23, Sep 2026
India-EU Talks Focus on EVs, Batteries and Industrial Decarbonisation
New Delhi, September 23, 2026: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy held discussions with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) in New Delhi, with talks centred on strengthening cooperation between India and the European Union in electric mobility, battery manufacturing, clean energy and industrial decarbonisation.
The meeting brought together Members of the European Parliament and officials from the ITRE Secretariat to discuss opportunities for deeper collaboration in industrial development, technology, investment and sustainable manufacturing.
Kumaraswamy said the visit comes at an important stage in India-EU relations following the 16th India-EU Summit held in January 2026, where FTA negotiations were concluded and the two sides adopted a Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. He highlighted the scope for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology and global supply chains.
During the discussions, the Minister outlined several initiatives being implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the transition towards electric mobility.
These include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobiles and Auto Components, the PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) and the PM E-DRIVE scheme. According to the Ministry, these programmes are designed to support domestic manufacturing, encourage investment and strengthen India’s electric vehicle and battery ecosystem.
Kumaraswamy also invited European companies to participate in India’s ongoing global bidding process for 10 GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing capacity intended for stationary energy storage applications. The bidding process is open until October 13, 2026.
Industrial decarbonisation was another key area of discussion. The Minister highlighted India’s efforts to reduce emissions from industrial sectors while maintaining manufacturing growth. Among the initiatives discussed was BHEL’s indigenous gasification technology, along with measures aimed at improving resource efficiency and supporting cleaner industrial production.
The Minister also outlined India’s approach to greening the steel sector through greater use of scrap recycling, steel slag utilisation and circular economy practices. These measures are aimed at improving resource efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint associated with steel production.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Steel, including Secretary Kamran Rizvi and Additional Secretary Hanif Qureshi, participated in the discussions alongside the European Parliament delegation.
Members of the European Parliament delegation acknowledged India’s efforts to expand electric mobility, strengthen domestic manufacturing and advance industrial decarbonisation. They also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in clean technologies, sustainable transportation and advanced energy solutions.
The discussions highlighted areas where India and European industries could potentially collaborate on emerging technologies, manufacturing capabilities and energy-transition solutions. Electric vehicles, battery technologies and industrial decarbonisation are increasingly important areas of cooperation as both sides work towards more sustainable industrial systems.
Kumaraswamy said India and the European Union could combine their respective strengths to support the clean-energy transition and develop sustainable transport solutions. He also emphasised the potential for continued engagement between Indian and European stakeholders in the industrial sector.
The meeting underlined the growing scope of India-EU cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment, with clean technology, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility and sustainable industrial practices emerging as important areas for future collaboration.
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- By Neel Achary
23, Sep 2026
DFPD Launches Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign to Promote Cleanliness and Public Participation
New Delhi, September 23, 2026: The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva-2026’ campaign across the country, with a focus on cleanliness, sanitation and encouraging greater public participation in cleanliness initiatives.
The campaign is being implemented by the Department along with its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), attached and subordinate offices. The initiative is being carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Urban Development and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
This year’s campaign is being conducted under the theme ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’, emphasising participation as an important component of sustained cleanliness efforts. The campaign seeks to encourage behavioural and cultural changes that can support cleaner public spaces and improved sanitation practices.
As part of the campaign, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, administered the Swachhata pledge to officials of the Department on September 17, 2026, at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.
The pledge ceremony was followed by a cleanliness drive across the premises. Officials and employees participated in the activity as part of the Department’s broader efforts to promote cleanliness within government workplaces.
The campaign extends beyond routine cleanliness activities, with an emphasis on developing sustained awareness and participation among employees, stakeholders and citizens. The initiative seeks to make cleanliness a shared responsibility rather than limiting it to periodic drives.
Through the participation of its offices and PSUs across the country, the Department aims to reinforce sanitation practices at institutional and workplace levels while supporting the broader objectives of the national cleanliness mission.
The Swachhata Hi Seva-2026 campaign also highlights the link between citizen participation, sanitation and the broader goal of building cleaner and more sustainable communities. The theme calls for collective involvement in maintaining cleanliness and supporting improved sanitation practices.
The DFPD’s campaign is part of the wider nationwide effort to promote cleanliness through public participation and institutional action. The Department’s activities during the campaign are expected to focus on creating greater awareness and encouraging sustained behavioural change among officials and stakeholders.
23, Sep 2026
Telecom Manufacturing Zone Draws INR 5,500 Crore Investment Interest as DoT Holds Bengaluru Roundtable
Bengaluru, September 23, 2026: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) held its third Investors’ Roundtable in Bengaluru to attract investments and strengthen India’s domestic telecom manufacturing ecosystem, with discussions centred on the proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav jointly chaired the investor interaction. The meeting brought together companies and industry leaders from the telecom, technology, semiconductor and electronics sectors to discuss manufacturing, research and development, innovation, exports and domestic value addition.
Scindia said that 24 companies are already on board and have proposed investments of around ₹5,500 crore in the Gwalior Telecom Manufacturing Zone. He said the initiative demonstrates cooperation between the Union and State governments in creating an investment environment for technology and manufacturing companies.
According to the Minister, the Madhya Pradesh government has put in place incentives and subsidies estimated at around ₹8,000 crore to support investments in the State. He emphasised that coordinated government support is intended to give private-sector investors greater confidence to establish manufacturing and innovation operations.
The Bengaluru roadshow marked the completion of the first phase of the government’s investor outreach programme for the TMZ. Scindia said the government intends to respond quickly to investor concerns, with a proposed mechanism to address queries or issues related to the zone within 48 hours.
The Minister also highlighted the changing structure of India’s technology economy, pointing to the need to increase domestic value addition and develop intellectual property within the country. He said the telecom sector represents an important opportunity for India to move beyond services and expand its capabilities in designing and manufacturing products for domestic and international markets.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Madhya Pradesh’s location and infrastructure provide a foundation for attracting investments across sectors. He highlighted the State government’s focus on creating an environment conducive to emerging industries, particularly technology and telecommunications, and said the TMZ could contribute to investment and employment generation.
The Telecom Manufacturing Zone project formally took shape with a Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 30, 2026, between the Department of Telecommunications and the Government of Madhya Pradesh in New Delhi. The first phase is planned as an integrated, plug-and-play industrial cluster for telecom and electronics manufacturing, research and development, innovation and allied activities.
Under the agreement, the Central Government is providing 100% funding support of ₹493 crore for Phase I of the project. The Madhya Pradesh government has allocated approximately 170 acres of land free of cost, along with incentives aimed at encouraging investors to establish facilities within the zone.
The Bengaluru meeting follows investor roundtables held earlier in Delhi and Mumbai, where companies indicated investment commitments of approximately ₹5,500 crore and the potential creation of around 18,000 employment opportunities through the TMZ initiative.
At the third roundtable, participating companies expressed interest in investing an estimated ₹700 crore to ₹800 crore, subject to internal management approvals and further evaluation. Several companies also indicated plans to conduct site visits before taking investment decisions.
The proposed Gwalior zone is intended to create an integrated ecosystem covering manufacturing, product development, innovation and supporting activities. The initiative is expected to encourage greater domestic value addition in telecom and electronics while creating opportunities for technology companies and component manufacturers.
As part of his Bengaluru engagement, Scindia also visited Qualcomm, where he met the company’s leadership and senior representatives. Discussions covered developments in telecommunications technology, semiconductor capabilities, indigenous product development, research and innovation, and opportunities for technology companies to participate more actively in India’s telecom manufacturing ecosystem.
The visit also provided an opportunity for government and industry representatives to discuss requirements relating to telecom equipment, semiconductor technologies, product design, R&D and next-generation communication systems.
The Telecom Manufacturing Zone is being positioned as a component of India’s broader efforts to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported technology and components. By combining industrial infrastructure with investment incentives, research capabilities and manufacturing facilities, the initiative aims to support the development of a more integrated telecom and electronics ecosystem in India.
With investor outreach now moving through its next phase, the government is expected to continue engaging companies to translate expressions of interest into manufacturing projects, investment and employment opportunities at the Gwalior Telecom Manufacturing Zone.
23, Sep 2026
Coal India’s CSR Journey Expands from Community Welfare to Inclusive Growth
New Delhi, September 23, 2026: Coal India Limited (CIL) has significantly expanded the scale and scope of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, moving from traditional community welfare programmes around mining areas to a broader model focused on inclusive growth, healthcare, education, livelihoods and community development.
CIL’s commitment to communities around its mining operations predates the mandatory CSR framework introduced under the Companies Act, 2013. Under the Community Development Policy, 2005, CIL’s subsidiaries undertook welfare activities in villages located within an 8-kilometre radius of their mining operations. These initiatives included drinking water facilities, healthcare camps and basic infrastructure projects.
During FY 2011-12 to FY 2013-14, the company’s consolidated expenditure under the earlier community development framework increased from Rs. 82 crore to Rs. 409 crore. The introduction of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 subsequently provided a formal statutory framework for CSR expenditure, with activities guided by Schedule VII and overseen through Board-level CSR mechanisms.
CIL subsequently developed its own CSR framework, including a focus on communities located close to its mines and establishments. At least 80% of annual CSR expenditure is directed within a 25-kilometre radius, with priority given to project-affected areas, while the remaining allocation supports state and national-level initiatives. More than 90% of CIL’s CSR expenditure is incurred in coal-bearing states, according to the company.
The company’s CSR spending has also moved substantially beyond its statutory requirement. Between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26, CIL spent approximately Rs. 7,276 crore on CSR, compared with a statutory requirement of Rs. 5,795 crore. Annual CSR expenditure has grown from levels of around Rs. 500 crore in earlier years to nearly Rs. 1,000 crore annually, placing CIL among India’s significant corporate CSR contributors.
A major component of CIL’s CSR portfolio has been its alignment with national development priorities. The company has supported initiatives covering sanitation, healthcare, education, emergency relief, skill development and livelihoods. Under the Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, CIL became the largest CPSE contributor and supported the construction of more than 50,000 toilets in government schools.
CIL has also undertaken several healthcare and social welfare programmes. Its NIRMAN initiative has supported more than 1,300 UPSC aspirants from mining districts, while the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana has enabled more than 1,000 bone marrow transplants. Through the Nanha Sa Dil programme, more than 2 lakh children have been screened, with over 1,700 children receiving treatment for congenital heart disease.
Education has emerged as another major area of intervention. CIL’s scholarship initiatives, including programmes undertaken with the Supreme Court of India, have reached more than 2,500 children. The company’s Digital Vidya initiative has also commissioned more than 2,300 smart classrooms and 500 ICT/STEM laboratories in government schools. A 5,000-seat state library is also under construction in Ranchi.
CIL’s CSR investments have additionally contributed to strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure. A 500-bed medical college and hospital at Angul and a cardiac care centre at Jharsuguda, together representing an investment of approximately Rs. 596 crore, are intended to expand access to specialised healthcare in their respective regions.
Beyond healthcare and education, the company has placed emphasis on employment-oriented programmes and livelihood generation. Initiatives such as Project PRAGATI, tribal women’s poultry programmes, plastic engineering courses and multi-skill training have benefited more than 48,000 people over the past four financial years, according to CIL.
Sports and institutional development have also formed part of the company’s CSR portfolio. The Khelgaon Sports Academy, operated in partnership with the Government of Jharkhand, has produced more than 1,800 medals, including 15 at the international level. Other projects have included support for institutions such as IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and public-interest infrastructure initiatives such as the illumination of Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge.
Collectively, CIL estimates that its CSR initiatives have reached approximately 3.56 crore people, directly and indirectly. The programmes have particularly focused on communities and vulnerable groups, including SC/ST populations, women and persons with disabilities. The initiatives also correspond with several Sustainable Development Goals, including those relating to poverty reduction, healthcare, education, gender equality, and water and sanitation.
The company has developed a structured mechanism for planning, implementing and monitoring its CSR projects. Annual Action Plans are prepared based on identified community requirements, while project agreements specify deliverables and timelines. Funds are released in stages linked to project milestones and utilisation certificates, with larger initiatives subject to third-party impact assessments.
Oversight is further supported through internal and statutory audits, along with CAG-related scrutiny. This approach is intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and measurement of outcomes rather than focusing solely on expenditure.
The broader CSR framework for the coal sector is also evolving. On September 8, 2026, the Ministry of Coal launched a sector-wide CSR framework, becoming the first Union ministry to introduce such an initiative. The framework is aimed at promoting greater consistency, convergence and accountability across CSR programmes undertaken by coal-sector public sector enterprises.
CIL’s CSR trajectory therefore reflects a broader transition from location-based community welfare towards structured programmes that combine social infrastructure, human development, livelihoods and measurable outcomes. With annual expenditure approaching Rs. 1,000 crore and programmes spanning multiple sectors, the company’s CSR model continues to evolve alongside the development needs of communities associated with India’s coal-producing regions.
23, Sep 2026
11th Ayurveda Day Celebrations to Spotlight Research, Innovation and Global Vision
Nagpur, September 23, 2026: The 11th Ayurveda Day is being observed across India and internationally today, with the Ministry of Ayush focusing on the role of Ayurveda in building a healthier future through scientific evidence, research, innovation and community wellbeing.
The national-level celebrations are being held in Nagpur under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow” (स्वस्थ भविष्य के लिए आयुर्वेद). The programme brings together Ayurveda practitioners, researchers, institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders from across the Ayush ecosystem.
A major highlight of the event will be the release of the first-ever Report on the Ayush Services Sector, prepared by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). The report is expected to provide an assessment of the sector and offer insights into the evolving landscape of Ayush services.
The celebrations will also feature the launch of Safety Dossiers on Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Chandrasura (Lepidium sativum). In addition, Standard Treatment Guidelines for skin disorders will be released as part of efforts to strengthen evidence-based practices and improve the application of Ayurveda in healthcare.
Another key publication to be unveiled is “From Traditional Wisdom to Global Leadership: Ayush Vision 2030”, outlining a longer-term perspective for the development and wider recognition of Ayush systems. A Status Report on Ayush-related Inventions in India will also be launched during the programme.
The event will further introduce the CCRAS–AGNI Assessment Scale Web Portal. The initiative is associated with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI), reflecting the growing emphasis on structured assessment, research and digital platforms within the Ayurveda ecosystem.
Two scientific sessions will form an important part of the celebrations. The first, “Shashwatam to Vishwas – Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow and the Road to 2047,” will examine the future trajectory of Ayurveda and its potential role in India’s long-term health vision.
The second scientific session, “Integrating Therapies is Needed to Reduce NCD Burden by 2027,” will focus on the growing challenge posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and discuss the potential role of integrated therapeutic approaches in addressing the burden.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, representatives of Ayush councils and institutions, practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders are participating in the celebrations. Events being held across India and overseas are expected to facilitate wider engagement and knowledge sharing.
The 11th Ayurveda Day places particular emphasis on connecting India’s traditional healthcare knowledge with contemporary research and evidence. The initiatives being launched during the celebrations are aimed at supporting research, improving standards, encouraging innovation and expanding the contribution of Ayurveda to community wellbeing.
With Ayurveda Day now being marked on a wider national and international platform, this year’s observance seeks to underline the continuing evolution of Ayurveda while highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches, scientific collaboration and innovation in shaping its future.
23, Sep 2026
World Financial Planning Day Marks 10 Years with Global Activities and New Research on AI in Financial Planning
DENVER, COLO – 23 September 2026 – As financial decisions grow more complex, Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) and its global network will celebrate the 10th annual World Financial Planning Day (WFPD) on 7 October 2026 to show how financial planning with the help of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional can help individuals and families make informed decisions, reach their goals and achieve greater financial confidence.
Held as part of the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ (IOSCO) World Investor Week (WIW) , the global campaign provides an opportunity to reinforce the value of financial planning and the role CFP professionals play in strengthening financial education and consumer protection worldwide. View video remarks from IOSCO Secretary General Rodrigo Buenaventura.
“World Financial Planning Day is a chance for people everywhere to see how financial planning can help them take meaningful steps toward the lives they want to live,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “As we mark the 10th year of this global initiative, FPSB and our Network are pleased to highlight the many ways CFP professionals can help people make informed decisions, improve their financial wellbeing and plan for the future.”
FPSB will mark World Financial Planning Day with the release of new global findings from its 2026 Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Planning study. The research explores how artificial intelligence is shaping the way consumers engage with financial information and how financial planners are using AI to improve efficiency and better serve clients, while reinforcing the importance of professional judgment, ethical responsibility and human understanding in financial planning.
Activities around the world
Across Brazil, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, U.S. and Vietnam, World Financial Planning Day will be celebrated through activities designed to help people better understand the benefits of financial planning, including:
- Pro bono financial planning clinics
- In-person and virtual financial education webinars, panel discussions and videos
- Release of new findings from FPSB’s 2026 Impact of AI on Financial Planning global research
- Media and social media initiatives to raise awareness of the value of financial planning
More details of these activities are available on the World Financial Planning Day website.
New videos showcase the value of financial planning
New this year, FPSB has released videos featuring CFP professionals sharing how financial planning can support people and help them recognize benefits they may overlook. The videos explore two questions: How does financial planning help people in their everyday lives? and What’s one benefit of financial planning people often overlook?
Get involved
Individuals are invited to take part in World Financial Planning Day activities and explore resources to understand how financial planning can help them achieve their goals. More information is available on worldfpday.org and worldinvestorweek.org, and by joining the #WFPD2026 and #IOSCOWIW2026 conversations on FPSB’s social media channels.
23, Sep 2026
Zapata Introduces Quantum Pilot™ to Enable Systematic Discovery and Development of High-Value Quantum Applications
Drawing on Zapata’s pioneering quantum software expertise, the platform helps enterprises build a clear roadmap to commercial impact
BOSTON, Massachusetts – September 23, 2026 – Zapata Quantum, Inc. (OTCQB: ZPTA) (“Zapata,” “Zapata Quantum” or the “Company”), a leader in quantum computing algorithm and application development, today announced early access to Quantum Pilot, a hardware-agnostic, cloud-based software platform designed to close a growing gap between rapidly advancing quantum hardware capabilities and enterprises’ ability to determine where and how quantum computing can create business value.
Quantum Pilot builds a dynamic roadmap for enterprises that want to deploy quantum technology but are uncertain which applications are relevant to their business and sector, when those solutions will be practical, and what they could be worth. It gives organizations a systematic way to discover potential applications, weigh their technical and commercial potential, and focus resources on the opportunities with the strongest case for investment. Enterprises can then identify and develop applications without betting on a single quantum modality or provider, and reassess application readiness or change their approach as hardware capabilities and algorithms evolve.
“The critical on-ramp to quantum application development is the efficient and rigorous mapping of use cases to quantum computational solutions,” said Sumit Kapur, CEO of Zapata Quantum. “We built Quantum Pilot to make that on-ramp more accessible to enterprise leaders and ensure that quantum activity becomes a capability that compounds—with each experiment and development effort informing and accelerating the next.”
Delivering Quantum Application Intelligence™
Drawing on Zapata’s experience developing quantum algorithms and applications across industries and hardware architectures, Quantum Pilot combines a proprietary knowledge framework with advanced computational tools, including capabilities developed through its collaboration with NVIDIA to apply agentic AI to quantum resource estimation. The platform also builds on Zapata’s collaboration with the University of Maryland on formal methods for quantum software verification.
Together, these capabilities enable Quantum Pilot to deliver Quantum Application Intelligence (QAI)—helping enterprises identify, evaluate and develop quantum applications with scientific rigor and a clear focus on business value. The platform also continuously tracks and updates the global quantum ecosystem’s research, hardware roadmaps and software developments so that application roadmaps are current as the field advances and users are making application decisions based on the latest data.
“Most conversations about quantum readiness focus on the hardware roadmap. That is not where the real risk sits. It sits one layer up, in the applications and software that decide whether the hardware ever produces business value,” said Mark Hill, Chief Digital Information Officer at CSL Behring, a multibillion-dollar global biotech leader, and Advisor to the Company. “Quantum Pilot matters because it forces the harder question enterprises keep avoiding: which applications are worth building now, not just which processor is fastest.”
Quantum Pilot is powered by three complementary systems:
- Quantum Graph, a proprietary knowledge layer that connects quantum applications, algorithms, research and hardware roadmaps, providing structured context for the platform and its AI agents as the field advances.
- Quantum Engine, a suite of computational tools and agents that supports algorithm selection, resource estimation, experiment design and hardware benchmarking, helping enterprises assess technical feasibility and guide application development.
- Quantum Assurance, a framework that combines formal verification methods with expert review to assess technical results and guide the development process, with Zapata’s scientists helping enterprises interpret evidence and determine next steps.
“Among the things that make Quantum Pilot’s approach to application development distinct is its use of formal verification, rather than after-the-fact validation alone,” said Runzhou Tao, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, and Fellow, Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS). “That’s the same principle we apply in our research with Zapata on verified quantum software, and it addresses a discipline quantum computing has largely developed without.”
Early Access
Quantum Pilot is initially available through an early access program for select enterprise and government customers. Organizations interested in participating can request a demo and learn more at zapataquantum.com/quantumpilot
23, Sep 2026
YOTEL TO MAKE THAILAND DEBUT IN CLOUD 11 – BANGKOK’S NEWEST CREATIVE LANDMARK
YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is taking bookings for stays from 15 October 2026 and will be the first hotel to open in the new Cloud 11 development, providing seamless, fully connected stays and a great night’s sleep in South Sukhumvit.
BANGKOK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YOTEL, the global hospitality brand known for its design-led, tech-enabled hotels, will make its debut in Thailand with the opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit on 15 October 2026. The cutting-edge 250-key property is located within the impressive Cloud 11 development, which is a brand new creative landmark in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district, in the south-east of the city.
YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the brand’s 24th hotel globally, its fourth property in Asia and the first YOTEL in Asia to be part of Select by Hilton. It bears the brand’s distinctive signature features, from self-service stations enabling guests to check-in in under a minute, to YOTEL’s calm, smart rooms, purposefully designed to encourage quality sleep, including the reclining SmartBed™.
Located in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district, which is emerging as a haven for the city’s creatives, YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the first hotel to open in Cloud 11. More than a mixed-use development, Cloud 11 opened in July 2026 and is a first-of-its-kind destination incorporating professional content production and music recording studios, galleries, event venues, cinema, wellness, offices, retail and year-round programming designed to inspire creativity, facilitate collaboration and generate new business opportunities.
At the heart of Cloud 11, YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit provides a calm, connected place to rest and recharge, whether guests are staying to explore Cloud 11, travelling on business, or visiting the city as a tourist.
Rooms have views of the rooftop park at the centre of Cloud 11, or towards Bang Krachao, dubbed Bangkok’s ‘green lung’ with higher floors also revealing the city’s skyline. There are twin and interconnecting options, and larger First Class King rooms with a sofa or sofa bed, ideal for groups of friends and families. All rooms have super-fast WiFi, SmartTVs to connect devices, wireless charging and mini coolers. Mood lighting, reclining SmartBeds™, monsoon showers and bathroom amenities by Urban Jungle ensure guests feel relaxed and rested. For anything else, the hotel’s guest service robots can deliver bottled water, fresh towels and other amenities to the room, while reception is open 24-7 for local recommendations.
Facilities include YOTEL Swim Club, comprising a stylish outdoor pool and pool bar, and a high-spec gym. Komyuniti brings together all-day dining and co-working in one lively social hub. Grab + Go sells drinks and snacks 24-7 for guests on the move.
Opening in November 2026, Fatty’s will be the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and restaurant, giving hotel guests and Bangkok locals a new sky-high spot to eat, drink and unwind. Located on the 23rd floor, it will offer bird’s-eye views of Cloud 11 and a spectacular panorama of Bangkok. Further details will be revealed ahead of its opening.
The hotel is connected to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain network via a 300-metre skywalk, putting the entire city within reach. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is 2.3km away, and there are direct links to the city’s two international airports.
“Bangkok is not only one of the world’s most iconic tourist cities; it is also a vibrant business hub that is attracting entrepreneurs and digital nomads from around the globe. Cloud 11 is at the heart of Thailand’s growing creative economy and a new investment landmark for the entire country. This makes it the perfect location for the city’s first YOTEL. Our brand has always been about challenging traditional hospitality with intelligently designed spaces, smart experiences and rooms engineered to deliver the best sleep. YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit not only gives us the opportunity to introduce our brand to a new destination, but also to become part of a community that is helping to shape its future,” said Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of YOTEL.
“YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit will be a real game-changer for Thailand’s hotel sector. Our unique location within Cloud 11, combined with fast connectivity, 24-7 services and sleek design, will intuitively meet the needs of today’s travellers who crave complete convenience. My team and I are excited to welcome guests to Bangkok from 15th October,” added Mike Smith, General Manager, YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit.
Founded in London in 2007, YOTEL signed an exclusive agreement with Hilton in March 2026, becoming the first brand in the newly established Select by Hilton. The collaboration means that YOTEL retains its independence and brand management while participating properties will connect to the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program and enjoy the benefits of Hilton’s superior distribution and technology platforms.
Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points and enjoy benefits based on their membership tier when they stay at YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit. Members can also earn Bonus Points on eligible meetings and events held at YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit through the Hilton Honors Event Planner program.
The opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit represents the next phase of growth for YOTEL with the target of tripling its portfolio in the coming years. It joins the region’s popular hotels in Tokyo, Singapore Orchard Road and Singapore Changi Airport, with YOTEL Kuala Lumpur slated to open by early 2027.
Book at yotel.com.
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23, Sep 2026
FXT Unveils FXT AI: A Multi-Agent Trading Co-Pilot for Market Insight, Risk Awareness and Trader Development.
SYDNEY, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FXT today announced the launch of FXT AI, an advanced AI trading co-pilot integrated directly into the FXT trading platform. Designed to give traders an immediate edge. FXT AI acts as a dedicated partner that continuously watches the market, reviews trading history, and monitors risk.
Traders often struggle to make sense of overwhelming market data while managing risk exposure. FXT AI solves this by operating as three specialist agents working together seamlessly within a trader’s existing account. There is no new app to download. Traders simply open their dashboard to get instant, actionable insights, asking questions to dig deeper into market movements and personal performance.
Three Specialist Agents
- Market Reader: Reads the market around the clock and explains what matters and why.
Traders can ask about specific instrument movements. - Trade Mentor: Turns a trader’s history into their next advantage. It breaks down trade history,
flags costly habits and compares win rates. - Risk Monitor: Explains the risk in open positions in plain terms, offering stop-loss suggestions and leverage exposure insights.
Unlike generic market signals, FXT AI is built on the trader’s actual account activity. Every insight is transparent and explainable. FXT AI informs the strategy, but the trader always decides and executes the trades.
“We built FXT AI to give traders a partner that understands their habits and the wider market,” said Adam Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at FXT. “It turns complexity into clear, personalised insight, helping clients recognise opportunities, strengthen their process and make confident decisions.”
FXT AI runs directly on the FXT platform across web, desktop, and mobile devices, alongside third-party MetaQuotes platforms such as MT4 and MT5. Additional specialist agents are currently in development as FXT continues to expand the platform’s capabilities.
About FXT
FXT is part of the Gleneagle Group being a leader in the evolution of financial markets offering corporate advisory, funds management, institutional dealing, broking and trading platform services. It has an Australian Financial Services license and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) Financial License. FXT is a multi-asset CFD trading platform offering access to 200+ instruments across FX, indices, commodities and shares from a single account.
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23, Sep 2026
CJ 4DPLEX EXPANDS SCREENX PRESENCE IN EUROPE THROUGH NEW AGREEMENT WITH PATHÉ CINÉMAS
Partnership marks a major SCREENX milestone with one of Europe’s most prominent cinema exhibitors
BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CJ 4DPLEX, the world’s leading producer of premium cinema formats and immersive theater experiences, and Pathé Cinémas, one of Europe’s leading cinema operators, today announced a new agreement to bring four new SCREENX auditoriums to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Two locations in Belgium, one in France and one in the Netherlands are set to open by the end of 2026.
The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between CJ 4DPLEX and Pathé Cinémas. What began with the introduction of multisensory 4DX to European audiences evolved to include the launch of SCREENX at Pathé La Villette in Paris in 2018. Adding four new SCREENX locations across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands represents the next phase of that partnership and reflects both companies’ ongoing commitment to premium cinema experiences in Europe.
Pathé Cinémas is one of Europe’s most notable cinema exhibition companies. The company has played a defining role in shaping modern moviegoing in France, with operations also spanning Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Morocco. Pathé Cinémas remains a central force in European film production and distribution through its broader entertainment business.
SCREENX transforms the moviegoing experience with its revolutionary format, which seamlessly extends the picture beyond the front screen and onto the auditorium’s surrounding walls on the left and right sides. Delivering this premium 270-degree panoramic display enhances key scenes with exclusive visual elements and fully immerses audiences in a one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure.
“Europe is one of SCREENX’s most dynamic and strategically important markets, and this expanded agreement with Pathé Cinémas represents another significant milestone in our growth,” said Don Savant, Chief Business Officer, CJ 4DPLEX. “Pathé is one of Europe’s most respected and innovative cinema exhibitors, and we are proud to deepen our longstanding partnership across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Together, we look forward to bringing the uniquely immersive SCREENX experience to more moviegoers and creating new opportunities to expand our partnership throughout Europe.”
“Our relationship with CJ 4DPLEX has been built on a shared belief in the power of premium cinema, and this expansion deal follows naturally from that foundation,” said Laure de Boissard, Managing Director of Pathé Cinemas. “Bringing SCREENX to additional markets across Europe is an exciting step, and we look forward to offering our guests a premium experience that goes beyond the traditional screen.”
Together, the four auditoriums will further establish SCREENX’s presence across three of Europe’s most active cinema markets.
About Pathé Cinémas
Pathé is the leading cinema operator in France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and also operates in Belgium, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Morocco. Pathé operates 129 cinemas with a total of 1,308 screens. Its strategy of moving upmarket and modernizing its cinemas is driven by an active policy of building, rebuilding, and renovating; continuous innovation featuring the best technologies; unique, tailored services; and an optimized moviegoer experience, both in-cinema and online.
About CJ 4DPLEX
CJ 4DPLEX is a proud subsidiary of CJ Group, Korea’s leading lifestyle and culture company. Headquartered in Sangam, Seoul, we design and develop immersive cinema technologies that inspire audiences worldwide. Guided by creativity, technology, and cultural vision, we are committed to redefining the future of cinema starting right here in Korea.
CJ 4DPLEX is redefining the moviegoing experience across many countries worldwide, working with the world’s top exhibitors to deliver SCREENX, 4DX and ULTRA 4DX to audiences everywhere. From the United States to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, our global presence keeps growing driven by our mission to make immersive storytelling the standard in cinema. Innovation drives us to connect people beyond language and borders through shared experiences.
About SCREENX
SCREENX is the world’s most immersive platform, breaking free from the boundaries of a single screen to place audiences at the heart of the story. With visuals flowing seamlessly across the walls, SCREENX connects film and space, creating moments of true natural immersion. Every sequence is curated to reflect the director’s vision, turning each film into a journey only SCREENX can deliver.
About 4DX
4DX provides the best synesthetic viewing experience that connects the audience with movies through its state-of-the art motion-seats and 21 environmental effects that include water, wind and scents. The 4DX theater is a special theater where you can feel various environmental effects such as wind, light, fog, fragrance, and vibration, as well as motion chairs that move according to the scene of the movie. Audiences can feel a new level of 4DX effect that maximizes vividness in each scene beyond simply watching movies with limitations of existing video and sound.
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