15, Sep 2026
AI to Transform Highway Emergency Support, Making 1033 Helpline Faster and Smarter
Representational Image
New Delhi, Sep 15: A roadside breakdown, accident or medical emergency can quickly become frightening when a traveller is far from a familiar location. Finding help can be even more difficult when the person is unable to clearly describe where they are. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now looking to make emergency assistance faster and more efficient by upgrading its 1033 National Highway helpline with artificial intelligence and real-time location technology.
The proposed upgrade is aimed at making it easier for travellers to get the right assistance without spending too much time explaining their location or the nature of the emergency. AI-enabled systems could help operators process calls faster, understand requests in different Indian languages and coordinate assistance more efficiently.
The 1033 helpline has been serving highway users since 2018 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides support during medical emergencies, accidents and vehicle breakdowns, including access to ambulances, cranes and highway patrol services.
One of the most important improvements will be more accurate location identification. On long highways, travellers may not know the nearest town, kilometre marker or exit. In an emergency, this can delay assistance. Real-time location technology could allow the system to identify where the caller is and help response teams reach the right spot more quickly.
The technology could be particularly valuable during road accidents. When people are injured or under stress, communicating detailed information may be difficult. AI can assist in capturing essential information from a call, while trained operators can assess the situation and coordinate the appropriate emergency response.
Language support is another area where AI could make a difference. With travellers from different parts of India using the National Highway network, the ability to understand calls in multiple Indian languages could make the service more accessible. Better communication can help operators understand the problem and provide appropriate instructions while assistance is being arranged.
The upgraded system could also improve coordination between the helpline and field teams. Once a request is received, relevant information can be quickly shared with ambulances, patrol vehicles or recovery teams, helping reduce delays in dispatching assistance.
However, the introduction of AI does not mean that human support will disappear. Human operators will continue to play an important role, particularly when an emergency requires judgement, reassurance or detailed communication. The most effective system is likely to be one where AI handles routine information and location-related tasks while trained personnel take decisions in complex situations.
The scale of the 1033 service makes the planned modernisation significant. The helpline currently supports more than 1.46 lakh kilometres of National Highways and receives around 15,000 calls every day. Even a small improvement in response time could make a meaningful difference for a large number of motorists.
For ordinary travellers, the biggest advantage could be faster access to help when it matters most. A person whose vehicle breaks down at night on an isolated highway, for instance, may not know exactly where they are. If the system can identify their location and quickly direct the appropriate support vehicle, the situation can be handled more safely.
The upgrade also reflects the growing use of AI in public infrastructure. Technology is increasingly being used not only for convenience but also to improve essential services, emergency response and public safety.
For the system to deliver its full potential, AI will need to work alongside reliable communication networks, accurate digital mapping, trained operators and well-coordinated emergency teams. Technology can speed up the process, but effective response ultimately depends on people and services working together.
If successfully implemented, the upgraded 1033 helpline could turn highway emergency assistance into a more connected and responsive service, giving travellers greater confidence that help can be located and dispatched quickly when they need it most.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Sep 2026
Protec General Insurance Selects insureMO to Power Its Insurance Business
insureMO will build an AI-native insurance core, with APIs as a key growth agent to drive massive growth across India’s retail and commercial insurance ecosystems
SINGAPORE and MUMBAI, India, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — insureMO, the global insurance Middle Office platform provider, today announced that Protec General Insurance, a newly licensed Indian general insurer, has selected insureMO to build an AI-native insurance core. With APIs embedded as a key growth agent, the platform will help Protec drive massive growth across India’s insurance ecosystems by rapidly launching and scaling retail and commercial lines products.
By leveraging insureMO’s rich APIs spanning product configuration, rating and quotation, underwriting, policy issuance and servicing (including endorsements, renewals and cancellations), billing and payments, claims, documents, and distribution, Protec will establish a modern and flexible technology foundation designed to accelerate innovation, simplify operations and support long-term growth.
The collaboration will provide Protec with an AI-ready, ecosystem-friendly, microservices-based core and flexible, AI-powered product configuration capabilities. insureMO’s reusable insurance APIs will also enable Protec to launch products and connect with distribution channels/ecosystem partners more quickly and cost-effectively.
Key capabilities will include:
- An AI-ready, ecosystem-friendly, microservices-based insurance core
- Flexible, AI-powered product configuration
- Modular functions spanning rating and quotation, underwriting, policy issuance and servicing, billing and payments, claims, documents, and distribution
- Low- and zero-cost API enablement
- Faster and simpler product launches and changes
- An open, scalable and cost-efficient technology foundation
“Protec is building an insurance business designed for the digital and AI era,” said Aditya Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of ProTec General Insurance Ltd. “Our collaboration with insureMO will give us the flexibility, speed and technology capabilities needed to introduce relevant products, respond quickly to market needs and deliver better experiences to our customers and partners.”
insureMO’s Middle Office platform provides rich insurance APIs and modular insurance capabilities across product configuration, rating and quotation, underwriting, policy issuance and servicing (including endorsements, renewals and cancellations), billing and payments, claims, document generation, and distribution. Its API-first architecture allows insurers to assemble and adapt capabilities without the limitations of traditional monolithic systems.
“We are delighted to support Protec as it begins this important new journey,” said Rajat Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer at insureMO. “By combining Protec’s customer-centric vision with insureMO’s AI-ready, ecosystem-friendly architecture, microservices and insurance APIs, we are creating a strong foundation for faster innovation, greater flexibility and sustainable growth.”
The partnership represents more than a technology implementation. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Protec—built around intelligence, openness, speed and scalability.
About Protec General Insurance
Protec General Insurance is a newly licensed Indian general insurer focused on delivering simpler, smarter and more customer-centric insurance. The company aims to leverage AI and digital technology to develop accessible products and seamless experiences for customers and distribution partners.
About insureMO
insureMO is the global insurance Middle Office platform. The platform is organized across three pillars: API, Data, and AI, with 2,500+ atomic APIs spanning the full insurance lifecycle from quotation to claims. The architecture is open by design: the same APIs that connect 8,700+ distribution channels and technology partners are equally discoverable by AI agents and coding assistants. This is what makes insureMO AI-ready and ecosystem-friendly; any AI tool capable of calling an API can build on insureMO. Over 500 insurers, distributors, and ecosystem partners across 50+ countries run on insureMO, processing more than US$25 billion in Gross Written Premium across 17,500+ configured products spanning Life and Health, Personal Lines, Commercial and Specialty, and Reinsurance. Visit www.insuremo.com.
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15, Sep 2026
Hexaware Collaborates on Project NANDA Fellowship to Build the Future of AI Agents
Three-month, fully remote program invites developers worldwide to help build the open-source infrastructure powering the Internet of AI Agents
MUMBAI, India , Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), a global provider of IT solutions and services, today announced its collaboration with Project NANDA Fellowship, a three-month, fully remote AI fellowship program that gives developers direct, hands-on experience building open-source infrastructure for the emerging Internet of AI Agents. The fellowship is hosted by FAN, the umbrella program behind Project NANDA, and is supported by Hexaware as part of the company’s participation in the open agentic web ecosystem.
The program is built around one of the defining technical challenges of the coming decade: how autonomous AI agents discover, verify, and coordinate with one another at scale within agentic AI workflows. Fellows contribute directly to Project NANDA, an initiative that originated at the MIT Media Lab and is building the foundational infrastructure, standards, and reference implementations for an open, decentralized Internet of AI Agents. Their work feeds into Project NANDA’s open-source community and advances components such as agent discovery, verifiable identity, and secure coordination across organizational boundaries.
The inaugural cohort brings together more than 10 Fellows, drawn from a mix of Hexaware engineers and external developers selected from a global applicant pool. Participants receive a competitive stipend, direct mentorship, and the opportunity to ship code that becomes part of live, open-source agentic infrastructure rather than a classroom exercise. By keeping the cohort small, the program preserves close mentorship and meaningful contribution for every Fellow.
For Hexaware, the association reflects a twofold objective: helping to train the next generation of AI infrastructure engineers and contributing to the open agentic web and the broader open-source community advancing it. The initiative complements Hexaware’s own investments in agentic AI, including its AI delivery layer, Zerovity™. It also extends the company’s engagement with the research and developer communities shaping how AI agents will operate in production.
Applications and eligibility
Applications for the Project NANDA Fellowship are now open to developers worldwide. Candidates can apply through the link shared below. The priority review deadline is September 19, 2026; applications received by that date are given priority consideration.
Apply: https://lnkd.in/dZPPCQtY
About Hexaware
Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more at hexaware.com.
About Project NANDA
Project NANDA originated at the MIT Media Lab and is architecting the foundational infrastructure for the Open Agentic Web. It focuses on how billions of AI agents can discover one another, verify capabilities, and coordinate tasks without creating bottlenecks or security vulnerabilities. Learn more at projectnanda.org.
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15, Sep 2026
Novotel Kolkata Appoints Neerajita Kundu as People & Culture Manager
Kolkata, Sep 15: Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences has announced the appointment of Neerajita Kundu as People & Culture Manager. Bringing over 11 years of experience in human resources within the hospitality sector, Neerajita has built a diverse career spanning people operations, talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and development, employee relations and organisational culture. Her extensive industry experience across some of Kolkata’s leading hospitality institutions positions her well to further strengthen the hotel’s people-centric approach and talent ecosystem.
Neerajita’s professional journey encompasses associations with The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, Neotia Hospitality, Hyatt Regency Kolkata and Fortune Park Hotels by ITC. Most recently, she served as Human Resource Manager at Fortune Park Hotels by ITC, where she was associated with the property during its pre-opening phase. Prior to this, she spent three years with Hyatt Regency Kolkata as Assistant Manager – Human Resources, further building her expertise across core HR functions and employee engagement initiatives.
In her new role at Novotel Kolkata, Neerajita will spearhead the hotel’s People & Culture function, with a mandate centred on fostering an engaged, empowered and high-performing workforce. Her responsibilities will encompass strengthening employee engagement, nurturing talent, advancing learning and development initiatives, and creating meaningful pathways for professional growth. She will also focus on cultivating an environment built on trust, open communication, recognition and a strong sense of belonging among the hotel’s Heartists.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, said,
“We are pleased to welcome Neerajita Kundu to Novotel Kolkata. Her strong understanding of the hospitality landscape, coupled with her extensive experience across human resources and people management, will add significant depth to our leadership team. People are at the heart of hospitality, and Neerajita’s vision closely aligns with our commitment to building a workplace that encourages growth, celebrates individual contributions and fosters a strong sense of belonging. We look forward to her leadership in further nurturing our Heartists and strengthening a culture that enables our people to thrive while delivering memorable experiences to our guests.”
Neerajita aims to foster a workplace where every Heartist feels valued, connected and empowered to grow, while strengthening a culture of learning, recognition and engagement that translates into exceptional guest experiences.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Neerajita has a creative inclination towards writing poetry and listening to music, interests that offer a glimpse into her artistic and reflective personality.
15, Sep 2026
Titomic awarded US$5.0 million U.S. defense contract for next-generation cold spray system
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Titomic Limited (ASX: TTT), a global leader in industrial-scale cold spray additive manufacturing and coating solutions, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Titomic USA, Inc., has been awarded a US$5.0 million (AU$ 6.9 million) contract by the U.S. Air Force to supply, integrate and commission a Next Generation Titomic Kinetic Fusion (TKF)™ High Pressure Cold Spray System at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Built around Titomic’s TKF™ 1000 high-pressure cold spray platform, the turnkey system will integrate industrial robotic automation, powder and gas management, process monitoring, safety systems and real-time quality verification. The capability is designed to support depot-level manufacturing and sustainment applications including component repair, dimensional restoration, corrosion and wear protection, additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing and multi-material deposition. The program will be supported by Titomic USA from its Huntsville, Alabama operations and represents a significant expansion of Titomic’s role in the U.S. defense sustainment market.
“With this award for the installation and commissioning of a TKF™ high-pressure cold spray system at Tinker Air Force Base, Titomic joins the capability suite of the largest U.S. Air Force MRO facility in the nation,” said Jim Simpson, Managing Director & CEO at Titomic Limited. “The USAF’s selection of Titomic as its high-pressure cold spray vendor marks an important milestone in our growth within the U.S. additive manufacturing market. We are delivering more than a machine – we are establishing a partnership and providing an integrated, production-ready manufacturing capability combining TKF™ technology, automation, process monitoring, installation and training, as well as ongoing support. Deployments like this demonstrate the potential for cold spray to improve readiness, extend asset life and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and warfighter readiness.”
Delivery is scheduled for 3Q of 2027, with installation subject to customer site coordination and approvals. Revenue will be recognized in accordance with applicable accounting standards and contractual performance obligations.
This announcement has been authorized for release by Titomic’s Board of Directors.
ABOUT TITOMIC LIMITED
Titomic Limited (ASX: TTT) is a leading Advanced manufacturing company with global operations specializing in large integrated solutions for industrial- scale metal additive manufacturing, coating, and repairs using its patented kinetic fusion cold spray (Titomic Kinetic Fusion™) technology. Titomic Kinetic Fusion™ cold spray solutions provide OEM production and R&D services to the global Aerospace, Defense, Shipbuilding, Oil & Gas, Mining and Automotive industries. Titomic also offers global sales and support for all its Titomic Kinetic Fusion™ cold spray AM activities from its Huntsville, Alabama Global Headquarters, as well as through local presence in the Australia and Europe. Titomic delivers competitive advantages in metal additive manufacturing at every stage in the product value chain. For more information, please visit www.titomic.com.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made in this release are forward-looking statements and are based on Titomic’s current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as “anticipates”, “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “guidance” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although Titomic believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Titomic’s control, including those risks or uncertainties inherent in the process of both developing and commercializing technology. As a result, actual results could materially differ from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Titomic will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this release except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.
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15, Sep 2026
EUCLYD Raises Over €200 Million to Break the AI Efficiency Wall
Financing accelerates development of ultra-efficient infrastructure for foundation AI models
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EUCLYD has signed a Series A financing round of more than €200 million, the company announced today. The round is co-led by Samsung, Somerset Capital Partners, Scaleup Europe Fund, which is managed by EQT, and Innovation Industries, with participation from EIFO, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark, imec.xpand, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and Quadri. Peter Wennink, former President & CEO of ASML, joins EUCLYD as Chairman of the Board.
As foundation models grow more capable, deploying them requires more power, memory bandwidth, and capital while adding infrastructure complexity. EUCLYD is developing a platform spanning crafted compute, innovative memory architecture, and datacenter systems to break this efficiency wall and transform AI inference economics.
EUCLYD’s long-term vision is Abundant Intelligence: a future in which advanced AI is no longer constrained by infrastructure cost, power availability, or geography. Founded by Bernardo Kastrup and Atul Sinha at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, Europe’s smartest square kilometer, EUCLYD draws on the campus’s semiconductor ecosystem and Europe’s engineering heritage.
At the center of EUCLYD’s roadmap are craftwerk, the world’s first agentic AI silicon, and craftwerk station CWS, the world’s lowest-power exascale AI factory. The platform combines programmable ASIC compute, processor-memory co-design, and system-level optimization to overcome the memory and efficiency walls limiting AI performance and scalability.
“AI is becoming a foundation of economic growth, scientific discovery, and national competitiveness, but its potential will remain constrained unless we fundamentally change the infrastructure beneath it,” said Bernardo Kastrup, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EUCLYD. “This financing accelerates our mission to make intelligence abundant through greater efficiency, lower cost per token, and broader access to advanced AI.”
“The next phase of AI will be defined not only by model innovation, but also by the efficiency and scalability of its infrastructure,” said Dede Goldschmidt, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics and Head of the Samsung Semiconductor Innovation Center. “EUCLYD combines an accomplished team with a differentiated vision addressing constraints in AI datacenters.”
“Europe has the engineering talent to produce globally significant technology companies,” said Ted Persson, Partner at EQT and Co-Head of the Scaleup Europe Fund. “EUCLYD combines deep semiconductor expertise with a mission to tackle some of the hardest constraints in AI infrastructure. That mix of European engineering depth and global ambition is what we’re here to back.”
“Europe possesses world-class capabilities across semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and systems engineering,” said Peter Wennink, Chairman of the Board of EUCLYD and former President and Chief Executive Officer of ASML. “EUCLYD can transform those strengths into a globally competitive AI infrastructure platform.”
The financing will expand EUCLYD’s engineering organization, accelerate its silicon and systems roadmap, strengthen ecosystem partnerships, and prepare the company for commercial deployment across enterprise, sovereign, and hyperscale AI markets.
ABOUT EUCLYD
EUCLYD is a European semiconductor systems company developing ultra-efficient infrastructure for foundation AI models. Its roadmap spans agentic AI silicon, advanced memory architecture, and datacenter systems engineered to reduce cost, energy use, and footprint. EUCLYD is headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
MEDIA CONTACT
Catchfire
EuclydPR@catchfire.co
NOTES TO EDITORS
Investor Information
About the Scaleup Europe Fund, managed by EQT
The Scaleup Europe Fund, managed by EQT, is a commercially driven alternative investment fund backing ambitious European technology companies with the potential to become global leaders. Targeting €5 billion, the Fund brings together public and private capital and invests across Deeptech, AI and Life Sciences.
EQT is a global investment organization with a Nordic heritage and more than three decades of experience developing companies. With €341 billion in total assets under management, EQT invests across the full lifecycle of companies, from start-up to maturity.
About Somerset Capital Partners
Somerset Capital Partners was founded in 2005 by Joes Daemen and pursues a long-term, multi-asset investment strategy. We invest both directly and indirectly across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, real estate, strategic land, data centres, consumer, and healthcare.
We partner with ambitious entrepreneurs and founders, recognising that transformative ideas require capital, conviction, and time. Therefore, we are committed to fostering enduring and impactful long-term relationships.
About Innovation Industries
Innovation Industries is a leading European Deep tech venture capital firm with €1 billion in capital under management. The firm invests in visionary science and engineering-based companies that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. With a strong belief that Deep tech can deliver both outsized financial returns and global impact, Innovation Industries partners with exceptional entrepreneurs and researchers to turn scientific breakthroughs into transformative companies. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic support from lab to scale, actively bridging the gap between academia and industry through close collaboration with leading technical universities, research institutions and industry partners. Innovation Industries has offices in Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Munich.
About EIFO
As Denmark’s national promotional bank and official export credit agency, EIFO works to open doors for global business, drive the green transition, advance innovative technologies, and contribute to Denmark’s security.
With total commitments exceeding EUR 24 billion and activities in more than 100 countries, EIFO provides financial solutions to Danish companies and their global partners.
EIFO is also Denmark’s most active venture investor, investing in startups and VC-funds. In 2025, EIFO made 31 new investments in companies and 15 in funds. Altogether, EIFO has an investment portfolio of just over EUR 2,7 billion.
About imec.xpand
imec.xpand is one of the world’s largest independent venture capital funds dedicated to early-stage semiconductor innovation. It targets ambitious startups where the knowledge, expertise and infrastructure of imec, the world-renowned semiconductor and nanotechnology R&D center, can play a determining role in their growth. imec.xpand has an outspoken international mindset towards building disruptive global companies and strongly believes that sufficient funding from the start is key to future success.
About Brabant Development Agency
Entrepreneurship is the driver of innovation – from sustainable food sources to a healthy future, climate-neutral energy, and developing promising key technologies. The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) ensures that startups playing a role in these fields receive the right support and funding to get off to a solid start and grow into scaleups, and that companies that aspire to go global can actually do so. BOM is an executive body of the Province of Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.
About Quadri
Quadri is a venture capital firm investing in category-defining companies across Enterprise AI, Physical AI, and AI Infrastructure. With offices in London and New York, we leverage our global enterprise network to accelerate commercial adoption and international expansion. For more information, visit quadri.vc.
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15, Sep 2026
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to discuss shared motor sport priorities
Rallying legend honoured by two Lebanese Presidents says Rally of Lebanon has key role in plans to ensure long-term future of
FIA Middle East Rally Championship
Dubai, UAE, Sept 15: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, met with Lebanese President His Excellency Joseph Aoun after attending the Rally of Lebanon, an event he won four times in a distinguished rally driving career which established him as a sporting ambassador for the Arab world.
The meeting at Baabda Palace provided an opportunity to reflect on the continued success of the event, and Lebanon’s position as a rallying stronghold in the Middle East.
Ben Sulayem accepted an official invitation from the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon and President Nabil ‘Billy’ Karam to attend the 48th Rally of Lebanon. The fourth round of this year’s FIA Middle East Rally Championship reached its finish at the ATCL in Kaslik, Jounieh last night (Sunday) with victory going to Lebanon’s Roger Feghali and co-driver Joseph Matar.
“I was pleased to meet with President Aoun and discuss our shared priorities for the future of motor sport,” said FIA President Ben Sulayem. “The Rally of Lebanon provided me with many great memories during my rally driving career, and I’m thrilled to once again experience the excitement this event creates for competitors and the country’s passionate motor sport fans.”
“The event has a rich history embedded in the origins of Middle East motor sport. It is firmly established as the home for asphalt rallying in the region, and plays a key role in our plans to ensure the long-term future of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
“Lebanon has always felt like a special place for me, and I want to thank the ATCL and its President, Nabil Karam, for their warm welcome and hospitality. I’m delighted to have met up again with some of the friends I have made at the club, and across the country over the years.”
Ben Sulayem’s legendary rally-driving achievements brought him widespread recognition, and he was awarded the President’s Cup by Lebanese President Amine Gemayel in 1987, and the Medal of Honour from Lebanese President Emile Lahoud in 1999.
Each of his four victories in the Rally of Lebanon, in 1987, 1991, 1998 and 1999, helped him secure the FIA Middle East Rally Championship title, which he won 14 times overall. He achieved the last three of those victories alongside his long-time co-driver Ronan Morgan.
Beyond his success in Middle East rallying, Ben Sulayem recorded his first overseas win in Turkey in 1991, and secured World Rally Championship Group N victories in Spain and Argentina over the following two years. He retired from competitive rallying in 2002.
In July, the FIA announced a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA WRC and FIA European Rally Championship, following the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
Designed to bring significant new investment into the sport, the biggest deal in the history of these championships supported the FIA’s vision under President Ben Sulayem, who said at the time: “Rallying is a huge part of my personal story. It has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future.”
15, Sep 2026
Executive Palace’s Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Showcase ‘Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal’
Kolkata, 15 September, 2026: The Executive Palace Apartment Owners’ Association on VIP Road, Baguiati, VIP Road, Baguiati, is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 with a distinctive artistic and socially relevant theme, “Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal with a Double Engine Government.”
The inauguration was done by Sri. Dilip Ghosh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agricultural Marketing Department, Govt of WB; Sri. Tarunjyoti Tewari, MLA; Mr. Jitendra Kumar Tewari, MLA; Mr. Amit Agarwal, Producer & many other eminent personalities.
The six-day celebration brings together devotion, art, community participation and a visual message centred on transformation, progress and the aspiration for a developed Bengal.
The major attraction of this year’s celebration is an elaborate artistic installation conceptualised by renowned artist Shri Mintu Pal, featuring an imposing 11-foot-tall Lord Ganesha in a royal setting. Dressed in a white kurta and orange pagdi, Lord Ganesha symbolises wisdom, responsibility, visionary leadership and good governance.
10 ft × 10 ft 3D Wall Showcases the ‘Parivartan’ Journey
The installation contrasts selected issues and developments under “Before 4th May” and “After 4th May”, reflecting the Association’s perspective on Bengal’s development journey.
The “Before 4th May” section highlights:
• Messi’s Kolkata visit chaos
• Justice for Abhaya movement at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital
• Bangladesh border fencing
• Cow trafficking
The “After 4th May” section showcases:
• New Delhi–New Jalpaiguri Bullet Train
• Chingrighata Metro stalled viaduct gap successfully completed
• Industrial Revolution and the opening of new industries
• Demolition of illegal constructions through bulldozer action
Through the 3D presentation, the Association seeks to create a visually engaging representation of its vision of a Bengal that is more progressive, connected, industrially developed and equipped with greater opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Secretary, Executive Palace Apartment Owners’ Association, said: “The essence of our theme ‘Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal with a Double Engine Government’ is to showcase the journey from challenges to possibilities and to express our aspiration for a Bengal that is progressive, confident, secure and full of opportunities. Through our artistic presentation, we have tried to portray how development can transform the everyday lives of people – from better connectivity and modern infrastructure to industrial growth, employment opportunities, planned urban development and stronger governance. Our 10×10-foot 3D wall takes this message further by presenting a visual contrast between the Bengal we have experienced and the Bengal we aspire to see. Parivartan, for us, is not merely a change in circumstances; it represents a change in direction, mindset and possibilities. Through this celebration, we wanted to combine faith and art with a larger message of hope – that Bengal can move forward with greater confidence, development and opportunity.”
The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will continue with various religious and community activities, culminating in a Hawan involving residents, followed by Ganesh Visarjan on September 18.
Through its Parivartan theme, the Executive Palace Apartment Owners Association aims to make this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi not only a celebration of faith and togetherness, but also a visual expression of the community’s aspiration for a stronger, developed and prosperous Bengal.
15, Sep 2026
DongCheng Company Hosts 2026 Online Product Launch Events, Unveiling Multi-Scenario Solutions for Construction, Metalworking, Woodworking and Home Renovation
SHANGHAI, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In August, DongCheng, DCA and DCK, three power tool brands under DongCheng Company, held separate online product launch events, each livestreamed globally through its official Facebook page and YouTube channel. The events showcased a comprehensive portfolio of power tools and application-focused solutions to address diverse needs across construction, metalworking, woodworking and home renovation.
Each launch event combined real-world demonstrations with immersive 3D virtual scenes, highlighting key product features, performance capabilities and practical applications. Mr. Gu Zhiping, Chairman of DongCheng Company, delivered the opening remarks, followed by product presentations and live demonstrations led by product engineers and managers.
Each brand introduced a new product lineup reflecting its distinct market positioning:
DongCheng, with over 30 years of experience in the professional power tool industry, launched a new product series under the theme “Unmatched Power, Ironclad Quality”, covering impact wrenches, rotary hammers, angle grinders and drills.
DCA, focused on reliable jobsite performance, introduced a new product series under the theme “Professional Grade, Reliable Performance”, featuring core applications for construction, metalworking, woodworking and home renovation.
DCK, dedicated to heavy-duty professional applications, introduced a new product lineup alongside a new series of battery packs under the theme “Built for Rigor, Mastered with Ease”. The new lineup covers 12V, 20V and 40V lithium platforms.
For construction and metalworking, the new products address practical needs across steel structure installation, factory operations and building sites—covering fastening, cutting, grinding, and drilling for a range of professional applications.
For woodworking and home renovation, the new products address a range of applications, including custom furniture making and precision joinery. They support diverse tasks ranging from precision assembly to heavy-duty installation, with an emphasis on portability, operational flexibility and precise control.
This series of launches not only showcases the three brands’ continued product innovation, but also reflects their ongoing commitment to addressing users’ real-world needs. By continuously enhancing product performance and user experience, the brands strive to deliver more efficient and reliable solutions for users across a wide range of applications.
DongCheng Company continues to deepen its expertise in the power tool industry, drawing on a deep understanding of practical working conditions and diverse user needs. Guided by actual applications, the company drives product innovation and provides efficient, flexible and reliable power tool solutions.
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15, Sep 2026
Air India to Launch India’s First UATP Corporate Travel Program, Deploying UATP Accounts for Businesses and Travel Agencies
New partnership will enable companies and travel agencies to manage airline travel payments through a centralized account, improving visibility, reconciliation, reporting, and payment efficiency while creating new growth opportunities for Air India
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UATP, the global network enabling organizations to simplify payment processes and expand their payment capabilities, has announced that Air India will become the first airline in India to offer UATP accounts to its customers. Through the initiative, businesses and travel agencies will be able to purchase Air India travel using a centralized UATP account instead of multiple individual payment methods, making it easier to manage travel spending, track transactions, reconcile accounts, and access detailed reporting.
The program will provide greater efficiency, transparency and control for corporate customers and travel agency partners, while helping Air India strengthen its distribution capabilities, improve payment processes, and support the growing demand for business travel in India.
The agreement, which will be formally announced in the coming months, builds on UATP’s growing presence in India. This marks the next stage of UATP’s expansion in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
“India is a market of significant strategic importance to UATP, and Air India is the ideal partner as the first airline offering UATP in the region,” said Ralph A. Kaiser, President and CEO of UATP. “By partnering with Air India, establishing UATP India Private Ltd. in Mumbai and developing a settlement solution for Indian currency, we are building the foundation for a successful program across India’s travel sector.”
India is one of the world’s largest aviation markets, with aviation supporting 7.7 million jobs and 1.5% of GDP. UATP’s market whitepaper, Opportunity in India: Commercial Aviation, Payments, and Growth on the Subcontinent, cites research projecting growth in digital payment transactions from 159 billion in FY2023-24 to 481 billion by FY2028-29.
Designed to support both Air India and its agency partners, the program provides a modern payment framework that centralizes processes, improves reporting accuracy, streamlines reconciliation, and increases transparency across the payment lifecycle. The initiative advances Air India’s strategic priorities of reducing costs, mitigating risk, and optimizing distribution performance.
“Through UATP, we are empowering our travel agency partners with a modern payment solution that improves efficiency, visibility, and control across the payment process,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India. “As the travel market continues to expand, this program strengthens collaboration with our agency community and delivers a differentiated payment offering that benefits the entire travel ecosystem.”
When the UATP-Air India program goes live in the coming months, Air India will be able to expand payment options for businesses and business travelers in India, while creating new opportunities to grow its core travel business.
Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has been undergoing a comprehensive transformation spanning fleet renewal, new cabin products, digital transformation, operational enhancements, and elevated customer experience initiatives. The airline has placed record orders for 600 aircraft, introduced new and retrofitted cabin products, expanded its global network, enhanced on-board offerings, and invested significantly in technology platforms to deliver a more seamless travel experience.
For more information about the partnership between UATP and Air India, or to speak with a UATP executive, please contact Wendy Ward at wendy.ward@uatp.com.
ABOUT UATP
UATP is the global payment network simplifying payments in complex industries. We make it easy for businesses to accept or make any type of payment, open new markets, drive growth, and reduce costs for Network Participants, vendors, agents, aggregators, and more. UATP is continually innovating to connect companies to new forms of payment (AFPs), and our easy-to-use data tools, DataStream® and DataMine®, provide comprehensive account details to Customers and their Corporate Account Holders. Our team has decades of experience with the ever-changing payments landscape, and our reliable and proven technology ensures our global customers get more from every payment experience. Learn more at uatp.com.
Accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel worldwide by airlines, travel agencies, and Amtrak®; UATP accounts are deployed by: Aeromexico; AERTiCKET; Air Canada (TSE: AC); Air China; Air India; Air New Zealand (ANZFF.PK); Air Niugini; Akbar Travels; American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL); APG Airlines; APG Pay; Austrian Airlines; BCD Travel; China Eastern Airlines; ConnexPay; Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL); EL AL Israel Airlines; Ethiopian Airlines; Etihad Airways; Fareportal; Flight Centre Travel Group; Frontier Airlines; GOL Linhas Aereas inteligentes S.A. (Bovespa: GOLL4); Hahn Air; High Point Travel; Hopper; Japan Airlines (9201:JP); JetBlue Airways; LATAM Airlines; MakeMyTrip; Perk Platform S.L.U.; Qantas Airways (QUBSF.PK); SEB Kort, Germany (“AirPlus”); Shandong Airlines; Sichuan Airlines; Southwest Airlines; Sun Country Airlines; TUIfly GmbH; Turkish Airlines (ISE: THYAO); United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL); Wego; WestJet; Wings Global Travel and W2 by GO7.
About Air India Group
The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.
Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft.
The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress. With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.
For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom.
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