14, Oct 2026
AYODHYA 2.0: Faith, Tourism and the Next Investment Capital
The Sacred City Recorded 300 million Visitors in 2025, Nearly 47x Vatican City’s Footfall
MUMBAI, India, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Liases Foras, an independent real estate research firm, has released its latest report titled ‘Ayodhya 2.0: Faith, Tourism and the New Investment Capital’, examining the city’s rapid evolution following the consecration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on 22 January 2024. According to the report, Ayodhya is emerging as India’s Spiritual and Investment Capital, recording around 300 million visitors in 2025, compared with around 6 million in 2020 and 164 million in 2024.

The report tracks the growth of Ayodhya’s visitor economy alongside infrastructure development, hospitality expansion and changes in the real estate market. What began as a pilgrimage surge is increasingly evolving into a broader economic story, supported by longer visitor stays, improved connectivity and a more vibrant visitor economy.
Key findings from the report:
- The Ayodhya Development Authority’s Master Plan 2031 carries a total committed outlay of ₹85,000 crore, covering airport and rail expansion, roads, the Sarayu riverfront, public infrastructure and a 1,407-acre New Ayodhya township.
- More than 1.2 lakh new jobs have been reported across hospitality, retail and construction since 2024, with Ayodhya estimated to contribute approximately 1.5% of Uttar Pradesh’s GSDP.
- More than 50 major hotel projects are currently under construction, including Taj, Marriott, Radisson, Oberoi, Leela and Ginger, against an existing organised hotel inventory of around 1,200 rooms.
- Average visitor stays have increased to around 2–4 days, with the report projecting stays of 5–7 days by 2030–35 as spiritual circuits, cultural tourism, wellness, festivals and riverfront activities expand.
- Land prices have appreciated by 25%–40% across the city since 2019, while areas immediately around the Ram Mandir have recorded increases of 5–10 times. Prime-corridor rates are projected to reach approximately ₹37,300 per sq ft by 2031, representing 2.5x growth over the next five years.
- Average daily earnings of small shopkeepers have increased from ₹400–500 to around ₹2,500, while additional annual GST revenue linked to the tourism boom is estimated at approximately ₹400 crore.
The findings also highlight how Ayodhya’s tourism economy is broadening beyond pilgrimage, with longer visitor stays, growing interest in wellness, cultural and riverfront experiences, and increasing demand for hospitality, residential and plotted developments. The report expects this expansion to continue through 2035, with the city gradually moving from the initial post-consecration surge towards a more established urban and tourism economy.
Connectivity has also emerged as a major driver of Ayodhya’s transformation. The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport now connects the city to major metros, with its Phase II expansion expected to increase annual passenger capacity to 6 million. The redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction can handle more than 60,000 passengers daily, while the 67-km Ayodhya Ring Road, ₹12,000 crore NHAI regional road-widening program and Ramayana Circuit are expected to further strengthen regional and intra-city access.
This improving accessibility is also supporting the emergence of new real estate segments. Second homes and branded residences are emerging as new demand categories, alongside wellness, cultural and riverfront experiences, as visitor stays extend beyond single-day pilgrimage.
“Ayodhya’s tourism growth is not simply increasing visitor numbers. It is creating a wider economic base across hospitality, retail, transport and real estate. With infrastructure capacity expanding and visitor stays expected to lengthen, the city is moving towards a more diversified tourism and property market. The combination of sustained visitor demand, rising hospitality supply and continued infrastructure investment is expected to support long-term demand across residential, plotted and hospitality-led developments,” said Mr. Pankaj Kapoor, Managing Director, Liases Foras.
Over the next decade, Ayodhya is expected to transition from rapid infrastructure-led expansion to a more established tourism and urban economy. As the Master Plan progresses, hospitality supply expands and visitor patterns mature, the city is expected to see sustained demand across tourism, residential and commercial segments, with repeat visitation playing a larger role in the market by 2035. The transformation underway today is therefore not just about accommodating more visitors, but about building the infrastructure, economic ecosystem and investment opportunities to support Ayodhya’s next phase of growth.
About Liases Foras
Liases Foras is India’s premier independent, non-broking real estate research company. With no brokerage or development interests, the firm has provided impartial, data-driven market intelligence to investors, financial institutions, and policymakers since 1998. The full report “AYODHYA 2.0: Faith, Tourism and the Next Investment Capital” is available upon request.
Media Contact – Liases Foras Real Estate Rating & Research Pvt. Ltd.
M: +91 9833344500 | contact@liasesforas.com | www.liasesforas.com
Download the report: https://bit.ly/4imKlZ1

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- By Sai Krishna
14, Oct 2026
Solidion Technology Reaffirms Commitment to Address Growing Energy Storage Needs of AI Data Centers
Solidion’s patented anode technology and PEAK UPS design target the space, lifespan and cost demands of AI-scale infrastructure.
DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Solidion Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: STI) (“Solidion Technology” or “the Company”), an advanced battery technology solutions provider, today reaffirmed its commitment to address energy storage for artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure, centered on its PEAK Series uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system.

As AI workloads increase the power density of data centers, operators face growing pressure on the systems that keep facilities running during grid disruptions. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries take up floor space that could otherwise hold AI servers and additional computing equipment, and they require periodic replacement.
Solidion’s approach is built around its PEAK Series, a UPS battery system built for AI data centers using its proprietary 5500 silicon-carbon anode cell, designed for AI data center environments and well positioned to address these evolving requirements.
The Company’s strategy focuses on three priorities:
- Energy density and space efficiency: Based on Company testing, PEAK is designed to reduce UPS footprint by up to 30%, freeing floor space for servers.
- Reliability and longevity: The 5500 cell is designed to last up to three times longer than conventional backup systems, reducing replacement cycles and maintenance. Solidion is focused on advancing technologies intended to support demanding data center operating environments.
- Materials-level innovation: Solidion’s portfolio of +385 patents covering silicon anodes, graphene and next generation battery chemistries, together with its pilot production facility in Dayton, Ohio, gives the Company a U.S. based foundation for developing data center energy storage.
“AI infrastructure represents a compelling market for advanced energy storage,” said Jaymes Winters, Chairman and CEO of Solidion. “Our focus is on translating our technology into practical commercial solutions that address real customer demand. We are not betting on which chips win; we are focused on supplying something every data center needs.”
Solidion intends to continue pursuing opportunities to apply its battery technologies directly to end users.
About Solidion Technology, Inc.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with pilot production facilities in Dayton, Ohio, Solidion’s (NASDAQ: STI) core business includes manufacturing of battery materials and components, as well as development and production of next-generation batteries for energy storage systems, including UPS systems serving the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market and electric vehicles for ground, aerospace, and sea transportation. Solidion holds a portfolio of over 385 patents, covering innovations such as high-capacity, silane gas free and graphene-enabled silicon anodes, biomass-based graphite, advanced lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal technologies.
For more information, please visit www.solidiontech.com or contact Investor Relations.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Solidion Technology Inc., (NASDAQ: STI) (the “Company,” “Solidion,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
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14, Oct 2026
Agomoni Nritya Utsav 2026 Concludes Successfully in Siliguri
A grand celebration of dance, devotion and India’s rich cultural heritage

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Siliguri, Oct 14: The two-day Agomoni Nritya Utsav 2026, organised by Nritya Mallika Dance Academy, Siliguri, concluded successfully with vibrant performances, enthusiastic participation and a celebration of India’s rich cultural diversity. Dedicated to welcoming Maa Durga, the festival brought together eminent gurus, distinguished guests, established artists and young dancers on a common platform to celebrate the beauty of Indian dance, music and tradition.
The festival commenced on 7 October at Dinabandhu Mancha, Siliguri, in the presence of several distinguished personalities, including renowned dancer and SNA Awardee Guru Dr. Shobha Koser of Chandigarh, Dr. Shankar Ghosh, Hon’ble MLA, Vidushi Dr. Samita Koser, Shri Sajal Koser, Dr. Upendra Sharma and Vidushi Sangita Chaki, along with other eminent personalities from the cultural fraternity.

One of the most touching moments of the inaugural programme was the heartfelt welcome and special felicitation accorded to Guruma, Guru Dr. Shobha Koser. The students and artists of Nritya Mallika Dance Academy expressed their profound respect, love and gratitude through this emotional gesture, creating an atmosphere filled with devotion, affection and joy.
Nearly 250 students of Nritya Mallika Dance Academy participated in the first day’s programme, presenting an impressive range of classical dance, Agomoni, Devi Vandana, Mahishasura Mardini and other devotional and thematic performances. The dance-drama Dashadike Durga emerged as a special attraction, receiving an overwhelming response from the audience and beautifully portraying the power, grace and divine presence of Maa Durga.

A significant highlight of the evening was the musical presentation by renowned sitarist Shri Subrata De, who travelled specially from Delhi to participate in the festival. Accompanied by tabla artist Shri Subir Adhikari, his soulful sitar recital enriched the dance presentations with musical depth, rhythm and emotional expression. The harmonious interplay of classical music and dance created a memorable experience for the audience.
The second day, held on 8 October at Rabindra Mancha, Shaktigarh, Siliguri, transformed the festival into a vibrant interregional Nritya Mahotsav. Dancers and artists from different parts of Eastern and North-Eastern India came together to showcase the richness and diversity of their respective dance traditions.
More than 45 talented artists from Assam participated, alongside dancers representing Alipurduar, Dinhata, Sikkim, Darjeeling and other regions. Around 150 dancers came together on one stage, presenting a colourful array of artistic expressions and cultural traditions. The programme featured a total of 72 dance performances across the festival, making it a remarkable celebration of artistic talent, dedication and cultural exchange.
The gathering of artists from diverse regions reflected the festival’s broader vision of building cultural bridges, encouraging mutual respect and strengthening unity through the universal language of dance. Beyond its devotional significance, Agomoni Nritya Utsav served as a meaningful platform for young performers to gain exposure, develop confidence and connect with the wider artistic community.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the festival, Smt. Rimpi Saha Banik, Founder Director of Nritya Mallika Dance Academy, congratulated all the participating dancers, teachers and supporters and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the artists who travelled from different places to perform on a common stage.
Sharing her vision, she said, “The more opportunities and platforms we provide to dancers, the more they can develop their talents, enhance their skills and gain the confidence to move forward in their artistic journeys.”
She emphasised that encouraging young dancers, recognising their abilities and providing meaningful performance opportunities are essential for nurturing the next generation of artists. With this objective, Nritya Mallika Dance Academy has consistently organised cultural programmes and dance events throughout the year, striving to bring artists from different regions together and promote artistic excellence, cultural exchange and harmony.
On behalf of the academy, Vidushi Smt.Rimpi Saha Banik conveyed her sincere thanks & gratefulness to Guruma, the distinguished guests, participating artists, students, parents, teachers, supporters, organisers and audiences whose valuable cooperation and enthusiastic participation contributed to the festival’s success. Thanks to our Media Partners like CA TV , Shreyas Webmedia Solutions & Shri Sugunan K.
The two-day Agomoni Nritya Utsav 2026 concluded on a note of joy, gratitude and renewed commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. The festival reaffirmed Nritya Mallika Dance Academy’s dedication to creating greater opportunities for emerging dancers and building larger platforms where talent, tradition and creativity can flourish.
Looking ahead, the academy aspires to organise more innovative and enriching cultural initiatives, bringing together an even greater number of dancers and artists from across India. Through such endeavours, it hopes to inspire the younger generation, strengthen cultural bonds and carry forward the timeless legacy of Indian dance and artistic expression with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.
14, Oct 2026
AITO Builds the Foundation for Global Growth Through Product Excellence and Market Recognition
PARIS, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AITO, a high-end intelligent luxury mobility brand under SERES Group, showcased the engineering, intelligent technology and manufacturing capabilities behind its “Intelligence Redefining Luxury” philosophy at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Building on its achievements in product development and customer experience, AITO announced plans to enter the European market in the autumn of 2027.

With the philosophy of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”, AITO brings together traditional luxury and technological luxury, and creates the New Luxury. It carries forward the established principles of luxury through exceptional performance, refined comfort and craftsmanship, while integrating intelligent technology across safety, cabin, driving and services.
Realising this philosophy goes beyond the intelligent technologies customers experience in the vehicle. It is underpinned by the engineering, manufacturing and localisation capabilities that shape each product, with the SERES MF Platform providing the core vehicle technology foundation and the SERES Super Factory translating these strengths into production.
SERES MF Platform: The Technology Behind AITO
Behind every AITO product is the SERES MF Platform, AITO’s core vehicle technology platform. It integrates diverse powertrains, intelligent safety, an intelligent chassis, an intelligent central hub, cabin and ADAS integration and intelligent services within a unified architecture. Its diverse powertrains support BEV, REEV and PHEV configurations, providing flexibility across different powertrain needs, while intelligent safety provides all-round protection to help support a safer journey. The intelligent chassis is designed to deliver agile handling and a smooth ride, balancing driving control with comfort. By bringing these systems together, the platform helps deliver a more seamless driving experience for customers. Complementing these capabilities, the intelligent central hub provides high computing power and integration, coordinating key vehicle functions. This works alongside cabin and ADAS integration, which connects the intelligent cabin and driving systems to deliver a more seamless experience. Intelligent services provide always-on care, extending support beyond the driving experience. Together, these six comprehensive capabilities cover every facet of the ownership journey, encompassing life protection, vehicle safety, health, and privacy, establishing a new benchmark for intelligent mobility in Europe.
SERES Super Factory: Intelligent Manufacturing
While the SERES MF Platform provides the core vehicle technology platform, the SERES Super Factory translates these technologies into production. Behind the SERES Super Factory is its Industrial Brain, which enables seamless data connectivity across the value chain, integrating information, logistics and technology flows. It links more than 300 partners across the supply chain, supporting more efficient coordination.
The factory integrates nine major manufacturing processes and deploys more than 3,000 robots working collaboratively, with 100% automation across key processes. Its 10,000-ton-class integrated die-casting technology enables greater component integration, improves structural integrity and further enhances body rigidity and safety.
For quality control, automated inspection and AI-powered visual monitoring are applied throughout the production process. Each vehicle also has its own digital record to ensure traceability. From intelligent manufacturing to quality inspection, every step reflects AITO’s commitment to delivering vehicles customers can trust.
SERES Ecosystem: Global Partnerships, Recognition and Performance
AITO’s European and global development is further supported by leading suppliers and partners around the world, with collaboration across key vehicle component areas, including power batteries, thermal management systems, high-performance tyres, chassis and steering systems and passive safety systems. Through close collaboration with partners and careful selection of high-quality core components, AITO brings global expertise across key vehicle systems, complementing AITO’s engineering and production capabilities and supporting product performance, quality and reliability from the outset. Alongside its global supplier network, AITO is also developing a localised service system covering intelligent diagnosis, mobility services, local spare parts supply and local customer service teams throughout the ownership.
These global partnerships, engineering capabilities and customer-focused services form an integrated ecosystem supporting AITO’s products and long-term growth. AITO’s development is also reflected in its brand value, industry and customer recognition in the global luxury automotive market. In April 2026, Brand Finance, a leading international brand valuation agency, released its Automobiles 100 2026 ranking. AITO was ranked among the Top 10 Global Luxury Automotive Brands by brand value, as the only Chinese brand on the list. At the same time, AITO ranked first among Chinese luxury automotive brands by brand value.
In China, AITO has also demonstrated strong market and industry performance. The AITO 9 achieved the highest overall score in the C-NCAP assessment, while J.D. Power’s 2026 China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study ranked it first in the luxury plug-in hybrid SUV segment. In a J.D. Power brand Net Promoter Score (NPS) study, AITO ranked first among new energy luxury brands for customer advocacy.
Today, more than 1.2 million customers have chosen AITO. AITO vehicles have collectively travelled more than 40 billion kilometres, with 71% of that mileage powered by electricity, while intelligent driver assistance systems have accumulated over 10 billion kilometres. Our data further shows that in a single month, 40% of driving mileage was completed with driver assistance, reflecting growing customer confidence in these capabilities.
“Intelligence Redefining Luxury” is reflected in the way AITO approaches every stage of product development and production. From vehicle technology and engineering to intelligent manufacturing and testing, AITO brings these expertise together under rigorous standards to strengthen product performance, quality and reliability. This effort supports continuous development and lays a strong foundation for AITO’s next stage of global growth.
About AITO
Founded in December 2021, AITO is a high-end intelligent electric vehicle brand under SERES Group. Its name stands for “Adding Intelligence to Auto” and embodies the concept of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”. By combining “Traditional Luxury” and “Technological Luxury”, AITO creates a “New Luxury” experience in the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry.
With outstanding intelligent features and refined luxury quality, it has become the top-selling Chinese luxury car brand in China in 2025. The AITO lineup surpassed one million cumulative deliveries in just 46 months, setting a new delivery speed record for Chinese luxury new energy vehicle brands.


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14, Oct 2026
Global Virus Network Adds Six Centers of Excellence and New Affiliate Across Four Continents
New members bring expertise in emerging viruses, surveillance, respiratory and arboviral diseases, One Health, antiviral development and pandemic preparedness
TAMPA, FL, USA (October 14, 2026)– The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of leading medical virologists representing more than 100 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in more than 40 countries, today announced six new Centers of Excellence and one Affiliate in Austria, Brazil, China, India, Panama, Switzerland and the United States. Collectively, the new members bring expertise in emerging and re-emerging viruses, respiratory and arboviral infections, how viruses cause disease, vaccines and antivirals, genomic and wastewater surveillance, diagnostics, and One Health.
The new members include the Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria; the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University in Brazil; the National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College in China; the Institute of Life Sciences in India, which joins as an Affiliate through the Manipal Institute of Virology–Manipal Academy of Higher Education GVN Center of Excellence; the Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología in Panama; the Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, University Hospitals of Geneva in Switzerland; and the Cornell University Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Department of Public & Ecosystem Health in the United States.
“No one group can cover all classes of virology,” said Robert C. Gallo, MD, GVN Co-founder and Chair of its Scientific Leadership Committee. “You need strong basic science, different areas of expertise and scientists around the world who know each other and work together, which is why we founded the GVN. We don’t know what the next serious viral threat will be or where it will come from, so these relationships need to be there before it happens.”
Dr. Gallo is also founding director of the University of South Florida Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation, a GVN Center of Excellence; James P. Cullison Professor of Medicine at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine; and director of the Microbial Oncogenesis Program at the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute.
“These new Centers significantly expand the breadth, depth and scope of expertise and capacity across the GVN,” said Mathew Evins, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Founding Board Member of GVN. “They strengthen the network across disciplines, institutions and regions of the world, adding scientific capabilities and infrastructure that will be important in addressing emerging viral threats.”
Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck — Austria
Directed by Gisa Gerold, PhD, Professor and Director of the Institute of Virology at the Medical University of Innsbruck, the new Center of Excellence contributes expertise in
arboviruses and respiratory viruses. Its work includes chikungunya vaccine research, vaccine- and infection-induced antibody responses and studies of respiratory syncytial virus epidemiology.
“Rapid communication among scientists is critical during outbreaks and epidemics,” said Dr. Gerold. “Through GVN, we look forward to strengthening those international connections while contributing our expertise in arboviruses and respiratory viruses to preparedness and response efforts.”
Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University — Brazil
Directed by Fernando Rosado Spilki, DVM, MSc, PhD, Vice-Rector for Research, Graduate Studies and Extension and Full Professor, Feevale University, the laboratory studies emerging and neglected viruses affecting humans, wildlife, domestic animals and environmental health. Its work includes environmental and clinical virology, molecular surveillance, metagenomics, wastewater-based epidemiology and viral persistence.
“Joining GVN will allow us to deepen our collaborations with virologists around the world, particularly through joint research and multicenter studies on emerging and re-emerging viruses,” said Dr. Spilki. “It also creates important opportunities for our students and early-career researchers to work with and learn from scientists across the GVN network.”
National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College — China
Directed by Yuelong Shu, PhD, Director of the National Institute of Pathogen Biology, the new Center of Excellence conducts fundamental and applied research focused on preventing and controlling infectious diseases. The institute houses major research programs in respiratory health, pathogen systems biology, and infection prevention and control, with capabilities in structural biology, molecular and cellular imaging, multi-omics, high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics.
“Long-term scientific partnerships are essential to understanding and preparing for emerging viral threats,” said Dr. Shu. “Joining GVN will give us new opportunities to share research and laboratory resources, participate in scientific exchanges and develop joint research on emerging viruses and pandemic preparedness.”
Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) — India | Affiliate
Directed by Soma Chattopadhyay, MSc, PhD, Scientist G in the Infectious Disease Biology Division of ILS, the Affiliate studies molecular virology, antiviral drug discovery, viral pathogenesis and host-virus interactions, with particular expertise in arboviruses and respiratory viruses. Its research infrastructure includes BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, antiviral screening platforms, immunological assays and proteomics.
ILS joins GVN as an Affiliate through the Manipal Institute of Virology–Manipal Academy of Higher Education Center of Excellence. The affiliation supports collaborative research and advanced training in emerging and re-emerging viral infections.
“We look forward to working with GVN scientists on emerging and re-emerging viral infections and expanding opportunities for translational research,” said Dr. Chattopadhyay. “Just as important is training the next generation of investigators in virology, outbreak preparedness and pandemic response through joint programs and scientific exchanges.”
Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP) — Panama
Directed by Timothy Thomson, MD, PhD, Director and Group Leader at INDICASAT-AIP, the new Center of Excellence conducts research in infectious diseases, genomics, drug discovery, computational biology, biotechnology, and One Health. Its scientific platforms include genomics, bioinformatics, advanced microscopy, medicinal chemistry and metabolomics.
“Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases are a global concern, but they also have distinct regional impacts,” said Dr. Thomson. “Through GVN, we hope to strengthen collaborative research and surveillance while contributing our experience and partnerships in Panama, Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals— Switzerland
Directed by Isabella Eckerle, MD, DTMH, Full Professor and Director of the Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, the Center of Excellence integrates clinical care, diagnostics, surveillance, translational research and field response for emerging and highly pathogenic viral infections. It hosts three National Reference Centres and is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for epidemic and pandemic diseases.
Its scientists have participated in responses to Ebola, Marburg, COVID-19 and mpox and are active in national and international surveillance and outbreak-response programs. The center also brings expertise in diagnostic development, viral phenotyping and the study of emerging viral diseases.
“Our work brings together clinical care, diagnostics, surveillance and research, and those connections are especially important when a new viral threat emerges,” said Dr. Eckerle. “Through GVN, we look forward to expanding international collaboration on diagnostics and the exchange of samples to strengthen preparedness and outbreak response.”
Cornell University Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Department of Public & Ecosystem Health — United States
Directed by Gary Whittaker, PhD, James Law Professor of Virology and Research Director at the Graduate Field of Public Health & Planetary Health, the new Center of Excellence brings together Cornell University’s Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, along with other departments. The Center includes 19 faculty members at Cornell’s Ithaca campus and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Researchers study a broad range of human, animal, and vector-borne viruses, including coronaviruses, influenza viruses, flaviviruses, alphaviruses, henipaviruses, poxviruses, and HIV.
The Center’s work spans viral pathogenesis and immunology, vaccines and antivirals, diagnostics, epidemiology and disease modeling. With faculty based in Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, it also brings a strong One Health component that connects human, animal, and environmental health.
“Cornell brings together scientists working across human, animal and vector-borne viruses, with expertise ranging from virology and immunology to epidemiology, vaccines, antivirals and disease modeling,” said Dr. Whittaker. “Joining GVN gives us an opportunity to put those strengths to work with colleagues across the network on emerging viral threats, while creating new international research and training opportunities for our faculty and trainees.”
GVN Centers of Excellence are leading virology institutions with deep expertise in multiple areas of viral research and a shared commitment to international collaboration. Affiliates partner with an established Center, providing opportunities for mentorship, scientific exchange and collaboration.
14, Oct 2026
GTPL Hathway Ltd: Digital TV Subscriber increased by 1.5 Mn: Total Revenue increased by 19% YOY
AHMEDABAD, India, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GTPL Hathway Limited, India’s largest Digital Cable TV Service Provider and a leading Broadband Service provider, announced its Financial Results for the Quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Key Financial Highlights:
Key Consolidated Business & Financial Highlights: Q2 FY27
|
Total Revenue ₹11,464 Mn |
Broadband Revenue ₹ 1,459 Mn |
Digital Cable TV Active Subscribers 11 Mn |
Broadband Active Subscribers 1070 K |
- Q2 FY27 Total revenue stood at ₹ 11,464 Mn, a growth of 19% Y-o-Y
- EBITDA for Q2 FY27 stood at ₹ 1103 Mn with an EBITDA Margin of 9.6% and an operating EBITDA margin of 20%.
|
Particulars (₹ in million) |
Q2 FY27 |
Q1 FY27 |
Q2 FY26 |
H1 FY27 |
H1 FY26 |
FY26 |
|
Digital Cable TV Revenue |
3,455 |
2,913 |
3,024 |
6,368 |
6,042 |
11,862 |
|
Broadband Revenue |
1,459 |
1,425 |
1,393 |
2,884 |
2,753 |
5,580 |
|
Total Revenue |
11,464 |
10,199 |
9,649 |
21,663 |
18,741 |
37,466 |
|
EBITDA |
1,103 |
1,092 |
1,101 |
2,194 |
2,224 |
4,323 |
|
EBITDA Margin (%) |
9.6 % |
10.7 % |
11.4 % |
10.1 % |
11.9 % |
11.5 % |
|
Operating EBITDA* (%) |
20 % |
22 % |
22 % |
21 % |
22 % |
21 % |
|
Profit After Tax |
-5 |
23 |
93 |
17 |
198 |
156 |
*Operating EBITDA (%) = (EBITDA net of Activation & Other income) / (Subscription+ ISP + Other Operating income)
Operational Highlights
Digital Cable TV
- Active subscribers were 11 Mn as of September 30, 2026, achieving an increase of 1.5 Mn (16%) Y-o-Y
- Paying subscribers stood at 10.3 Mn, increasing by 17% Y-o-Y
- Subscription revenue from Cable TV stood at ₹ 3,455 Mn for Q2 FY27, achieving an increase of 14% Y-o-Y.
Broadband
- Increase in broadband subscribers by 20K Y-o-Y thus standing at 1070K
- Broadband revenue grew by 5% YoY to ₹ 1,459 Mn in Q2 FY27
- Homepass as on September 30, 2026, stood at 6 Mn – an addition of 50K Y-o-Y. Of the 6 Mn, ~75% available for FTTX conversion
- Broadband Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) stood at ₹ 470 per month per subscriber, increased by ₹5 Y-o-Y
- Average data consumption per user per month was 436 GB, an increase of 6% Y-o-Y.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Anirudhsinh Jadeja – Managing Director, GTPL Hathway Limited, said,
“In the first half of FY27, we have remained focused on expanding our footprint, improving the scalability of our operations and building a stronger platform across Digital TV and Broadband.
The completion of the ACT Group transaction is an important step in this direction. With the addition of approximately 6 lakh subscribers across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Karnataka, we have further strengthened our presence in these markets and expanded our operating scale.
As we move forward, our focus will be on effective integration of the acquired operations, strengthening our presence across markets, expanding our Broadband business and improving the overall economics of our operations. We believe that our increasing scale, wider footprint and integrated Digital TV and Broadband capabilities provide us with a strong platform to capture the opportunities ahead and create sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders.”
About GTPL Hathway Limited
GTPL Hathway Limited is India’s largest Multi System Operator (MSO) for Digital Cable TV services and one of the leading private wireline broadband service providers in the country. The Company is the largest Digital Cable TV and wireline broadband service provider in Gujarat and a prominent Digital Cable TV operator in West Bengal. Its Digital Cable TV services extend to over 1,600+ towns across 26 States & 5 Union Territories. GTPL benefits from a robust and expansive ecosystem comprising more than 51,000+ business partners, 200+ broadcasters, 1,750+ enterprise clients, and active involvement in 30+ government projects. The Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of 975+ TV channels, including 130+ GTPL-owned and operated platform services. It also launched GTPL Infinity, its Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) platform which is backed by a world-class C-Band teleport in Ahmedabad and powered by the Telkom-4 satellite. The platform offers pan-India coverage with rapid deployment and delivers ~800 channels, including ~100 HD channels. As of September 30, 2026, GTPL served 11 million Active Digital Cable TV subscribers and 1.07 million Broadband Subscribers and a Broadband Home-pass footprint of about 6 million.
Safe Harbor
Any forward-looking statements about expected future events, financial and operating results of the Company are based on certain assumptions which the Company does not guarantee the fulfilment of. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results might differ substantially or materially from those expressed or implied. Important developments that could affect the Company’s operations include a downtrend in the industry, global or domestic or both, significant changes in political and economic environment in India or key markets abroad, tax laws, litigation, labor relations, exchange rate fluctuations, technological changes, investment and business income, cash flow projections, interest, and other costs. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof.
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14, Oct 2026
Odisha Approves INR 284.07 Crore Scheme for Free Textbooks for 28.7 Lakh Class 9 and 10 Students
Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has approved a five-year scheme worth ₹284.07 crore to provide free textbooks to approximately 28.7 lakh students in Classes 9 and 10 studying in government and government-aided secondary schools.
Representational Image
The scheme, approved by the state Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, will run from the 2025–26 academic year to 2029–30.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg announced the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing, stating that the initiative would extend free textbook benefits to students who are not already covered under existing provisions for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, who currently receive textbooks free of cost.
Scheme Aims to Reduce Financial Burden and Dropouts
The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, by eliminating the cost of textbooks for eligible students.
The government expects the scheme to encourage school enrolment, reduce dropout rates and facilitate the transition from elementary to secondary education by removing financial barriers.
According to Garg, the scheme has an estimated outlay of ₹284.07 crore over five years and is expected to cover around 28.7 lakh beneficiaries.
Textbooks to Be Distributed Before Academic Sessions
The School and Mass Education Department will oversee the implementation of the scheme and ensure that textbooks reach schools before the beginning of each academic session.
The distribution process will include paper procurement, printing, transportation and delivery to schools. These activities will be undertaken through a transparent and competitive process in accordance with the Odisha General Financial Rules and applicable procurement guidelines.
The department will also conduct field-level verification of student details to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the textbooks.
With the initiative, the state government aims to improve access to secondary education, support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and strengthen school retention across Odisha.
14, Oct 2026
99% of PNB MetLife’s Equity Fund Assets Under Management Receive 4- or 5-Star Morningstar Ratings
NEW DELHI, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a rapidly evolving investment landscape, customers are increasingly seeking solutions that combine protection, wealth creation and long-term financial security. Reinforcing its commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals, PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife), one of India’s leading life insurers, reported strong performance across its equity fund portfolio, as reflected in the ratings by Morningstar as on 31st March, 2026.
According to Morningstar’s independent assessment, 99% of PNB MetLife’s equity fund assets under management (under unit linked insurance portfolio) have earned 4- or 5-star ratings, reflecting strong risk-adjusted performance over a five-year period. The company’s equity funds across the Mid-cap, Multi-cap and Large-cap categories have received top-tier ratings, underscoring their ability to deliver consistent long-term value for customers.
The recognition highlights the strength of PNB MetLife’s disciplined investment philosophy, built on rigorous research, prudent risk management and a long-term approach to wealth creation. By focusing on sustainable outcomes rather than short-term market movements, the company aims to help customers navigate market cycles and progress towards their financial goals.
As more Indians plan for long-term priorities such as retirement, children’s education and their families’ financial security, the need for solutions that combine life insurance protection with market-linked growth potential continues to evolve. Through its unit-linked insurance plans, PNB MetLife seeks to support customers across different life stages by combining protection with opportunities for long-term financial planning.
|
Category |
PMLI Funds |
5-year rating |
|
Mid Cap |
PNB MetLife-Mid Cap Fund |
5 |
|
PNB MetLife-Mid Crest Fund |
5 |
|
|
Multi Cap |
PNB MetLife-Premier Multi-cap Fund |
5 |
|
PNB MetLife-Virtue II Fund |
4 |
|
|
PNB MetLife-Multiplier III Fund |
5 |
|
|
Large cap |
PNB MetLife-Multiplier II Fund |
4 |
|
PNB MetLife-Multiplier Fund |
4 |
|
|
PNB MetLife-Flexi Cap Fund |
4 |
|
Source: Morningstar
Morningstar is a global financial services firm that provides independent investment research, data and tools to investors to help them make informed decisions on stocks, funds and portfolios through star ratings, analysis and quartile rankings. Morningstar’s star rating ranks funds based on their risk-adjusted past performance compared to peers in the same category, with 5 stars being the top performing funds and 1 star being the bottom performing funds.
Disclaimers:
- Unit Linked Life Insurance Products are subject to market risks and are different from traditional insurance products. Premiums are invested in market-linked funds, and the Net Asset Value (NAV), fund value, investment income and returns may increase, or decrease based on market conditions.
- The Company does not guarantee any assured or market-linked returns, and past performance, illustrations or ratings are not indicative of future performance.
- The policyholder bears the investment risk and should understand the product features, charges, terms and associated risks before investing. This is a long-term insurance contract, and no partial withdrawal or surrender is permitted during the first five policy years; early exit thereafter may result in surrender proceeds being lower than total premiums paid.
Please refer to the Benefit Illustration, Policy Document and sales literature for complete details and make an informed decision after seeking professional advice, if required.
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14, Oct 2026
WEMIX Fortifies Network Security with Upgraded CertiK Hunt Bug Bounty Program
The refreshed program features vetted security researchers, revamped reward structure, and payouts up to $10,000 per finding
SINGAPORE, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WEMIX, the leading blockchain ecosystem combining over two decades of gaming giant WEMADE‘s AAA game development success with a proprietary Layer-1 mainnet, today announced the relaunch of its joint bug bounty program with global blockchain security leader CertiK. The initiative features a reorganized reward structure and updated verification scope designed to continuously strengthen the security and reliability of the WEMIX3.0 blockchain.

Hosted on CertiK’s dedicated security platform, CertiK Hunt, the program rewards security researchers (ethical or white hat hackers) for identifying and reporting code vulnerabilities, with the payout set according to the severity of the finding. For instance, findings under the “Critical” classification address major risks, such as total network outages or direct financial loss.
Target Scope and New Reward Structure
Under the refreshed framework, bug bounty reports will focus on core components of the ecosystem, including the WEMIX3.0 blockchain (DLT) and Governance Smart Contracts. Rewards are denominated in USD and distributed in Tether (USDT) on the Ethereum network based on vulnerability severity:
|
Asset Type |
Severity Level |
||
|
Critical |
High |
Medium |
|
|
Blockchain / DLT |
$10,000 |
$2,000 |
$1,000 |
|
Smart Contract |
$2,000 ~ $10,000 |
$1,000 ~ $2,000 |
$1,000 |
Vetted Researchers and Report Verification Process
To ensure high report quality and operational efficiency, participation is restricted to security researchers who have passed CertiK’s vetting process evaluating technical expertise, vulnerability history, and community contributions. Approved researchers are assigned to tier levels (Challenger, Sentinel, Vanguard), with reporting privileges reserved for the top Vanguard tier.
The reporting and payout process proceeds as follows:
- Report Submission: Vanguard-tier researchers submit WEMIX3.0 vulnerability reports via CertiK Hunt, including a Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrating the impact of the vulnerability.
- Triaging by CertiK: CertiK triages the report and verifies its impact, asset, and severity falls within the scope of the WEMIX3.0 bug bounty program.
- Review and Confirmation by WEMIX: WEMIX reviews escalated report and confirms reward eligibility*, severity, and final payout amount.
- Reward Distribution: WEMIX directly disburses rewards following mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. Researchers can monitor report progress in real-time on CertiK Hunt.
Active participation from security researchers remains vital to safeguarding WEMIX3.0 as the ecosystem grows, reinforcing WEMIX’s commitment to building a safer and more secure network for all users. For full program rules and the submission form, please visit the WEMIX program page within CertiK Hunt: https://hunt.certik.com/explore/wemix.
*Note: Individuals listed on OFAC (SDN) sanction lists, project employees, contractors, and technical contributors compensated within the past year are ineligible. Unfixed vulnerabilities already disclosed in publicly released audit reports are also excluded from reward eligibility.
-ENDS-
About WEMIX:
WEMIX is a leading blockchain ecosystem for gaming and digital economies, powered by its highly scalable, EVM-compatible Layer-1 mainnet, WEMIX3.0. With a wide range of integrated services—including NFTs, DeFi, stablecoin payments, and tokenized in-game assets—WEMIX enables seamless integration between gameplay and real-world value. Designed to be transparent, sustainable, and developer-friendly, WEMIX serves as the foundation for the global Web3 gaming ecosystem. For more information, please visit https://wemix.com/.
About WEMADE
WEMADE is the only company combining over two decades of AAA game development success with a fully operational, game-proven blockchain ecosystem—built entirely on its proprietary Layer-1 mainnet, WEMIX3.0. Known for global hits such as The Legend of Mir, MIR4, NIGHT CROWS and Legend of YMIR, WEMADE is leading the industry in seamlessly integrating gameplay, tokenomics, NFTs, stablecoin payments, and blockchain infrastructure. Through WEMIX PLAY, WEMADE delivers a unified digital economy where players, creators, and investors can own, trade, and benefit from digital assets—powering the next generation of interactive entertainment and driving the evolution of Web3 gaming. For more information, please visit https://wemade.com/.
About CertiK:
CertiK is the largest Web3 security services provider, utilizing industry-leading formal verification technology to protect and monitor blockchain protocols and smart contracts. Founded in December 2017 by professors from Yale University and Columbia University, CertiK applies cutting-edge innovations from academia to enterprise, enabling mission-critical applications to scale with safety and correctness.

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14, Oct 2026
PM Modi Extends Navratri Wishes on Day 4, Seeks Maa Kushmanda’s Blessings for Prosperity and Good Health
New Delhi, Oct 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the fourth day of Sharad Navratri, invoking the blessings of Maa Kushmanda and wishing people happiness, prosperity, good health and renewed hope.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Modi highlighted the significance of the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga and expressed hope that the deity’s divine energy would bring positivity and well-being into the lives of citizens.
The Prime Minister also shared devotional content dedicated to the Goddess, encouraging a spiritual observance of the auspicious occasion.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended their greetings to devotees on the occasion.
Yogi Adityanath prayed for Maa Kushmanda’s blessings, wishing devotees health, happiness, prosperity, energy and positivity. Rekha Gupta described the Goddess as the primordial creative force of the universe, praying for peace, auspiciousness and the welfare of all.
Maa Kushmanda, worshipped as the fourth form of Goddess Durga during Navratri, is associated with creative energy, light and the sustaining power of life. According to Hindu belief, her divine smile brought the universe into existence. Devotees worship her to seek strength, good health, prosperity and happiness.
Sharad Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. Devotees mark each day with prayers, rituals and offerings, seeking the blessings of the divine feminine power.
The festival concludes with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
