7, Oct 2026
Nobel Chemistry 2026: Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai Win Prize for Solving Century-Old Molecular Mystery
Oct 7: French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering discoveries that helped explain how molecular asymmetry, or homochirality, can emerge naturally.
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The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the award on Wednesday, recognising the scientists for their groundbreaking work on non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
The two laureates will share a prize of 12 million Swedish kronor.
Breakthrough in a Long-Standing Chemical Puzzle
Many molecules found in nature, including amino acids, occur in two forms that are mirror images of each other. Although these forms have nearly identical chemical properties, living organisms overwhelmingly rely on only one of them.
This phenomenon, known as homochirality, has puzzled scientists for more than a century.
In conventional laboratory reactions, chemists often obtain roughly equal quantities of both mirror-image forms. Kagan and Soai’s research demonstrated that chemical reactions can instead be directed to strongly favour one molecular form, and in certain cases produce virtually only one.
“Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have provided a solution to a chemical mystery that is over a century old: how homochirality can emerge spontaneously. The chemical reactions they have developed are spectacular,” said Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.
Kagan, Soai Built on Decades of Research
Kagan made a major breakthrough in 1986 when he developed a method that could influence the outcome of chemical reactions and produce a significantly higher proportion of one molecular mirror image.
Soai later built on this work. In 1995, he demonstrated a remarkable chemical reaction capable of developing towards a homochiral state.
His research reached another milestone in 2003, when he reported a reaction that produced only one of two possible mirror-image molecular forms—a phenomenon previously observed primarily in biological systems.
The discoveries opened new possibilities for understanding how molecular asymmetry could arise and become amplified through chemical processes.
Importance for Modern Medicine
The Nobel Academy said the laureates’ work has had a major influence on modern chemistry, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.
The ability to selectively produce the desired mirror-image form of a molecule can be crucial because different molecular forms may interact differently with biological systems, directly affecting the effectiveness of medicines.
About the Nobel Laureates
Henri B. Kagan, born in 1930 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, received his PhD from the Collège de France in 1960. He is Professor Emeritus at the former Université Paris-Sud.
Kenso Soai, born in 1950 in Hiroshima, Japan, earned his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1979 and is Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Science.
Their combined discoveries have helped transform scientists’ understanding of asymmetric chemical reactions and provided important insights into one of chemistry’s most enduring questions: how nature came to favour one molecular mirror image over the other.
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- By Neel Achary
7, Oct 2026
Odisha Braces for Three Days of Thunderstorms, IMD Issues Yellow Warning
Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Odisha is likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next three days, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow warning for several districts.
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The weather office has advised people to remain alert as thunderstorms accompanied by strong surface winds are expected at isolated places between October 7 and 10.
Thunderstorm Alert for October 7-8
According to the IMD forecast valid until 8:30 am on October 8, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are likely at one or two places in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur districts.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
More Districts Likely to See Thunderstorms on October 8-9
The weather activity is expected to extend to more parts of the State during the following 24 hours.
From 8:30 am on October 8 to 8:30 am on October 9, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places over Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Nuapada and Balangir.
Meanwhile, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack may experience thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph.
Thunderstorm Activity to Continue on October 9-10
The weather system is expected to remain active on the third day as well.
Between 8:30 am on October 9 and 8:30 am on October 10, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are likely at one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
The IMD has advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms, particularly when lightning and strong winds are occurring, and to follow official weather updates.
7, Oct 2026
KFON Connectivity Strengthens in Kozhikode; Connections Cross 17,000
Kozhikode, Oct 07, 2026: The number of KFON connections in Kozhikode has crossed 17,000, reflecting the growing acceptance of KFON services among households, offices, commercial establishments and government institutions.
The district currently has a total of 17,233 KFON connections, of which 13,744 are household (FTTH) connections. KFON has also provided 964 connections to economically disadvantaged families in the district.
The expansion of KFON connectivity also covers key IT and business destinations in Kozhikode, including Govt Cyberpark Kozhikode, UL Cyber Park and HiLITE Business Park, supporting seamless and reliable internet access for businesses and institutions.
Offering high-speed and reliable internet services at affordable rates, KFON has been playing a key role in strengthening digital connectivity across Kozhikode. By extending broadband services to households and institutions, KFON has helped expand access to digital connectivity across the district.
KFON also provides free or affordable internet services to economically disadvantaged families and government institutions, helping expand access to digital services. The optical fibre network spread across various parts of the district, along with the support of Local Network Providers, has further contributed to the expansion of services.
New household connections can be registered through the ‘Ente KFON’ mobile app or the KFON website. Registrations can also be made by calling the toll-free number 1800 570 4466. For more information on KFON plans and offers, visit KFON website or send a WhatsApp message with “KFON Plans” to 90616 04466.
7, Oct 2026
Capital Group secures FSRA licence in Abu Dhabi as it expands in the Middle East
ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capital Group, one of the world’s largest and most experienced active investment managers with US$3.6 trillion of assets under management, announced today that it has secured a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the United Arab Emirates, enabling the firm to operate as a regulated investment manager. The approval authorises Capital Group to conduct trading, investment management and distribution activities within ADGM.
The regulatory milestone marks the next phase of Capital Group’s long-term commitment to the region, following its May 2026 announcement of plans to establish its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi. The firm has since relocated associates from North America, Europe and Asia, bringing investment, operational and client-facing expertise closer to clients and opportunities in the region. Its local presence is expected to grow over time, in line with business and client needs.
Benno Klingenberg-Timm, Head of Abu Dhabi Office & Head of Institutional for Europe and Asia, Capital Group, said: “Establishing a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi brings us closer to our clients and to the investment opportunities across the Middle East, a region where we have been active for many years. From day one, we will have a meaningful presence, with on-the-ground investment, operational and client-facing capabilities. Much like the opening of our Singapore office in 1989, we’re bringing together the full breadth of Capital Group’s expertise in Abu Dhabi, reflecting our confidence in the region’s long-term growth.”
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “We are pleased to welcome Capital Group, a global investment manager, as it establishes a presence in Abu Dhabi. Its decision reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and ADGM’s growing position as a leading international financial centre for global institutions seeking long-term opportunities across the region.”
Mike Gitlin, President and CEO of Capital Group, said: “The Middle East is strategically important to Capital Group and our clients. Securing our regulatory licence in Abu Dhabi reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our conviction in its continued development as a leading international financial centre. We look forward to deepening our relationships with clients and partners.”
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7, Oct 2026
Metanoia, Aethertek, and TechPhosis Team Up to Drive 6G FR3 Technology in India
NEW DELHI, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aligned with the Make-in-India, Design-in-India, and Integrate-in-India initiatives, Metanoia and Aethertek announced a strategic collaboration with TechPhosis to develop and commercialize 5G FR2 and next-generation 6G FR3 solutions across India’s growing telecommunications market.
The initiative integrates the Metanoia-Aethertek Albizia FR2/FR3 radio with TechPhosis’s 5G Core (5GC) and Distributed Unit (DU) platforms, establishing resilient, open-architecture private and public cellular networks throughout the region.
“To support India’s 6G ambitions, we are proud to launch one of the first 6G radios with Metanoia and Aethertek Albizia FR2/FR3 radio platform. Metanoia’s MOSART software empowers early 6G FR3 researchers to build customized solutions,” said Ritesh Aggarwal, CEO of TechPhosis.
Advancing Open Standards: O-RAN WG7 and MOSART
A pivotal component of this initiative is Metanoia’s introduction of MOSART (Metanoia Open Source Advanced Radio Technology) software, running on O-RAN Alliance Working Group 7 (WG7) white-box radio hardware architectures. Available on GitLab, MOSART natively supports standard WG7 platforms, including 24dBm indoor, 5W outdoor, and FR2/FR3 50dBm outdoor radio units.
WG7 specifications enable open radio hardware design to lower development costs, while MOSART provides equipment builders, system integrators, and operators a solid baseline to customize without proprietary vendor lock-in.
“Coupling O-RAN WG7 hardware with our MOSART software commercializes open radio platforms. Alongside partners like SERA Network, Aethertek and TechPhosis, we are creating a practical path from 5G FR2 today to 6G FR3 tomorrow,” said Stewart Wu, CEO of Metanoia.
Partnering with Aethertek for Albizia FR2/FR3
Metanoia and Aethertek partnered to develop the Albizia FR2/FR3 radio platform, combining Metanoia’s Cobra MT2824 SoC baseband chip with Aethertek’s NOVA Antenna-in-Module (AiM).
This modular beamforming architecture streamlines the migration toward FR3 spectrum, enabling Indian operators to validate high-capacity, low-latency 5G-Advanced and pioneer early 6G deployments with proven RF efficiency.
“This collaboration strengthens our shared ability to deliver next-generation O-RUs with validated beamforming and RF performance,” said Perry Lin, Director of Business Development at Aethertek. “Working together with Metanoia and TechPhosis ensures we can accelerate customer deployments and commercialize advanced radio platforms with confidence.”
Commercial FR1 and FR2 radios Powered by Metanoia Cobra MT2824 SoC
At the foundation of these high-performance open radios is Metanoia’s Cobra MT2824 Digital Front End (DFE) SoC. Delivering power efficiency, compact dimensions, and versatility, the Cobra MT2824 powers multiple commercialized ORU products deployed across enterprise and carrier networks.
“SERA Network is proud to be first to market with Metanoia Cobra MT2824-based FR-1 ORU products,” said Jerry Chien, CEO of SERA Network. “Our 24dBm and 5W units lead in power and size, and MOSART open-source software allows our radios to serve as extensible platforms meeting unique customer requirements.”
By uniting Metanoia’s Cobra MT2824 silicon, Aethertek’s FR2/FR3 AiM modules, and TechPhosis’s DU and 5G core stacks, the partners deliver an open ecosystem ready for 5G and 6G development.
Please come to India Mobile Congress Hall 1 BP 18 to explore MOSART powered ORUs: Albizia FR2/FR3 radio, SERA 24dBm and 5W FR1 radios.
About Metanoia
Metanoia Communications Inc. specializes in Software Defined Radio (SDR) and 5G/B5G PHY semiconductor solutions for Open RAN Radio Units and Small Cells. Powered by its proprietary MOSART® platform, its programmable baseband and RF SoCs support 4T4R FR1 and 2T2R FR2 architectures, ensuring full compliance with evolving 3GPP and O-RAN standards.
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7, Oct 2026
Structurely Rebrands as 21X and Launches Sports Revenue Platform in Partnership with GameAbove Sports
Rebrand expands the company’s AI engagement portfolio and introduces a sports-focused revenue platform backed by CapStone Holdings
ASPEN, Colo., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Structurely today announced its rebrand as 21X and the launch of 21X SPORTS, a new business vertical owned by 21X and developed in partnership with GameAbove Sports. The 21X name reflects a broader product portfolio built around the same commercial purpose that has guided Structurely for more than a decade: turn more customer conversations into revenue by capturing demand, sustaining follow-up and moving more opportunities toward action.
For existing customers, services, integrations, support relationships and platform access will continue without interruption under the 21X name. The new identity is built on the same experienced team, established platform and client relationships, strengthened by new investment and an expanding product portfolio. The platform draws on experience from more than 500 million conversations, with human feedback used to refine performance.
The 21X name builds on Structurely’s proven foundation: representing the company’s next phase and its ambition to multiply the value of every customer connection. Its brand promise is “21X. Multiply the power of connection.” Under the new name, the company will expand that foundation with additional products, interfaces and AI tools designed to support both revenue growth and operating efficiency. The platform helps businesses engage customers faster and more relevantly while reducing the cost of routine conversations. AI manages initial interactions, answers questions and identifies intent, then routes the right opportunities to people when human judgment, expertise or relationships matter most.
“Structurely was built to help businesses create more revenue from the demand and customer relationships they already have. That focus does not change with 21X,” said Corey Welch, CEO of 21X. “What changes is the scale of what we can offer: more products, more ways to engage and more tools that help customers grow top-line revenue, improve the customer experience and operate more efficiently.”
CapStone Holdings Backs the Next Phase of Growth
CapStone Holdings remains the parent company of both 21X, formerly Structurely, and GameAbove, and is backing this next phase with new funding and resources. The commitment supports an expanded product portfolio, the launch of 21X SPORTS and the company’s continued focus on long-term growth and operational excellence.
21X SPORTS Brings the Revenue Platform to Sports
21X SPORTS will help collegiate athletic departments, professional and minor league teams, leagues, and sports product and apparel companies pursue incremental revenue from existing fan and customer databases. Potential applications include ticket sales and renewals, lapsed-buyer reengagement, merchandise offers and other revenue campaigns. Across voice, SMS and email, AI can initiate engagement, answer questions, identify interest, present relevant opportunities and connect qualified fans or customers with team personnel when appropriate. For enterprise organizations already managing multiple systems, 21X SPORTS is designed to consolidate AI-powered engagement, voice, SMS, email and workflow orchestration into one platform, reducing reliance on disconnected point solutions.
The result is a more responsive fan experience, better insight for sales and marketing teams, and more opportunities to generate ticketing, merchandise and other commercial revenue. By automating routine engagement and qualification, 21X SPORTS is designed to help organizations serve larger audiences without increasing staffing at the same rate.
GameAbove Sports will contribute sports-market relationships, business development experience and sales perspective, helping 21X SPORTS reach organizations seeking to improve ticketing, merchandise and other commercial revenue.
“Sports organizations have invested heavily in building fan and customer relationships, but many lack the capacity to engage those audiences consistently and at scale,” said Keith J. Stone, founder and chairman of GameAbove. “21X SPORTS gives teams, leagues and sports businesses a practical way to turn more of that existing demand into commercial opportunity while creating a more responsive fan experience.”
Experience a 21X live demo: call (330) 222-6156 and hear the difference.
To learn more about how 21X helps organizations create more revenue from the customers they already have, visit 21Xai.com.
About 21X
21X, formerly known as Structurely, is an AI engagement infrastructure company that helps businesses grow revenue, improve customer experiences and operate more efficiently. Built on more than a decade of experience in real customer conversations, 21X uses AI across voice, SMS and email to respond, understand intent, guide customers toward the right next action and route appropriate opportunities to live personnel. The company serves organizations in real estate, mortgage lending, life insurance, aviation and sports. Learn more at 21Xai.com.
About GameAbove Sports
GameAbove Sports is focused on global sports business development and strategic investments. It works across teams, franchises, leagues, events, sports-related companies and community initiatives to advance growth and opportunity in sports. Learn more at gameabovesports.com.
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7, Oct 2026
IBM Teams Up with SAP to Help Businesses Modernize Operations and Advance AI-Readiness
- Volumetric Building Companies cuts operational cycle times by 50% with SAP Cloud ERP
- Second Nature Brands extends and strengthens their common enterprise platform following its Voortman acquisition
- Modernized ERP foundation positions clients to scale operations and support AI-readiness
ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced IBM Ready for SAP Solutions to help midsize and fast-growing organizations accelerate cloud ERP modernization, unify enterprise data, and establish an AI-ready digital core. Volumetric Building Companies and Second Nature Brands are among the clients using the solution to support growth and future AI initiatives.
Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), a global modular construction company, reduced operational cycle times by 50% across purchasing, manufacturing, and inventory processes following a three-month SAP Cloud ERP transformation with IBM. Second Nature Brands, a portfolio company and creator of premium snacks and treats, recently completed an SAP Cloud ERP transformation with IBM that integrated its acquired Voortman Bakery business and established a common enterprise platform for its operations.
The two transformations demonstrate how IBM Ready for SAP Solutions can support different business needs, from improving operational efficiency to integrating acquired businesses onto a common enterprise platform.
“As our business continues to grow, we needed technology that could scale with us and give our teams a more connected way of operating,” said Chris Macies, COO, Volumetric Building Companies. “By modernizing our ERP environment with IBM, we now have unified visibility across our supply chain and operations, helping our teams move faster and make more informed decisions with greater visibility throughout the manufacturing process. Just as importantly, we’ve established a scalable digital foundation that positions VBC to support future automation and AI initiatives as we continue to grow.”
“Successfully integrating an acquisition is about more than combining operations. It’s about quickly implementing and expanding a unified foundation built for future growth,” said Jeff O’Gradney, VP IT, Second Nature Brands. “Working with IBM, we successfully integrated the Voortman Bakery business and expanded our common enterprise platform that positions Second Nature Brands to scale more efficiently as one organization.”
Bringing together IBM’s industry expertise, fit-to-standard delivery, and IBM Consulting Advantage, the company’s AI-powered consulting delivery platform, IBM Ready for SAP Solutions is designed to help organizations accelerate transformation at scale.
“Businesses are under increasing pressure to operate with greater speed, efficiency and predictability, and many are implementing AI to improve,” said Dr. Tom Janoshalmi, Global Managing Partner, IBM Consulting. “But scaling AI requires a connected and modern enterprise foundation. VBC and Second Nature Brands started from different places, and now both run on a modern SAP platform built for what comes next.”
Volumetric Building Companies and Second Nature Brands’ transformations reflect a broader shift as companies focus on modernizing ERP systems to improve operational efficiency and prepare for AI. According to research from the IBM Institute for Business Value, 68% of enterprises say accelerating ERP modernization is important to improving operational efficiency and maintaining competitiveness.
“Businesses can unlock the greatest enterprise-wide value from AI when they connect intelligent technologies with rich data semantics, end-to-end business processes, industry expertise, and strong governance,” said Santina Franchi, SAP Corporate Segment and GROW. “VBC and Second Nature Brands recognize this opportunity and are building a modern digital core with SAP and IBM Ready for SAP Solutions as the foundation for scaling their AI ambitions with confidence, speed, and reliability. Through this partnership, we are extending our GROW Fast methodology to help customers accelerate their journey to SAP Cloud ERP, enabling go-lives in weeks and creating a strong platform to expand across the SAP Autonomous Enterprise.”
IBM Ready for SAP Solutions is currently available in limited countries and for specific industries. IBM plans to continue expanding availability of the solution globally across additional industries and markets. To learn more, visit ibm.com/consulting/sap-ibm-ready.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.
Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
Media contact:
Kristen Shah
IBM
KRISTEN.SHAH@ibm.com
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7, Oct 2026
Odisha Man Quits IT Job, Rides Rapido in Bengaluru to Research Dairy Business
Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): An Odisha man has taken an unconventional route to prepare for his entrepreneurial dream—quitting his IT job, moving to Bengaluru and working as a Rapido rider to understand what potential customers want from a dairy brand he plans to build back home.
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The unusual approach came to light after a Bengaluru resident shared his interaction with the rider on LinkedIn, describing how a routine Rapido journey turned into a conversation about consumer preferences and business plans.
From IT Job to Bike Rides
The man, identified as Dinesh, comes from a family involved in dairy farming in Odisha. According to the LinkedIn post by Varun Raj, Dinesh wants to expand his family’s dairy operations and eventually develop a dairy-products brand.
Rather than conducting conventional market research, he decided to interact directly with consumers.
After leaving his IT job, Dinesh moved to Bengaluru and started working as a Rapido rider. The job, besides providing him with an income, gives him an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and learn about their buying habits.
Turning Passenger Conversations Into Market Research
During one of his rides, Dinesh reportedly asked Raj what dairy products he purchased apart from milk.
The simple question was part of a broader effort to understand consumer preferences, particularly among Bengaluru’s large population of IT professionals.
According to Raj, Dinesh regularly uses conversations with passengers to find out what dairy products they consume, what they look for when buying such products and what offerings might appeal to them.
Plans to Return to Odisha
Dinesh has reportedly given himself about one year to study the market and gather insights from his interactions with passengers.
Once he completes this period, he plans to return to Odisha and apply what he has learned to expand his family’s dairy business.
His approach has attracted attention on LinkedIn, with many users appreciating the practical nature of his strategy.
Instead of relying solely on surveys or market reports, Dinesh is using his everyday interactions with passengers to understand consumer behaviour firsthand—turning his work as a Rapido rider into an unconventional form of market research for the business he hopes to build in Odisha.
7, Oct 2026
Chakli, meet Schezwan: Chheda’s and Ching’s bring the OG snack pack a first ever combo
Mumbai, 07th October, 2026: Some food combinations are planned in research laboratories, others simply happen and become rituals. Chheda Specialities Foods Private Limited brings to you one such combination of two familiar favourites – Chheda’s Chakli and Ching’s Secret Schezwan Chutney as the ‘OG Snack Pack’.
The idea comes from a simple consumer truth: pairing the crunch of traditional chakli with the spicy, garlicky kick of Schezwan chutney. It is a combination that has found its way into homes, offices and snack breaks over the years, particularly in western India. The collaboration now takes that familiar pairing to consumers across the country in one convenient pack, the Chheda’s Chakli + Ching’s Schezwan Chutney pack will be available across all leading quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, and modern trade, general trade outlets across India.
Commenting on the launch, Dharmik Chheda, Director, Strategy & Operations, Chheda Specialities Foods Private Limited, said, “Some of the best food combinations don’t come out of a boardroom; consumers create them . Chakli with Schezwan chutney is one of those pairings we have seen people enjoy for years. So, instead of trying to invent something new, we thought, why not give an existing favourite its moment? Chheda’s and Ching’s are both familiar names in Indian households, and bringing the two together felt like a very natural progression. It’s simple, fun and, most importantly, genuinely delicious.”
With the launch, the brands are putting the spotlight on something Indian consumers have long been good at – finding their own unexpected food combinations and making them stick.
7, Oct 2026
IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings: Debt, energy and climate crises loom large in Bangkok
IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok to Test Global Finance Response to Energy, Debt and Climate Pressures
BANGKOK, October 7, 2026: Just weeks after devastating floods hit Bangkok, the Thai capital is set to become the centre of global economic policymaking as finance ministers, central bankers and development leaders gather for the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings from October 12 to 18.
The meetings come at a critical moment for the global economy, with countries facing a combination of fossil-fuel supply disruptions, rising debt burdens, higher financing costs and increasingly severe climate impacts. For many emerging and developing economies, particularly in Asia, limited fiscal space is making it harder to respond to immediate shocks while continuing to invest in long-term development.
Coming after Bangkok Climate Action Week, the Annual Meetings are expected to put international financial institutions (IFIs) and their shareholders under pressure to demonstrate how finance can be mobilised for economic investment, climate resilience and energy security.
The discussions will also carry significance ahead of COP31 in Antalya and the next replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the institution’s concessional financing arm for the world’s poorest countries.
Asia’s energy security takes centre stage
Bangkok’s hosting of the meetings will place Asia’s economic transformation firmly in the spotlight. Nearly three decades after the Asian Financial Crisis, Southeast Asia has emerged as an important engine of global growth, investment and job creation.
However, geopolitical volatility and energy-market disruptions are creating new vulnerabilities. Asia accounts for more than half of global emissions and has a large share of the world’s operating and planned coal capacity, while simultaneously driving a significant portion of the global clean-energy transition.
China has emerged as a major force in clean-energy manufacturing and deployment, while countries across the region are rapidly expanding renewable power, electrification and energy infrastructure.
The region’s dependence on imported oil and gas, particularly supplies from the Middle East, has also exposed economies to price shocks and supply disruptions. For governments dealing with high import bills, inflation and debt pressures, accelerating clean electrification is increasingly being viewed not only as a climate strategy but also as an energy-security and economic-resilience priority.
The Bangkok meetings could therefore see greater attention on country-led investment plans that connect energy security, economic resilience and climate objectives with commercially viable investment pipelines.
Climate finance under scrutiny
Climate finance is expected to be another major issue. Developing economies face rapidly increasing adaptation and resilience requirements, while many of the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts have limited access to affordable finance.
The meetings will provide an important test of how the IMF, World Bank and other multilateral development banks respond to countries simultaneously confronting debt distress and climate risks.
Key discussions are expected to centre on affordable finance, debt sustainability, resilience, concessional funding and the ability of multilateral development banks to mobilise additional private capital.
A major question will be how scarce concessional finance is allocated. Least developed countries and small island developing states often face particularly difficult financing conditions, with commercial borrowing either prohibitively expensive or potentially adding to already unsustainable debt burdens.
Mobilising private capital remains a challenge
While international financial institutions have increasingly highlighted private capital mobilisation, the focus in Bangkok is expected to shift from headline figures to the practical mechanisms required to unlock investment.
These include guarantees, risk-sharing instruments, project preparation facilities, policy support and local-currency financing.
Multilateral development banks will face pressure to demonstrate that these instruments actually attract additional private capital and improve financing conditions for developing economies.
The challenge is even greater in lower-income and fragile and conflict-affected countries, where political, currency and credit risks can discourage private investors.
IMF faces growing energy-transition questions
The International Monetary Fund is also expected to face questions about how it incorporates climate and energy risks into its macroeconomic assessments.
Climate-related disasters and physical risks are increasingly recognised as threats to fiscal stability and economic growth. However, the macroeconomic implications of the transition away from fossil fuels remain more contested.
For vulnerable economies, the ability to withstand shocks without sacrificing long-term investment will be crucial. Timely liquidity support, effective debt restructuring and pre-arranged crisis financing could help countries avoid allowing temporary energy or climate shocks to turn into prolonged development crises.
Pressure for measurable results
Another major theme will be accountability. As climate finance commitments grow, governments and institutions are likely to face increasing demands to demonstrate not simply how much money has been committed, but what that money has achieved.
This includes measuring improvements in clean-energy access, protection of infrastructure and livelihoods, and the distribution of benefits among women, poorer households and vulnerable communities.
The World Bank’s climate strategy will receive particular attention. In June 2026, the Bank extended its Climate Change Action Plan following difficult shareholder negotiations, while retiring its headline 45% climate-finance target.
The focus will now shift toward how the Bank demonstrates climate ambition through actual investments and measurable outcomes.
A broader financial agenda
The Bangkok meetings could also influence the global financial agenda beyond 2026. The final G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting of the year is scheduled to take place in Bangkok alongside the Annual Meetings.
Although climate has received less prominence in the formal G20 agenda in 2026, debt, energy security and economic resilience remain closely connected to the global financial outlook.
With the United Kingdom scheduled to assume the G20 presidency in 2027, discussions in Bangkok could help shape priorities for the next phase of international economic cooperation and build momentum toward future climate negotiations.
Experts call for stronger action
Jurei Yada, Associate Director, Finance and Resilience at E3G, said the meetings would be closely watched for signs that the international financial system can help countries strengthen energy security and resilience amid growing volatility.
“Amid a backdrop of multilateral fragmentation, eyes will be on the IMF and World Bank to see how countries can drive the conditions and finance to achieve energy security and resilience in the face of significant volatility,” Yada said.
Salvatore Serravalle, Programme Lead, Global Macro and Finance Resilience at E3G, warned that energy shocks could worsen existing debt and development challenges.
“The energy shock must not become a debt and development crisis,” Serravalle said, arguing for stronger liquidity support, debt restructuring and pre-arranged crisis finance.
Seleha Lockwood, Programme Lead, Public Banks and Development at E3G, stressed the need for public finance to leverage greater private investment while ensuring concessional resources reach the most vulnerable communities.
Danny Scull, Senior Policy Advisor, Public Banks and Development at E3G, said the World Bank would now need to demonstrate its climate ambition through tangible outcomes following the retirement of its headline climate-finance target.
The IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok therefore arrive at a pivotal moment. Beyond discussions about interest rates, debt and growth, the meetings will test whether the global financial architecture can adapt to an era in which energy security, climate resilience, development finance and economic stability are increasingly inseparable.
