19, Aug 2026
Indian Markets Extend Losing Run as Global Cues and Crude Oil Weigh on Sentiment
Mumbai, Aug 19: Indian equity markets remained under pressure on Wednesday, with the Nifty 50 falling for a seventh consecutive session and the Sensex declining for the fourth straight day, as cautious global sentiment and elevated crude oil prices weighed on investors.
The Nifty slipped 76.60 points, or 0.32 per cent, to close at 24,078.30, while the Sensex declined 325.78 points, or 0.42 per cent, to settle at 76,909.68. The Nifty’s latest fall marks its longest losing streak in about 11 months.
Investor sentiment remained cautious as rising crude oil prices, higher global bond yields and continuing geopolitical uncertainty created pressure on risk assets. Brent crude was trading near a three-week high, adding to concerns over inflation and corporate costs.
The weakness was visible across the broader market as well. The Nifty MidCap index fell 0.21 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index declined 0.51 per cent. Sectoral performance was mixed, with the chemical sector among the weaker performers, while IT stocks showed relative resilience.
Among individual stocks, HCL Technologies, Eternal, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Titan were among the notable gainers. Power Grid Corporation, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, ITC and Hindustan Unilever were among the stocks facing selling pressure.
Market participants are now closely watching the 24,000 level on the Nifty, which has emerged as an important psychological support. Analysts said sustained weakness below key technical levels could keep volatility elevated in the near term.
Despite the recent market pressure, the domestic earnings picture offers some reassurance. The Q1 FY27 results season has largely reflected earnings resilience, giving investors a fundamental cushion even as external factors remain challenging.
Going ahead, market direction is likely to depend on crude oil movements, global bond yields, geopolitical developments and foreign investor flows. For investors, the immediate focus remains on whether the market can stabilise around key support levels and regain confidence after the extended period of selling.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
19, Aug 2026
Agentic AI Moves From Experiment to Enterprise Priority as Businesses Seek Real-World Impact
New Delhi, Aug 19: Agentic AI is emerging as the next major phase of enterprise artificial intelligence, with businesses increasingly looking beyond AI-generated content towards systems that can plan, decide and carry out tasks with limited human intervention.
According to the latest findings cited in the report, nearly 99 per cent of companies are planning to adopt agentic AI, while only around 9–14 per cent have so far deployed such systems in production. The gap highlights both the strong interest in the technology and the challenges businesses face in turning AI experiments into reliable, everyday solutions.
Agentic AI differs from traditional AI applications because it can work through a series of steps to achieve a defined objective. Depending on how it is designed, an AI agent can analyse information, use software tools, make decisions within set boundaries and take action, while keeping humans involved where necessary.
For businesses, the potential is significant. AI agents could help automate repetitive processes, support customer service, streamline finance and administration, assist software development and improve supply-chain operations. By taking care of routine tasks, they could allow employees to spend more time on activities requiring creativity, judgement and human interaction.
At the same time, moving agentic AI into production requires careful preparation. Businesses need dependable data, secure technology infrastructure, clearly defined workflows and appropriate controls to ensure that AI systems operate within approved limits.
The technology also brings a new level of responsibility. Since AI agents can potentially take actions rather than simply provide information, companies need effective monitoring, human oversight and clear accountability when deploying them in sensitive business processes.
The growing gap between planned adoption and production deployment therefore offers an important lesson for the corporate sector: AI success cannot be measured simply by the number of pilots launched. Its real value will depend on whether it can solve business problems and deliver measurable improvements.
As enterprises gain more experience with autonomous systems, the focus is expected to shift towards practical outcomes such as higher productivity, lower operating costs, faster decision-making and better customer experiences.
Agentic AI could ultimately reshape the workplace by changing how people interact with technology. Rather than using AI only as a digital assistant, employees may increasingly work alongside intelligent systems capable of managing entire workflows under human supervision.
The emerging opportunity is clear, but so is the responsibility. For businesses, the next chapter of AI adoption will be about combining technological ambition with human judgement, strong governance and measurable business value.
19, Aug 2026
Chandigarh University Researchers Develop All-in-One Mobile System for Doorstep Vehicle Servicing, Alignment & Washing
Researchers Patent brings innovative vehicle diagnostics to Deliver Complete Vehicle Servicing at Doorstep
CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A team of Chandigarh University researchers has developed a mobile ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’, designed to bring multiple vehicle maintenance services including vehicle diagnostics, engine and brake oil replacement, wheel alignment, hydraulic lifting and washing to the customer’s doorstep, thus reducing the inconvenience of queuing up at the service centres for long hours for service of the vehicle.
Chandigarh University researchers including Prof (Dr) Payal Patial, Associate Professor in Electronics and Communication Engineering (currently deputed in CU’s University Centre for Research and Development) along with two students Suraj Rana and Supreet Bhatnagar have been granted a patent for this invention titled ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ in May 2026 by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (O/o CGPDTM) which is responsible for administering the Intellectual Property Laws in India.
Sharing details, Prof (Dr) Payal Patial said, “By carrying out a series of maintenance procedures at the user’s doorstep for servicing the vehicle of the user, ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ addresses the growing demand for convenient, time-efficient, and accessible vehicle maintenance services.”
“Instead of requiring vehicle owners to visit conventional service centres and wait in long queues for hours, this system brings essential maintenance and diagnostic services directly to the user’s doorstep, thereby saving time and improving convenience. The ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ has been designed to not only provide convenience to vehicle owners but also promote preventive maintenance and improving vehicle reliability.”
“This concept also supports modern on-demand service models. Our ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ has potential applications in smart mobility ecosystems as it integrates multiple automotive servicing operations into a single mobile platform that recreates the functionality of a conventional service station at the customer’s doorstep. Unlike existing mobile service units that offer only basic maintenance, this system provides comprehensive servicing, diagnostics, wheel alignment, hydraulic lifting, and rescue capabilities in one integrated vehicle.”
“The ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ will consist of a movable unit which will serve like an on-the-go vehicle service station which can be easily moved from one place to another for providing doorstep vehicle maintenance service to customer. This ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ has been designed for servicing a wide range of passenger vehicles. Its integrated Hydraulic lifting mechanism will help in safe inspection and maintenance. Its Hydraulic locking system will ensure operational safety. Besides an onboard wheel alignment system, engine oil, brake oil, air filter, and oil filter replacement facilities, this mobile all-in-one ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ will have computerized vehicle diagnostics for real-time fault detection and preventive maintenance. Its adjustable body-on-frame structure will accommodate different vehicle sizes. In addition, this system also includes dust-free washing facility and roadside rescue or towing functionality with heavy-duty towing equipment for stranded vehicles.”
“Besides doorstep vehicle servicing, this ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’ will also be useful for preventive maintenance of passenger vehicles, fleet maintenance services, emergency roadside assistance, rural and remote automotive service delivery as well as corporate and institutional vehicle maintenance,” she concluded.
Congratulating Prof (Dr) Payal Patial, Suraj Rana and Supreet Bhatnagar for being granted the Patent for their innovative ‘Vehicle Maintenance System’, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “It’s a matter of pride that Chandigarh University’s students and faculty members have filed more than 6,100 patents out of which 5800 patents have been published and 260 patents have been granted. Chandigarh University is ranked number one as a single institution in India for filing highest number of patents. CU’s 44 faculty members featured in Stanford University–Elsevier list of the world’s top 2% scientists. This achievement reflects the strong research and innovation ecosystem at Chandigarh University to support research excellence and intellectual property generation for advancement of technology,”.
“Making research a core pillar of education, Chandigarh University nurtures next-generation leaders in emerging domains with its research-intensive, innovation-driven and unique experiential learning model. Chandigarh University has established a strong presence in global academic databases by producing over 25,000 scholarly documents in key areas including engineering, computer science, life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and management. Over 1.53 lakh Scopus citations of CU’s diverse research output reflects a robust and growing research ecosystem. The range of research activities at Chandigarh University is wide-ranging and profound. University scholars conduct research in practically every domain, and pursue to develop human knowledge through investigation, invention, and understanding. Chandigarh University is recognized as Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) for promoting and advancing the research. To amplify research, Chandigarh University has dedicated an annual budget of Rs 15 Crore for research and has also 60 Research Centres and 15 Centres of Excellence. CU’s research initiatives are further strengthened by 67 projects funded by the corporate sector and government bodies with Rs 90 Crore,” he added.
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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19, Aug 2026
Toy Story | PEACEMINUSONE: THE FIRST FAN Project Makes Its Fourth Global Tour Stop at Harbour City
HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From 14 August to 6 September 2026, “Toy Story | PEACEMINUSONE: THE FIRST FAN” arrives at Harbour City in Hong Kong for its fourth global tour stop. Created in collaboration between Disney and G-DRAGON’s PEACEMINUSONE, the limited-time event features three must-visit experiences: “THE FIRST FAN” Dream House, “THE FIRST FAN” Official Pop-up Store, and “THE FIRST FAN Photo Zone” Art Exhibition — blending contemporary art, childhood nostalgia, and creative aesthetics into a multisensory fan experience.
Against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour, Ocean Terminal Forecourt is transformed into “THE FIRST FAN” Dream House, featuring an illuminated entrance inspired by Andy’s house that stands over 5.5 metres tall. A message wall presented by Buzz Lightyear and Jessie carries the quote: “We may have been small, but our dreams were big. It was the friendships we formed then that made us who we are today”. Inside, Toy Story characters installations gather around a 3-metre-tall illuminated PEACEMINUSONE Daisy. Popular installations from the Seoul stop — including a 3-metre-tall chest of drawers inspired by Andy’s bedroom, a 1.6-metre-tall Woody sculpture, and the iconic Pixar Ball — also make their Hong Kong debut. The experience continues at the Daisy Garden, where the staircase is transformed into a playful floral landscape featuring beloved Toy Story characters.
“THE FIRST FAN” official pop-up store at the Ocean Terminal Lobby recreates the artistic concept from the Seoul stop, featuring approximately 70 fashion, lifestyle, and collectible items from the Toy Story x PEACEMINUSONE collection, along with the debut of exclusive merchandise available only at the Hong Kong stop.
Meanwhile, “THE FIRST FAN Photo Zone” at Gallery by the Harbour features nearly 2-metre-tall sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, a time-travelling elevator installation, and more than 20 Daisy-themed artworks showcased exclusively in Hong Kong. A dedicated “THE FIRST FAN” Dream Wall invites fans to leave personal messages for their favourite Toy Story characters and PEACEMINUSONE, while an interactive colouring installation also invites visitors to unleash their creativity.
#HarbourCity #thefirstfan #PEACEMINUSONEDOTCOM #SAKASAKA #playinthebox #disneystylehk #KKdayhk @harbourcity @thefirstfan_official @peaceminusonedotcom @sakasaka_hk @playinthebox_official @disneystylehk @kkdayhk
Event Details: https://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/article/toy-story-peaceminusone-the-first-fan/
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19, Aug 2026
STATETRON INTRODUCES ANDROMEAN CLASS™
A NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIALISATION
Qatar 2030: Statetron unveils a new blueprint for autonomous, intelligent and energy-native industry
DOHA, Qatar, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Statetron today introduces Andromean Class™, a new industrial architecture designed to usher in a new era of industrialisation where artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous logistics, energy storage and digital intelligence converge within a single manufacturing ecosystem.
The first proposed Andromean Class facility is being developed for Qatar, with an initial development concept of approximately 10 hectares and an architecture designed from inception for multi-gigawatt-scale expansion.
Statetron’s ambition is not simply to build another battery assembly plant. It is to create a new generation of industrial infrastructure in which the factory itself becomes an intelligent, energy-integrated system.
“The first industrial revolution mechanised production. The digital revolution connected it. The next era will make industry intelligent, autonomous and energy-native.”
Lars Carlstrom, CEO, Statetron
THE ANDROMEAN CLASS
The Andromean Class integrates AI-driven production, robotic assembly, autonomous material movement, digital-twin technology, automated quality control and intelligent energy management into one coordinated industrial environment.
The objective is to replace fragmented manufacturing processes with a continuously connected system in which production, logistics, energy, data and maintenance are optimised together.
At the centre of the platform is Statetron’s modular 5 MW Power Block architecture, designed for large-scale energy-storage applications across utility, industrial, renewable-energy and grid-infrastructure markets.
The manufacturing platform is designed to support configurable storage durations and progressively expanding production capacity as demand develops.
THE FACTORY AS AN ENERGY SYSTEM
The Andromean Class concept goes beyond manufacturing.
The facility itself is designed to integrate renewable generation, energy storage and intelligent power management, allowing Statetron’s technology to become part of the energy infrastructure operating the factory.
This creates a closed technological ecosystem:
energy powers the factory the factory produces energy infrastructure and digital intelligence connects the entire system.
Qatar provides a compelling environment for this vision. Qatar Free Zones Authority identifies advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, IoT, data analytics and clean technology among its strategic emerging-technology sectors. The Umm Alhoul Free Zone, adjacent to Hamad Port, is positioned for heavy manufacturing, logistics and emerging technologies.
BUILT FOR THE NEXT INDUSTRIAL ERA
The proposed Qatar facility is conceived as a scalable industrial platform rather than a fixed-capacity factory. Production, automation, logistics and energy infrastructure can be expanded progressively toward multi-gigawatt-scale manufacturing.
Statetron believes this convergence of intelligence, autonomy and energy represents the next step in industrialisation.
“We don’t want to build another battery factory. We want to build the blueprint for how industry itself will operate in the next decade.”
Lars Carlstrom, CEO, Statetron
ANDROMEAN CLASS™
A NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIALISATION
STATETRON
Powering a New World
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19, Aug 2026
EVM Launches EnTwins, a Premium Detachable Twin-Speaker 2.0 Stereo System with 10W RMS Stereo Sound
Mumbai, Aug 19: After establishing itself as a leading Indian brand in the IT storage segment, EVM, the flagship technology brand of Hundia Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd., is now expanding its footprint in the premium audio accessories category with the launch of EnTwins Speaker. Designed to combine performance with versatility, EnTwins features two detachable magnetic speaker units that can be used together or placed separately to create a wider, more immersive stereo experience—bringing a fresh, design-led approach to compact personal audio.
Delivering a combined 10W RMS output, EnTwins brings together stereo sound, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, spatial audio support, RGB ambient lighting and approximately 10 hours of playback in a compact, fabric-finished design.
At the heart of EnTwins is its distinctive twin–speaker format. Unlike a conventional portable speaker, where the sound comes from a single enclosure, EnTwins allows the two speaker units to be separated and positioned on either side of a smartphone, laptop or workspace. This creates a more natural left-and-right stereo experience and gives music, movies and games a wider sense of sound.
The two speakers can also be placed back on their magnetic base when not being used separately, keeping the setup compact and organised. The speaker also supports spatial audio, helping create a broader and more immersive listening experience. Whether users are streaming music, watching a movie or gaming on their smartphone or laptop, the twin–speaker arrangement is designed to make the audio feel more open and engaging.
Despite its compact size, EnTwins weighs just 285 grams, making it easy to move between a work desk, bedroom, gaming setup or while travelling.
EVM has also integrated a 2-in-1 phone stand into the design, allowing users to place their smartphone alongside the speakers for watching videos, gaming or consuming content hands-free.
The exterior features a fabric-finished design, giving the product a refined, premium look. A rotating RGB light effect adds subtle ambient lighting around the speakers, helping EnTwins naturally into modern desks, entertainment spaces and gaming setups.
Speaking on the launch, Ankit Shah, COO, Hundia Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd., said, “With EnTwins, we wanted to create something beyond a conventional compact Bluetooth speaker. The idea was to combine good sound with a design that gives users more freedom in how they experience it. The detachable speakers allow users to create a proper left-and-right setup, while features such as the magnetic form factor, phone stand and compact design make the product practical for everyday use.”
He added, “As EVM expands its consumer technology portfolio, our focus remains on bringing products where quality can be experienced not only through specifications, but also through the design, finish, usability and overall ownership experience. EnTwins reflects that approach.”
With EnTwins, EVM is strengthening its presence in consumer audio with a product that focuses equally on sound, design and everyday usability. Rather than competing only on loudness or battery specifications, the product has been designed around how consumers actually use portable audio today — across smartphones, laptops, workspaces, gaming environments and entertainment setups.
EnTwins comes with a 1 Year warranty, assuring consumers of the finest after-sales assistance. The after-sales service is also top-notch, with a free on-site warranty available for added convenience. EVM is committed to serving its customers with a wide network of 500+ service locations across the country.
19, Aug 2026
Central Bank of Jordan and MENA Fintech Association Launch Quarterly Fintech Dialogue, Point to a Shift From Foundation-Building to Ecosystem Activation
First session details CliQ’s growth to 1.6 million users, an open finance framework due by year-end, and Jordan’s new virtual asset licensing regime
AMMAN, Jordan Aug 19: The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) held the first session of a new Quarterly Fintech Update Series on June 25, 2026, bringing banks, fintech companies, investors and regulators together to discuss the next stage of Jordan’s digital finance sector.
The session was led by Abdulrahman Al-ababneh, Assistant Executive Manager at the Central Bank of Jordan, and chaired by Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association. It covered digital payments, open finance, virtual assets, the regulatory sandbox and cross-border payment plans, and closed with a moderated question and answer session on tokenization, stablecoins, buy now pay later financing and non-resident access to Jordan’s payment systems.
MFTA framed the session as the start of an ongoing dialogue with CBJ and described Jordan not as an emerging fintech market but as an established and increasingly strategic one for the region.
Key figures shared at the session
CliQ, Jordan’s instant payment system, had reached 1.66 million users through bank accounts and JOD 12.2 billion (US$17.1 billion) in account-based transaction value by 2024, up from a standing start in 2017. Wallet-based instant payments through JoMoPay added a further JOD 5.1 billion (US$7.1 billion) in transaction value across 2.58 million users, up from 216,000 users and JOD 6.5 million (US$9.1 million) in transaction value in 2017.
An updated open finance framework, covering both Account Information Services and Payment Initiation Services, is expected by the end of 2026.
The Virtual Asset Dealing Law (June 2025) and the VASP Licensing By Law (November 2025) now form the legal core of Jordan’s virtual asset framework, with licensing split between the Jordan Securities Commission and CBJ.
CBJ’s regulatory sandbox has received 29 applications to date, with nine currently in testing and four in the express sandbox track, including the country’s first virtual asset, BNPL and insurtech pilots.
CliQ and JoMoPay: growth since 2017
|
Metric |
2017 |
2024 |
|
Users via bank accounts (CliQ) |
0 |
1.66 million |
|
Users via e-wallets (JoMoPay) |
216,000 |
2.58 million |
|
Transaction value, bank accounts |
Negligible |
JOD 12.2 billion (US$17.1 billion) |
|
Transaction value, e-wallets |
JOD 6.5 million (US$9.1 million) |
JOD 5.1 billion (US$7.1 billion) |
|
Transaction volume, bank accounts |
0 |
84 million transactions |
|
Transaction volume, e-wallets |
164,319 transactions |
56.8 million transactions |
Figures in Jordanian dinars; JOD 1 = US$1.4.
Statements
“Jordan’s fintech progress was never only about new technology. It has been about building the legal certainty, infrastructure and institutional trust that let innovation take hold safely. With CliQ now past 1.6 million users and our open finance framework moving toward implementation, we’re shifting from putting the foundation in place to actively growing the ecosystem, without giving up the oversight that keeps the market stable.” Abdulrahman Al-ababneh, Assistant Executive Manager, Central Bank of Jordan
“Jordan is showing what a regulator-led approach to fintech growth can look like. The instant payment numbers alone make the case: 1.6 million CliQ users and JOD 12.2 billion moving through the system. Add a virtual asset law, an open finance framework due this year and an active sandbox, and you have a market that’s ready for real investment, not just conversation. We’re glad to start this dialogue with the Central Bank of Jordan and expect these sessions to become a fixture for our members.” Nameer Khan, Chairman, MENA Fintech Association
Five stages of development
CBJ presented its fintech progress as a five-stage build: setting an initial vision, strengthening core payment infrastructure, shaping enabling regulation, catalyzing innovation through the sandbox and open finance testing, and now working toward regional leadership as Jordan positions itself as a fintech hub.
What’s next
CBJ confirmed that work is underway on CliQ Plus, a cross-border extension of the instant payment system, developed with the instant payment system operator and payment service providers alongside licensed exchange houses to protect existing market participants. On tokenization, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies, CBJ said these remain under study and are not yet part of a formal regulatory framework.
19, Aug 2026
Beyond Black: G+D Brings New Colors to Convego Ceramic Payment Cards as Banks Compete for Affluent Customers
India, Aug 19: As fintechs and digital-first challengers narrow the gap on price and convenience, a growing number of banks are also exploring new target groups. Giesecke+Devrient is expanding its Convego Ceramic payment card line with a wide range of new on-trend colors, including elegant white, bright blue and deep red. It takes the material beyond the black and dark tones that have defined it so far, giving banks a new tool for physical differentiation as they compete with fintechs for affluent customers.
Retail banking is undergoing a recalibration. Fintechs’ combined share of revenue among the world’s largest banks and fintechs rose from 10 % in 2021 to 17 % in 2025, according to McKinsey’s Global Banking Annual Review – evidence, that, according to the report, fintechs are maturing from niche challengers into full-scale competitors for broad customer relationships, not just individual transactions. Facing the competition, many banks are looking past standard segmentation toward more personalized, identity-driven relationships with affluent and aspirational customers.
This group is not easy to win or keep. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals collectively spend USD 280 billion on luxury goods annually, according to analyst Altrata. Also, aspirational consumers pursuing that lifestyle account for a significant share of premium brand purchases.Overall, the global luxury market is projected to reach $700 billion by the end of the decade, growing 4 % to 6 % annually, according to McKinsey consumer research.
For banks, the competition for these customers has less to do with rates or fees, and more with whether customers feel their status is recognized. What better way to reinforce that connection than through a payment card, the most visible link between a customer and their bank?
Ceramic cards: A demanding material gets more color
This is the specific space G+D is addressing with its updated Convego Ceramic line, adding a variety of colorways, including white, blue- and red-toned finishes, to a portfolio that has so far been almost exclusively black. A wide range of additional colors can also be produced. Further customization options, such as laser engraving for background textures and electroplating, are also available. Here, a thin layer of metal is deposited electrochemically onto the ceramic surface, producing a mirror-like, color-shifting effect, giving issuers an additional way to customize a ceramic card.
Already the material itself, with its distinct look, offers a special payment experience. G+D launched the Convego ceramic card in black some time ago as the first payment card on the market made entirely of ceramic, except for its electronic components and antenna.
Creating colored ceramics is easier said than done. Color in fired ceramics is not printed onto the surface; it is produced chemically within the material itself. During firing at high temperatures, many pigments fade or shift in tone. Only compounds combined with stabilizers such as zirconium reliably survive the process without discoloring, which is one reason dark, oxide-based tones have dominated ceramic production.
Achieving stable, repeatable colors at scale still requires significant craftsmanship and specialized manufacturing processes. Zirconia also brings additional benefits: It makes the surface resistant to scratches and enables a mirror-like effect, helping the card maintain its look and feel even after being taken in and out of a wallet many times. G+D’s ceramic cards are particularly distinguished by their high-gloss, durable surface.
“Ceramic in payment cards has been almost synonymous with black. Expanding the palette is a technical achievement that gives banks a genuinely new tool to signal exclusivity and identity,” says Mikko Kähkönen, Head of Payment Cards Portfolio at G+D. “As institutions compete for affluent customers, the physical card is once again becoming a strategic differentiator, one that customers can see, hold, and identify with.”
19, Aug 2026
AAEON to Demonstrate High-Performance Computing for Next-Gen Semiconductor Manufacturing at SEMICON Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan – Aug 19: AAEON, an industry-leading provider of edge AI solutions, will present new platforms from across the AAEON portfolio alongside an AI vision wafer inspection demonstration at SEMICON Taiwan 2026.
Date: September 2nd – September 4th, 2026
Booth: #S6000, AI Technology Zone
Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2 (TaiNEX 2), 4F, Taipei, Taiwan
The show, which brings together companies from across the semiconductor industry and features a range of forums, partner programs, and exhibitions, will explore how the industry’s key supply chain sectors intersect to form the backbone of the global collaboration ecosystem.
At booth S6000, AAEON will present a live AI vision wafer inspection solution designed in conjunction with leading industrial camera provider The Imaging Source and machine vision specialist Nevis, featuring the BOXER-8651AI-PLUS Embedded AI System, powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX with Super Mode.
Demonstrating how precision robotics can be used in semiconductor manufacturing spaces, AAEON will also host an AI vision-driven pick-and-place robotic arm solution powered by the Intel Core Ultra Processor-based UP Xtreme i14 developer board with GMSL camera technology.
In addition to live demos, Booth S6000 will host a range of new platforms from across AAEON’s portfolio, including Single Board Computers, Computer-on-Modules, Embedded AI Systems, and Industrial Fanless Box PCs.
The most anticipated platforms from this selection are likely to be the upcoming BOXER-8740AI and MAXER-5000, which are set to be AAEON’s first products to feature new NVIDIA Jetson Thor series modules. Meanwhile, products leveraging new, innovative Intel processing architectures will also be present. Notably, the UP WCL, featuring Intel Core processors (Series 3) CPUs (formerly Wildcat Lake), will be showcased ahead of its scheduled release later this month.
For more information on the full program of events, forums, and exhibitions taking place at SEMICON Taiwan 2026, please visit the event’s official website.
19, Aug 2026
STARPRIME Completes Beta Testing of Market-Maker Model
The model is designed to help brokers manage liquidity costs, execution, and market exposure across different types of client flow.
PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARPRIME (www.starprime.com) has completed beta testing of its Market-Maker Model with selected clients, following a review of execution quality, pricing, and risk-management outcomes under different market conditions.
The model addresses a challenge for retail brokers: deciding when to retain client flow internally and when to externalise it to banks, ECNs or other liquidity providers.
Externalising flow can reduce a broker’s direct market exposure, but spreads, margin requirements and other terms available from institutional providers may differ from those offered to retail clients. Sometimes, this can make certain trades less economical to externalise.
STARPRIME’s Market-Maker Model provides another execution option, with pricing closer to retail trading conditions while STARPRIME manages external liquidity relationships.
The model reflects changes in retail trading behaviour. With greater access to market information and AI-based tools, brokers may need to reconsider when to retain client flow and when to externalise it.
During beta testing, clients identified segments where externalising flow reduced market exposure and supported efficient risk and flow management. Results varied according to client flow, market conditions and execution requirements.
Compared with STP execution under comparable conditions, STARPRIME observed faster price updates, tighter spreads during volatility, more efficient execution of larger orders, and lower market impact. These findings were specific to beta-testing scenarios and may vary with market conditions, order flow and execution requirements.
“The industry’s move toward lower execution costs is accelerating. Our focus is on giving brokers another way to manage client order flow while maintaining transparency around pricing, liquidity and execution.” — Jay Mawji, CEO of STARPRIME.
STARPRIME plans to expand the execution data and user cases available through its Pricing Section to give prospective clients more information when assessing the model. (https://www.starprime.com/spread/)
About STARPRIME
STARPRIME (www.starprime.com) was built around a clear understanding: institutional clients need more than access to liquidity. They need a partner that understands their business, responds to their changing requirements, and provides the infrastructure and expertise they can rely on as they grow.
Today, STARPRIME is an established institutional CFD liquidity provider and market maker, combining deep multi-asset liquidity with advanced pricing technology, low-latency execution, and dedicated client coverage. Its solutions are shaped around each client’s flow, scale, and market requirements, with a focus on transparency, consistent performance, and lasting partnerships.
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