SBI Life launches ‘Waiver of Premium’ rider, ensuring continuity of policyholders’ long-term financial plans

New rider waives all future premiums upon occurrence of specified contingencies, helping customers maintain continuity of their life insurance plans

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SBI Life Insurance, one of India’s most trusted private life insurers, launched ‘Waiver of Premium‘ rider, designed to ensure that policyholders’ long-term financial plans are not derailed by setbacks in life, such as a critical illness or disability.

Financial planning is inherently long term, with commitments often extending across several years. Whether it is planning for a child’s education, preparing for retirement, creating financial security for loved ones or meeting other important financial commitments, staying on track requires not only adequate protection but also the ability to sustain the financial commitment over time. An unforeseen event can impact one’s ability to meet premium commitments. SBI Life’s ‘Waiver of Premium’ rider addresses this need by waiving-off all future premiums (including extra premiums) upon the occurrence of specified contingencies covered under the rider, helping the base policy and other attached riders to continue as envisioned. Thus, families remain protected and long-term goals such as child’s education, retirement etc stay on course even when policyholder is unable to continue paying.

Available with select individual non-linked & linked life insurance products, the rider adds an additional layer of resilience to the financial commitment underlying a life insurance plan. Commenting on the launch, Mr. M. Anand, President & Chief Distribution Officer, SBI Life Insurance, said, “Financial security is not only about preparing for what lies ahead, but also about building resilience into future financial commitments. As customers plan across longer financial horizons, protection solutions need to address not just the risks they anticipate, but also the potential impact of unforeseen circumstances on their ability to sustain those plans. SBI Life’s Waiver of Premium rider is designed with this perspective, adding an important layer of continuity to long-term financial planning.” He further added, “At SBI Life, our endeavour is to make protection more relevant to the way customers approach financial planning today. The new rider reflects this approach by strengthening the resilience of life insurance plans against specified contingencies. By helping preserve continuity when circumstances change, the rider reinforces our commitment to enabling customers to approach their financial future with greater confidence and preparedness.”

Key features of ‘Waiver of Premium Riders’:

• Premium continuity: All future premiums (including extra premiums) are waived upon specified contingencies, helping the base policy and other attached riders to continue as per their terms.
• Specified Protection: The rider covers Accidental Total Permanent Disability (ATPD) and 21 specified critical illnesses when the proposer and life assured are the same.
• Protection for the proposer: The rider covers the proposer’s death, ATPD and 21 specified critical illnesses when the proposer and life assured are different.
• Flexible entry: Can be opted at inception or at a subsequent policy anniversary, subject to eligibility and a minimum outstanding premium payment term of five years.

 With the launch of the ‘Waiver of Premium’ rider, SBI Life Insurance continues to strengthen its portfolio of customer-centric protection solutions that encourage disciplined financial planning and help individuals and families stay invested in their dreams, regardless of life’s uncertainties.

About SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life Insurance (‘SBI Life’ / ‘The Company’), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.

Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life’s diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions.

Driven by ‘Customer-First’ approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike.

SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,241 offices, 29,055 employees, a large and productive network of about 2,93,443 agents, 81 corporate agents and 9 bancassurance partners with more than 40,000 partner branches, 161 brokers and other insurance marketing firms.

In addition to doing what’s right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally.

SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2025-26, the Company touched over 20,500 direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions.

Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (‘BSE’) and the National Stock Exchange (‘NSE’), the company has an authorized capital of ₹20.0 billion and a paid up capital of ₹10.0 billion. The AuM is ₹5,248.5 billion.

For more information, please visit our website- www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

(Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended June 30, 2026)

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/sbi-life-launches-waiver-of-premium-rider-ensuring-continuity-of-policyholders-long-term-financial-plans-302920625.html

From Amazon to the ICC: Odisha’s Kajal Pradhan Turns Her Makeup Passion into a Global Opportunity

Berhampur, Oct 27: In a story of courage, determination and following one’s passion, Kajal Pradhan from Berhampur in Odisha has carved out a place for herself in the beauty industry after leaving her job at Amazon. Today, she is reported to be working as the official makeup artist for ICC men’s and women’s cricket events, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.

Pradhan’s journey from the technology sector to the world of makeup artistry highlights how pursuing a passion can open doors to unexpected opportunities, even when the decision involves leaving behind a stable career.

From a Corporate Career to Makeup Artistry

Kajal previously worked at Amazon, but her growing interest in makeup and beauty eventually prompted her to take a different professional path. Leaving behind the security of a corporate job, she stepped into the competitive world of makeup artistry to pursue what she truly loved.

She began her journey as a freelance makeup artist in Pune before gradually building her professional network and establishing herself in Mumbai, a major centre for India’s entertainment and beauty industries.

Over time, she reportedly gained opportunities to work with celebrities and professionals from the film and television industries, helping her strengthen her portfolio and expand her presence in the field.

Overcoming Criticism and Challenges

The transition was not without difficulties. According to a social media post by X user Satya Nayak, Pradhan faced criticism and discouragement from people who questioned her decision to leave a stable technology job for a career in makeup.

However, she continued to work towards her goal, demonstrating persistence in an industry where building credibility, gaining clients and establishing professional connections can take considerable time.

Her reported association with International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s and women’s cricket events represents another important step in her career, taking her work beyond the conventional beauty and entertainment sectors.

Ambitions Beyond India

Pradhan is also reportedly looking to expand her professional horizons internationally, with aspirations to explore opportunities in Western markets. She is interested in using technology to develop her work and create more engaging experiences.

Despite her growing professional profile, she has maintained a connection with her home state, Odisha. According to Nayak’s post, she remains willing to support promotional initiatives related to the state and offer guidance to young women seeking advice on pursuing careers in makeup artistry.

An Inspiration for Aspiring Women

Kajal Pradhan’s journey offers an encouraging message for those who wish to pursue a career outside their conventional professional background. Her experience illustrates the importance of developing skills, gaining practical experience and staying committed to a chosen field despite criticism and uncertainty.

For aspiring makeup artists, particularly young women from smaller cities, her reported achievements demonstrate how talent, perseverance and professional growth can create opportunities in competitive industries.

Note: This story is based on the information provided in the original report, including claims attributed to a social media post by Satya Nayak. The details of Pradhan’s professional association with ICC events and other claims have not been independently verified.

Kajal Pradhan, my senior from engineering college, An Odia girl from Brahmapur. After working few years at Amazon, she left the tech job because her heart and passion was in makeup industry. People around her said she was wasting a good career, talked against her openly, humiliated her many times before her big success. A girl from a small town shouldn’t leave a stable job for something like this. She heard it all and still started freelancing in Pune. Slowly she built her name in Mumbai. Worked with celebrities, film and TV people. Then came the big one , she became the official makeup artist for ICC men’s and women’s cricket events. From Brahmapur to those stages, standing with cricketers and stars. This is beyond a typical success. She was a lone girl holding a clear vision and a solid approach in a crowded industry full of big established names. She worked day and night, quietly, with no shortcuts, and still rose to shine on the biggest stages. With her pure talent, solid energy and determination from Odisha to international fame, she did it her way. Last week when we spoke, I could see how deeply passionate she is about this industry. She doesn’t just want to stay where she is. She is already looking beyond India targeting international forums and even the Western ecosystem. She wants to scale her passion properly, use technology, and make the whole thing more engaging and meaningful. Even after all that, she never says no when Odisha needs her. Any promotion, any young girl asking for guidance, she helps without thinking twice. Kajal didi, so proud of you. Keep going higher. Odisha needs more like you. Image copyright and credit- Kajal Pradhan ( her Instagram page muakajalpradhan)

— Nayak Satya (@NayakSatya_SG) October 26, 2026

MEXC and Hacken Launch AI Trading Safety Handbook to Promote Safer AI Adoption

MUTSAMUDU, Comoros, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a pioneer in 0-fee digital asset trading, and blockchain security, compliance, and regulatory assurance partner Hacken, have released the MEXC × Hacken AI Trading Safety Handbook, providing practical guidance on how users and platforms can use and deploy AI-assisted and automated trading tools more safely, from research and decision support through trade execution.

The handbook follows the recent MEXC AI Trading Report, which found strong interest in AI alongside clear demand for greater control. In MEXC’s 2026 survey, willingness to use automated trading rose from 55% to 71.8% when limits on funds, positions, leverage and losses were introduced.

As AI takes a more active role in trading, the handbook emphasizes that safety cannot rely on the AI model alone. AI-facilitated actions should be checked against separate permissions, financial limits and risk controls before execution. It covers risks including credential exposure, excessive permissions, manipulated data and unintended execution, while outlining practical safeguards for both users and platforms.

For users, the handbook sets out five safety checks: Ask, Verify, Limit, Control and Review. For platforms, it outlines five principles: Guard, Limit, Approve, Controls and Test. Together, they provide a practical framework for expanding the use of AI while keeping appropriate controls in place.

“AI can make trading more accessible and efficient, but greater capability should come with stronger safeguards,” said Vugar Usi Zade, CEO of MEXC. “At MEXC, we want users to benefit from innovation, while taking a measured approach to AI adoption. Our People First principle means giving users access to new capabilities without losing sight of control, transparency and risk.”

“AI agents will soon place more orders than people do. Trust in them should be earned the way smart contracts earned it: through independent controls, continuous red-teaming and evidence anyone can verify,” said Dyma Budorin, CEO and co-founder of Hacken. “This handbook is intended to raise awareness of those risks and provide practical support for both users and platforms. As adoption grows, platforms will need to test these safeguards continuously and strengthen them as new risks emerge.”

MEXC and Hacken hope the handbook can serve as a practical reference for users and platforms as AI becomes more deeply integrated into trading, helping raise risk awareness and support safer, more responsible adoption across the industry.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is a leading global multi-asset trading platform built as your 0-fee gateway to infinite opportunities. Serving users across 170+ markets, MEXC provides simple and efficient access to crypto, stocks, tokenized assets, derivatives, and a growing range of TradFi-linked opportunities through one account and one gateway.

With 0 trading fees, deep liquidity, broad asset coverage, and a high-performance trading experience, MEXC is designed for retail users who want to discover earlier, act faster, and trade with fewer barriers. As crypto and traditional finance continue to converge, MEXC is committed to making global opportunities more accessible, helping users trade freely and MEXCmize every opportunity.

MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

About Hacken

Hacken is a security and assurance partner for financial institutions and the infrastructure they rely on: exchanges, ecosystems, custodians, banks, asset managers, and tokenization platforms. Hacken’s AI security work includes AI agent security audits and red-teaming of AI systems.

Founded in 2017, Hacken has 60+ engineers and more than 1,500 clients across industries, including the European Commission, ADGM, Ethereum Foundation, Societe Generale-Forge, MetaMask, and Bybit.

Hacken website | X | LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mexc-and-hacken-launch-ai-trading-safety-handbook-to-promote-safer-ai-adoption-302920502.html

EDC and EFA sign Memorandum of Understanding to deepen Canada-Australia trade and investment ties

Partnership between Canada and Australia’s export credit agencies opens opportunities for businesses in both countries

SYDNEY, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Export Development Canada (EDC) and Export Finance Australia (EFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on strategic financing opportunities and investment projects that support economic growth, energy security, supply chain resilience and sustainable development.

Through the partnership, EDC and EFA will explore opportunities for co-financing, transaction facilitation, joint outreach and knowledge sharing, while helping connect Canadian and Australian companies and investors to pursue opportunities in areas of mutual interest.

Canada and Australia share a longstanding trade and investment relationship built on strong commercial ties and common economic interests. In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled CAD$7.3 billion, with Canadian exports exceeding CAD$3 billion. Since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force in 2018, bilateral merchandise trade has grown at an average annual rate of eight per cent.

Australia is the largest destination in the Asia-Pacific region for Canadian direct investment abroad, with Canadian direct investment in Australia reaching CAD$50.1 billion in 2025, while Australia’s direct investment in Canada totalled CAD$36.4 billion. Key areas of opportunity for Canadian and Australian companies include infrastructure, energy and energy transition, mining and critical minerals, agri-food and agtech, digital technologies, defence and aerospace.

Quotes

“Canada and Australia are trusted partners with a growing economic relationship that creates opportunities for workers and businesses in both countries. This past year, bilateral merchandise trade reached $7.3 billion, with Canadian exports exceeding $3 billion and two-way direct investment totalling more than $86 billion. This agreement between EDC and Export Finance Australia will help connect companies, attract investment and unlock opportunities in priority sectors that support long-term economic growth and resilience.”

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade

“Canada and Australia have built one of the strongest commercial relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, underpinned by significant two-way investment and complementary economic strengths. This agreement creates new opportunities for EDC and EFA to connect businesses, share expertise and support Canadian and Australian companies as they pursue growth opportunities abroad.”

Alison Nankivell, President and CEO, Export Development Canada

“This collaboration will deepen co-operation with an important likeminded partner, further strengthening our investment capabilities. We both have a shared interest in a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and bringing our two export credit agencies closer together will create more opportunities for Aussie businesses and local jobs.”

Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism

“Australia and Canada have a shared interest in strengthening economic security and creating new opportunities across the Indo-Pacific, and the scale of investment required across infrastructure, critical minerals and the energy transition means collaboration between like-minded partners is increasingly important. This agreement gives EFA and EDC a practical framework to continue to work together, share expertise and explore opportunities where our combined capabilities can make a real difference to Australian and Canadian businesses.”

John Hopkins, Managing Director and CEO, Export Finance Australia

About Export Finance Australia

EFA is the Australian Government’s trade and strategic finance agency, backing Australian exporters, supply chains and overseas investment. EFA helps Australian businesses win work overseas, expand into new markets and participate in global supply chains. EFA also deploys finance to deliver national priorities that strengthen Australia’s economic security and regional partnerships. For more information visit www.exportfinance.gov.au.

About EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. 

Healthware partners with Fujifilm to expand access to precision surgical imaging across India

• Collaboration combines Healthware’s pan-India market reach with Fujifilm’s advanced intra-operative and robotic ultrasound portfolio to empower clinical decision-making.
• Targeting corporate chains, government institutions, and specialized clinics, the partnership seeks to elevate real-time visualization in complex surgical workflows.

HYDERABAD, India, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a significant development for India’s medical technology sector, Healthware, a premier provider of advanced medical devices, has announced a strategic collaboration with Fujifilm, a global leader in diagnostic and optical innovation. This alliance aims to scale up the availability of Fujifilm’s state-of-the-art intra-operative ultrasound systems across healthcare institutions nationwide, addressing critical clinical needs in complex surgical environments.

With 37 years of experience in establishing new medical technologies with focus on efficient patient care, Healthware brings an extensive pan-India network supported by dedicated service and clinical application teams. The partnership addresses a diverse healthcare ecosystem spanning government institutions, corporate hospital chains, large hospitals, individual practitioners, and specialized nursing homes and clinics.

Fujifilm’s advanced intra-operative ultrasound portfolio is engineered to transform real-time surgical visualization. Technological innovations integrate seamlessly into existing surgical workflows, enabling precise anatomical identification, accurate tumour boundary assessment, and confident intra-operative navigation.

Commenting on the strategic partnership, K. Tarun Narayan, Director, Healthware, said, “For 37 years, Healthware has been about one thing: bringing world-class medical technology to Indian clinicians and standing behind it every day. Partnering with Fujifilm, a name synonymous with imaging excellence, lets us bring real-time surgical ultrasound to more operating rooms across India, and that is a responsibility we take seriously.”

Echoing this sentiment, Koji Wada, Managing Director, Fujifilm India, said, “At Fujifilm, we believe that meaningful innovation is driven by collaboration and a shared commitment to improving patient care. Our partnership with Healthware marks an important step towards advancing surgical ultrasound solutions in India, bringing real-time imaging closer to the operating room. By combining technological innovation with clinical expertise, we aim to empower healthcare professionals with greater confidence in decision-making and contribute to better patient outcomes. Together, we aspire to make quality healthcare more accessible and create MORE SMILES across India.”

By integrating state-of-the-art surgical technologies into domestic healthcare infrastructure, this strategic alliance opens new business horizons for healthcare providers while reinforcing India’s growing stature as a premier global hub for medical tourism. Empowering clinicians with advanced, modern healthcare solutions directly translates to profound patient-centric benefits minimizing surgical risks, shortening recovery times, and driving sustainable growth within the nation’s healthcare economy.

For clinicians, the partnership brings Fujifilm’s real-time intra-operative ultrasound closer to the operating room across India, supporting precise anatomical identification, accurate tumour boundary assessment and confident intra-operative navigation, while integrating into existing surgical workflows. With Healthware’s pan-India network and its dedicated service and clinical application teams behind it, healthcare professionals gain greater confidence in decision-making. For patients, this means minimised surgical risk, shorter recovery times and better patient outcomes, helping make quality healthcare more accessible across the country.

For more information, please visit: www.healthwareindia.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/healthware-partners-with-fujifilm-to-expand-access-to-precision-surgical-imaging-across-india-302920561.html

ABB turns aging drives into a second life at ACC’s Jamul plant, without stopping production

• To date, on-site drive reconditioning has preserved capital and material value, avoided ~16 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, and maintained continuity, delivering environmental, economic, and operational value in one decision.
• Asset health assessment by ABB helped the major Indian cement producer choose a tailored, multi-year ABB Motion OneCare agreement, for enhanced reliability, uptime, and cost predictability.
• ACC Limited is set to benefit from energy appraisals, scheduled drive reconditioning, and digital monitoring to shift maintenance from reactive to predictive.

BENGALURU, India, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ABB has signed a multi-year ABB Motion OneCare service agreement with ACC Limited, a major cement producer in the Adani Group, to improve the operational reliability of ACC’s Jamul cement plant in Chhattisgarh, India. The comprehensive maintenance framework, shaped around ACC’s needs, encompasses scheduled reconditioning, digital monitoring, and energy appraisals, with the latter extending the program’s scope from restoration into ongoing performance enhancement.

Phase one, completed in April 2026, reconditioned 25 ABB ACS800 variable speed drives on site without a major shutdown. By retaining the existing cabinets and reconditioning equipment rather than replacing complete panels, the project avoided approximately 16 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

A second phase covering the reconditioning of an additional 25 ACS800 drive modules is planned for Q4 2026. As part of the agreement, ACC also began using ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain Insights, setting the foundation to shift from reactive to predictive maintenance. 

A fleet that delivered — and a clear signal to act

The ABB ACS800 drives at Jamul — installed in 2010 — had maintained a strong reliability record across well over a decade of near-continuous operation in one of the most demanding industrial environments. Over time, however, the cumulative effects of electrical aging reached a point where trip event patterns were no longer in line with the plant’s operational requirements — a natural inflection point for a fleet that had been running full steam since installation, and a clear signal that the time had come to act.

Rather than defaulting to full replacement, ACC engaged ABB’s certified engineers for a structured asset health assessment. The finding was clear: the drives’ cabinets and enclosures remained structurally sound. Targeted reconditioning was both the technically right and most cost-effective route to extended lifetime and sustained reliability.

Expertise brought to the plant

Two decades of working knowledge of ACC’s equipment and operational calendar shaped the approach. ABB developed a service plan tailored to ACC’s shutdown windows and budget cycle. The multi-year ABB Motion OneCare agreement includes scheduled drive reconditioning, ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain Insights, and energy appraisals. To start, ABB brought its reconditioning expertise directly to Jamul. Earlier this year, 25 ACS800 drives were restored to factory specification without interrupting production, with the original enclosures retained. Phase two is in planning: an additional 25 ACS800 modules are scheduled for on-site reconditioning in the last quarter of 2026.

In addition, with ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain Insights now active across the fleet, ACC’s teams gain continuous visibility into temperature, current, vibration, and fault patterns — the intelligence to act on emerging issues before they become failures. Energy appraisals, built into the later phase of the program, will extend its scope from restoration into systematic performance improvement. “We know what unchecked wear costs over time: a small inefficiency that eats away at ROI for years. At Jamul, the evidence pointed clearly to assets with productive life still in them,” said Amit Gupta, Local Division Manager, Motion Services, ABB India. “Our job was to restore them properly and give the team the tools to stay ahead of the next problem. At ABB, we don’t just fix what fails. We want to protect what works.”

Circularity as the operating logic

The program reflects the competitive logic of industrial circularity. Restoring what was installed rather than replacing it kept material and economic value in productive use, and protected continuity — all in one decision. ABB data indicates reconditioning reduces drive lifecycle emissions by 50 to 80% versus full replacement. Digital monitoring gives ACC’s teams real-time intelligence: now they know exactly what to fix, and exactly when to fix it, for maximum uptime.

“Moving from reactive firefighting to a structured maintenance plan was exactly what this operation needed. That kind of peace of mind doesn’t come easily. It comes from a partner that understands how your business runs,” added Vinod Bahety, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group. “We didn’t need a full system overhaul; we needed expert support, actionable insights, and a plan we could execute around our schedule. That’s what we got.”

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day. go.abb/motion

ACC Limited, a subsidiary of Ambuja Cements and part of the diversified Adani Group, is one of India’s most trusted building materials and concrete solutions company. With a legacy of nearly nine decades, ACC operates 20 cement manufacturing sites, 119 ready-mix concrete plants, and a nationwide network of channel partners, serving its customers. ACC is actively advancing its sustainability roadmap with a strong focus on green energy, circular economy, and digital transformation. The Company alongside Ambuja Cements is among the fourth large-scale building materials company in the world committed to net-zero by 2050, with its near-term and science-based net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). ACC continues to drive operational excellence through synergies with the Adani Group in logistics, power, project execution, and digital infrastructure. ACC has been recognised India’s Most Sustainable Company 2026 in the Cement Sector by Business Today. Its blended cement products are GreenPro certified, and its innovative products are listed in the GRIHA product catalogue. ACC has been recognised as one of ‘India’s Most Trusted Cement Brands’ by TRA Research and among the ‘Iconic Brands of India 2025’ by The Economic Times for the third consecutive year. https://www.acclimited.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/abb-turns-aging-drives-into-a-second-life-at-accs-jamul-plant-without-stopping-production-302920411.html

XCMG Deploys Heavy Equipment to Support Nairobi Building Collapse Rescue

XUZHOU, China, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG Group joined rescue operations and helped local emergency teams rescue two people after a building under construction collapsed in Nairobi on Oct. 23, according to an Oct. 25 report by Xinhua News Agency.

The 18-story building collapsed on the afternoon of Oct. 23 in the Kenyan capital’s Eastleigh neighborhood. Ground-floor shops were open and construction workers were on site at the time. Following the collapse, the Kenya Defence Forces, the Red Cross and police rushed to the site to conduct search and rescue operations. The large volume of rubble and thick layers of collapsed concrete slabs created an urgent need for heavy lifting and demolition equipment.

XCMG’s Kenya office activated its emergency response procedures upon learning of the collapse. Its team went to the site to coordinate with Kenya’s National Disaster Operations Centre and police rescue personnel. Following a request for assistance, XCMG dispatched an excavator to the site that day, followed by a 25-tonne crane the next day. All equipment and personnel worked under the direction of the on-site rescue team to help rescue people trapped beneath the rubble and clear access routes.

William Sifuna Watitwa, a police personnel officer for the Nairobi North sub-region, told Xinhua that the excavator was crucial to freeing the two survivors. He said the crane enabled crews to lift heavy wreckage from above, reducing the weight of debris and improving access to areas where survivors might be located.

“As a Chinese company that has operated in Kenya for many years, we are part of the local community and stand with it in times of need,” said Fredrick Nyasani, an administrator at XCMG’s Kenya office. “In an emergency like this, XCMG has both a responsibility and a duty to use our specialized equipment and technical personnel to make every effort to support Kenyan rescue teams in saving lives.”

As of Oct. 25, government officials said five people were still missing and four were receiving hospital treatment.

XCMG’s rescue team will continue supporting local rescue operations and remain at the site until its work is complete.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xcmg-deploys-heavy-equipment-to-support-nairobi-building-collapse-rescue-302920424.html

Zen Technologies Launches Africa’s First AI-Enabled Combat Training Centre (CTC) at AFRIDEX 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria

• A fully integrated combat training hub with multiple simulators for realistic combat training for soldiers
• The CTC will enhance weapon training, tactical drills, Force-on-Force combat exercises and mission rehearsals, with high fidelity simulation systems

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zen Technologies, a global leader in defence training simulation and counter-drone solutions, today launched Africa’s First AI-Enabled Combat Training Centre (CTC) at AFRIDEX 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Readiness Gap Facing African Forces: Across the continent, African armed forces are confronting an increasingly complex and asymmetric threat environment: counter-insurgency campaign, urban counter-terrorism operations, and the rising pressure of border instability and internal security threats. Yet defence spending across Africa, have historically been weighted toward equipment and platforms rather than the training infrastructure needed to operationalise that equipment effectively. The result is a persistent gap between battlefield-ready hardware and battlefield-ready soldiers, a gap that live-fire ranges and conventional drills alone struggle to close, particularly given the cost, safety constraints and limited repeatability of traditional training methods.

Zen Technologies’ Combat Training Centre (CTC) is built to directly address this gap. The Combat Training Centre (CTC) is an integrated training ecosystem that combines live-fire ranges, force-on-force engagement systems, simulator-based marksmanship training, and a Shoot House for close-quarters combat drills, all unified under a single Common Operating Picture. Designed to train forces from platoon to brigade level, the CTC supports both conventional warfare preparation and Militarized Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) / counter-terrorism training. Central to the CTC’s value proposition is Zen’s proprietary Combat Readiness Score (CRS), an AI-derived metric, unique to Zen Technologies, that analyses data captured during training sessions to objectively measure and track the combat preparedness of forces over time.

Key features of the Combat Training Centre (CTC):

• AI-derived Combat Readiness Score (CRS) — analyzes training-session data to objectively measure and track combat preparedness over time, replacing subjective assessment
• Smart live-fire shooting ranges — STS® and MFTS® systems for precision hit detection and reflex shooting training
• Force-on-force engagement training — Zen TacSim® and ACTS, an Instrumented Tactical Systems (ITS) simulating opposed-fire combat scenarios
• Shoot House — dedicated facility for room-clearing and close-quarters battle (CQB) drills
• Simulator-based training — covers infantry weapons, machine guns, and automatic grenade launchers for marksmanship and judgmental shooting skills
• Central Control Room — enables real-time monitoring of all training activity and After Action Review (AAR) for post-exercise analysis
• Common Operating Picture — unifies live, virtual, and constructive training elements under a single integrated system
• Scalable training levels — supports forces from platoon to brigade level
• Dual-mode readiness — designed for both conventional warfare preparation and MOUT/counter-terrorism operations

Zen Technologies’ Combat Training Center (CTC) also features an integrated Naval Training Centre equipped with advanced Naval simulation and training systems. The portfolio includes Bridge Operations, Fast Attack Craft (FAC), Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT), Combat Information Centre (CIC), Submarine Operations, Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), and Machinery Operations Simulators, alongside other specialised training solutions. These systems are designed to deliver realistic, immersive, and mission-oriented training across diverse naval operational scenarios. The integrated Naval Training Centre will enhance the CTC’s multi-domain training capabilities, helping naval personnel develop operational skills, decision-making capabilities, and combat readiness in a controlled, simulation-based environment.

About Zen Technologies

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Zen Technologies is a pioneer and global leader in Defence Training Simulators and Counter-Drone Solutions. With a portfolio of over 50 products, more than 200 patents filed, and over 10,000 systems shipped worldwide, Zen Technologies has more than 30 years of experience equipping armed forces, police and paramilitary organisations with realistic, combat-proven training and force-protection systems.

Website: www.zentechnologies.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/zen-technologies-launches-africas-first-ai-enabled-combat-training-centre-ctc-at-afridex-2026-in-lagos-nigeria-302920329.html