29, Oct 2026
HSBC India Export Opportunities Fund Completed Two Years, Delivered 20.16% Return Over the Past Year
MUMBAI, India, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSBC Mutual Fund’s HSBC India Export Opportunities Fund, an open-ended equity scheme investing in the export theme, has completed two years since its inception on September 25, 2024. The Fund has delivered 20.16% returns over the one-year period ended September 30, 2026.
The Fund is designed to capture the long-term structural opportunity emerging from India’s growing export ecosystem by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of companies engaged in or expected to benefit from the export of goods and services.
Strong performance since inception
As of September 30, 2026, an investment of ₹1 lakh at inception (Sept 24, 2024) in the HSBC India Export Opportunities Fund – Regular Plan could have grown to approximately ₹1.15 lakh, compared with ₹92,320 for the Nifty 500 TRI and ₹89,040 for the Nifty 50 TRI.
The Fund’s performance reflects its focus on companies positioned to benefit from India’s evolving export landscape and the increasing integration of Indian businesses with global supply chains.
SIP performance
The Fund has also delivered positive SIP returns over the periods considered. A monthly SIP of ₹10,000 since inception (Sept 24, 2024), representing a total investment of ₹2.40 lakh, could have grown to approximately ₹2.82 lakh as of September 30, 2026, translating into a SIP return of 16.27%.
Over the one-year period as of September 30, 2026, the same monthly SIP, representing a total investment of ₹1.20 lakh, could have grown to approximately ₹1.36 lakh, generating a SIP return of 25.46%.
Positioned to participate in India’s export opportunity
India’s export opportunity is being supported by several structural drivers, including its competitive labour costs and skilled workforce, government policies and incentives, supply-chain diversification, geopolitical developments and the country’s transition from cost arbitrage towards value-added manufacturing and services.
The Fund seeks to participate in these trends by investing in companies with significant export exposure across sectors. Its investment approach can provide exposure to businesses benefiting from India’s manufacturing capabilities, services exports, policy and reform initiatives, inbound tourism and cost-effective healthcare offerings.
The scheme had an AUM of ₹1,303 crore as of September 31, 2026, and is managed by Abhishek Gupta, Siddharth Vora and Mayank Chaturvedi, Dipan S. Parikh. Its benchmark is the Nifty 500 TRI.
Commenting on the second anniversary of the fund, Kailash Kulkarni, CEO, HSBC Mutual Fund, said: “India’s export opportunity is undergoing a structural transformation, supported by supply-chain diversification, policy support, improving manufacturing capabilities and India’s growing strength in value-added products and services. Over the past two years, the HSBC India Export Opportunities Fund has remained focused on identifying businesses that are positioned to benefit from these long-term trends. We believe India’s increasing participation in global value chains can create meaningful opportunities across sectors, and our approach will continue to focus on businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and the potential to benefit from the country’s export-led growth.”
As India seeks to strengthen its position in global value chains and expand its footprint across manufacturing and services, the export theme continues to offer a diversified opportunity across businesses and sectors.
The Fund will continue to follow an actively managed approach, identifying companies that are engaged in or expected to benefit from exports and that have the potential to participate in India’s long-term growth opportunity.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/hsbc-india-export-opportunities-fund-completed-two-years-delivered-20-16-return-over-the-past-year-302923413.html

- 0
- By PRNewswire
29, Oct 2026
Spiro brings electric motorcycles and battery-swapping technology to Ghana, expanding its pan-African footprint
KIGALI, RWANDA | Oct 29- Spiro, Africa’s largest electric mobility company, is expanding its footprint in Ghana with the introduction of the Ekon 450 M1 V3 electric motorcycle and its battery-swapping solution. Combining electric two-wheelers with access to charged batteries, Spiro aims to make everyday transport more affordable and practical for riders while supporting Ghana’s transition towards sustainable mobility.
For commercial riders and delivery fleets, fuel expenses and time spent off the road directly affect daily earnings. Spiro’s integrated offering addresses both challenges: riders can exchange a depleted battery for a charged one at a Spiro battery-swapping station in just two minutes, while potentially saving up to USD 2 per day in operating costs compared with conventional petrol-powered motorcycles.

Designed to meet the everyday mobility needs of African riders, the Ekon 450 M1 V3 offers an alternative to petrol-powered motorcycles. Supported by Spiro’s battery–swapping technology, it allows riders to get back on the road without waiting for their motorcycle to recharge.
Auroasish Choudhuri Managing Director Central and West Africa, commented: “Our entry into Ghana is an important step in strengthening Spiro’s presence in West Africa. Our focus is on building a local ecosystem that riders can rely on, combining electric motorcycles with convenient access to battery swapping. By working closely with local partners and listening to riders’ needs, we aim to support the long-term adoption of electric mobility in Ghana.”
Kaushik Burman, CEO Mobility of Spiro said: “Ghana represents a major opportunity for electric mobility, with a rapidly growing two-wheeler market and increasing demand from commercial riders and delivery fleets. By bringing the Ekon 450 M1 V3 together with our battery-swapping solution, we are addressing two key barriers to adoption: operating costs and access to charging infrastructure. Our ambition is to build a strong foundation for electric mobility to scale across Ghana.”
To support its rollout, Spiro is engaging with prospective customers through test rides, product demonstrations and live demonstrations of its battery–swapping technology across Greater Accra. These activities give riders the opportunity to experience the Ekon 450 M1 V3 and understand how battery swapping can fit into their daily routines.
Mr Maxwell Dodd, Managing Director of Spiro Ghana, said: “For riders in Ghana, the value of electric mobility lies in what it can deliver every day: lower operating costs, less downtime and more time on the road. Through the Ekon 450 M1 V3 and our battery-swapping solution, we want to make those benefits accessible and support riders as they make the transition to electric motorcycles.”
Ghana forms part of Spiro’s wider expansion across Africa. Building on its recent USD 270 million equity funding round and an additional USD 18 million in debt financing from the Africa Go Green Fund, the company is scaling its electric mobility ecosystem with the ambition of establishing a presence in 20 African markets. Spiro is also preparing to enter new countries, including Ethiopia, Malawi, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
29, Oct 2026
RunnTV Partners with PubMatic to Expand Advertiser Access to Premium Streaming Inventory in India
Partnership gives brands and agencies programmatic access to RunnTV’s curated FAST Channels.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PubMatic (Nasdaq: PUBM), the leading AI-powered ad tech company delivering digital advertising performance, and RunnTV, India’s first independent and fastest-growing FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) platform, today announced their partnership bringing RunnTV’s premium FAST channels to PubMatic’s unified platform.

Through the partnership, advertisers gain access to RunnTV’s more than 90 curated FAST channels and its reported audience across more than 12 million monthly active devices in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. They can transact through their existing DSP or activate campaigns directly through PubMatic’s unified platform, creating a more connected path from audience discovery and planning to activation and measurable performance.
Expanding access to premium CTV in India
India’s connected TV market is expanding rapidly. According to Ormax, CTV users in India have grown 65% year over year. RunnTV distributes channels across entertainment, movies, music, news, devotional, lifestyle, and regional content, engaging audiences that had traditionally been split across platforms, languages and regions, making it difficult for advertisers to plan and buy at scale.
PubMatic’s unified platform brings campaign orchestration, activation and decision intelligence closer together, reducing the complexity of reaching premium CTV audiences. AgenticOS, PubMatic’s operating system of more than 20 specialized AI agents and workflows, supports audience discovery, inventory curation, activation, measurement and fee transparency. Activate enables buyers to transact directly on premium inventory through PubMatic, while Decision Fabric brings a selection of partner and PubMatic models and data closer to inventory to enable faster, more intelligent decision-making. Together, these capabilities give advertisers a more direct path from audience discovery to activation and measurable performance, while preserving control over strategy and investment.
“Digital advertisers in India have been looking for a simpler way to access premium FAST inventory,” said Manish Sinha, Founder and CEO at RunnTV. “Through this partnership with PubMatic, RunnTV’s premium FAST channels are now available directly through their unified platform. The early response has been very promising, giving us confidence in the opportunity ahead, and we’re excited to see how this evolves.”
“CTV is a growing opportunity for advertisers in India,” said Amit Kr. Yadav, VP – South Asia & MM, PubMatic. “Buyers need efficient access to quality environments they can understand and activate. RunnTV on PubMatic removes operational friction. It gives advertisers a direct path to a growing FAST audience, combining premium, curated content with programmatic transparency and control.”
RunnTV inventory is available immediately through PubMatic’s platform where Buyers can target individual channels or specific audiences based on campaign goals. To learn more, contact us here.
About PubMatic
PubMatic is the leading AI-powered ad tech company delivering digital advertising performance. Through an intelligent, unified platform that connects buyers, publishers, data partners, and commerce media networks, PubMatic delivers superior performance with greater transparency, control, and efficiency. Since 2006, PubMatic has pioneered every major advance in programmatic advertising, from enabling the first OpenRTB transactions to embedding AI-driven optimization and privacy-focused innovation across its platform. With omnichannel scale, proven reliability, and a track record of continuous innovation, PubMatic is building a more intelligent, profitable, and sustainable open internet.
Built to Connect. Powered to Perform.
Contact:
Laura Greally
laura.greally@pubmatic.com
+65 8381 6355
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/runntv-partners-with-pubmatic-to-expand-advertiser-access-to-premium-streaming-inventory-in-india-302923240.html

29, Oct 2026
CATL globally launches ultra-high capacity energy storage system at All Energy 2026 and signs three Australian partnership MoUs
MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) today unveiled TENER+ in a global launch at All Energy Australia 2026, where it also showcased TENER Sodium. The company signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Hitachi Energy, EPEC Group and UNSW Sydney to strengthen the delivery and grid connection of utility-scale battery projects in Australia.
TENER: Engineered for long-term performance and Australia’s demanding grid connection requirements
CATL’s TENER+ and TENER Sodium energy storage systems are designed to deliver the reliability and long-term performance Australian utility-scale energy projects need. Engineered for harsh weather conditions, they are designed to support compliance with Australia’s demanding grid connection requirements and give project financiers confidence in the reliability and long-term performance that underpin battery revenues.
TENER+ is a 9MWh ultra-high capacity energy storage system that helps developers to achieve a longer-term project value and to maximise the storage capacity of their project, TENER+ reduces the number of containers needed by up to 40% and the project footprint by 12%, making this ideal for projects that are facing land constraints. Its intelligent thermal management system supports a higher round-trip efficiency and lower auxiliary power consumption. Multiple TENER+ batteries can be simultaneously commissioned with a single click to streamline project deployment.
Designed for a 25-year lifespan, TENER+ features liquid cooling and protection for humid and coastal environments. Noise levels remain below 65 dBA at 1 metre. Its “no heat island” top-exhaust design directs hot air vertically upwards, away from adjacent units. This prevents horizontal heat discharge and minimises thermal impact on neighbouring PCS units, allowing them to operate at full rated power even in extreme summer conditions.
TENER Sodium is the world’s first mass-produced, field-validated sodium-ion battery energy storage system. It delivers more than 30MWh through its modular cabinet architecture. Built for Australia’s heat, it operates in temperatures of up to 55°C and delivers more than 10,000 cycles at 45°C. It delivers 95% round-trip efficiency with an operating lifespan of more than 20 years.
Together, these energy storage systems give developers and asset owners a choice of lithium-ion and sodium-ion chemistries. Sodium is far more abundant and geographically widespread than lithium and it delivers an additional pathway for battery supply chains.
“A battery’s value is measured over the entire lifespan of a project and not just on the day it’s commissioned,” said Zane Zhou, General Manager of CATL Australia and New Zealand.
“Developers need confidence that their batteries can handle the expected cycling to trade in the National Electricity Market and to perform throughout the lifespan of batteries installed in a utility-scale project. That is what TENER+ and TENER Sodium are designed to deliver. We’re offering both sodium-ion and lithium-ion technologies to give asset owners and developers the flexibility to choose the right technology for their success.”
CATL’s local industry partnerships to advance Australia’s clean energy transition
TENER energy storage systems solve the challenges the Australia’s grid is facing as more renewable energy powers the grid. Renewables supplied a record 44.3% of the National Electricity Market’s (NEM) generation in the September quarter of 2026. Grid-scale batteries supplied 8% of evening peak generation, overtaking gas-powered generation for the first time according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
As coal-fired power stations retire, the grid increasingly needs energy storage systems with grid-forming capability to provide voltage and frequency support. To help deliver more storage in Australia, CATL’s three MoUs aim to address the challenges of a renewables-driven grid through Australian expertise and innovation.
CATL’s DC battery products and Hitachi Energy’s power conversion systems will form the basis of a proposed integrated offering in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Through this partnership, the company’s aim to improve compatibility, standardise project delivery and to reduce integration risk.
In Australia, CATL will collaborate with EPEC Group and the Xiamen Energy Storage Validation Research Institute (ESVL) to combine its energy storage technology, with EPEC’s grid integration and engineering delivery expertise, and ESVL’s full-scale system validation. The parties aim to strengthen technical validation and accelerate the delivery of reliable, bankable and grid-compliant energy storage projects in Australia.
CATL and UNSW Sydney will also jointly develop the Centre for Integrated Renewable Energy Training and Innovation in Western Sydney, NSW. This renewable energy training and innovation centre will advance the skills and capabilities needed for Australia’s clean energy transition.
Zhou added, “CATL is working with Hitachi Energy, EPEC Group, ESVL and UNSW Sydney to give our Australian customers greater confidence in how our technology is integrated, validated and supported throughout a project’s life. Together, we’re building the local expertise needed to deliver reliable battery projects in the long-term.”
The MoUs build on CATL’s work with Australian customers, including Birdwood Energy, which has selected CATL as the technology partner for the Baranduda Electrical Energy Reserve, a 400MW/1,860MWh battery near Wodonga in Victoria.
Zhou said, “Our commitment to Australia goes beyond supplying energy storage systems. We’re investing in people, partnerships and capability, from training the next generation of renewable energy professionals to working with our customers and partners to connect and deliver the critical projects Australia’s grid needs.”
CATL has led global energy storage battery shipments for five consecutive years, with a 30.4% market share in 2025, according to SNE Research. It has been on BloombergNEF’s Tier 1 energy storage list every quarter since Q1 2024. CATL has more than 3,000 energy storage projects worldwide and an installed capacity of over 17GWh of projects in Australia.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/catl-globally-launches-ultra-high-capacity-energy-storage-system-at-all-energy-2026-and-signs-three-australian-partnership-mous-302923337.html

29, Oct 2026
Every Sticker Tells a Story: Velo and McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team® Turn Fans’ Most Original Motorsport Dreams into McLaren’s Mexico City Livery
LONDON, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Velo and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1® Team have spotlighted some of the season’s most original fan dreams on their car for the Mexico City Grand Prix, unveiling the ‘Livery of Dreams’ as a celebration of fan creativity, individuality and self-expression.
Earlier in the season, adult Velo consumers and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world were invited to share their most unique fan wishes. Those contributions have now travelled from social feeds and group chats to the global racing stage, transformed into bespoke sticker artwork across the McLaren car, paddock screens and garage for race weekend.
As well as seeing their dreams brought to life on the car itself, fans behind some of the season’s most original submissions lived them for real at the McLaren Technology Centre. This month, they joined McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for unforgettable experiences including a pottery class, matcha-making and surprising a McLaren-loving group chat with voice notes and videos. Watch these moments unfold on Velo’s Instagram.
From shared jokes to once-in-a-lifetime ambitions, each sticker tells the story of an individual dream, together transforming parts of the car into a scrapbook of fandom, creativity and imagination:
- “Fan 4 Lyf” represents a wish to get matching tattoos with Oscar and Lando
- A bejewelled cap reflects a dream to bedazzle McLaren’s kit and the car
- “Welcome to the Papaya Hotline” was inspired by a fan’s request for McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown to record their voicemail message
The ‘Livery of Dreams’ marks the latest chapter in Velo and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1® Team’s ‘Live Your Fandom’ campaign, putting fans’ individuality at the centre of the story.
However, for one fan, the dream is about to get even bigger. In Mexico, 30-year-old McLaren supporter and aspiring photographer Yasmine will step behind the lens for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Velo.
Inspired by a love of motorsport inherited from her father and a passion for photography sparked by her mother, Yasmine will be embedded within the McLaren community throughout the weekend, documenting the stories, culture and connections that define fandom in Mexico City. From local experiences to exclusive access with the team, she’ll capture the weekend through the eyes of a fan, living her dream fan experience.
Malky Brown, Global Head of Content & Partnerships at BAT, commented: “Every sticker tells the original story of a real fan dream, which is a powerful reminder that fandom isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s personal, creative and unique to every fan. Through Live Your Fandom, Velo is helping turn those unique fan stories into unforgettable moments, giving them a place at the heart of the Mexico Grand Prix.”
Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing, said: “The Papaya Family is united by a shared passion for all our sport has to offer, and this special livery puts their stories at the heart of the team. By bringing individual ideas together in one collective design, we are celebrating the creativity of our fans on one of the biggest stages in motorsport.”
To learn more about the Velo x McLaren Mastercard Formula 1® Team ‘Live Your Fandom’ campaign and the ‘Livery of Dreams’, visit Velo’s Instagram and McLaren Racing’s website.
+18 Only. This product contains nicotine and is addictive.
Campaign Imagery: Download here
Enquiries
Media Centre
@BATplc
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 23 Formula 1 world championships, over 200 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across three racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren Mastercard F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist and Ryan Hunter-Reay, and F1 Academy with Driver Development Programme members Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
McLaren Racing – Official Website
About BAT
BAT is a leading global consumer goods company committed to accelerating the transition to a Smokeless World and reshaping its portfolio for long term sustainability. Its portfolio spans cigarettes and a rapidly growing range of smokeless alternatives including Velo Modern Oral nicotine pouches, Vuse vapour and glo Heated Products. In 2025, BAT generated £25.6bn in revenue.
The company aims to reach 50 million adult consumers with its Smokeless Products by 2030 and for these products to deliver 50% of Group revenue by 2035. As of 30 June 2026, BAT’s Smokeless brands were used by 35.0 million adult consumers worldwide, many of whom have completely switched from – or have reduced their consumption of – cigarettes. Smokeless Products accounted for 19.8% of Group revenue.
Backed by Omni™, its evidence based manifesto for change, the company continues to strengthen its scientific capabilities across systems toxicology, clinical and behavioural research, and post market studies.
Alongside transforming its portfolio, BAT is advancing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and support positive social impact across its value chain. In 2025, the company received a Triple A rating from CDP for its disclosures on Climate Change, Water Security and Forests.
References to “BAT”, “the company”, “Group”, “we”, “us” and “our” when denoting opinion refer to British American Tobacco p.l.c. and when denoting business activities refer to British American Tobacco p.l.c. and its subsidiaries, collectively or individually as the case may be. Collective expressions used in connection with business activities are used for convenience only and do not imply any other relationship between what are separate and distinct legal entities. For more information, please visit www.bat.com and www.asmokelessworld.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/every-sticker-tells-a-story-velo-and-mclaren-mastercard-formula-1-team-turn-fans-most-original-motorsport-dreams-into-mclarens-mexico-city-livery-302921271.html

29, Oct 2026
1 in 3 Indian tech workers got no hike or a pay cut this year
More than 9 in 10 at Zoho and Microsoft got 5% or less, as concerns over layoffs and buyouts climb in India
Oct 29: Over one in three of India‘s tech workers got nothing this appraisal cycle. In a survey of 2,178 India-based professionals by Blind, the anonymous community app for professionals, 35% say they received no salary hike (30%) or took a pay cut (5%). Including those who got 1–5%, 59% received a hike of 5% or less, up from 34% in 2025.
Most are unhappy with the result. Overall, 63% are dissatisfied, including 47% who are very dissatisfied. Among those who got no hike or a pay cut, 83% are dissatisfied, compared with 33% of those who received more than 5%.
Workers see it as a top-down decision rather than a verdict on their own performance. 41% say the biggest factor was the company’s financial performance or cost-cutting, while another 18% point to AI and automation. Only 22% cite their individual performance rating.
Zoho illustrates the trade-off. Founder Sridhar Vembu froze annual hikes this year, citing rising AI and server costs, and said the company would work to avoid mass layoffs. Among Zoho respondents to Blind’s survey, 95% received no raise or a pay cut and 90% were dissatisfied. Last year, 84% reported a hike above 10%. On Blind, a Zoho employee wrote that “Zoho folks [are] talking about unionisation after no hike.”
Beyond Zoho, no hike or a pay cut was most common at Oracle (60%), Salesforce (42%), Cisco (40%) and Amazon (36%). Nutanix stood out at the other end, with 67% receiving raises above 10%. Amazon’s results were split: 36% received no raise or a pay cut, while 33% received raises above 15%.
At Microsoft, small raises have coincided with buyouts. 91% of Microsoft respondents got 5% or less this year, doubling from 45% last year. Only 5% got a raise of more than 10%, down from 27%. 86% were dissatisfied, the second-highest share after Zoho. The findings come as Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees across India, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. as it pours money into AI.
For many, the salary may not even be the biggest worry. Over the past year, 21% of Blind users in India searched for layoffs or severance, up from 16% the year before. The share searching for buyouts and voluntary exit programs rose 60%, while the share searching for hikes, raises or pay freezes fell 7%.
Methodology
Blind surveyed 2,178 India-based professionals on October 15–26, 2026, on their salary hike this year. Company-level analysis includes companies with at least 30 responses per question. Year-over-year comparisons use 2,417 India-based respondents to Blind’s 2025 survey. Search trends compare November 2025–October 2026 with the same period a year earlier, measured as a share of searches and searchers in each period.
Response breakdowns are as follows:
What salary hike did you get in this appraisal cycle?
- Pay cut: 5%
- No hike (0%): 30%
- 1–5%: 24%
- 6–10%: 19%
- 11–15%: 10%
- Above 15%: 12%
How satisfied are you with your hike this cycle?
- Very satisfied: 7%
- Somewhat satisfied: 12%
- Neutral: 19%
- Somewhat dissatisfied: 15%
- Very dissatisfied: 47%
What do you think was the biggest factor behind your hike this cycle?
- My individual performance rating: 22%
- Company’s financial performance or cost-cutting: 41%
- AI and automation changing team priorities: 18%
- Promotion or role change: 6%
- My manager’s influence: 13%
29, Oct 2026
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem heralds major investment in race management as important milestone in Formula One evolution
New multi-million-pound FIA Remote Operations Centre underlines FIA commitment to delivering highest standards of safety, fairness and integrity across the sport

Dubai, UAE, Oct 29: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem today heralded a multi-million-pound investment in race management by the governing body for world motorsport as an important milestone in the continued evolution of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem said the recent official opening of the FIA’s new Remote Operations Centre (ROC) at Biggin Hill, U.K., marks a significant investment in the technology, infrastructure, and people that underpin the championship.
With Formula 1 and global motorsport experiencing an extraordinary period of growth, the new ROC is the result of close collaboration between the FIA and FOM that will ensure the continued delivery of the highest possible standards of race management, continuing to protect the fairness, safety and integrity of competition for everyone involved.

FIA President Ben Sulayem said: “The inauguration of our new Remote Operations Centre represents an important milestone in the continued evolution of the FIA Formula One World Championship and our commitment to delivering the highest standards of safety, fairness and integrity across our sport.
“As the Championship grows globally, it is vital that we continue to invest in the people, technology and infrastructure that underpin world-class race operations. This state-of-the-art facility will strengthen our ability to support accurate, consistent and efficient decision-making, ensuring that our sport continues to operate at the highest possible standards.”
The new facility will provide around-the-clock support to FIA Race Control and Stewards during Grand Prix weekends for F1, F2 and F3. Enabling improved speed, accuracy and consistency of support, it is integral to strengthening race operations and will play an important role in developing the next generation of FIA officials through the FIA High Performance Programme (HPP), nurturing talent and strengthening expertise across the sport.
One of the four pillars of FIA Race Operations, the ROC works alongside Race Control, Systems Operations and the Stewards to strengthen race management and enhance decision-making.
During Grand Prix weekends, ROC analysts process live data from more than 140 audio and video feeds, car positioning telemetry and team radio communications, acting as a support and review resource to inform decision-making by FIA officials.
The ROC supports Race Control by identifying and assessing potential infringements such as jump starts, incorrect grid positioning, track limits violations, pit lane offences and compliance with stop-and-go penalties.
Innovative AI-assisted shape recognition, computer vision, and automated radio message tagging help the team to flag potential incidents. The facility also plays an important role in post-event reviews that will help refine future rules and train the next generation of Race Control operators.
The relocation to a modern, state-of-the-art facility within F1’s Biggin Hill campus represents a significant multi-million-pound investment by the FIA in the future of race officiating.
The ROC inauguration ceremony was attended by FIA President Ben Sulayem, FOM President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Sporting Director Tim Malyon, FIA ROC Team Leader & Regulations Specialist Steve Porter, and members of the ROC operations team.
“This is a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration,” said Ben Sulayem. “I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and our partners at FOM for their continued support, alongside the dedicated FIA teams whose expertise and professionalism are fundamental to the success of our sport. Together, we are investing in a stronger, safer and fairer future for motor sport.”
The new facility has been fully operational since the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, providing more efficient connectivity with the circuit and greater operational capability, with up to 16 staff working during race weekends.
This investment extends far beyond technology, with the facility also supporting the FIA’s High Performance Programme for Officials (HPP), which has offered Stewards and Race Directors from across the world personalised training and a clear pathway to FIA World Championship level since 2023.
29, Oct 2026
Australian Made puts Singaporean approval centre-stage of its new campaign launch
Australian Made, Singaporean Approved invites Singaporeans to embrace Australia’s fun, optimistic and adventurous spirit, as the iconic kangaroo celebrates its 40th year.
SINGAPORE, Oct 29 – Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL) is putting its unmistakable green-and-gold Australian Made kangaroo firmly in view across Singapore this October with Australian Made, Singaporean Approved – a new awareness push celebrating Australian products, provenance and the spirit behind the mark.

Launching at Trifecta Singapore, the initiative will channel Australia’s confidence and sense of adventure through high-impact creative and digital content. At its centre is a simple message: Look for the iconic Australian Made Kangaroo – a cue to explore the breadth of Australian Made products available in Singapore and understand what sets them apart.
Local shoppers may already have encountered the familiar logo on products they know and use without necessarily knowing what sits behind it. Australian Made, Singaporean Approved aims to change that – building greater understanding of what the symbol represents while leaving the ultimate seal of approval to Singaporeans themselves. Designed by Dr. Ken Cato AO and introduced 40 years ago, the green-and-gold kangaroo is today recognised by 99 per cent of Australians, with +82 Net Trust Score and nine in ten Australians confident that products displaying it are genuinely Australian. Australian Made, Singapore Approved aims to build that same recognition and trust among Singapore consumers. This vibrant campaign seeks to deepen awareness of the kangaroo as a trusted sign of Australian authenticity and a go-to shopping cue.
Ben Lazzaro, Chief Executive of Australian Made Campaign Limited, said: “Singaporeans know Australia well – its products, produce, quality and way of life – and they know what they like. Australian Made, Singaporean Approved celebrates that connection with the confidence, optimism and sense of discovery that Australians are known for.”
“The green-and-gold kangaroo tells you a product is authentically Australian Made. Whether it becomes Singaporean Approved is ultimately up to Singaporeans. We want people to discover the breadth of Australian products available here, try something they may not have encountered before, and when they want to know if something is genuinely Australian Made, look for the kangaroo.”
Look for the Kangaroo – Discover, experience and win
From skincare and wellness to food and beverage, apparel, homewares and pet nutrition, Australian Made, Singapore Approved will spotlight the breadth of certified Australian-made goods already available in Singapore.
Over the next three months, Australian Made, Singaporean Approved will come to life across Singapore through creative storytelling with media and digital content creators. The green-and-gold kangaroo will also take to the streets through outdoor advertising across Grab.” A dedicated Singapore website will provide more information about Australian Made and showcase brands available locally. Beyond the launch, a contest will also give six winners the chance to experience Trifecta for themselves.
The campaign will also meet Singaporeans at the BYD Singapore International Marathon from 3 to 6 December, with a dedicated Australian Made booth inviting visitors to look for the kangaroo, discover Australian Made brands, and take part in interactive activities and giveaways.
The kangaroo has to be earned
Not every product that looks or sounds Australian can carry the green-and-gold kangaroo. The logo is reserved for products that meet the Australian Made campaign’s carefully defined eligibility criteria. It gives shoppers a clear and trusted way to recognise products that are genuinely Australian Made.
29, Oct 2026
D’YAVOL Spirits Brings its Award-Winning Single Estate Vodka and Inception Blended Malt Scotch to the USA
Building on growing international acclaim, D’YAVOL Spirits takes another step towards becoming a global name in luxury spirits
MUMBAI, India, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — D’YAVOL Spirits, founded through a partnership between global icon Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan’s D’YAVOL Luxury Collective, Radico Khaitan and Nikhil Kamath, makes its US debut with D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka and D’YAVOL Inception Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.
Following its recent UK launch, the US debut brings a Single Estate Vodka crafted in Poland using 100% winter wheat, and a Blended Malt Scotch that combines eight single malts from the different regions of Scotland.
Speaking on the launch, Leti Blagoeva, CEO, D’YAVOL Spirits, said, “The US debut marks an important new chapter for D’YAVOL Spirits as we continue to build a global spirits brand with a distinct point of view. With D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka and D’YAVOL Inception, we are entering the market with two spirits that each tell a different story through their origins, craftsmanship, and character. The international recognition we have earned so far gives us a strong foundation, and we see this as the beginning of a much larger journey for D’YAVOL Spirits in the US.”
Since launching its first product in 2023, D’YAVOL Spirits has earned 53 international awards across D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka, D’YAVOL Inception, and D’YAVOL Vortex, including ‘Scotch of the Year’ and ‘Vodka of the Year’ titles, along with several Gold and Double Gold medals.
Sanjeev Banga, President, International Business, Radico Khaitan, said, “The US is a key market for premium spirits, and D’YAVOL’s entry marks an exciting step in its global journey. With a portfolio that brings together distinctive provenance, exceptional craftsmanship and a contemporary spirit, the brand is well placed to make its mark in this competitive market. The international recognition it has earned so far is a strong testament to its quality and ambition. We believe D’YAVOL has all the ingredients to carve out a distinctive space for itself on the global stage.”
Crafted in Poland from 100% winter wheat through a grain-to-glass process, D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka is filtered through rare black pearls. It offers a crisp nose with raisin notes and a smooth, balanced palate with subtle sweetness and a rich mouthfeel.
D’YAVOL Inception Blended Malt Scotch Whisky combines eight single malts from four Scottish regions, aged up to 12 years in first-fill tawny port and rare Madeira casks. Non-chill filtered, it offers fruity sweetness, gentle smoke, and peat on the nose, with ripe pears, cherries, creamy toffee, and raisins on the palate.
Imported and distributed in the US by SG Worldwide, both products are available at select stores nationwide, with further expansion planned in the coming months.
The brand’s wider portfolio also includes D’YAVOL Vortex, a multi-award-winning blended Scotch featuring vanilla fudge, smoky malt and Islay peat. Looking ahead, the brand plans to introduce a range of luxury tequilas.
About D’YAVOL Spirits
D’YAVOL Spirits is the spirits vertical of D’YAVOL Luxury Collective, co-founded by Aryan Khan, Leti Blagoeva and Bunty Singh, in partnership with Shah Rukh Khan, Radico Khaitan and Nikhil Kamath. Focused on provenance and craftsmanship, its portfolio includes D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka, D’YAVOL Inception Blended Malt Scotch and D’YAVOL Vortex Blended Scotch. The wider collective also includes D’YAVOL X, focused on streetwear and accessories, and D’YAVOL Live, spanning events and nightlife.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/dyavol-spirits-brings-its-award-winning-single-estate-vodka-and-inception-blended-malt-scotch-to-the-usa-302922363.html

29, Oct 2026
From Pitch to Pilot: Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition Opens Global Search for Deep Tech Urban Solutions and Sustainability focused Founders
- Finalists compete for over S$2.5 million (US$2 million) in prizes and gain a pathway to SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator accelerator and US$10 million USI Fund
SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For many deep-tech start-ups tackling urban and sustainability challenges, the biggest hurdle is not developing breakthrough technologies, but finding the customers, partners and opportunities to deploy them at scale.
Addressing this challenge, the 13th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) today opened applications for university founders and recent graduates seeking to turn frontier ideas into real-world impact. Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE), LKYGBPC is one of Asia’s most globally representative deep-tech start-up competitions, spanning 12 focus areas including climate tech, energy, food and land use, urban mobility, longevity and healthtech, and sustainable materials and circularity.
Fifty finalists will be flown to Singapore 28 September to 1 October 2027 to compete for over S$2.5 million in prizes and take part in an Innovation Festival featuring investor engagement, mentorship, and connections with corporate and ecosystem partners.
Beyond the Competition: A Gateway to SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator
Selected LKYGBPC finalists can join SMU’s Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator, launched in 2025, which supports start-ups through market access, pilot projects and strategic introductions across Asia. In May 2026, SMU IIE launched the USI Fund to back promising ventures as they pilot and scale.
“Founders of breakthrough technologies can create value only when they reach the people, industries, and communities they are designed to serve. SMU created LKYGBPC as a platform to help founders bring their innovative ideas to life by connecting them with the partners, markets and opportunities needed to turn innovation into real-world impact. Now, through the USI programme and USI Fund, we offer a post-competition pathway to pilot, scale, and raise capital throughout Asia,” said Rony Palathinkal, Head of the LKYGBPC and Urban SustaInnovator at SMU IIE.
One of the biggest challenges for sustainability start-ups is getting access to the right partners to validate and deploy new technologies.
SMU is uniquely positioned to help startups make these connections with its network of Overseas Centres in Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Shenzhen, and its International Advisory Councils in eight countries. “SMU’s expansive network of partners from industry, government and community across Asia enables us to forge connections that enable startups to cross borders and scale their innovative solutions,” says Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology.
Singapore-based Standard Physics (formerly Inviscid AI), founded by Qiu Ziming and Kabir Jain, was a finalist in the 12th LKYGBPC before joining Y Combinator’s Winter 2026 cohort and SMU’s inaugural Urban SustaInnovator (USI) accelerator. The startup uses physics-informed AI and IoT-powered digital twins to optimise energy efficiency in buildings and data centres. Through USI, it secured a pilot with The GEAR by Japanese construction giant Kajima and is discussing three more opportunities. It has also raised US$2.3 million in seed funding led by Square Peg Capital and is preparing to launch an AI-powered agentic engineering platform. Jain credits Y Combinator’s start-up expertise and USI’s regional network for supporting its growth.
“The accelerators were very complementary. YC was good at getting us from zero to one, and then USI has been very helpful in getting us from one to 10. The USI team can make the right introductions and help you grow,” said Jain.
Singapore is strengthening its position as a global sustainability innovation hub, providing start-ups with opportunities to pilot, validate and scale technologies across Asia and beyond. This government-led ambition is backed by the S$37 billion RIE 2030 plan, including S$10.8 billion for mission-oriented research, and a S$40 million USS Translation Fund to support the development and commercialisation of urban and sustainability solutions.
Building a Global Pipeline of Innovation
Established by SMU in 2002, LKYGBPC is a biennial competition open to start-ups with at least one founder currently enrolled in a university programme or who graduated within the past five years. Its 12th edition in October 2025 attracted over 1,500 entries from founders representing 1,200 universities across 91 countries. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion. Finalists from the 9th to 12th editions have collectively raised over S$1 billion.
Said Shirley Wong, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU IIE, Chairperson of the 13th LKYGBPC Advisory Committee, and Managing Partner of TNF Ventures: “As Asia continues to urbanise, the region presents both complex challenges and significant opportunities for innovation. LKYGBPC brings together founders worldwide and connects them with Singapore’s ecosystem of industry, investors and institutions to accelerate solutions with regional and global impact.”
Applications are open at https://iie.smu.edu.sg/lkygbpc and close on 31 March 2027.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/from-pitch-to-pilot-lee-kuan-yew-global-business-plan-competition-opens-global-search-for-deep-tech-urban-solutions-and-sustainability-focused-founders-302920237.html
