12, Aug 2026
Manufacturing GVA Rises 10.88 pc in Three Years, Government Data Shows
New Delhi, Aug 12: India’s manufacturing sector recorded 10.88 per cent growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) during 2022-23 to 2025-26, according to government data based on the revised national accounts series.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The figures point to a strong expansion in manufacturing activity over the three-year period, as the sector continues to play an important role in India’s broader economic growth.
The government has been focusing on strengthening domestic manufacturing through initiatives aimed at attracting investment, improving infrastructure and supporting businesses across key industrial segments.
Schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive programme have encouraged investment in areas including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and other strategic industries. At the same time, improvements in logistics and connectivity are helping manufacturers reach both domestic and international markets more efficiently.
The revised national accounts series uses 2022-23 as its base year and provides an updated assessment of economic activity across different sectors.
The manufacturing sector is also gradually moving towards more technology-intensive production. This includes growing activity in electronics, advanced engineering, semiconductors and other high-value industries.
For businesses, this shift is creating new opportunities while also increasing the need for investment in modern technology, skilled workers and efficient production systems.
The government has also been seeking to strengthen domestic supply chains and encourage Indian manufacturers to become more integrated with global value chains. Greater participation in global manufacturing could help expand exports and create new employment opportunities.
The latest GVA figures provide an encouraging picture of manufacturing performance under the revised measurement framework. However, maintaining this momentum will depend on continued investment, stable supply chains, access to skilled talent and the ability of Indian companies to remain competitive.
With manufacturing expected to remain central to India’s long-term growth plans, the sector’s performance will continue to be closely watched as the country works to build a stronger and more globally competitive industrial base.
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- By Neel Achary
12, Aug 2026
Indian Companies Go Global: 77% Plan to Increase Overseas Hiring, Deel Survey
Aug 12 – Indian businesses are looking well beyond their borders to fuel growth, according to a new survey by Deel, which finds that 77% of Indian companies plan to increase global hiring over the next 12-18 months. The research signals a shift in how Indian organisations are building and structuring their workforces, as access to specialised talent, proximity to customers, and round-the-clock operations emerge as the leading drivers of international expansion.
The survey of 1,008 senior decision-makers and HR leaders across seven major Indian cities finds that global hiring is no longer a fringe strategy but a mainstream one. More than half (54%) of companies already have more than a quarter of their workforce based outside India. Additionally, more than half (58%) of companies operate in four or more countries, with nearly 20% already operating across more than 10 countries.
Specialised talent, not cost, is fuelling global expansion
34% of respondents cite access to specialised or emerging skills as their top reason for hiring globally, followed by 33% who hire to be closer to customers and local markets, and 20% who cite the ability to run 24/7 operations. The findings underscore that for Indian companies, going global is a talent and market-access strategy, not a cost play.
Global hiring is heavily concentrated in technology roles:
Companies expanding overseas are looking to fill the skills gap and also revenue-critical roles. Nearly nine in ten (89%) of companies hiring globally are looking for advanced technology and engineering talent, such as core developers, AI/ML specialists, and R&D professionals. This is followed by sales and business development (80%) and product and design (45%).
North America remains the top destination for Indian companies’ global workforces, cited by 36% of respondents, ahead of Europe/UK (27%) and APAC (21%). This suggests employers are willing to pay more to hire the right talent from high-income economies for roles that directly influence roadmap and revenue.
“India’s economic momentum, maturing startup ecosystem, thriving digital economy, and increasingly supportive policy environment are giving Indian companies the confidence to build globally, not just serve global clients from India. The winners will be those treating international expansion as a core growth strategy – backed by the right talent, technology, and compliance foundations. In the next few years, India’s most ambitious companies will be measured not just by revenue growth, but by its global footprint,” said Rakesh Gaur, Head of Sales for India at Deel.
Compliance, not cost, is the biggest barrier to scaling globally
As Indian companies expand their international footprint, compliance has emerged as the biggest obstacle to scaling. Three quarters (76%) of respondents cite compliance and administrative burden, not the cost of expansion, as their primary challenge. This includes navigating global payroll, local tax laws, statutory benefits, and risks such as misclassification and permanent establishment.
The impact is already being felt: One in three (36%) of companies report moderate or significant disruption to their expansion plans due to compliance issues, and only one in ten (10%) say they are highly confident their global HR and payroll setup is fully compliant.
Compliance delays are already impacting business performance
The impact of compliance challenges extends well beyond HR and legal teams. Among companies that experienced delays in their global expansion, the biggest causes were local entity setup taking longer than expected (42%), followed by visa, immigration or work permit delays (31%), payroll, tax or statutory filing errors (27%), and internal system or process gaps caused by manual or disconnected tools (25%).
The business consequences are significant. Seven in ten (70%) companies say compliance-related delays pushed back a product or market launch, while 67% report strain on leadership time, team morale or company reputation. Nearly six in ten (59%) experienced delayed revenue because new hires were not productive on time, 49% lost or delayed a deal, contract or project, and 38% incurred additional legal, remediation or unplanned costs. Only 20% say the delays had no measurable financial impact.
Fragmented operations are slowing global growth
Workforce operations also remain fragmented. Nearly half (46%) of companies use a central HR system but still manage global payroll manually, and 44% juggle between two to five separate HR or workforce platforms to manage their international teams.
Rakesh adds, “Indian companies want to scale globally, but managing compliance across fragmented systems isn’t just inefficient – it’s a compliance liability. The ones that win will consolidate their operations onto a platform built for global growth.”
EOR adoption is becoming the default route to global expansion
Against this backdrop of rising complexity, Employer of Record (EOR) solutions are emerging as the default strategy for Indian companies scaling internationally. 34% of companies already use an EOR model, while another 24% use a mix of employment models, combining EOR, contractors, and owned entities, depending on the country and role.
Among companies already using an EOR, the benefits are clear: 40% say it saves them both time and cost, and a further 35% say it primarily saves time.
About the Research
The survey was conducted among 1,008 senior decision-makers directly involved in global hiring, expansion, and workforce strategy across seven Indian cities — Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kochi — spanning sectors including IT, BFSI and fintech, telecom and technology services, healthcare, retail, education, media, entertainment & gaming, and professional services. The mobile/web-based survey used stratified sampling and comprised 15 questions.
12, Aug 2026
DigiLocker Crosses 72.43 Crore Users, UMANG Surpasses 11.66 Crore
New Delhi, Aug 12: India’s digital governance ecosystem is continuing to expand, with DigiLocker crossing 72.43 crore registered users and the UMANG platform reaching more than 11.66 crore users, reflecting the growing adoption of online government services across the country.
The increasing use of these platforms shows how digital tools are gradually changing the way citizens access government documents and services. For many people, tasks that once required paperwork and visits to government offices can now be completed through a mobile phone or computer.
DigiLocker has emerged as an important platform for accessing and sharing digital documents. Citizens can use the service to obtain documents issued by government departments and authorised institutions, making it easier to keep important records available when required.
The platform is particularly useful for documents that people frequently need for education, employment, travel, financial services and other official purposes.
UMANG has similarly brought a wide range of government services together on one digital platform. Its growing user base reflects increasing demand for convenient access to public services without the need to visit multiple offices or websites.
The expansion of digital services is also helping improve access for people outside major cities. Citizens in smaller towns and rural areas can increasingly use online platforms for routine government-related requirements, potentially saving time and reducing travel.
At the same time, digital access remains uneven for sections of the population. To address this, assisted digital-service centres continue to provide support to people who may not have smartphones, computers or reliable internet access.
The growth of DigiLocker and UMANG is part of a wider shift towards paperless and technology-enabled governance in India. As more departments bring services online, citizens are gaining access to an increasing number of government facilities through a single digital ecosystem.
For ordinary users, the biggest benefit is convenience. Documents can be accessed when needed, while several public services can be reached without navigating multiple physical offices.
The rising number of registered users also indicates that digital public services are becoming a regular part of everyday interactions between citizens and government.
With continued expansion of services and greater emphasis on accessibility, platforms such as DigiLocker and UMANG are expected to remain important components of India’s digital governance journey.
12, Aug 2026
CPDL Strengthens Power Infrastructure with Commissioning of New 11 kV Feeder for Sector-46-C Area
Chandigarh, August 12, 2026: Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has commissioned a new 11 kV 46–C Feeder originating from the 66/11 kV Sector-47 Grid Substation, taking another step towards strengthening the city’s power distribution network. The project has been completed at an approximate cost of Rs 55 lakh.
The newly commissioned feeder is designed to enhance the reliability and operational flexibility of the electricity distribution network in Sector–46–C and adjoining areas.
CPDL officials said that the new feeder will provide substantial load relief to the existing 11 kV feeder for Sector 46 C & D, emanating from the Sector-32 Grid Substation, reducing feeder loading and improving the continuity and reliability of power supply for consumers.
The project will also enhance network flexibility by enabling efficient load redistribution with improved system redundancy.
In addition, it will facilitate planned cut-point shifting to provide further load relief to the 11 kV 32 Water Works Feeder originating from the Sector-52 Grid Substation, thereby improving the overall performance of the distribution network.
Consumers in the area will benefit from improved voltage regulation, reduced chances of feeder overloading, and outages. The additional infrastructure will also enable CPDL to cater to future growth in electricity demand in the locality.
12, Aug 2026
HTX Releases July Performance Report: TradFi Zone Evolves, Reaching Record Daily Trading Volume
APIA, Samoa, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As market narratives shift rapidly, investors increasingly demand broader asset allocation and higher capital efficiency. The ability to capture market opportunities instantly, alongside solid product offerings, earnings, and services, serves as the most direct benchmark for evaluating a trading platform. In July 2026, staying true to its “User First” principle, HTX delivered a multi-dimensional performance report marked by a 15% month-to-month growth in new registered users, driven by continuous optimization across listings, trading tools, earning products, campaign operations, and ecosystem building.
Expansion of TradFi Zone Drives Surging Trading Volume
This month, HTX continued to scale its Futures listings, launching 56 new assets, including 51 trending stock contracts. The listings are tightly focused on four high-demand sectors: commodities, precious metals, AI chips, and memory. HTX has carefully selected the core assets that attract the most market attention, balancing strong growth potential with resilient defensive characteristics. AI and semiconductors emerged as the dominant narratives in July, with key memory and computing assets such as SKHYNIX and SKHY (SK Hynix), MU (Micron Technology), and SNDK (SanDisk) going live consecutively, helping users flexibly capture market momentum. Currently, the platform supports 170 TradFi assets, covering US individual stocks, ETFs, and Pre-IPOs, maintaining a leading industry position in individual US stock coverage. Users can trade global core assets seamlessly on HTX, all in one place, without the need to switch between platforms.
Alongside asset expansion, the trading experience underwent continuous optimization. In July, HTX Futures completed deep adaptations for TradFi, optimizing index sources and funding rates to align stock contract pricing more closely with real market conditions. The website version launched a dedicated TradFi navigation tab, making it easier for users to locate stock targets. Furthermore, the Stock Contract Rebase feature is scheduled to launch in Q3, which will further upgrade the trading experience.
This was followed by a surge in trading volume. At the end of July, the daily trading volume of the HTX TradFi zone hit a historical high, surging more than 10x over the June daily average. The cumulative TradFi trading volume reached approximately $2.5 billion.
Beyond refining TradFi futures trading, HTX is expanding the integration of traditional finance and crypto markets. As RWAs, particularly tokenized stocks, gradually become a major global trend, HTX continues to monitor international regulatory dynamics, studying regulatory frameworks and compliance pathways to prepare for future product innovations and global expansion.
Copy Trading & Trading Bots Grow; Trailing Grid Officially Launched
Despite recent pressure in the crypto market, HTX’s two automated futures trading businesses defied the market trend to achieve strong growth: July copy trading volume soared by 184% MoM, Futures trading bot volume grew by 9% MoM, and the platform’s daily average position value increased by 7%.
The growth in copy trading stems from the development of the trader ecosystem. The platform continuously optimized its leaderboard mechanism, attracting and retaining quality traders to steadily expand the talent pool. This provided users with richer, more professional copy trading choices, boosting both yield experiences and user trust.
In terms of grid trading tools, the Trailing Grid feature officially launched in July, allowing grid intervals to dynamically adjust with market movements. This helps users capture volatility gains more intelligently in choppy markets. The initial order-placement mechanism for Futures Grid was simultaneously upgraded to a limit order, effectively compressing slippage losses caused by market fluctuations and improving the long-term yield performance of grid bots.
Multiple trading experience optimizations were also implemented for high-frequency user scenarios. A one-click close feature for dual-direction positions on the same trading pair allows users to close positions with a single click during fast-moving markets. Risk control models and trigger rules were optimized, further strengthening protection against negative balances under extreme market conditions. The newly launched Futures Event Center consolidates various futures event entries into a single page, eliminating the need to jump between multiple tabs.
Earn Subscriptions Exceed $290M; Lending System Comprehensively Upgraded
Capital efficiency remains a top concern for long-term holders. In July, HTX Earn recorded nearly 28,000 participating users with total subscription volume exceeding $290 million. Stablecoins remained the most popular choice. Flexible Earn products for USDT, USDD, and USDC attracted over 20,000 participants with continuously competitive returns, driving subscription volumes close to $250 million. Tailored for Prime 5 and above clients, the BTC VIP Flexible Earn product was launched, offering 1% APY. Combined with the previously launched USDT VIP Flexible Earn product, major clients gained broader options for long-term asset allocation.
Lending services introduced innovative mechanisms. Collateral Swap launched the TRX on-chain energy arbitrage feature. Users stake BTC, ETH, or USDT to borrow TRX, deposit it into TRON Stake 2.0 to generate and lease energy, and secure high annualized yields. At the same time, limited-time low-interest loan options were rolled out for popular assets including XAUT, HYPE, ONDO, and AAVE, further lowering financing costs for holders. HTX’s Liquidity Boost continued to provide large-scale lending services to global top-tier market makers and institutional clients. Supporting multiple assets such as TRX and USDT, it offers customized solutions for clients with super-large volume demands, featuring higher TVLs and softer liquidations.
Celebrating the World Cup Online & Offline: SVIP Trip Reshapes Service Experience
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was July’s most globally watched event. Capitalizing on this trend, HTX launched a World Cup prediction campaign featuring a total prize pool of 500,000 USDT, covering predictions on champion, match outcomes, and goal tallies, adding an extra layer of engagement for global users. The campaign attracted nearly 13,000 registered participants, who cast over 180,000 prediction votes, driving a trading volume approaching $170 million.
Beyond online engagement, HTX brought SVIP clients straight to the World Cup venue. To thank core clients for their long-term companionship and support, HTX hosted an exclusive VIP tour during the quarter-finals, offering stadium VIP boxes and customized itineraries, allowing SVIP clients to experience the passion of the World Cup firsthand.
Genesis Hackathon Concludes Successfully; $HTX Utility Expands
In July, the Genesis Hackathon, co-hosted by HTX DAO and B.AI, drew to a successful close. As a core part of the HTX DAO Genesis Program, this hackathon focused on the AI and Web3 track, attracting over 200 developer teams to explore quality projects across AI agents, AI trading, AI payments, AI wallets, and DeFi. It connected global developers, investment institutions, and ecosystem partners to continuously enrich the innovative ecosystem of HTX DAO.
This July, HTX launched the inaugural TradFi “Trade to Earn” event. Users not only traded TradFi contracts with negative fees, but also saw 100% of their trading fees being allocated to the buyback and burn of $HTX, supporting its long-term value stability. The first round achieved a trading volume exceeding 63 million USDT, returning over 1.8 billion $HTX in fees to users. The second round of TradFi “Trade to Earn” is currently underway.
The 13th Anniversary Approaches: More Surprises Are on the Way
Looking back at July, every initiative by HTX pointed to a single core objective of delivering a better user experience. HTX is about to usher in its 13th-anniversary celebration, with numerous exciting events right around the corner to reward new and existing users for their trust and support. Over the past thirteen years, HTX has navigated through bull and bear cycles alongside global users, experiencing the industry’s ups and downs. Moving forward, the platform will continue to embed “User First” into every detail, providing every user with a more complete, secure, and diverse digital asset participation scenario.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.
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12, Aug 2026
Chandigarh University’s Architecture Students Secure 217 Placements in Leading Architecture Firms
Architecture Students Placed in Leading Firms Shapoorji Pallonji, Mahindra & Mahindra, Stonex & Tata Consulting Engineers; Students Secure Package of ₹12 LPA
University students launch 5 Entrepreneurial architect Ventures
CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The rapidly evolving architecture, construction, infrastructure and design sectors have given rise to the demand for specially trained professionals who can combine their design thinking with technical competence, practical exposure and industry readiness.
Aligned with the evolving needs of the architecture and built-environment sector, the University Institute of Architecture (UIA) at Chandigarh University has integrated industry exposure and experiential learning into its Bachelor of Architecture programme with 217 students securing placements over the last four years.
The placement performance of students of Architecture at Chandigarh University has remained consistently strong with 52 students placed from the 2023 batch, 49 from the 2024 batch, 56 from the 2025 batch and 60 from the 2026 batch, reflecting a steady rise in the number of graduates entering professional careers. The department has also recorded a highest annual package of ₹12 lakh, showcasing the professional competence and industry acceptance of its graduates.
The UIA students have secured opportunities with leading organisations across architecture, infrastructure, construction, design, real estate and allied sectors, including Tata Consulting Engineers, Shapoorji Pallonji, Mahindra & Mahindra, Stonex, FivD, Intec Infra, Damsun India, The Wave Group, Confluence Consultancy Services, Sanrachna Builders, CtrlS Group of Companies and Gauri Khan Design, among others.
Among the most notable placement achievements, Satyabrata Mohanty, one of the students at UIA, Chandigarh University secured a position as Junior Architect with CtrlS Group of Companies with an annual package of ₹12 lakh, emerging as one of the highest paid UIA graduates. Riya Thakur secured a job offer from Stonex at an annual package of ₹9 lakh while Gantavya joined Intec Infra at ₹7.20 lakh per annum. Shriyanshi Tiwari secured an opportunity with FivD, while several other graduates have obtained positions with leading architecture, infrastructure and design organisations.
The department’s placement engagement with industry has included Tata Consulting Engineers in 2023; Sanrachna Builders and Cargaison Express in 2024 and India Eye Institute (MAQ Software), Mahindra & Mahindra, Sanrachna Builders, Confluence Consultancy Services, Cosmo Sunshield, Arkance, Damsun India, Homevista Decor and Furnishing (HomeLane) and Stonex India in 2025. The 2026 placement cycle further saw participation from DLF, Value Drive Technology, The Wave Group, Cosmo Sunshield, Studiokon Venture, Gold Plus Glass Industry, FivD, Stonex, UltraTech and Intec Infra. UIA graduates are working as architects, senior architects, project architects, designer architects and junior architects across cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Mohali among others.
Graduates have also moved into leadership and multidisciplinary roles, with Shubham Popli serving as CEO of ARC 18 and several alumni establishing their own professional ventures. Berisha Peral is working as Senior Architect with Tata Consulting Engineers in Bengaluru at a current package of ₹7 lakh while Arshi Nigam, also associated with Tata Consulting Engineers, is working as Senior Architect in Ludhiana at ₹7 lakh. Gunjan is working as Designer Architect with Spacewood in Delhi at ₹9 lakh, while Vedant Tandon is serving as Project Architect with Shapoorji Pallonji in Pune at ₹7 lakh. Shreyash Sachdeva has progressed to the position of Senior Architect at Gauri Khan Design in Mumbai with a current package of ₹12 lakh. UIA’s placement outcomes are complemented by a strong emphasis on mandatory professional internship, with the 24-week internship providing students an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to professional architectural practice, government organisations and multidisciplinary consultancies. A total of 99 students completed their internships in 2025 and 2026.
Among other notable student achievements, Khushi Garg, one of the students received Best Thesis Award at the Zonal NASA Competition for her thesis ‘Subhuti – Rehabilitation Center for Women in the serene realm of Vrindavan’, emerging as the winner amidst entries from more than 40 architecture institutions.
Another notable student project, Deepti Goel’s ‘Azure Ramganga Promenade’, was presented to the Mayor of Bareilly where it received wide appreciation and was subsequently referred to the Tourism Department for consideration. The project was also featured in the Ethos Empowers Thesis Feature 2026.
Biswajit Das, recipient of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Medal 2025 for Best Outgoing Student, has established himself as the Co-founder of ARKASA – Space Architecture Design Research Labs and serves as an ISRO Space Tutor.
Beyond conventional architectural sector, Chandigarh University students have also entered government service with Jaspreet Singh, Anurag Kumar and Mohit Kapoor joining the Indian Army, with Mohit Kapoor serving as a Lieutenant and Jaspreet Singh serving as a Captain.
The entrepreneurial achievements of students of Architecture department of Chandigarh University further strengthen the institute’s emphasis on independent professional practice and innovation. The graduates from UIA department including Kalava, Biswajit, Arkajit, Anurag and Rahul Garg have established or are associated with professional ventures such as Terra Space Studio, ARKASA (Space Architecture), The Form & Void Studio, The Vastushilpa and Dwarabyra.
The institute continues to strengthen academic and professional engagement through collaborations with leading organisations and professional bodies including the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), ASHRAE, Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), Arkance, NPC India and Architectural Preservation Studio, New York. These collaborations provide students and faculty opportunities for professional development, research, industry interaction, exposure to emerging practices and international academic engagement.
The combination of sustained placement performance, structured professional internships, industry-led recruitment, design achievements, entrepreneurial initiatives and professional collaborations has strengthened the University Institute of Architecture’s focus on preparing graduates for the evolving demands of the architecture and built-environment sector. With graduates progressing across architecture firms, infrastructure companies, corporate organizations, government services and independent design practices, UIA continues to expand the career opportunities available to its students.
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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12, Aug 2026
Pocket FM Strengthens Global Brand Presence Through Partnership with Alpine APL Pipers for Global Chess League 2026
Aug 12: Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has partnered with Alpine APL Pipers as Global Co-Sponsor for the team’s campaign in the Global Chess League 2026, scheduled to be held from 3–13 September 2026. The partnership marks another milestone in Pocket FM’s international brand journey as it continues to strengthen its global brand presence through strategic partnerships with globally recognised sporting franchises.
Led by reigning World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, Alpine APL Pipers is one of the Global Chess League’s marquee franchises, bringing together an exceptional international line-up featuring Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi, Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh and Volodar Murzin. Through this collaboration, Pocket FM aligns with a franchise that represents excellence, strategy and world-class sporting ambition.
As part of the partnership, Pocket FM will have a strong presence across the team’s key touchpoints through integrated branding, digital visibility, broadcast integrations, on-ground fan engagement initiatives, exclusive player interactions, and a range of brand-led experiences throughout the tournament.
Rohan Nayak, CEO & Co-Founder of Pocket Entertainment, said, “At Pocket FM, we believe the world’s greatest stories and the game of chess share something fundamental – imagination, strategy and the pursuit of excellence. Our partnership with Alpine APL Pipers reflects our commitment to supporting communities that inspire millions while connecting with audiences through culture, passion, and ideas that transcend borders.”
Mahesh Bhupathi, Chief Executive Officer of SG Sports-Media-Entertainment, said, “We are delighted to welcome Pocket FM as our Global Co-Sponsor for the Global Chess League 2026. Pocket FM has built a strong global community and a distinctive storytelling platform that resonates with audiences across markets, making them a natural partner for Alpine APL Pipers.”
Beyond the competition, the partnership will create opportunities for fan engagement throughout the tournament, allowing audiences to connect with some of the world’s leading chess players while following Alpine APL Pipers’ journey in the Global Chess League.
Magnus Carlsen, World No. 1 and Icon Player for Alpine APL Pipers, said, “The Global Chess League has created a unique platform that brings together some of the world’s best players while making team chess more exciting for fans around the world. It’s great to welcome Pocket FM to the Alpine APL Pipers family, and I’m looking forward to an exciting season together.”
For Pocket FM, the partnership is part of a broader strategy to build deeper global consumer engagement through culturally relevant platforms that bring together world-class talent and passionate communities.
Vineet Singh, Global Head of Brand Marketing, Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs at Pocket FM, said, “As Pocket FM expands globally, we are focused on partnerships that strengthen our international brand. Chess is a game of strategy, imagination, and anticipation, the same qualities that define great storytelling.”
12, Aug 2026
Mana Unveils The Right Life’s Forest Province with ₹3,101 Crore GDV, Strengthening Its Nature-Led Luxury Portfolio in Bengaluru
~A thoughtfully designed 10-acre residential province centred around a 1+acre urban forest, blending community living, green spaces, and contemporary high-rise design~
BENGALURU, India, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As homebuyers increasingly seek residences that go beyond conventional apartment living, there is a growing preference for integrated townships that offer a balanced lifestyle combining nature, community, safety, and long-term value. In Bengaluru, this shift is driving demand for developments that seamlessly integrate green spaces, social infrastructure, and modern conveniences within a single, cohesive ecosystem.
Aligned with this evolving aspiration, Mana Skanda has launched Forest Province, a premium 10-acre residential enclave within The Right Life, a large master-planned township. With an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of ₹3,101 crore, the project will comprise approximately 1,052 Units with a total saleable area of around 2,434,025 sq. ft. Envisioned as a private and serene province within a vibrant urban ecosystem, Forest Province brings together nature-led planning, high-rise living and community-focused design.
An Integrated Address Within a Larger Ecosystem
Strategically positioned within a 100+ acre integrated development, Forest Province offers residents the advantage of living within a well-connected and self-sustained environment. Located close to the township’s grand entrance and upcoming office developments, the enclave ensures enhanced live-work convenience while maintaining a sense of exclusivity and privacy.
East Bengaluru’s Next Phase of Residential Evolution
Once driven primarily by IT-led growth, East Bengaluru has transformed into a well-rounded residential corridor supported by strong social infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and retail destinations. This evolution continues to attract homebuyers seeking integrated communities that offer both connectivity and a high quality of life.
Commenting on the launch, D. Kishore Reddy, CMD, Mana Projects, said: “Forest Province is envisioned as a space where residents can reconnect with nature without stepping away from the city. With the central forest, pedestrian-first design, and thoughtfully planned community spaces, the development reflects our belief that modern luxury lies in creating environments that are calm, connected, and designed for long-term well-being.”
A Forest-Led Living Experience
At the heart of Forest Province lies a 1+ acre ground-level forest—an expansive green zone equivalent to nearly 15 tennis courts—designed as a living ecological core. With over 1,000 trees, shrubs, and plants, the forest is curated to reflect natural biodiversity, creating a dense, evolving habitat that enhances air quality, visual appeal, and overall well-being. Inspired by the Miyawaki forest approach, the dense green cover also helps create a cooler, quieter microclimate while bringing nature closer to everyday living. This nature-first approach extends across the development through landscaped zones and open spaces, creating a seamless connection between residents and their surroundings.
High-Rise Living, Reimagined for Space and Light
Forest Province features eight residential towers rising up to 33 floors, with just four residences per floor, ensuring privacy and exclusivity. The homes comprise large-format 3, 3.5 & 4BHK configurations ranging from approximately 1,700 to 2,800 sq. ft., designed to maximise space, natural light, and ventilation. Contemporary layouts, larger windows, and refined interiors offer a living experience that balances comfort with functionality.
A key highlight of the development is its vehicle-free podium design, which prioritises safety, walkability, and cleaner living environments. Vehicular movement is directed to basement levels through dedicated ramps, allowing the podium to remain free of traffic, creating quieter and more community-friendly spaces. Carefully planned circulation ensures smooth movement for both pedestrians and vehicles.
A Multi-Layered Club and Lifestyle Offering
Spanning over 46,000 sq. ft., the development offers three distinct clubhouses designed to cater to diverse lifestyle needs:
- Club One: A ground-level clubhouse integrating indoor recreation, swimming pool access, and direct connection to the central forest
- Sky Club: An elevated lifestyle space offering panoramic views, thoughtfully divided into:
- Sun Club: Fitness, co-working, and wellness spaces including gym, yoga areas, and library
- Moon Club: Social and leisure experiences including spa, party zones, performance spaces, and lounges
Together, these spaces create a comprehensive ecosystem for fitness, recreation, work, and social interaction.
A Community-Centric, Future-Ready Living Experience
Forest Province is designed to foster an active and socially engaging lifestyle, with outdoor amenities such as sports courts, fitness zones, children’s play areas, and landscaped spaces that extend living beyond individual homes. As a private enclave within a larger township, it offers a balance of exclusivity and connectivity, bringing together nature, design, and everyday convenience in a calm, well-connected urban setting. Thoughtfully planned spaces encourage everyday interactions while also offering areas for relaxation and quiet reflection, creating a holistic living experience.
About Mana Projects:
Founded in 2000 by Mr. D. Kishore Reddy, Mana Projects has been crafting thoughtfully designed living experiences across Bengaluru for over 26 years. Guided by the philosophy of “The Art of Living Brilliantly,” Mana Projects believes a home is where architecture meets intuition, balancing proportion, natural light and timeless design. With a strong presence across key growth corridors, the brand focuses on creating future-ready communities that elevate everyday living through thoughtful planning, quality construction and enduring elegance.
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12, Aug 2026
nubia Neo 5 Max with 7.5-Inch Display Lands as a New PadPhone Category
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — nubia, a highly personalized and lifestyle smartphone brand committed to bringing pro-level gaming to everyone, announced the global rollout of nubia Neo 5 Max, introducing a new PadPhone category that combines the expansive viewing experience of a compact tablet with the portable control of a gaming console. Built around a segment-leading 7.5-inch display, nubia Neo 5 Max brings together pad-level immersion, console-level control, immersive audio-visual feedback and AI-powered gaming assistance in one versatile device for gaming, entertainment and everyday productivity.
“As games become more immersive and young players spend more of their digital lives on mobile devices, the gaming smartphone needs to evolve into a true personal hub,” said Bai Keke, Vice President of ZTE. “At nubia, we are committed to making flagship-level gaming technologies accessible to a broader audience. nubia Neo 5 Max brings the PadPhone concept to life by integrating industry-leading control engineering, a pioneering thermal architecture and flagship-level tuning, where players can play harder, watch bigger and do more wherever they are.”
All-in-One Hub with 7.5-inch Display Leads the New Way for Gaming and Living
nubia Neo 5 Max brings the PadPhone concept with its segment-leading 7.5-inch 1.5K display, delivering 27% more visible area than nubia Neo 5 5G. Featuring an 18.7:9 golden aspect ratio for a more focused gaming experience, the device enlarges enemy outlines by 40% in FPS games. It carries SGS-certified hardware-level eye-care certification for full-scene low blue light and true DC dimming, combined with self-developed eye-caring software functions and smart eye-use reminders, keeping players comfortable every round.
Multiple adaptive modes unlock full potentials of the expansive 7.5-inch display, transforming it into a versatile all-in-one hub. Landscape Mode with protective case stand converts it into a personal mini-TV. E-Ink Mode delivers ink-screen-like visuals for eye-comfort reading, while Controller and Streaming Modes provide responsive, low-latency AAA game casting. For ultimate efficiency, Floating Window and Split-Screen Modes enable seamless multitasking.
Console-Level Control Meets Full-Sensory Immersion
nubia Neo 5 Max features Neo Triggers 5.0 with a 990Hz sampling rate and 4.7ms hardware response latency for fast execution across aiming, firing, moving, and skill activation in a flexible four-finger mode. Designed around C-grip holding style, its 7.5-inch golden control ratio expands the touch area by 27% and widens key spacing by 21% over conventional layouts. Magic Touch 3.0 filters accidental inputs from wet or oily fingers, while a high-precision gyroscope sharpens rotational control, and the 360° Game Antenna ensures stable connectivity.
Dual real symmetrical speakers deliver 300% louder volume accompanied by an anti-obstruction audio design. Powered by Dolby Atmos immersive audio, nubia Neo 5 Max delivers a richer sound experience with incredible depth, clarity, and details that connects users more deeply with their favorite games, movies, music, and more. Z-axis linear motor and RGB Eagle Eye lighting complete the gaming experience by providing haptic feedback for in-game actions and dynamic RGB lighting effects.
30,000mm²+ Cooling System and 7,100mAh Dual-Cell Battery for Marathon Gaming
nubia Neo 5 Max pairs a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 6nm chipset, LPDDR5X memory and UFS 2.2 storage with the NeoTurbo Engine for robust performance, steady frame rates and power efficiency. This model is built with a pioneering 30,000mm²+ cooling system that improves heat-dissipation efficiency by 140% through a dual-layer capillary vapor chamber that expands vapor-liquid circulation pathways and a 3D stamped VC panel for faster heat dissipation. AI Game Space 5.0 provides quick access to gaming tools and intelligent assistance. AI Copilot Demi 2.0 acts as a gaming coach and companion, offering real-time guidance, battle updates and game-related support for players.
A 7,100mAh super dual-cell battery distributes power more efficiently, helping reduce heat and support long-term battery reliability during demanding use. While gaming, Bypass Charging powers the device directly without heating the battery. Even at 5% battery, 5% Extreme Mode keeps players gaming for up to 22.9 minutes.
nubia Neo 5 Max is available first in Southeast Asia as part of its global rollout, coming in Shadow Black, Titanium Gold, and Cyber Silver, offering configurations of 20GB (8GB + 12GB) RAM with 256GB storage or 512GB storage.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
ZTE Corporation
Communications
Email: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn
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12, Aug 2026
As APAC Investment Volumes Rise 22 percentage in H1 2026, India Stands to Benefit from Renewed Investor Interest in Core Real Estate Sectors
“The broadening recovery across Asia Pacific reflects growing investor confidence in commercial real estate as macroeconomic conditions stabilise and capital returns to core sectors. India is particularly well-positioned within this environment, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, resilient office demand, expanding industrial and logistics infrastructure, and continued institutional investor interest. As global investors reassess portfolio allocations over the coming years, India is expected to remain a preferred destination due to its favourable demographics, depth of occupier demand and ongoing infrastructure-led growth.”
“The recovery has moved beyond the early, opportunistic phase and is broadening back into the core of the market. Investors are no longer just asking where the value is, but how best to access it. That is why we are seeing record levels of partial-stake and joint-venture activity, as capital chases control, alignment and conviction rather than simply market exposure.“The maturity wall building towards 2029 will be one of the defining forces of the next few years. It will bring more traditional assets to market at the same time as investors rotate into data centres and living, and that reshaping of portfolios is where the real opportunity lies. Hong Kong is a case in point: it is now at the mature end of its repricing cycle, and history tells us the strongest returns in that market are captured within a short window of the turning point.”
