22, Sep 2026
Woxsen University Named Among Top 5 Business Schools in Asia-Pacific by Bloomberg Businessweek 2026-27
HYDERABAD, India, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In another significant milestone, Woxsen University, Hyderabad has secured the No. 5 spot in the Asia-Pacific region in the Bloomberg Businessweek B-School Rankings 2026–27. This ranking places Woxsen among other leading institutions, highlighting its growing presence on the global business education landscape. Woxsen has moved up one spot from last year, rising from No. 6 to No. 5 in the latest rankings.
The Bloomberg ranking methodology evaluates business schools through four distinct indexes: Learning, Networking, Entrepreneurship, and Compensation. The final ranking is based on inputs provided by students, alumni, and corporate recruiters together with employment and salary statistics. Woxsen University demonstrated specific strength by ranking 4th in the Learning, Networking, and Entrepreneurship categories, while securing the 8th position for Compensation.
In May, Woxsen University’s MBA program has also received a five-year renewal of its EFMD Global accreditation, highlighting its focus on innovation and experiential learning. Woxsen graduates have moved into careers across Consulting, Financial Services, and Manufacturing, with internships and case studies helping them gain practical industry experience. Graduate feedback also highlights the program’s focus on connecting classroom learning with real-world industry needs.
The Bloomberg site quotes one of the MBA graduates on what’s best about the MBA programs at Woxsen University: “The best part of my MBA program was the practical learning through projects, internships, and case studies. It helped me improve my business knowledge, communication skills, and confidence for my career.”
Based in Hyderabad, Woxsen University maintains partnerships with over 175+ global universities. The university’s strategic approach centers on emerging industry requirements, preparing students to navigate shifting market dynamics through high-visibility industry exposure and new-age learning modules.
About Woxsen University:
Woxsen University, located in Hyderabad, is one of the first private universities in the state of Telangana, India. Renowned for its 200-acre state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, Woxsen University offers new-age, disruptive programs in the fields of Business, Technology, Arts & Design, Architecture, Law, and Liberal Arts & Humanities. Woxsen also houses Asia’s largest Sports Infrastructure, spread over 60 acres. With 175+ Global Partner Universities and a strong industry connect, Woxsen is recognized as one of the top universities for Academic Excellence and Global Edge. Woxsen has also secured the QS Business Masters World Ranking 2025, Rank #8 All India, Top 100 B-Schools by Times B-School Ranking 2026, Rank #5, Asia Pacific, Bloomberg Best B-School, and features in India’s Best B-Schools beyond IIMs by Dalal Street Investment Journal 2025, in 4th consecutive year. Woxsen is ranked as one of the Top Professional Colleges in India by Outlook I-CARE for its undergraduate programs, securing All India Rank 12 among the Top 130 BBA Private Institutes, All India Rank 20 among the Top 160 B. Tech Private Institutes, All India Rank 3 among the Top 25 Design Private Institutes, and All India Rank 3 among the Top 30 B. Arch Private Institutes.
Media Contact:
Ahana Bose
ahana.bose@woxsen.edu.in
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/woxsen-university-named-among-top-5-business-schools-in-asia-pacific-by-bloomberg-businessweek-2026-27-302885601.html
- 0
- By Sai Krishna
22, Sep 2026
Beyond the Factory Gates: How Samsung Chennai Plant Is Creating Opportunities for Small Businesses in Sriperumbudur
Sep 22: The growth of Sriperumbudur as a major manufacturing hub is creating opportunities well beyond factory floors, with local small businesses benefiting from the expanding workforce, residential communities and demand for everyday goods and services around the industrial corridor.
From tea shops, grocery and hardware stores to drinking-water suppliers, mechanics and local transport operators, entrepreneurs across Sriperumbudur say their businesses have grown as the town has expanded. The presence of major manufacturers, including Samsung’s Chennai plant, has been part of a broader industrial ecosystem that has brought more jobs, people and economic activity to the area.
Samsung established its Chennai manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur in 2007. In the years since, the area has seen the growth of factories, housing and supporting services, creating a larger customer base for businesses serving the everyday needs of workers and families.
For long-time local entrepreneurs, the transformation is visible in the businesses they run.
Rajan, who has operated a tea shop in Sriperumbudur for nearly three decades, remembers a very different town.
“When I started, the customer base was small and the surrounding area was far less developed. Today, small houses have given way to flats, more companies and agencies have emerged, and a much larger population now lives and works in the area,” Rajan said.
His shop has grown alongside the neighbourhood, with the steady flow of customers reflecting the wider transformation taking place around him.
A Growing Industrial Hub, a Growing Local Economy
The same evolution can be seen in businesses catering to everyday household needs.
Sathish Kumar, who runs an electrical and hardware store, has seen demand increase as more families and workers have settled in the area.
“As more people settled here, the need for everyday products grew,” he said.
For Santhosh, the transformation has changed the scale of his grocery business. What began as a neighbourhood store now serves a much larger community, including employees working at companies nearby. As demand increased, he expanded his inventory and introduced deliveries.
“What began as a small neighbourhood store has become part of the daily rhythm of a much larger community,” he said.
New Needs, New Opportunities
The economic activity surrounding an industrial hub extends well beyond retail.
More people mean greater demand for housing, drinking water, cooking gas, transportation, vehicle repairs and other essential services. Across Sriperumbudur, local entrepreneurs have stepped in to meet these everyday needs.
Mastaan, who operates a drinking-water supply business, has seen demand rise as residential settlements have grown.
“With companies and industrial establishments bringing more housing settlements into the area, supplying water in larger quantities has become an increasingly important part of my business,” he said.
Local LPG distribution companies such as Prem Kumar’s and delivery services have similarly grown with the increasing number of households. Automobile repair stations, including Babu’s workshop, are serving more vehicles as economic and commuting activity increases across the area.
Transportation has also become an important part of Sriperumbudur’s expanding local ecosystem.
Govindaraj, a longtime resident who operates a bus service, has witnessed the town’s changing mobility needs first-hand.
“Today, my bus carries children going to school and people travelling to work. The growth in the area has increased the need for transportation, connecting homes, workplaces and communities,” he said.
Autorickshaw driver Manikandan has experienced a similar shift, with greater industrial and commercial activity bringing more passengers and more movement across Sriperumbudur.
Beyond the Factory Gates
The experiences of these entrepreneurs illustrate how the impact of manufacturing can extend beyond the workplace. A large industrial facility creates employment within its operations, while the people and economic activity around it can also generate demand for a wider network of local businesses.
In Sriperumbudur, that network can be seen every day.
It is the tea shop serving workers in the morning. The grocery store delivering essentials to nearby homes. The mechanic repairing vehicles. The autorickshaw and bus drivers connecting people with workplaces and schools. And the entrepreneurs supplying water, LPG, electrical goods and household products.
Together, they are part of the wider community that has grown around Sriperumbudur’s industrial development.
For entrepreneurs who have lived and worked here for decades, the transformation is visible not just in factories, buildings or infrastructure. It can be seen in the customers walking through their doors, the communities they serve and the businesses they have built over the years.
Nearly two decades after Samsung began manufacturing in Sriperumbudur, its Chennai plant is part of a much larger industrial and community ecosystem.
Beyond the factory gates, local entrepreneurs are building livelihoods around the everyday needs of a growing Sriperumbudur—showing how the expansion of manufacturing can create opportunities that ripple through the communities around it.
22, Sep 2026
MENA Fintech Association Releases Bi-Annual Regulatory Update on ADGM’s Evolving Digital Asset Framework
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 22nd September, 2026 – The MENA Fintech Association has released its latest Bi-Annual Regulatory Update Session report, providing members and the wider financial services industry with insights into the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority’s (FSRA) latest regulatory priorities, market developments, and forthcoming initiatives across digital assets and financial services.
The report follows MFTA’s Policy & Regulations Working Group participation in the FSRA Bi-Annual Regulatory Update Session held on 19 May 2026, led by members of the FSRA Policy & Legal team, Lawrence Paramasivam and Margaret Devaney. The session was moderated by Christine Assali, Co-Chair of the MFTA Policy & Regulations Working Group, and brought together approximately 20 representatives from MFTA member firms across the fintech and digital assets ecosystem.
The report provides an overview of how ADGM’s digital asset ecosystem has evolved from a predominantly institutional market focused on custody and price exposure into a broader and increasingly sophisticated financial ecosystem. It highlights developments across tokenised assets, structured products, staking, lending and borrowing, and the growing infrastructure supporting regulated digital asset businesses.
A key area highlighted in the report is the expansion of the virtual asset ecosystem within ADGM. Regulated entities are now engaging with a broader universe of virtual assets, while the development of independent custodians, brokerage venues, staking providers, security assessors, compliance providers, and transaction monitoring solutions is helping reduce barriers to entry and supporting more sophisticated operating models.
The report also examines the FSRA’s evolving regulatory frameworks around fiat-referenced tokens (FRTs), including the accepted FRT framework and the distinction between virtual assets and payment instruments. It further covers developments relating to staking activities, custody, financial crime controls, technology risk, market integrity, and the FSRA’s supervisory approach.
Beyond digital assets, the update provides insights into a number of emerging regulatory themes, including AI in regulated entities, tokenisation and TradFi convergence, cross-border regulatory coordination and harmonisation, and the potential implications of quantum computing for financial services.
The report reflects MFTA’s continued focus on creating practical channels for regulatory dialogue between policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, fintechs, and digital asset businesses. By translating regulatory discussions into accessible industry intelligence, the Association aims to help its network better understand evolving requirements and prepare for developments shaping the financial services landscape.
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association and Founder of Fils, added:
“Regulatory clarity is fundamental to the sustainable development of financial innovation. Our ongoing engagement with regulators such as the FSRA provides the industry with an important opportunity to understand how regulatory frameworks are evolving alongside new technologies, business models, and market infrastructure. Through initiatives such as these regulatory update sessions, MFTA continues to strengthen the dialogue between regulators and the private sector and support a more informed, responsible, and forward-looking fintech ecosystem across MENA.”
The report also reflects MFTA’s appreciation for the FSRA’s continued engagement and openness to substantive dialogue with industry participants. MFTA thanked Lawrence Paramasivam, Margaret Devaney, Brian Byagaba, Monique Elgin, and John Hermann for their participation and contribution to the session.
As digital assets, tokenisation, AI, and emerging financial technologies continue to develop, MFTA will continue to convene regulatory and industry stakeholders to support greater clarity, knowledge exchange, and policy-aligned innovation across the region.
22, Sep 2026
Onward Technologies renews multi-year Managed Digital Services contract valued at ₹44.46 Crore
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Onward Technologies Limited (BSE: 517536) (NSE: ONWARDTEC), announced the renewal of a multi-year Managed Digital Services contract valued at approximately ₹44 Crore (Rupees Forty Four Crore) with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment. The contract extends from August 2026 to August 2029 and represents a 72% increase in value over the previous engagement.
The engagement covers Managed Digital Services supporting the customer’s global e-commerce and aftermarket business platforms. This includes application development and enhancement, cloud-native engineering, microservices architecture, API development, DevOps-enabled delivery, testing, deployment and integration services.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Jigar Mehta, Managing Director, Onward Technologies, said:
“This renewal reflects the confidence that our customers place in Onward Technologies’ engineering expertise and delivery capabilities. We remain focused on delivering high-quality digital engineering solutions that create long-term value for our customers.”
About Onward Technologies Limited
Onward Technologies Limited (BSE: 517536) (NSE: ONWARDTEC) is a software outsourcing company specializing in digital and engineering research & development (ER&D) services for global clients. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, the company works closely with customers across North America and Europe, supporting product development and engineering initiatives across sectors such as Industrial Equipment, Off-Highway, Energy, Data Centers, Automotive, Rail Transportation, Healthcare and Life Sciences. Onward Technologies operates through its 12 global offices and India based delivery centers, providing scalable offshore delivery, domain expertise, and integrated engineering solutions to its customers. More information at www.onwardgroup.com
For Further Information, Please Contact:
investors@onwardgroup.com
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3009047/6031667/Onward_Technologies_Logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/onward-technologies-renews-multi-year-managed-digital-services-contract-valued-at-44-46-crore-302885040.html
22, Sep 2026
Dangote Calls on Africa to Keep its Capital at Home as Industrialization Takes Center Stage at Unstoppable Africa
African business leaders call for a bigger share of the continent’s growth, with investment and local value creation high on the agenda.
NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Africa must stop sending its capital abroad and start investing in its own industrial future, Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, told global business leaders at Unstoppable Africa 2026, as he set out an ambitious vision for African industrialization backed by billions of dollars in investment, new refining capacity, and broader public ownership.
Pointing to Asia’s economic rise, he argued that Africa cannot build comparable industrial strength while its own money continues to flow into foreign banks and markets. Emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in creating the scale required for major industrial projects, he noted, “We must believe in our continent,” urging businesses to stay focused despite the challenges involved in building major organizations in Africa. “Once you start, it gets easier. But the more you don’t do anything, it becomes difficult.”
With more than 3,000 African and global business leaders and heads of state gathered for the two-day forum in New York, Unstoppable Africa 2026 demonstrated the scale of global interest in Africa’s economic opportunities and the appetite for stronger commercial partnerships with the continent.
Another notable highlight was the South African Business Initiative for Impact (SABII), which brought South Africa’s business, investment, and partnership proposition into sharper focus. Discussions explored how local opportunities can connect with global capital and translate into tangible economic impact.
Zeine Zeidane, Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund, highlighted the importance of structural reforms, stronger domestic financial markets, and wider African markets through AfCFTA in attracting private investment.
The discussions also turned to the continent’s rapidly expanding digital economy. Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, highlighted the opportunity presented by Africa’s young and increasingly connected population, pointing to digital payments, AI, and other technologies that can help businesses access markets and grow.
Elly Savatia, Founder and CEO of Signverse, highlighted technology’s potential to expand inclusion through African sign languages. With $2 million in Google funding, Signverse has developed the largest publicly documented dataset for an African sign language to date and is building a framework that can expand to multiple local sign languages.
In the sporting arena, H.E. Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, signed a partnership agreement between the Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Foundation (NNN Foundation) and the Queens of the Continent Foundation (QoTC), founded by two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike. The landmark partnership will explore opportunities to support the empowerment and development of young people in Namibia, with a particular focus on girls and young women.
African creative industries take their place on the global stage
The creative economy was another major focus, with speakers highlighting the growing ability of African brands, filmmakers, and technology innovators to build global audiences and markets.
Khanyi Mashimbiye, Manager, Creatives at Afreximbank, highlighted the Afreximbank CANEX program, which connects African fashion brands with international buyers through Tranoï in Paris and Japan and Coterie in New York. Since 2022, the initiative has secured more than 120 offtake agreements, with Zimbabwean brand Vanu Vanwerk now selling in more than 50 stores globally.
Closing the forum, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed said, “We are entering a new age of technology and AI that will fundamentally shape the future, and Africa has a tremendous opportunity to leapfrog. Just as industrialisation transformed economies and created new forms of work, AI can open new pathways for growth, innovation and opportunity. Africa has the talent and the ideas. What we need is the opportunity, infrastructure and investment to deploy them at scale. This is a moment for Africa to shape its own AI story, combining the continent’s talent with the technology and infrastructure needed to build the future.”
As the conversations concluded, the focus turned to the practical work ahead: translating Africa’s investment momentum into initiatives that can deliver growth, jobs, and lasting economic value.
For event photos, visit HERE. For speakers’ video soundbites and highlights, visit HERE. The entire event can be viewed on Unstoppable Africa YouTube channel.
For more about GABI please visit the website gabi.unglobalcompact.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dangote-calls-on-africa-to-keep-its-capital-at-home-as-industrialization-takes-center-stage-at-unstoppable-africa-302885521.html
22, Sep 2026
Meghalaya Strengthens Maternal & Child Healthcare; CM Shri Conrad K. Sangma Inaugurates 50-Bed Annex at DMCH, Tura
Tura, September 22, 2026: In a major step towards strengthening maternal and child healthcare in the Garo Hills, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, today inaugurated the expanded 150-bed District Maternity & Child Hospital (DMCH) at Tura, as part of the expansion of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) facility.
Hosted under the theme “A Solemn Celebration of Maternal & Child Health,” the event highlighted Meghalaya’s continuing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve access to quality maternal and child care and reduce preventable deaths among mothers and children.
The expansion builds on a broader healthcare strategy that includes the MOTHER (Measurable Outcomes in Transforming Health Sector through a Holistic Approach with a Focus on Women Empowerment) programme, Rescue Mission and the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme, along with initiatives focused on high-risk pregnancies, institutional deliveries, maternal and child nutrition and improved referral systems.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, said the expansion addresses an important infrastructure need and reflects the importance accorded by the State to maternal and child health. “It’s a very important step, especially keeping in mind the importance that we give to the health of mother and child. But more importantly, we are on expansion mode,” he said.
Emphasising the goal that healthcare systems must ultimately protect every mother and child, Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “We don’t want even a single mother to lose her life. We don’t want a single child to lose his or her life.” He said the State is working on further expansion of civil hospitals, district hospitals and mother and child hospitals. Under PM-DevINE, he said Meghalaya expects approximately ₹750–800 crore in project funding over the next five years and has consciously decided to direct most of these projects towards health. Tura, Shillong and Jowai are among the locations identified for major hospital infrastructure investments.
Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, said the inauguration marks a critical milestone in strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure in the region. He highlighted the State Government’s sustained commitment to healthcare over the past six to seven years and noted that Meghalaya is currently allocating more than 8% of its total budget to healthcare.
He highlighted key health outcomes achieved through sustained interventions, including a reduction of more than 55% in maternal mortality, over 40% in infant mortality and nearly 10 percentage points in stunting reduction over the past five years. Reaffirming the State’s vision of achieving single-digit maternal and infant mortality rates, on par with Kerala, he outlined interventions including the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme, transit homes for high-risk pregnant mothers, community childcare support through self-help groups, Mother-Baby Kits to encourage institutional deliveries and Mission 1000 Days focused on maternal and child nutrition.
From the clinical perspective, Dr. Dylan G. Momin, Specialist Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Tura Maternity & Child Hospital, said the facility has been facing considerable pressure, catering to more than 100 pregnant women, in addition to gynaecological and paediatric cases. He said the expanded capacity will ease the burden and strengthen the hospital’s role as the referral centre for difficult and high-risk cases from across the Garo Hills. He also appreciated the financial support provided through government schemes such as CMHIS and the availability of advanced equipment, including laparoscopy facilities. “Lots of patients have benefited a lot because now we are working as a team,” he said.
At the frontline, Anna Merry Ch. Marak, Staff Nurse, Tura Maternity & Child Hospital, said the increased capacity has significantly improved the management of ante-natal, post-natal and high-risk patients, who earlier had to be accommodated together because of limited beds. She noted that regular training, updated protocols, advanced technology and team-based care have strengthened their ability to manage patients, while counselling has helped mothers with newborn care and breastfeeding. She also highlighted the impact of the Safe Motherhood Scheme kits and Chief Minister Mother & Child Care Kits, which provide essential items for both mothers and babies, as well as ambulance and other government-supported services that have reduced the burden on families.
Chief Minister also formally unveiled the plaque at the New OPD building, officially opening the enhanced facility to the public.
A major highlight of the programme was the Distribution Ceremony of the Chief Minister Mother & Child Care Kits, with the Chief Minister personally distributing the kits to post-natal mothers in the hospital wards. The kits are intended to provide practical support during the immediate postnatal period and contribute to safer, healthier beginnings for newborns.
22, Sep 2026
Olight’s Best-Selling Clip Light Evolves: Oclip 2 Series Rotates and Tilts to Aim Where You Need It
HOUSTON, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Olight launched the Oclip 2 Series during its O-Fan Day event, introducing the Oclip 2 Pro and Oclip 2 Ultra designed for mechanics, public safety professionals, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who requires fully adjustable, hands-free lighting with multiple light sources. The Oclip 2 Series represents the next generation of Olight’s best-selling clip-light line, a product line with more than one million users worldwide.
Both models feature an all-new dual-axis design that tilts the head up to 115° and rotates the clip a full 360°, allowing the beam to be freely aimed as needed after mounting without repositioning the mounting point. Self-locking pivots hold the selected angle in place. Durability testing covered 10,000 clipping cycles for the clip and 10,000 rotation cycles for the dual-axis mechanism.
The Oclip 2 Pro integrates three lighting modes in one compact body: pure flood, spot, and red light. Flood output reaches up to 530 lumens, spot range up to 125 meters, and red output up to 40 lumens.
Building on the Oclip 2 Pro’s three-light configuration, the Oclip 2 Ultra adds UV light through an industry-first R/UV emitter that integrates red and UV light within its compact body, bringing the total to four light sources. Flood output reaches up to 580 lumens and spot range up to 130 meters, while UV output reaches up to 800 mW for inspections. Beyond lighting performance, the Oclip 2 Ultra adds an exclusive OAL aluminum body and head that combine high strength with scratch resistance, alongside the new OclipBeat breathing light, which changes color based on cumulative usage time.
Across the Oclip 2 Series, dual magnets at the MCC tail and clip allow the light to be secured to compatible metal surfaces in different orientations for hands-free illumination.
Both models support USB-C and MCC charging. Each Premium version includes a 1,000 mAh Mobile Charging Dock that automatically recharges the light on the go, extends total runtime to approximately twice that of the light alone, and displays the battery levels of both the light and dock.
The Oclip 2 Pro comes in Classic Black, High-Visibility Orange, and Tidal Blue, while the Oclip 2 Ultra comes in Olive Green, Onyx Black, and Amber Orange. Both models are available worldwide through the Olight Official Store, Amazon, and authorized retailers. Standard versions are priced at $49.99 for the Oclip 2 Pro and $69.99 for the Oclip 2 Ultra; pricing for other versions is available on the Olight Official Store.
About Olight
Founded in 2007, Olight is a global innovator in portable lighting, offering high-tech solutions for everyday carry, outdoor, tactical, and professional use. With over 1,200 patents and iF and Red Dot design recognitions, Olight serves users in over 100 countries.
Contact:
pr@olight.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/olights-best-selling-clip-light-evolves-oclip-2-series-rotates-and-tilts-to-aim-where-you-need-it-302879980.html
21, Sep 2026
HRH the Crown Prince Launches CEER’s Flagship Vehicles Further Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Position in the Global Automotive Industry
- CEER’s EXOBOT electric sedan and SUV embody Saudi innovation and national ambition, combining visionary design, advanced technologies, outstanding performance, and an exceptional driving experience.
- Designed, engineered, and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, as CEER’s flagship vehicles within a broader vehicle lineup to be launched over the next five years.
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIF, revealed EXOBOT, the flagship electric vehicles from CEER, Saudi Arabia’s national automotive company. This national milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic direction toward developing an advanced industrial sector aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in the global automotive industry.
Marking this occasion, His Royal Highness said: “The launch of CEER’s first vehicles represents another step forward in Saudi Arabia’s progression to build a sustainable and prosperous industrial ecosystem. It further enables the automotive sector as a key driver of economic growth, through attracting investments, empowering national talent, and expanding the private sector’s role to further position Saudi Arabia to become a leading regional and global hub for this industry.”
EXOBOT sedan and SUV vehicles represent part of a planned portfolio of seven models that will be launched over the next five years, including midsize and compact vehicles with various propulsion options to serve different customer needs. These vehicles will be manufactured at CEER Manufacturing Complex (CMC), the largest automotive production facility in the Middle East and one of the most technologically advanced in the world. Additionally, EXOBOT sedan and SUV feature a distinctive design inspired by Saudi Arabia’s landscape, rooted in its culture, and reflective of its vision. Designed and engineered locally, the vehicles have been developed according to the highest global standards, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising force in the global automotive industry.
By 2034 CEER is projected to contribute USD 8 billion (over SAR 30 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, USD 21 billion (over SAR 80 billion) to trade balance improvement, and create quality direct and indirect jobs.
The announcement aligns with PIF’s efforts to develop an integrated and competitive local automotive ecosystem, as part of PIF’s mandate as a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. PIF launched CEER in 2022 as the first Saudi vehicle brand, with the aim to support the development of the national industrial ecosystem, attract investments, create opportunities for the private sector, and increase Saudi GDP.
Follow the livestream of the CEER World Premiere on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXzjpmxFcPw
For all news and assets from the CEER World Premiere, head to: https://ceermotors.com/news/
CONTACT: Karolina.mizgalska@bursonglobal.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hrh-the-crown-prince-launches-ceers-flagship-vehicles-further-strengthening-saudi-arabias-position-in-the-global-automotive-industry-302885029.html
21, Sep 2026
UN Global Compact Launches Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework to Help Companies Turn Commitments into Action
NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Global Compact today launched the Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework, a practical global resource designed to help companies place sustainability at the core of procurement and translate sustainability commitments and requirements into day-to-day business practice.
Launched during the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, the Framework responds to a critical implementation challenge for companies operating across increasingly complex global value chains. While governments around the world are advancing regulations and policies to promote more responsible and sustainable supply chains, companies also need practical guidance to translate these expectations into the decisions, processes and supplier relationships managed by procurement functions every day.
The Framework is designed to complement, rather than replace, existing regulations, standards and sustainability frameworks. Where regulations and standards can establish what companies are expected to achieve, the Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework focuses on the how: providing a practical pathway for companies to operationalize sustainability throughout the procurement lifecycle.
Developed by the UN Global Compact Coalition for Sustainable Procurement, with contributions from leading companies and expert organizations, the Framework provides a structured approach to integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into procurement. It helps companies assess their current maturity, establish the right governance and accountability, translate corporate sustainability priorities into sourcing and purchasing decisions, engage and strengthen suppliers, measure performance and continuously improve.
In doing so, the Framework aims to move sustainable procurement beyond a compliance exercise. It positions procurement as a strategic business function that can help companies manage supply chain risks, strengthen resilience, accelerate decarbonization, advance responsible business practices, foster supplier innovation and capabilities, and support long-term competitiveness.
“Our ambition is to make sustainable procurement the global norm and to give companies a practical pathway for turning that ambition into action,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “In the years ahead, we will work with governments, companies, business associations and other partners around the world to mobilize the private sector to adopt and implement this Framework. By placing sustainability at the core of procurement, we can help transform the purchasing decisions and supplier relationships of thousands of companies into a powerful force for more resilient, responsible and sustainable global value chains.”
Procurement represents one of the most significant areas of corporate influence, connecting companies with thousands of suppliers and shaping business decisions across global value chains. As companies respond to evolving expectations related to climate action, human rights, responsible sourcing, regulation and supply chain resilience, procurement teams are increasingly responsible for turning corporate sustainability ambitions into operational decisions.
Yet implementation remains a significant challenge. Procurement teams must determine how sustainability should influence supplier selection, contracting, supplier engagement, performance management and purchasing decisions often while navigating different regulatory environments, markets and levels of supplier capability.
The Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework is designed to help bridge this gap. Adaptable across industries, company sizes and geographies, it provides a common implementation approach while allowing organizations to apply the guidance according to their business context, sustainability maturity and supply chain realities. This flexibility is particularly important for global value chains, where large multinational companies and smaller suppliers may operate under very different market and regulatory conditions but increasingly need to work toward shared sustainability expectations.
“Companies increasingly understand the sustainability outcomes they are expected to deliver, including through evolving regulatory requirements. The challenge for procurement teams is translating those expectations into day-to-day decisions and supplier relationships. This Framework helps address that implementation gap by giving companies a practical approach they can apply within the procurement function,” said Pascal Vieilvoye, CEO of Concept 4
The launch marks the beginning of a broader effort to drive adoption and implementation of the Framework globally. Through the UN Global Compact’s global network and partnerships with companies, governments, business associations, public agencies and other organizations, the initiative will seek to build awareness, strengthen implementation capacity and encourage companies to embed the Framework into procurement practices and supplier engagement.
The ambition is not simply to introduce another sustainability resource, but to create a shared and practical approach to sustainable procurement that can be used across markets, industries and value chains. By connecting policy ambition with business implementation, the Framework can also support dialogue between governments and the private sector on how to accelerate more sustainable and resilient supply chains.
The 2026 High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement convened ministers, chief procurement officers, Heads of International Organizations and sustainability experts to discuss how procurement can accelerate sustainable development while strengthening competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
The Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework is publicly available and intended for organizations of all sizes seeking to integrate sustainability into procurement practices and supplier engagement.
About the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement
Established by the United Nations Global Compact in 2025, the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement brings together leading companies committed to advancing procurement as a strategic driver of sustainability, resilience and long-term business value.
Coalition members work collectively to address shared implementation challenges, exchange practical experience and develop solutions that can support companies and suppliers across global value chains. The Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework was developed through this collaborative effort, drawing on the experience of participating companies and expert partners.
The Coalition is working toward a vision of making sustainable procurement the global norm, with the ambition of enabling 100,000 companies to integrate sustainability into procurement by 2030.
About the United Nations Global Compact
As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our vision is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainability ambition into action at the scale the world demands. With more than 25,000 participants and a presence in over 100 countries through 5 Regional Hubs and more than 70 Country Networks and expansion territories, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit the UN Global Compact website.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/un-global-compact-launches-sustainable-procurement-implementation-framework-to-help-companies-turn-commitments-into-action-302885011.html
21, Sep 2026
Bybit Renews RLUSD Hold & Earn Phase 3 with Zero-Fee Spot Trading and 800,000 XRP Rewards
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced Phase 3 of its exclusive RLUSD Hold & Earn program, continuing its dual-token rewards event exclusive on Bybit, powered by Ripple. In addition to bonus APR, Bybit users also get to enjoy zero fees on both ends of the RLUSD/USDT spot pair for a limited time.
From now until Oct 18, 2026, Bybit RLUSD Hold & Earn allows eligible Bybit users to hold RLUSD in their accounts and earn daily rewards in both RLUSD and XRP, with no staking, lock-up, or subscription required. The new phase also upgrades the fee structure on the RLUSD/USDT spot pair to 0% for both makers and takers.
Highlights – Phase 3
- Dual-Token Rewards: Participants earn RLUSD at a base APR of up to 3.5%, alongside XRP bonus rewards drawn from a 0.8M XRP prize pool, powered by Ripple
- XRP Bonus Multiplier: The XRP bonus portion scales with continuous holding duration, reaching up to 2.0x for holdings maintained for 90 days or more
- Zero-Fee Spot Trading: Starting Sep 19, 2026, the RLUSD/USDT spot pair waives both maker and taker fees, upgraded from 0% maker fees only in Phase 2
- Same Simplicity: No staking and no lock-up. Holding RLUSD is all it takes to earn rewards automatically
The XRP bonus multiplier is determined by the length of continuous holding, offering up to 2x in APR for participants holding RLUSD continuously for 90 days or above.
RLUSD is a USD-pegged stablecoin issued by Ripple, fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury bills, USD deposits, and other cash equivalents, maintaining a stable 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar. XRP is the native token of the XRP Ledger, co-founded by Ripple, designed for fast, low-cost cross-border payments.
Terms and conditions apply. Actual fee rates may vary by region, and users are advised to refer to the My Fee Rate page for accurate rates. For full details on the APR, multiplier, eligibility, and potential restrictions, users may visit: RLUSD Hold & Earn Phase 3: 0-Fee Trading, up to 3.5% APR & 0.8M XRP Rewards
About Bybit
Bybit is The New Financial Platform.
We believe every person should have access to every financial opportunity on earth. That’s why we’re building the first intelligent platform that connects anyone, anywhere to the world’s finance.
Trusted by more than 80 million users worldwide, Bybit brings together investing, trading, payments, and wealth-building in a single secure and intelligent ecosystem. Through the combination of AI-powered technology, deep global liquidity, robust security, and transparent operations, Bybit makes global finance more accessible, efficient, and empowering for everyone.
Built for everyone. Powered by intelligence. Open to the world.
Learn more at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-renews-rlusd-hold–earn-phase-3-with-zero-fee-spot-trading-and-800-000-xrp-rewards-302884834.html
