ago, more than double the number who disagreed. For fully remote workers, the proportion is 10 points higher.

When considering the biggest risks to job security, more workers cite economic volatility (57%) than AI taking on more tasks (44%) – with Gen Z more anxious across all these metrics.

Three-fifths (58%) of those who have experienced change in the workplace feel there has been more change in the last year than in previous years. Almost one-third (27%) say that feeling fatigued or burned out limits their productivity.

The vast majority of workers say they have also had to apply new skills in their job over the past year, with two-fifths (40%) saying this was to a large or very large extent.

Change is happening faster at leadership levels. More than half (51%) of senior executives and 46% of managers say they have applied new skills in their roles, relative to 29% of non-managers and 38% of entry-level workers.

But as workers face mounting pressure – AI adoption continues to rise: nearly two-thirds (64%) of all workers cite using AI at work in the past 12 months – a ten-point increase relative to last year. The proportion using Gen AI daily also increased from 14% to 22%. Roughly three-fifths (59%) of workers expect their use of AI tools in their job to increase over the next 12 months. This group reports that the use of AI makes them feel energised and empowered rather than tired and powerless, by margins of around 5:1.

Daily AI users in the workforce are also more optimistic: 68% report confidence in their job security compared to 57% for infrequent users. They are also more likely to ask for a promotion (+12 percentage points), trust top management (+15) and be confident they can learn new skills (+21).

The new workforce divide

While workers are broadly confident (61%) that they can develop skills growth – only half (51%) cite being able to access learning and development resources (down from 59%). To understand this further, the report segments the workforce into four groups:

• Front-runners (14%), with scarce skills and strong AI capabilities
• AI insurgents (18%), whose skills are less scarce but are using AI to deliver more
• Indispensables (11%), with scarce skills that employers value highly, but who are not far along the AI learning curve
• The Engine Room (56%), whose skills are not scarce and who are not far on the AI learning curve

The report highlights the need for employers to pay particular attention to the ‘engine room’ group. This group is less likely to be rewarded for using AI, learning new skills or challenging existing ways of working – yet they are the majority of the workforce, responsible for most of the day-to-day work within an organisation.

Meanwhile the ‘front-runners’ are seeing strong benefits from their position. They are most likely to over-index on being rewarded for challenging existing ways of working (1.5x global average) and learning new skills (1.2x global average). This group is also +33 points more likely to ask for a promotion.

In a challenge to employers seeking to retain their most valuable workers, almost a third (29%) of this group say they are very or extremely likely to change employer in the next year.

Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, concluded:

“There is a real risk that the global workforce is starting to move at different speeds. More than half of workers are not yet benefiting from AI and skills in the same way, while those with scarce skills and strong AI capabilities are becoming more confident and more mobile. Leaders need to think hard about where they invest in skills, how they give people the opportunity to adapt, and how they hold on to the capabilities they most need.”

Notes to Editors

About PwC’s 2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey

PwC’s 2026 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey gathered responses from 49,364 workers across 48 countries and regions and 29 sectors in May and June 2026. The figures in this report are weighted proportionally to the working population’s gender and age distribution in each country or region, ensuring workers’ views are broadly representative across all major geographies. 

About PwC 

At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 360,000 people in 130+ countries and territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com.    

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Sweden Opens Travel Agency for Introverts

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sweden is opening The Introvert Travel Agency, designed to help travellers discover, book and recharge in Sweden—with less social pressure and more freedom to explore on their own terms.

According to a recent YouGov survey, only 14% describe themselves as extroverts, while 41% identify as introverts and another 45% as a mix of both. Nearly half say they sometimes need a “vacation from their vacation” to recover after travelling. The research also shows that 67% of travellers prefer destinations where social interaction feels optional rather than expected.

“For introverts, recharging is often less about being alone and more about having control over when and how we interact with others,” says Mattias Lundberg, a licensed psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Umeå University. “Environments with less social pressure, more personal space and the possibility to withdraw can make it easier to preserve and regain energy. Sweden naturally offers many of these qualities, which makes it particularly well suited to travellers who want to experience a destination on their own terms.”

In Sweden, silence does not automatically need filling. Having a coffee alone is unremarkable; personal space is generally respected. Sweden’s low population density and the right of public access, allemansrätten, allow visitors to experience nature independently at their own pace.

“Many travellers are looking for something surprisingly simple: the freedom to decide when they want company and when they don’t,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden. “Sweden has always offered that kind of space, in our nature, our cities and our social culture. The Introvert Travel Agency makes it easier to experience Sweden in your own way. Here, being social is an option, not an obligation.”

The Introvert Travel Agency is available online and will launch as a pop-up experience, bringing Sweden’s nature, space and relaxed social culture to life for visitors looking to plan a quieter kind of holiday. The pop-up will visit:

• Berlin, October 14 – 17
• Paris, October 21 – 24
• London, October 28 – 31

More information: visitsweden.com/the-introvert-travel-agency/

Video: https://youtu.be/SUG2ACZotP8

Press images 

Source: Survey, June/July 2026, VisitSweden/YouGov

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Zoomlion Signs US$300 Million Credit Insurance Policy and Initial US$50 Million Non-Recourse Factoring Agreement

SHANGHAI, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion”) signed a US$300 million portfolio credit insurance policy and an initial US$50 million non-recourse factoring agreement at the Zoomlion 2026 Global Financial Partners Summit and Signing Ceremony in Shanghai on September 11, establishing a tiered insurance-and-financing framework for overseas installment receivables as its international business grows.

Developed over six months with international insurers and financial institutions, the arrangement combines portfolio credit insurance with non-recourse factoring. In practical terms, overseas installment receivables covered by the insurance policy can be factored with an overseas bank on a non-recourse basis. This gives Zoomlion a structured way to manage and finance overseas receivables rather than handling them transaction by transaction. The framework is designed to turn these receivables into scalable, standardized and replicable investment-grade assets.

At the signing ceremony, the US$300 million policy was signed with a double-A-rated international insurer and leading institutions, while the initial US$50 million non-recourse factoring agreement was signed with an overseas bank.

The agreements come as Zoomlion continues to expand internationally. In the first half of 2026, the company’s international revenue rose 12.45% year over year to RMB 15.54 billion (approximately US$2.31 billion), accounting for 57.25% of total revenue.

Zoomlion CFO Du Yigang reviewed the company’s cooperation with global financial partners and outlined its progress and future plans for overseas financial and insurance services.

“Zoomlion will continue to uphold the values of Integrity, Dedication, Inclusiveness and Responsibility and deepen mutual trust with our financial partners,” said Du.

More than 40 financial and insurance partners from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, France, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong SAR and other markets attended the summit. Discussions covered the global macroeconomic outlook, overseas financial and insurance strategies, regional market opportunities, exchange and interest rate trends, and insurance innovation. The Economist Corporate Network (ECN) led a morning session on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, while representatives from Radana and Alfa-Bank shared perspectives on market and financing developments.

Xu Xiaoming, General Manager of Zoomlion’s Financial Business Management Department and Credit Insurance Department, discussed future cooperation, while Deputy General Manager Yan Xin introduced the company’s overseas third-party financing and insurance strategy and cooperation models.

Looking ahead, Zoomlion plans to deepen cooperation with global financial and insurance partners and further develop scalable and replicable financial and insurance solutions to support its international growth.

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Mahanadi Flood Alert: 26 Hirakud Gates Open, Cuttack and Several Districts on Watch

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The flood situation in Odisha’s Mahanadi river system has intensified, with 26 gates of the Hirakud Dam currently open and more than five lakh cusecs of water being released downstream.

Representational Image 

The rising discharge has triggered concern across several low-lying areas, particularly in Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and parts of Kendrapara districts.

According to reports, nearly 8 lakh cusecs of floodwater reached Mundali by Monday evening, increasing the pressure on downstream areas along the Mahanadi system.

Hirakud Releases Over 5 Lakh Cusecs

The Hirakud reservoir was receiving around 5.01 lakh cusecs of water per second, while the downstream discharge stood at approximately 5.14 lakh cusecs.

The reservoir water level was reported at 629.69 feet. With outflow exceeding inflow, authorities are closely monitoring the movement of water through the downstream river system.

The impact is already being felt in several areas along the Mahanadi and its distributaries.

Farmland Under Water in Banki

Floodwaters have entered the Ran and Chandrapara branch rivers in the Banki area of Cuttack district, inundating hundreds of acres of agricultural land.

For farmers, the situation has become particularly difficult as this is reportedly the third flood of the season. Repeated inundation has raised concerns over crop losses and the economic impact on farming communities.

Dhabaleswar Temple Entry Restricted

Authorities have also imposed precautionary restrictions around the Dhabaleswar shrine as water levels continue to rise.

Entry of devotees has been restricted until Tuesday evening, while Section 163 has been imposed in the area to prevent any untoward incident.

At Badamba, floodwater has reportedly entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Maa Bhattarika Shakti Peetha, highlighting the extent of the flooding in areas located close to the Mahanadi.

Cuttack, Khordha, Puri Among Vulnerable Areas

Officials from the Water Resources Department have warned that rising Mahanadi levels could affect low-lying areas of Cuttack, Khordha, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Parts of Patkura and Garadpur in Kendrapara district could also face the impact as the floodwater travels further downstream.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on river levels and the movement of floodwater to assess the situation in vulnerable locations.

Residents Advised to Remain Alert

With the Mahanadi continuing to carry a heavy volume of water, residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the local administration.

The coming hours will remain crucial as authorities monitor the downstream impact of the large volume of water being released from Hirakud.

Castrol launches ‘Castrol CORE’, an integrated thermal management offer for data centres

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In response to rising demand for AI and high-performance computing, Castrol today launched Castrol CORE, a new end-to-end offer for its data centre thermal management business. The offer is designed to help customers manage increasingly complex cooling requirements from early-stage design through to daily operations.

Castrol CORE marks a shift from Castrol’s existing product-led cooling business towards an integrated, service-led approach that brings together a network of product, infrastructure, design and service partners, giving customers a single point of contact across the value chain rather than having to coordinate with multiple suppliers.

Under Castrol CORE, Castrol will work with customers earlier in the development of data centre infrastructure, adding new capabilities in design to its existing support for deployment, start-up, operation and maintenance. The move is based on Castrol’s industry research which found growing demand for integrated thermal management solutions that reduce the complexity of working with multiple technologies and suppliers. The research also highlighted supply chain challenges and the high cost of failure as significant concerns for the industry.

Central to the offer are Castrol’s cooling technologies, which have been tested and validated with leading chip and hardware manufacturers including NVIDIA and Intel. This gives customers confidence that the technology can keep pace with next-generation AI infrastructure. The offer is backed by Castrol’s global technology and testing facilities – including labs in the UK, US, Germany and China, alongside joint laboratories across Asia and a network of service providers across more than 150 countries. The network enables continued on-ground testing, validation and monitoring throughout a facility’s lifetime, and helping customers reduce the risk of costly downtime.

Peter Huang, Global President of Data Centre and Thermal Management at Castrol, said: “Customers are telling us they do not simply want another standalone product. They want experienced partners that can help them solve the complete thermal management challenge. We are bringing together proven technology, global reach and, critically, design expertise so we can work with customers at every stage of a project, giving them the peace of mind to focus on what’s next.”

In Asia Pacific, Castrol has built a regional data centre design team supported by local specialists, reflecting the pace at which the region is adopting new cooling infrastructure. This approach is already being tested in practice: Castrol has completed a proof-of-concept programme with a leading data centre operator in China and is now working with global operators on additional proof-of-concept projects.

Backed by more than 127 years of experience formulating fluids for mission-critical applications, Castrol CORE will initially focus on data centre cooling systems, while providing a platform for Castrol’s thermal management offer to expand into other applications over time.

About Castrol

Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea, and space for over 127 years. Castrol serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognized globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.  

For more information, please visit: www.castrol.com

Castrol CORE is Castrol’s integrated Cooling solution offer, bringing together design expertise, cooling technology and lifecycle services to support customers with mission-critical cooling requirements.

Castrol CORE is designed to support data center cooling system requirements from early-stage design and specification through deployment, start-up, operation, maintenance and ongoing support.

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Cuttack Gears Up for Durga Puja: Over 170 Pandals Prepare for Grand Celebrations

Cuttack: Sept. 28 (UDN): The festive spirit is building in Cuttack as preparations for Durga Puja gather momentum across the city, with more than 170 puja pandals getting ready to welcome devotees.

 Representational Image 

From traditional clay idol-making to mandap preparations, artisans and puja committees are working against the clock to complete arrangements ahead of the festival. Despite interruptions caused by rain, work has continued at several locations, with artisans putting in long hours to meet deadlines.

Artisans Race Against Time

At Professor Pada, preparations are underway for an approximately 18-foot-tall Durga idol, described by the organisers as one of the tallest in the state.

The first phase of clay work has been completed, while artisans are preparing to begin the next stage of idol-making.

At Haripur Dolamundai, meanwhile, craftsmen are working on the bamboo and straw framework of the idol. The first layer of clay is expected to be applied shortly.

For the artisans, idol-making is not merely a profession but a work carried out with considerable devotion.

“I am handling five to six idols. The bamboo work is already done, and now we will proceed with the first and second layers of mud. Working on the Goddess’s idol feels very different from any other task. We work with such devotion that we don’t think of anything else; it is unique and distinct from all our other works,” artisan Debendra Muduli said.

Over 170 Puja Mandaps Prepare

Durga Puja occupies a special place in Cuttack’s cultural calendar, with neighbourhoods across the city preparing elaborate celebrations featuring idols of Goddess Durga and Hara-Parbati.

While idol-making continues, puja committees are also busy preparing their respective mandaps and arranging facilities for devotees.

The scale of the celebrations means preparations extend beyond decorations and religious rituals, with authorities also working on crowd management, security and other logistical arrangements.

Administration Steps Up Preparations

The district administration and Commissionerate Police have begun coordination efforts ahead of the festivities. Meetings with puja committees, peace committees and other stakeholders have been held to discuss arrangements and ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.

A single-window system has also been introduced to facilitate the process of obtaining permissions required by puja committees.

Authorities are additionally preparing for live coverage of Durga Puja celebrations, allowing devotees to follow the festivities remotely.

With memories of disturbances during last year’s Dussehra still fresh, officials have appealed to organisers and residents to cooperate with the administration and help maintain peace and order during the festival.

Cuttack Awaits the Festive Days

For puja committees and artisans, the countdown has already begun. With work continuing at multiple locations, the city is gradually taking on a festive look.

“We are very happy that the Goddess’s puja will be held with great pomp and discipline. The weather was a bit concerning, but it has improved now. Cuttack is a city of brotherhood, so there won’t be any issues. We will celebrate the puja of the city’s largest idol with peace and order,” Professor Pada puja committee president Bichitrananda Khuntia told OTV.

As the final layers of clay take shape and mandaps prepare to light up, Cuttack is getting ready for another season of devotion, tradition and community celebration.

Responsible Fintech Institute Appoints Four Executive Fellows and Elevates Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh to Co-Founder

Appointments of Professor Lawrence Loh, Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan, Professor Louis Chen and Farah Jaafar deepen RFI’s expertise in law, governance, digital policy and cross-border capital markets

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI) has appointed Professor Lawrence Loh, Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan, Professor Louis Chen and Ms Farah Jaafar as Executive Fellows. RFI has also elevated Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh, who joined as an Executive Fellow in April 2026, to Co-Founder, in recognition of his contributions to the Institute’s strategic direction.

The appointments come as digital finance goes mainstream and regulators, institutions and technology providers seek to ground innovation in digital assets, AI and cross-border payments in sound legal, ethical and governance foundations.

As Executive Fellows, they will engage regulators and standard-setting bodies, contribute to principles-based industry frameworks, and strengthen RFI’s partnerships across the region.

Welcoming the appointments, Chia Hock Lai, Chairman of RFI, said, “Lawrence, Eugene, Louis and Farah bring deep experience in law, governance, digital policy and capital market development, the disciplines that responsible digital finance depends on. I also congratulate Patrick on becoming a Co-Founder, recognising his central role in building the Institute.”

Professor Lawrence Loh is Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, where he leads the Singapore Governance and Transparency Index and the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard project. He holds a PhD in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a regular commentator on governance and sustainability for outlets including the BBC, Bloomberg, CNN and The Straits Times.

“Trust is the foundation of every financial system, and it is built on transparency and good governance,” said Professor Lawrence Loh. “I am pleased to help RFI support an industry that grows responsibly and sustainably.”

Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan is Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU) and an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore. Educated at the National University of Singapore, the London School of Economics and Stanford University, where he was a Fulbright Fellow, he specialises in constitutional and administrative law and the ethics and policy of artificial intelligence. He served as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2012 to 2014 and, from 2019 to 2026, as Singapore’s Representative and Alternate Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

“As AI and digital assets reshape financial services, the key questions are about accountability and public trust, not just technology,” said Associate Professor Tan. “I look forward to helping RFI develop frameworks that are principled, practical and grounded in the rule of law.”

Professor Louis Chen is widely recognised for his contributions to digital governance, sustainable digital economy development and cross-sector institutional collaboration. Through his leadership at the Digital Governance Association (DGA), he has helped advance dialogue on responsible innovation, AI governance and the future of digital ecosystems.

“Trusted digital finance depends on governance that keeps pace with technology,” said Professor Chen. “I look forward to helping RFI bring policymakers, academics and industry together towards a secure, interoperable digital economy.”

Ms Farah Jaafar is a senior executive, board advisor and governance leader with close to 30 years of experience across capital markets, offshore finance, fintech and digital assets. As former Chief Executive Officer of Labuan IBFC Inc., she led the international positioning of Malaysia’s international business and financial centre as a regional hub for cross-border financial solutions. She has chaired risk committees in regulated brokerages and pioneered licensed fintech and digital asset infrastructure in Asia. She chairs the Women in Fintech Group of the Asia Fintech Alliance, which represents fintech associations across 15 Asian markets.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” said Ms Jaafar. “Digital finance can widen access and create opportunity, but only if it earns the confidence of regulators, investors and the public. I look forward to strengthening that collaboration with RFI.”

Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh was conferred the inaugural Singapore Distinguished Professor title by Murdoch University, Australia, in 2024. He is Senior Fellow and Advisory Board Member at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, and Chairman of the Advisory Board at Murdoch University in Singapore. He was awarded the Public Service Star (BBM) and the Public Service Medal (PBM) by the President of the Republic of Singapore.

“The calibre of leaders joining us shows that responsible innovation needs collaboration across law, governance, industry and policy,” said Distinguished Professor Patrick Loh. “I look forward to expanding RFI’s impact across the region and beyond.”

The RFI Executive Fellowship is designed for senior leaders with at least 20 years of experience in executive leadership and a demonstrated track record in shaping financial policy or institutional strategy. Fellows are expected to operate with institutional neutrality while contributing to globally aligned and responsible financial systems.

About the Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI)

The Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI) is a global nonprofit organisation based in Singapore. Its goal is to create a safe, trustworthy and reliable future for digital finance by building the digital utilities that support responsible innovation. RFI brings together public and private sector stakeholders to help build the rules and technology needed for new digital financial tools, and to make the digital asset sector sustainable and inclusive. Learn more at responsiblefintech.org.

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