Sinopec Commissions 50,000-Ton Specialty PVA Facility, Creating World’s Largest Single-Site High-End PVA Production Base

CHONGQING, China, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec”) has commissioned a specialty polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin facility with an annual production capacity of 50,000 metric tons at its subsidiary, Chongqing SVW Chemical Co., Ltd. The facility achieved stable operation during its initial startup and produced products that met quality specifications, with the first shipment already sent to Europe.

The new facility increases the site’s total PVA production capacity to 210,000 metric tons per year, making it the world’s largest single-site production base for high-end PVA. The additional capacity will strengthen the supply of specialty materials used in photovoltaics, electronics, optical films, pharmaceuticals and other high-value applications.

PVA is a water-soluble polymer with biodegradable properties and a broad range of industrial and consumer uses. Specialty grades with high purity and transparency are used in optical films, polarizers, pharmaceutical products and safety glass for automobiles and high-speed trains. PVA is also used in textiles, construction materials and water-soluble packaging.

SVW Chemical offers more than 100 PVA grades designed for different performance requirements and market applications. The new facility uses advanced alcoholysis and precision purification technologies to support the large-scale production of specialty PVA products.

During construction, the project team addressed technical challenges involving precise temperature control and consistent product quality. A new polymerization process increased production capacity by 40% compared with earlier-generation equipment. The facility also incorporates four exhaust gas and wastewater recovery units, along with an automated packaging system, to improve resource efficiency and operational efficiency.

The project was completed in 17 months and recorded 1.98 million safe working hours. During commissioning, the team optimized equipment performance and process parameters to achieve stable production and consistent product quality.

SVW Chemical has more than 40 years of experience in PVA research and manufacturing. Its portfolio has grown from one PVA grade at the beginning of operations to more than 100 today. More than 70 products are exported to over 40 countries, providing the company with an established foundation in international markets, including Europe and the United States.

Moving forward, SVW Chemical will use its expanded capacity and research capabilities to develop additional high-value specialty materials, broaden its PVA portfolio and provide customers worldwide with a more reliable supply.

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SVKM’s NMIMS Horizon Expands AI-Embedded Learning to Undergraduate Education

 ~ Curriculum-Embedded AI learning to be introduced across undergraduate programmes at NMIMS campuses ~

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Building on the successful implementation of NMIMS Horizon in management education, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-be University officially extended the initiative to undergraduate programmes on 3 August, 2026. The next phase brings AI-focused learning to the Schools of Engineering, Science, Pharmacy, and Commerce as part of the University’s vision to integrate emerging technologies into higher education.

The initiative will be rolled out across NMIMS campuses, providing approximately 40,000 student users access to global learning resources through Coursera at no additional cost. Through NMIMS Horizon, AI-focused learning has been embedded into the undergraduate curriculum, enabling students to build future-ready capabilities alongside their core academic disciplines.

Unlike standalone online learning programmes, the initiative follows a structured, faculty-led academic model that combines mentoring, assignments, projects and assessments. Student outcomes will form part of the University’s academic assessment framework, ensuring that AI learning is embedded within the academic experience rather than delivered as a standalone certification.

To support the rollout, NMIMS faculty members are undergoing specialised training and completing relevant courses before facilitating student learning. This approach combines global learning resources with classroom teaching, enabling students to apply AI across disciplines while strengthening practical understanding across multiple domains.

Speaking about the vision behind NMIMS Horizon, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Provost (Administration), SVKM’s NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, said, “Artificial Intelligence is redefining the way industries operate and the skills they expect from graduates. As a university, our responsibility is not only to respond to this change but to prepare students to lead it. Through NMIMS Horizon, we are embedding AI-focused learning into the academic experience so that students across disciplines graduate with strong domain knowledge, technological fluency and the ability to adapt to an evolving global landscape. This initiative reflects our commitment to continually reimagining education in line with the future of work.”

Dr. Koteswararao Anne, Dean, SVKM’s NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering (MPSTME), Mumbai, said, “The real value of AI lies in its ability to solve practical problems across disciplines. Through NMIMS Horizon, students will apply AI concepts within their own domains through structured learning, faculty mentorship, projects and academic assessments. By integrating these courses into the curriculum, we are enabling students to develop practical competencies that complement their academic learning and prepare them to address real-world industry challenges.”

Through NMIMS Horizon, SVKM’s NMIMS continues to strengthen its vision of building a future-ready education ecosystem that combines academic excellence with emerging technologies, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

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Chandigarh University Launches Heritage Tree Conservation Project to Digitally Map and Preserve Centuries-Old Heritage Trees in Mohali

Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University receives a grant of ₹11-Lakh from Punjab Biodiversity Board; 100 Heritage Trees in Kharar already Mapped

CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion continue to threaten centuries-old trees of ecological, cultural and religious significance, the need for a systematic scientific approach for their identification and conservation has become essential. Taking a significant step towards the scientific conservation of heritage trees, Chandigarh University has launched an initiative to identify, document and conserve ecologically, religiously and culturally significant tree species across SAS Nagar (Mohali) district.

The project will establish the district’s first comprehensive GIS-based database of heritage trees, providing a scientific foundation for evidence-based management and long-term conservation planning while protecting invaluable natural assets for future generations.

The ₹11-lakh project, funded and sanctioned by the Punjab Biodiversity Board (PBB) under the National Biodiversity Authority is being implemented by the Department of Biosciences at the University Institute of Biotechnology (UIBT), Chandigarh University.

Led by Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences, along with Dr Shailika Sharma, Assistant Professor, the initiative combines field surveys with advanced Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to scientifically map and assess heritage trees across the district.

Sharing details about the project, Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University said, “The project is primarily aimed at documenting the present status of heritage trees, including their ecological, cultural and religious significance, through GIS-based digital tagging, geospatial mapping and assessment of key characteristics such as height, trunk diameter, health, biomass and carbon sequestration potential. By integrating field observations with geospatial technologies, the initiative will generate reliable scientific data to support long-term conservation and environmental planning. The project idea was conceived and executed in collaboration and support of Dr Gurharminder Singh, Principal Scientific Officer, Punjab Biodiversity Board.”

Prof Attri further added, “Beyond the documentation part, this project is aimed at establishing a heritage trees list for Mohali highlighting mature trees of exceptional ecological, historical, religious and cultural importance. The database will help government agencies and local authorities prioritize conservation measures including protecting root zones from excavation and soil compaction, monitor tree health and implement preventive interventions such as lightning protection for vulnerable heritage trees.”

Notably, the project has already documented more than 100 heritage trees across Kharar Tehsil, the largest tehsil in SAS Nagar (43.5 per cent) of the district’s geographical area. Using advanced Remote Sensing and GIS technologies, the identified trees are being scientifically classified, geotagged and assessed for their height, trunk diameter, biomass and carbon sequestration potential to build a reliable geo-spatial database for long-term conservation. A dedicated team of research fellows is carrying out extensive field surveys, documentation, geotagging, GIS mapping and spatial analysis of heritage trees.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr Attri, who is the Principal Investigator, said, “Heritage trees are living symbols of our environmental, cultural and spiritual legacy. Many of these trees have survived for decades and in some cases centuries providing ecological services while remaining deeply connected with local traditions and communities. Through scientific mapping and documentation, we aim to create a strong knowledge base that will support evidence-based conservation and encourage society to recognize and protect these invaluable natural assets.”

The project is expected to deliver multiple public benefits extending well beyond biodiversity conservation. The geo-spatial database can be instrumental in assisting government agencies in environmental resource management, sustainable urban and rural development planning and climate resilience initiatives. By estimating the biomass and carbon sequestration potential of heritage trees, the study will also provide valuable insights into the role of mature trees in mitigating climate change and maintaining healthy ecological balance.

Moreover, the initiative further highlights the importance of preserving trees that hold religious and cultural significance for local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts protect not only biodiversity but also Punjab’s rich social and cultural heritage.

Emphasizing the role of technology in conservation, Dr. Shailika Sharma, Co-Principal Investigator, said, “Modern geospatial technologies allow us to understand our natural resources with far greater accuracy and efficiency. By combining field-based scientific surveys with GIS mapping, we are creating a digital resource that can support informed policy decisions, conservation planning and community awareness. We hope this initiative inspires greater public participation in protecting heritage trees and the ecosystems they sustain.”

By combining scientific research with advanced geospatial technologies, Chandigarh University’s heritage tree mapping initiative is creating an important foundation for biodiversity conservation, climate action and sustainable development. The project demonstrates how technology-driven environmental research can help protect Punjab’s natural heritage while supporting evidence-based planning and encouraging greater public awareness about the need to protect the state’s irreplaceable ecological treasures.

“Many of the documented heritage trees, including Peepal, Banyan and Neem are valued not only for their ecological services such as improving air quality, supporting biodiversity and storing carbon, but also for their deep cultural, religious and medicinal significance. For generations, these trees have served as community gathering spaces while continuing to play an important role in traditional healthcare, local livelihoods and environmental sustainability. We also intend to prepare a comprehensive Heritage Tree List for Mohali, a coffee table book highlighting the ecological, cultural and religious significance of these trees, and a web-based GIS platform to make this valuable information accessible to researchers, policymakers and the public,” added Dr. Shailika.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Commissionerate Police Issue Cyber Alert Over Fake Income Tax Notices on WhatsApp

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 5 (UDN): The Commissionerate Police on Tuesday issued a public advisory cautioning taxpayers against a surge in fake Income Tax notices being circulated through WhatsApp, warning that cybercriminals are exploiting the ongoing belated Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

Pic Credit: x.com/cpbbsrctc

WhatsApp ରେ ଆସୁଥିବା ନକଲି Income Tax Notice, Link କିମ୍ବା Attachment ଠକେଇର ମାଧ୍ୟମ ହୋଇପାରେ।
❌ ଅଜଣା .zip କିମ୍ବା .exe ଫାଇଲ୍ Download କରନ୍ତୁ ନାହିଁ।
🔐 ନିଜର Banking Details, Password ଓ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଗତ ତଥ୍ୟ ସୁରକ୍ଷିତ ରଖନ୍ତୁ।

👉 କୌଣସି Tax Notice ଉପରେ ବିଶ୍ୱାସ କରିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଏହାର ସତ୍ୟତା ଯାଞ୍ଚ… pic.twitter.com/8TBYhc0EHd

— COMMISSIONERATE POLICE (@cpbbsrctc) August 4, 2026

According to the advisory, fraudsters are posing as officials of the Income Tax Department and sending deceptive messages containing fake tax notices, malicious links and suspicious file attachments. The objective is to trick users into downloading malware or sharing sensitive personal and financial information.

Police have urged taxpayers not to open or download files, particularly those with .zip or .exe extensions, received from unknown or unverified sources. Such files may contain malicious software capable of compromising mobile phones and computers, allowing cybercriminals to steal banking credentials, passwords and other confidential data.

The advisory also warns against messages promising tax refunds or demanding immediate action to avoid penalties or resolve tax-related issues. Citizens have been advised to verify the authenticity of any Income Tax communication only through official government platforms before responding or clicking on any links.

Emphasising the importance of cyber hygiene, the Commissionerate Police reminded the public never to share banking details, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other confidential information through messaging apps, emails or unverified websites.

The warning is part of the Commissionerate Police’s ongoing cyber awareness initiative to educate citizens about emerging online frauds and promote safe digital practices. Officials noted that scammers often become more active during the tax filing period, targeting taxpayers with convincing but fraudulent messages.

Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, the police urged citizens to ignore suspicious communications and report any attempted cyber fraud to the appropriate authorities.

“Awareness remains the strongest defence against cybercrime. Stay alert and verify before you trust,” the advisory said.

VAHDAM India Appoints Akhil Arora as Chief Business Officer for UK & Europe

New Delhi, Aug 5: VAHDAM India, the homegrown global wellness brand bringing India’s finest herbs and botanicals to consumers worldwide, today announced the elevation of Akhil Arora as Chief Business Officer – UK & Europe.

In his expanded mandate, Akhil will lead VAHDAM’s UK and Europe business end to end, with complete ownership of the region’s strategy, growth, profitability, and P&L. He will oversee all channels across the region, including direct-to-consumer platforms, online marketplaces, offline retail, and distribution, while building the organisation and partnerships required to establish VAHDAM as a leading wellness brand across these markets.

Akhil has been an integral part of VAHDAM’s growth story for over eight years, having joined the company in 2018 as Senior Business Analyst to the CEO. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology  Jodhpur, he has held multiple leadership roles at VAHDAM and played an instrumental role in building and scaling the company’s global online business.

In his new role, Akhil will define the strategic direction of the UK and Europe business, including revenue and profitability growth, brand building, category expansion, consumer acquisition, marketplace leadership, D2C growth, retail and distribution expansion, pricing strategy, supply-chain alignment, working-capital efficiency, and the development of high-performing regional teams.

He will continue to report to Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO of VAHDAM India, and will work closely with the company’s leadership and functional teams to build the UK and Europe region into a significant global business for VAHDAM.

Commenting on the elevation, Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO, VAHDAM India, said:

“Akhil has played an instrumental role in shaping VAHDAM®’s growth over the last eight years, particularly in building and scaling our global online business. As we move towards a geography-led organisation and work to establish the UK and Europe as one of our largest global markets, his leadership will be critical in building a consumer-first, locally relevant, and profitable business across the region.”

On his elevation, Akhil Arora, Chief Business Officer – UK & Europe, VAHDAM® India, said:

“VAHDAM® has always been more than a workplace for me. It has given me a front-row seat to the building of a truly global Indian brand. I’m incredibly grateful to Bala and the leadership team for this opportunity and for the trust they have placed in me over the years. Wellness, conscious consumption, and digital-first commerce are coming together in a way the world has never seen before, and India is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. I’m excited to work with our incredibly talented teams to deepen our business in the UK and Europe”

NuSummit Joins CREST AI Charter Founding Signatories to Advance Trusted AI in Cybersecurity

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations approach cybersecurity, from threat detection to security operations. As adoption accelerates, trust, transparency, and accountability are becoming the deciding factors in its success.

NuSummit Cybersecurity today announced it has become a Founding Signatory of the CREST AI Charter, joining a group of leading cybersecurity organizations committed to promoting the responsible use of AI across the industry.

Through this commitment, NuSummit Cybersecurity supports CREST’s Nine Principles for AI-Enabled Activities, ensuring its AI-enabled services are built and delivered with strong governance, security, human oversight and accountability.

“Clients don’t just want AI, they want AI that is accountable. That is why, as we embed AI deeper into our cybersecurity offerings, we treat governance and human oversight as non-negotiable. Becoming a Founding Signatory of the CREST AI Charter reflects the standard we set for ourselves, so that every AI-enabled solution we deliver is one that our clients can trust and depend on,” said Anantharaman Sreenivasan (Ganesh), Managing Director and Group CEO, NuSummit.

NuSummit Cybersecurity remains focused on applying AI responsibly, strengthening human expertise, and upholding the highest standards of customer trust.

“AI is changing cybersecurity, but trust will determine how successfully organizations adopt it. We believe responsible AI must combine innovation with transparency, governance and human expertise. Becoming a Founding Signatory of the CREST AI Charter reflects our commitment to helping shape a trusted future for AI-enabled cybersecurity,” said Sameer Shelke, President Americas and Cybersecurity Services Head, NuSummit, and CEO, NuSummit Cybersecurity.

The CREST AI Charter gives organizations an important framework for working through the opportunities and challenges that come with AI. By joining as a founding signatory, NuSummit Cybersecurity is contributing to a shared effort to make sure AI strengthens cybersecurity while keeping confidence and professional standards intact.

About NuSummit

NuSummit is a global technology leader in AI-led digital transformation, spanning applications, data, analytics, cloud and cybersecurity. With over two decades of experience, we serve 300+ clients worldwide, including 22 Fortune 500 companies, with core expertise in banking, insurance and capital markets.

NuSummit Cybersecurity brings deep expertise in Identity and Access Management, Risk Advisory, Security Verification, Managed Detection and Response, and Security Engineering, helping businesses strengthen their security posture and respond to threats with confidence.

For more information, visit us at nusummit.com or write to connect@nusummit.com. To know more about our cybersecurity services, visit cybersecurity.nusummit.com or write to cybersales@nusummit.com.

About CREST

CREST is an international not-for-profit organisation that supports the global cybersecurity community through accreditation, certification and industry standards. Working with governments, regulators and organisations worldwide, CREST helps set trusted benchmarks for cybersecurity capability, professionalism and quality.

As AI reshapes cybersecurity, CREST is helping the industry work through new opportunities and risks through initiatives such as the CREST AI Charter, which promotes responsible, transparent and accountable AI-enabled activities.

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Hettich’s Quadro V6 Concealed Drawer Runner Offers Premium Furniture Performance

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As demand for premium modular furniture evolves across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on concealed hardware that combines design flexibility, production efficiency, and long-term reliability. Interior design continues to favour cleaner, minimalist aesthetics. And many consumers are opting for concealed hardware that delivers smooth operation and quiet closing without compromising performance.

Designed to support modern furniture manufacturing, the Quadro V6 offers simplified installation and reliable performance, while adhering to the requirement for minimalist aesthetics. The Quadro V6 replaces conventional visible runners with a concealed full-extension solution that enhances both furniture aesthetics and user experience.

Installed beneath the drawer, the Quadro V6 eliminates visible runners and supports clean cabinet lines. Its concealed design supports clean, contemporary furniture designs, while full-extension access with integrated Silent System and Push to Open Mechanism contributes to everyday functionality.

Key Product Features

• Concealed design for wooden drawers and wire baskets.
• Robust steel ball runners with full-extension movement.
• Integrated Silent System and Push to Open Mechanism for smooth, quiet closing.
• High-precision runners ensure balanced and stable operation.
• Maintenance-free steel ball bearings for long-lasting user convenience.
• Special Quadro profile geometry provides excellent tracking and stability.
• 30 kg load capacity, certified to EN 15338 standards.
• Proven Hettich reliability, tested for consistent long-term performance.

“The furniture industry is evolving rapidly as manufacturers balance higher design expectations with the need for efficient production and consistent quality,” said Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa. “Quadro V6 is a concealed drawer runner designed to help manufacturers move beyond conventional telescopic runner technology to a premium concealed motion solution. It reflects Hettich’s commitment to delivering advanced product solutions that support evolving demands in modern living and working spaces.”

The Quadro V6 is suitable for premium residential kitchens, wardrobes, office furniture, and hospitality interiors. Backed by Hettich’s German engineering and consistent manufacturing standards, it also helps OEMs and furniture manufacturers standardise hardware across projects while simplifying inventory management. With this standout system, dealers and distributors can offer customers a premium concealed runner solution, while architects, interior designers, and carpenters gain greater design flexibility for modern furniture usage.

About Hettich

Hettich is a 138-year-old family-owned German lifestyle brand, being one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Furniture Fittings.

Hettich’s product portfolio comprises a repertoire of Furniture Fittings, Architectural Hardware, Blaupunkt Built-in Appliances and Furniture Lights, providing magical interior solutions for all residential and commercial spaces.

It is the recipient of ET Edge ‘Best Brands’ (2022 – 2025), ‘Most Preferred Brand’ 2025 and ‘Most Trusted Brands of India’ (2023 – 2027) by Marksmen Daily, recognitions for its unwavering customer trust and strong brand equity. Hettich India has also been recognised among the Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ in Manufacturing (Large Category).

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/hettich-india

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HettichIndiaPrivateLimited

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hettichindia

Hettich India Website – https://hettichindiaonline.com

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