Sasken Selected to Support Strategic Connectivity Platform Programme with Leading European Automotive Software Company

Multi-year engagement spans software, hardware and validation services for next-generation telematics control units

BENGALURU, India, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sasken Technologies Ltd. (BSE: 532663) (NSE: SASKEN), a global leader in product engineering and embedded software solutions, today announced a multi-year engineering engagement with the software company of a leading European automotive group. Under the programme, Sasken will provide software development, systems integration, hardware engineering and validation services to support the development and commercialisation of next-generation telematics control units (TCUs) for global vehicle platforms. The engagement further strengthens Sasken’s position as a trusted engineering partner for connected, software-defined vehicles.

As the automotive industry accelerates its transition toward software-defined vehicles, telematics platforms have become a critical foundation for connected services, over-the-air updates, diagnostics, fleet management, cybersecurity and future mobility applications. The programme leverages Sasken’s expertise across cellular technologies, modem platforms, embedded software, hardware engineering, system validation and connected mobility solutions to accelerate product readiness and deployment across multiple international markets.

The engagement validates Sasken’s chip-to-cognition approach by bringing together capabilities across silicon platforms, connectivity technologies, embedded systems, hardware design and large-scale validation. This end-to-end engineering capability enables Sasken to support customers from platform architecture and hardware development through software integration, testing and commercial deployment.

The programme will involve close collaboration between Sasken and customer engineering teams across hardware design, software development, integration and validation activities. The joint focus will be on delivering production-grade telematics solutions that meet the performance, quality and reliability requirements of global vehicle programmes.

Speaking about the engagement, Tero Pernu, Head of Business, Finland & EU, Sasken Technologies, said:

“This engagement demonstrates the customer’s confidence in Sasken’s ability to support complex automotive connectivity programmes spanning hardware, software and validation domains. Modern telematics platforms are becoming increasingly central to the connected vehicle experience, requiring deep expertise across multiple technology layers. By combining our automotive engineering capabilities with advanced connectivity and product development expertise, we will help accelerate the delivery of next-generation telematics solutions to global markets. We look forward to building a long-term strategic collaboration and creating measurable value throughout the programme lifecycle.”

Reliable connectivity is a key enabler of modern vehicle services and future mobility experiences. Sasken contributes deep expertise in telematics platforms, cellular technologies, product engineering, and validation, supporting the development and deployment of next-generation TCU platforms across global markets. This collaboration is expected to play an important role in enabling advanced connected mobility solutions and delivering seamless user experiences worldwide.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv C. Mody, Chairperson, Managing Director and CEO, Sasken Technologies, said:

“The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history as vehicles become increasingly connected, intelligent and software-driven. This strategic engagement highlights Sasken’s ability to support global OEMs in delivering complex product engineering programmes that span hardware, software and connectivity domains. It further strengthens our position as a partner of choice for connected mobility innovation and reinforces our long-term growth strategy in the automotive sector.”

The programme will be delivered through Sasken’s global engineering organisation, combining specialised automotive expertise in Europe with the company’s broader product engineering capabilities. The engagement expands Sasken’s automotive footprint and supports continued growth in connected mobility, next-generation connectivity solutions and software-defined vehicle technologies.

About Sasken Technologies

Sasken Technologies is a global leader in Product Engineering and Embedded Software, delivering concept-to-market and chip-to-cognition R&D solutions across semiconductors, automotive, industrials, consumer electronics, smart devices, satellite communications, telecom and transportation. For more than 36 years, Sasken has supported over 100 Fortune 500 companies and powered more than a billion devices worldwide. With engineering and delivery centres in India, Finland, Germany, Japan, China and the United States, Sasken helps customers solve complex engineering challenges across the product lifecycle.

For more information, visit www.sasken.com.

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140th Canton Fair Closes with Record Overseas Buyer Attendance, Highlighting Global Trade Confidence

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded in Guangzhou on November 4. This edition attracted a record 352,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, an increase of 12.2% compared with the previous edition. On-site intended export transactions reached US$26.75 billion, underscoring continued global demand for Chinese products and supply chain partnerships.

Fostering Global Connections and Business Opportunities

Buyer participation grew across key markets, with attendance from the European Union increasing by 38.2%, the United States by 22.2% and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries by 16.6%. Professional buyers represented over 75% of all overseas attendees. Over 500 top international sourcing enterprises participated in the event.

Widely regarded as a key indicator of international trade activity, the 140th Canton Fair brought together over 32,000 exhibitors and 4.88 million products across a broad range of industries. Nearly 20% of these enterprises are engaged in outbound investment, while 36.5% provide product-and-service solutions.

Diverse trade promotion efforts created strong synergy: the Fair established its first-ever Buyers Alliance, attracting 160,000 buyers to participate in interactive membership activities; over 700 new product launch events and 7 thematic forums were held, drawing 615,000 online and offline participants to explore business opportunities. Buyers remarked that China’s comprehensive, stable and efficient supply chain represents highly valuable certainty.

Driving Smart and Green Innovation

Innovation remained a major focus throughout the exhibition. The number of new products and AI-powered products on display increased by 8% and 14.1% respectively, while scenario-based display zones for new product launches, smart health and design innovation were established for the first time, accelerating the application of AI visualization.

Overseas buyers also discovered China’s evolving manufacturing landscape. 43.1% of exhibitors adopted green production practices, while products with environmental attributes represented 26% of exhibits, both reaching new highs. Among the 18 specialized zones for emerging future industries, 6 focused on new energy sectors such as photovoltaics and wind energy, further reflecting long-term investment in sustainable growth.

The 141st Canton Fair will take place in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, 2027, continuing its role as one of the world’s largest platforms for international trade and business cooperation.

For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16 

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Blockbuster listing for Bombay Coated and Special Steels’ IPO – lists at Rs 91 on the exchange, reaches a high of Rs 96.62 on the exchange

MUMBAI, India, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shares of Bombay Coated and Special Steels Ltd (BCSSL), a steel processing centre engaged in the business of converting steel coils into value-added processed steel products, listed at Rs 91 on the exchange, a premium of 10.98% to the IPO price. Smart Horizon Capital Advisors Private Limited acted as the Book Running Lead Manager to the Issue, while Mumbai-based Four Bridge Capital (FBC) assisted the Company throughout its IPO journey, providing guidance and support right up to the listing.

The scrip reached a high of Rs 96.62 on the BSE, and Rs 95.55 on the NSE.

The scrip closed at Rs 95.50 on the BSE, and Rs 95.55 on the NSE.

As per NSE, the total quantity traded stood at 78.95 lakh shares, on BSE the total quantity traded at 30.42 lakh shares. Total turnover (BSE + NSE) on Day 1 stood at Rs 102.32 crore.

The Market Capitalisation of the Company at today’s closing price stood at Rs 599.97 crore as per BSE, and Rs 600.29 crore as per NSE.

Commenting on the successful listing, Mr. Nitin Gupta, Managing Director, Bombay Coated and Special Steels Limited, said, “We are delighted with the overwhelming response to our IPO and sincerely thank our investors for the confidence they have reposed in Bombay Coated and Special Steels Limited. Our successful listing marks a significant milestone in the Company’s journey and reinforces our commitment to building a strong and sustainable business. As a steel processing centre, we remain focused on strengthening our value-added processing capabilities, enhancing our operational efficiencies and deepening our relationships with our diverse customer base of OEMs and ODMs. We see opportunities in the evolving steel industry and remain committed to delivering quality, precision and value to our customers. We thank all our stakeholders for their continued trust and support as we embark on this next phase of growth.”

The company had offered a nearly Rs 183.1 crore issue for subscription from Thursday, October 29, 2026, to Monday, November 2, 2026.

This offer was subscribed 60.77 times, and the non-institutional investors category was subscribed 158.32 times.

About Bombay Coated and Special Steel (BCSSL)

Incorporated in 2019, Bombay Coated and Special Steels Ltd (NSE: BCSSL.NS) is a steel processing centre engaged in the business of converting steel coils into value-added processed steel products. Its core competencies include precision slitting, cut-to-length processing, shearing, and embossing of steel coils into slit coils, embossed slit coils, blanks, embossed blanks and sheared blanks (collectively referred to as Processed Steel Products).

The company caters to a diversified customer base comprising original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs). The company, being a steel processing centre (SPC), operates as an intermediary between primary steel producers and end-users by providing value-added processing services.

For the home and commercial appliances sector, it processes coated steel coils and hot-rolled steel coils into processed steel products used in the manufacture of various appliances. For the general engineering sector, it undertakes specialized processing of non-coated and galvanised plain coils into blanks, used in automotive manufacturing, pharmaceutical cleanroom infrastructure, electrical equipment, and ventilation systems.

In addition to manufacturing processed steel products, the company also performs logistics and inventory management functions. By maintaining adequate inventory levels and offering just-in-time delivery solutions, it ensures timely and efficient supply of processed steel products to customers across urban as well as remote locations, thereby enhancing supply chain efficiency and cost optimization (Source: CareEdge Report).

On January 29, 2021, the company entered into a Business Transfer Agreement to acquire the running business of M/s. Bombay Steels on a going-concern basis. This acquisition consolidated over four decades of trading and processing experience into the operations of the company. Thereafter, the company has entered into a phase of rapid expansion and added steel processing facilities across key manufacturing regions of India. It expanded its operations by establishing new manufacturing facilities in western, northern and southern regions.

For more information, visit https://www.bcsspl.in/.

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Forevermark Diamond Jewellery Expands North India Footprint with New Store at Gold Souk Mall, Gurugram, Inaugurated by Film Star Vaani Kapoor

GURUGRAM, India, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forevermark Diamond Jewellery from De Beers Group has strengthened its presence in North India with the launch of its new store at Gold Souk Mall, Gurugram, marking another significant milestone in the brand’s retail expansion journey. Inaugurated by film star Vaani Kapoor, the store brings Forevermark’s signature collections of natural diamond jewellery to one of the region’s prominent luxury retail destinations.

Gurugram is an important market for Forevermark Diamond Jewellery, with a discerning consumer base that appreciates fine jewellery, distinctive designs and natural diamonds for everyday elegance, gifting and special occasions. The new store at Gold Souk Mall further strengthens the brand’s retail presence in the city, offering consumers an opportunity to explore its diverse range of natural diamond jewellery collections in a curated retail setting.

The new store features Forevermark Diamond Jewellery’s collections, including Icon, Avaanti and Milliemoi, alongside solitaires, bridal jewellery, festive pieces and everyday wear designs. With the festive and wedding season ahead, the collections offer consumers a range of options for celebrations, gifting and personal milestones. Each collection brings together distinctive designs and exceptional craftsmanship, catering to varied tastes and occasions.

Further spotlighting the festive season, Forevermark Diamond Jewellery also recently unveiled Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur as the face of its festive campaign titled ‘I Celebrate My Own Light’. The campaign showcases jewellery as an expression of individuality and personal style, particularly through the lens of festive dressing. Blending royal heritage with a contemporary design perspective, it reflects Forevermark’s vision of inspiring a new generation to discover and embrace natural diamond jewellery.

Speaking about the launch, Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu, Managing Director, Forevermark, De Beers India Pvt. Ltd., said: “The launch of our Gurugram store reflects our continued focus on expanding Forevermark Diamond Jewellery’s presence in markets where demand for fine jewellery is evolving. Gurugram is an important market, supported by consumers who value quality, distinctive design and jewellery that holds personal significance. As the festive and wedding season approaches, we see an opportunity to bring our natural diamond jewellery collections closer to consumers through a retail experience that allows them to explore different designs and understand the value, rarity and craftsmanship behind each piece. Every Forevermark diamond is carefully selected for its exceptional quality and bears a unique inscription, assuring consumers of its authenticity. This new store further strengthens our presence across Delhi-NCR and North India.”

Highlighting the collaboration, Kritin Garg, Vismay Jewels, Franchise partner, said, “We are inspired by De Beers Group’s vision for Forevermark Diamond Jewellery and its focus on creating contemporary natural diamond jewellery for the modern Indian woman. As franchise partners, it is our pleasure to bring these distinctive collections to Gurugram and offer discerning consumers in the city an opportunity to experience the brand and discover jewellery that celebrates their individual style and special moments.“

Adding to the celebrations, film Star Vaani Kapoor said, “I have always felt that jewellery is a reflection of one’s personality and the moments one chooses to hold close. Natural diamonds carry a certain individuality; their rarity and the story behind each stone make them especially meaningful. What I appreciate about Forevermark Diamond Jewellery is how it brings together this inherent beauty with thoughtful design and craftsmanship. It is wonderful to see the brand strengthen its presence in Gurugram, making its collections accessible to more people looking for pieces that feel personal and can be cherished for years to come.”

As Forevermark Diamond Jewellery marks its first anniversary in India, as part of the first-anniversary celebrations, customers visiting the Gurugram store can avail of exclusive first-year privileges upto ₹15,00,000 on eligible purchases made at the store until 31 December 2026. The offer is subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Visit Forevermark Diamond Jewellery at Shop no.07, 1st Floor, Gold souk Mall, Block-C, Sushant Lok phase-1, Sector-43, Gurugram, Haryana- 122002

For more information visit: https://in.forevermark.com/ & @forevermarkbydebeers

About Forevermark Diamond Jewellery

Forevermark Diamond Jewellery is the diamond jewellery brand from De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, a name synonymous with more than 135 years of expertise and heritage in the world of diamonds. Every Forevermark Diamond Jewellery creation celebrates life’s most meaningful moments, featuring natural diamonds that are beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Forevermark diamonds bear a unique inscription, ensuring authenticity and making each piece deeply personal.

Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth, Forevermark diamonds are hand-selected for their exceptional quality, graded beyond the 4Cs in the pursuit of absolute beauty. Responsibly sourced and carefully cared for along their journey, they reflect the brand’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the people and places its diamonds come from. Expertly crafted by master designers, Forevermark Diamond Jewellery combines modern artistry with timeless elegance. Each piece elevates the brilliance of its diamond while embodying the brand’s enduring values of beauty, rarity, and responsibility.

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Kotia Border on High Alert as Andhra Pradesh Polling Triggers Fresh Tension

Jeypore, Nov 5 (UDN): Security has been significantly tightened along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border as polling is underway at two booths in Andhra Pradesh for elections in the disputed Kotia region, amid continuing tension over jurisdiction and allegations of pressure on voters.

Voting is being held at Tonam and Saraki booths for the Fatusineri and Neredibalsa areas under Kotia panchayat. The developments have prompted heightened vigilance by the Odisha administration, which is closely monitoring the situation along the inter-state border.

Heavy Police Deployment, Checkpoints Set Up

Odisha has deployed more than 16 platoons of security personnel in the region, with each platoon comprising around 30 personnel, according to reports.

Police have blocked several roads, established three checkpoints and restricted the movement of Andhra Pradesh police personnel into Kotia. Odisha police have also stopped voters from crossing the inter-state border.

The heightened security measures come amid allegations that people are being pressured to cast their votes in the Andhra Pradesh elections. Reports indicate that some voters have nevertheless reached the polling booths.

Polling Booth Shift Adds to Tension

The situation reportedly intensified after the Andhra Pradesh government shifted the polling booth at Neridivalasa to Sarika village, located on the Andhra Pradesh side of the border, on Wednesday night.

The move has further drawn attention to the long-running dispute over the Kotia region, where both states have asserted administrative claims.

Officials From Both States Face Off

Over the past two days, officials from Odisha’s Koraput district and Andhra Pradesh’s Parvathipuram Manyam district have reportedly confronted each other along the border while staking claims over their respective jurisdictions.

Meanwhile, the Koraput District Lawyers Association has protested against the developments, adding to pressure on the Odisha administration to safeguard the state’s interests and prevent any escalation.

With polling underway and the border dispute unresolved, security personnel remain on alert to maintain order and prevent tensions from escalating.

Cohere and Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies Partner to Advance Secure, Enterprise-Grade AI for National Security Operations

The partnership strengthens Singapore’s AI capabilities with secure, enterprise-grade AI designed for mission-critical operations

SINGAPORE, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cohere, a leading provider of sovereign AI for governments and regulated industries, today announced a strategic partnership with Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT) to advance the adoption and deployment of AI applications in highly secure environments, in support of Singapore’s national security operations.

Through the partnership, CSIT will leverage Cohere’s enterprise-grade AI models and agentic AI platform, North, to accelerate the deployment of AI applications within highly secure environments. The collaboration will support a range of operational use cases while meeting stringent requirements for security, governance, and reliability.

“Cohere is deeply committed to helping enterprises and governments build long-term sovereign AI capabilities,” said Andrew Chang, Vice President of APAC, Cohere. “Our partnership with CSIT reflects how Cohere’s AI solutions can meet the unique security, governance, and deployment requirements of public sector organizations while delivering the advanced AI capabilities needed for national security.”

Following a successful pilot that demonstrated Cohere’s ability to deploy and operate AI within secure on-premises environments while integrating seamlessly with existing systems and workflows, CSIT and Cohere are building on this foundation to explore a range of high-impact use cases. The collaboration includes building and evaluating potential applications including secure knowledge retrieval, automated analysis and report generation, and agentic workflows designed to streamline national security operations.

“As cyber threats grow in sophistication and threat actors use AI to amplify their attacks, CSIT is developing AI-enabled capabilities to strengthen Singapore’s digital defence and secure our digital systems,” said Alvin Huang, Chief, Data and AI at CSIT. “Cohere’s enterprise-grade models and North platform provide a strong foundation for advancing AI adoption in secure networks, while maintaining the stringent security and governance standards such environments demand. CSIT looks forward to partnering with Cohere in shaping their platform to enable secure and effective use of AI.”

As part of the partnership, CSIT will benefit from capabilities specifically designed for government, defense, and critical infrastructure organizations, including:

• Deployment flexibility, including support for fully on-premises and secured environments
• Centralized AI governance to manage agents, workflows, policies, and compliance requirements
• Secure enterprise integration with existing systems, role-based access controls, and streamlined administration
• Model interoperability to provide flexibility and control across AI deployments
• Mission-scale performance and reliability designed to support thousands of users and high-priority operational workloads in secure environments

The announcement builds on Cohere’s growing momentum across APAC, where the company works with leading organizations including Fujitsu, LG CNS, and public sector institutions such as Japan’s Digital Agency to deploy secure, enterprise-grade AI systems.

Over the past year, Cohere has expanded its APAC customer base fivefold and continues to see strong growth across highly regulated industries, including financial services, manufacturing, energy, technology, and the public sector. To meet growing demand for secure, enterprise-grade AI solutions, the company plans to quadruple its regional presence by the end of 2027 through new investments, local partnerships, and additional offices across APAC.

About Cohere

Cohere, founded in 2019, is a leading provider of sovereign AI for regulated industries and governments that enables organizations to own, operate and govern their AI systems with greater control over their data, infrastructure, and deployment. Our all-in-one platform provides maximum security, privacy, and deployment flexibility across public and private clouds, on-premises environments, and fully air-gapped settings. Headquartered in Toronto, Cohere operates in San Francisco, London, New York, Berlin, Montreal, Ottawa, Singapore, Paris, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates, and Seoul, serving customers worldwide. For more information, visit cohere.com.

About CSIT

The Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies builds advanced cybersecurity and secure digital solutions that safeguard Singapore’s national security. CSIT conducts applied research in cybersecurity and develops AI and data exploitation tools in our self-built secure cloud environment. Our engineers’ codes protect a nation, counter digital threats, and secure our most sensitive secrets. CSIT is an agency of the Ministry of Defence and a member of the Defence Technology Community. For more information, please visit www.csit.gov.sg

Media Contact, Amanda Taggart, Vice President, Global Communications @ Cohere, press@cohere.com 

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Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s ‘World of the Small Dog’ Report Reveals New, Emerging Scientific Standards For Small Dogs

At the fifth anniversary of its Small Paws Innovation Center, Hill’s releases groundbreaking research highlighting unique biological, metabolic and clinical needs in dogs under 25 pounds.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led pet nutrition, today released its landmark World of the Small Dog Report, a comprehensive, evidence-based guide redefining how veterinary teams and pet parents understand and care for small dogs.

Representing more than 52% of the global canine population,¹ small dogs (dogs weighing under 25 pounds) are surging in popularity due to urbanization and changing lifestyle dynamics. While small dogs enjoy significantly longer lifespans than large or giant breed dogs, they have historically been treated clinically as “scaled-down” versions of larger dogs. Hill’s new, pivotal research demonstrates that small dogs possess distinct anatomical, metabolic and behavioral profiles that require targeted, precision nutrition and tailored preventive care to protect their extended healthspan.

The report was first unveiled at the fifth anniversary of Hill’s Small Paws Innovation Center in Topeka, Kan., on Oct. 20. The Small Paws Innovation Center is the only facility in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the study of small dog biology and nutrition.

“When you look at a Chihuahua, Dachshund or Pomeranian, you are looking at an animal that is intrinsically different from a large breed,” said lead report author Francisco Poblanno, DVM, DVSc, Dip. ECVCN, clinical nutrition manager at Hill’s. “Small dogs are not simply smaller versions of larger dogs – they possess unique metabolic rates, faster gut transit times and distinct health vulnerabilities. By understanding their specific biology, we can help find new ways to fundamentally transform their healthspan and quality of life.”

Key Report Highlights:

• Metabolic & Energy Demands: On a per-kilogram basis, small dogs require roughly twice the calories of large breeds due to higher mass-specific metabolic rates and greater surface area-to-volume heat loss.²
• Dental Vulnerabilities: Due to jaw miniaturization and severe tooth crowding, small dogs are up to five times more likely to develop periodontal disease than giant breeds,³ with 97% of veterinarians identifying dental care as their primary health need.⁴
• Orthopedic Risks: Unique bone growth patterns and genetic traits create distinct joint challenges for small dogs. For example, small dogs are 12 times more likely than larger breeds to suffer from slipped kneecaps (medial patellar luxation).⁵ 
• Urinary & Kidney Health: Analysis of approximately 388,000 canine cases submitted to the Minnesota Urolith Center, the world’s largest veterinary stone analysis laboratory located at the University of Minnesota, between 2019 and 2024 shows that small and mini dogs account for 71% of all urinary stones, with small dogs particularly vulnerable to calcium oxalate uroliths (representing 53% of stones in mini breeds).⁶ 
• Cardiovascular & Cognitive Aging: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) accounts for more than 70% of canine heart disease, disproportionately impacting small breeds.⁷ Furthermore, their extended lifespans increase lifetime risk for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD).

Along with launching the report, Hill’s held the inaugural meeting of its Small & Mini Advocacy Advisory Panel (SMAAP), a global collective of veterinary specialists across gastroenterology, mobility, cardiology, urinary health, dentistry and behavior. At the event, Hill’s leaders explained that the creation of the report and the formation of the SMAAP represents a natural progression.

“Pioneering small dog science has been a priority for Hill’s for years, leading directly to the establishment of our Small Paws Innovation Center five years ago, as the premier research hub for small breed biology,” said Hill’s Global Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Karen Shenoy. “This new report and the formation of our advisory panel represent the next chapter in our ongoing commitment to leading the industry in decoding their unique health needs and delivering science-led nutrition for these much-loved pets.”

Members of the SMAAP include:

• Kathrin Busch, Dr. med. vet., Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Gastroenterology – LMU Munich, Germany)
• Eva Furrow, VMD, PhD, DACVIM, DACVNU (Urinary & Nephrology – Minnesota Urolith Center, University of Minnesota, USA)
• Sun A. Kim, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVB (Behavior & Aging – Cornell University, USA/Korea)
• Jody Lulich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Urology – Minnesota Urolith Center, University of Minnesota, USA)
• Denis Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DACVSMR (Mobility – UC Davis, USA)
• Cassie Panning, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS (SAIM) (Clinical Communication & Nursing – AERC Minnesota, USA)
• Brittany Rigby, DAVDC (Dentistry – Alberta Veterinary Dentistry, Canada)
• Henry W. Green, III, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology – Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, USA)

The full World of the Small Dog Report 2026 is available at hillsvet.com/caninehealth. Veterinary professionals can access related RACE-approved canine medicine education at the Hill’s Veterinary Academy.

References:

¹ Euromonitor International. (2025). Global dog population data. Cited in Hill’s Pet Nutrition, World of the Small Dog Report (2026).

² National Research Council. (2026). Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668

³ Wallis, C., Saito, E.K., Salt, C., Holcombe, L.J., & Desforges, N.G. (2021). Association of periodontal disease with breed size, breed, weight and age in pure-bred client-owned dogs in the United States. The Veterinary Journal, 275, 105717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105717

⁴ Carmichael, M. (2025). What the future: Pets. Ipsos Research Reports, 50(1), 1-40. What the Future: Pets | Ipsos 

⁵ Engdahl, K., Bergstrom, A., Hoglund, O.V., & Hanson, J. (2023). The epidemiology of patellar luxation in an insured Swedish dog population. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 220, 106034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106034

⁶ Minnesota Urolith Center.(2024). Canine urolithiasis analysis data (2019 – 2024). Cited in Hill’s Pet Nutrition, World of the Small Dog Report (2026).

⁷ Parker, H.G. & Kilroy-Glynn, P. (2012). Myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs: Does size matter? Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 12(1), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2012.01.006

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian-recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with nearly 200 veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill’s Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill’s Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Chesnut

Global Corporate Communications Director

mediacontact@hillspet.com

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TREX Energy Commissions BESS Manufacturing Facility in Hyderabad

The new facility features a 12 PPM automatic module assembly line, capable of producing 5 kWh to 5 MWh BESS solutions, with Phase 2 expansion planned in Madhya Pradesh

Key pointers:

• TREX Energy commissions its Hyderabad lithium battery manufacturing facility on 21 September 2026, featuring a 12 PPM automatic module assembly line.
• The company’s product portfolio spans 5 kWh energy storage systems (ESS) to 5 MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with a focus on Commercial & Industrial (C&I) applications and home inverter batteries.
• TREX Energy plans to expand its manufacturing footprint through a Phase 2 facility on four acres of land allotted by the Madhya Pradesh Government.

HYDERABAD, India, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TREX Energy, an Indian energy storage company, today announced the opening of its lithium battery manufacturing facility at E-City, Raviryal, Maheshwaram, Hyderabad. Equipped with a 12 PPM automatic module assembly line, the line is designed to produce 52S battery packs used in 261 kWh and 5 MWh energy storage systems.

Supporting India’s Growing Energy Storage Requirements

As India expands its renewable energy capacity, the need for reliable energy storage is growing across industries, utilities, and households. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and other energy storage system (ESS) solutions can help manage fluctuations in power supply, support peak-load management and provide backup power across a range of applications.

TREX Energy’s Hyderabad facility is intended to support this evolving demand through local manufacturing. The company aims to develop energy storage solutions suited to Indian operating conditions while helping reduce dependence on imports and improve delivery timelines.

“We’re focused on reducing financing costs to make BESS more affordable and reliable for the Indian market. Energy must be available when it’s needed, and BESS is a key solution,” said Bharat S. Chhittarka, Director, TREX Energy.

Automated Manufacturing for Diverse Applications

The Hyderabad facility features a 12 PPM automatic module assembly line, designed to manufacture battery modules at a rate of 12 parts per minute. Automation is intended to support production consistency, manufacturing efficiency and quality control as demand for energy storage solutions grows.

The facility will manufacture battery packs for applications including 261kWh BESS configurations and larger energy storage systems. The company’s offerings are designed to address the requirements of customers across residential, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and utility-scale segments.

“Our 12 PPM automatic module assembly line marks a significant step forward in TREX Energy’s manufacturing capabilities. It enables us to produce battery modules efficiently and consistently, supporting BESS solutions ranging from 5 kWh to 5 MWh. This facility strengthens our ability to meet India’s growing energy storage demand with scalable, reliable, and high-quality solutions.”

— Roshan Shaik, Technical Director, TREX Energy

Energy Storage Solutions from Homes to Utility-Scale Projects

TREX Energy’s product portfolio spans systems ranging from 5 kWh to 5 MWh BESS solutions, enabling the company to address energy storage requirements across different scales.

Its offerings include:

• Commercial & Industrial (C&I) BESS: Energy storage solutions for factories, offices and commercial facilities seeking to manage energy use, support backup power and improve operational resilience.
• Utility-scale BESS: Battery energy storage solutions for grid-related applications and large renewable energy projects.
• Residential energy storage systems: Solutions designed to meet household energy storage requirements.
• Home inverter batteries: Battery solutions for residential inverter applications, supporting household backup power needs.
• Battery packs and energy storage system (ESS) solutions: Configurations including 52S battery packs designed for 261kWh BESS and 5 MWh systems.

By serving both residential customers and larger energy users, TREX Energy aims to address a broad range of energy storage requirements through its expanding product portfolio.

Phase 2 Expansion Planned in Madhya Pradesh

TREX Energy is also planning the next phase of its manufacturing expansion. The Madhya Pradesh Government has allotted four acres of land to the company for its proposed Phase 2 facility.

The planned expansion is expected to increase the company’s manufacturing footprint and support its efforts to serve customers across additional markets in India. Further details regarding the facility’s capacity, development timeline and commissioning are subject to confirmation.

Building for India’s Energy Transition

The Hyderabad facility represents TREX Energy’s commitment to developing local manufacturing capabilities for India’s evolving energy storage ecosystem. Through its focus on C&I applications, residential energy storage and utility-scale BESS solutions, the company aims to serve the varied requirements of businesses, households and energy infrastructure providers.

As it progresses with its planned expansion, TREX Energy intends to continue investing in manufacturing capabilities, technology and local talent to support the adoption of energy storage solutions in India.

For more details, please visit our website.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Anaktha Chalasani – Marketing, Trex Energy

8712773393

About TREX Energy

Trex Energy is a Hyderabad-based energy storage solutions company dedicated to designing and delivering advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems for commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With a tagline of “We Store Electrons,” Trex Energy is committed to accelerating India’s clean energy transition through innovative, reliable, and intelligent energy storage technology. Trex Energy operates from its registered offices in Hyderabad, Telangana and Pune, Maharashtra.

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5paisa Launches AI-First Zero-Commission Mutual Fund Platform “Pucho 5paisa AI Se”

• Investors get Direct Plans at zero commission, free research scores, nine expert-curated model portfolios and an in-house AI assistant to answer their fund questions

MUMBAI, India, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 5paisa Capital Limited, one of India’s leading digital financial services platforms, today announced the launch of its upgraded mutual fund investing platform. It combines zero-commission Direct Plans with free research tools and “Pucho 5paisa AI Se,” an AI assistant built and owned by 5paisa.

The platform is designed to make mutual fund investing simpler, cheaper and more informed. Investors can research, compare, invest in and track funds from a single app, and ask questions in everyday language before they decide.

You can access the platform here. https://www.5paisa.com/open-demat-account?utm_source=ONLINE-PR&utm_medium=ONLINE-PR&utm_campaign=ONLINE-PR

Pucho 5paisa AI Se: answers from 5paisa’s own AI

At the heart of the launch is “Pucho 5paisa AI Se” (Ask 5paisa AI), an AI platform developed and owned in-house by 5paisa. Investors can ask questions about funds, categories, returns, risk or tax in plain language and get clear, data-backed answers within the app.

Because the AI is proprietary, it draws on 5paisa’s own research framework, including the 5paisa MF Score and Checklist Score. This helps first-time and experienced investors alike move from questions to informed decisions faster.

Key features of the platform

• Zero commission on Direct Plans. 5paisa operates as an Execution Only Platform (EOP), so investors buy Direct Plans with no trail commission paid to intermediaries. Lower expense ratios mean more of every rupee stays invested, which can compound into higher wealth over time. (https://www.5paisa.com/mutual-funds/)
• Free research and analytical tools. The 5paisa MF Score and Checklist Score rate funds on performance, risk-reward and portfolio quality, helping investors make data-driven choices at no cost.
• Nine expert-curated Model Portfolios. Free, ready-made baskets are grouped by risk appetite (Aggressive, Moderate, Defensive), by time horizon (Wealth 2030 to Wealth 2045) and by theme, such as Tax Savings and Growth. They give new investors a clear place to start.
• All-in-one investment dashboard. Investors track mutual funds alongside stocks, ETFs and other holdings on one screen, for a complete view of their portfolio.
• Smart investing features. Investors can set up SIPs or invest a lumpsum in a few taps. Before redeeming, they see the likely tax impact (STCG/LTCG) and any exit load, so there are no surprises.

Leadership comment

Speaking on the launch, Gaurav Seth, MD & CEO, 5paisa Capital, said: “Mutual funds are one of the best ways for Indians to build long-term wealth, but cost and complexity still hold many investors back. With zero-commission Direct Plans, free research and our own AI that investors can simply ask, we are removing both barriers. Pucho 5paisa AI Se puts an expert-grade answer in every investor’s pocket.”

The platform is live now on the 5paisa mobile app and website for all customers. New users can open an account and start investing in minutes.

AI-First approach by 5paisa Capital across Platforms

5paisa has also teamed up with OpenAI to deliver highly personalized investing and trading insights. This partnership sets the stage for 5paisa to become one of the first Indian broking platforms natively accessible within ChatGPT. Besides, for advanced stock and derivatives traders, 5paisa has its MCP feature, allowing users to securely link LLMs like Claude Desktop to their 5paisa XStream APIs to execute trades, check margins, and run backtests using natural text commands

About 5paisa Capital

5paisa Capital Ltd. is one of India’s leading digital-first brokers, offering cost-effective and technology-driven financial services to retail investors. With a mission to democratize investing, 5paisa continues to innovate at the intersection of finance and technology, delivering seamless trading and investing solutions to millions across the country.

Media Contact:

Sourav Mishra | 5paisa Capital | sourav.mishra@iifl.com

Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future returns.

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Cohere and Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies Partner to Advance Secure, Enterprise-Grade AI for National Security Operations

The partnership strengthens Singapore’s AI capabilities with secure, enterprise-grade AI designed for mission-critical operations

SINGAPORE, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cohere, a leading provider of sovereign AI for governments and regulated industries, today announced a strategic partnership with Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT) to advance the adoption and deployment of AI applications in highly secure environments, in support of Singapore’s national security operations.

Through the partnership, CSIT will leverage Cohere’s enterprise-grade AI models and agentic AI platform, North, to accelerate the deployment of AI applications within highly secure environments. The collaboration will support a range of operational use cases while meeting stringent requirements for security, governance, and reliability.

“Cohere is deeply committed to helping enterprises and governments build long-term sovereign AI capabilities,” said Andrew Chang, Vice President of APAC, Cohere. “Our partnership with CSIT reflects how Cohere’s AI solutions can meet the unique security, governance, and deployment requirements of public sector organizations while delivering the advanced AI capabilities needed for national security.”

Following a successful pilot that demonstrated Cohere’s ability to deploy and operate AI within secure on-premises environments while integrating seamlessly with existing systems and workflows, CSIT and Cohere are building on this foundation to explore a range of high-impact use cases. The collaboration includes building and evaluating potential applications including secure knowledge retrieval, automated analysis and report generation, and agentic workflows designed to streamline national security operations.

“As cyber threats grow in sophistication and threat actors use AI to amplify their attacks, CSIT is developing AI-enabled capabilities to strengthen Singapore’s digital defence and secure our digital systems,” said Alvin Huang, Chief, Data and AI at CSIT. “Cohere’s enterprise-grade models and North platform provide a strong foundation for advancing AI adoption in secure networks, while maintaining the stringent security and governance standards such environments demand. CSIT looks forward to partnering with Cohere in shaping their platform to enable secure and effective use of AI.”

As part of the partnership, CSIT will benefit from capabilities specifically designed for government, defense, and critical infrastructure organizations, including:

• Deployment flexibility, including support for fully on-premises and secured environments
• Centralized AI governance to manage agents, workflows, policies, and compliance requirements
• Secure enterprise integration with existing systems, role-based access controls, and streamlined administration
• Model interoperability to provide flexibility and control across AI deployments
• Mission-scale performance and reliability designed to support thousands of users and high-priority operational workloads in secure environments

The announcement builds on Cohere’s growing momentum across APAC, where the company works with leading organizations including Fujitsu, LG CNS, and public sector institutions such as Japan’s Digital Agency to deploy secure, enterprise-grade AI systems.

Over the past year, Cohere has expanded its APAC customer base fivefold and continues to see strong growth across highly regulated industries, including financial services, manufacturing, energy, technology, and the public sector. To meet growing demand for secure, enterprise-grade AI solutions, the company plans to quadruple its regional presence by the end of 2027 through new investments, local partnerships, and additional offices across APAC.

About Cohere

Cohere, founded in 2019, is a leading provider of sovereign AI for regulated industries and governments that enables organizations to own, operate and govern their AI systems with greater control over their data, infrastructure, and deployment. Our all-in-one platform provides maximum security, privacy, and deployment flexibility across public and private clouds, on-premises environments, and fully air-gapped settings. Headquartered in Toronto, Cohere operates in San Francisco, London, New York, Berlin, Montreal, Ottawa, Singapore, Paris, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates, and Seoul, serving customers worldwide. For more information, visit cohere.com.

About CSIT

The Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies builds advanced cybersecurity and secure digital solutions that safeguard Singapore’s national security. CSIT conducts applied research in cybersecurity and develops AI and data exploitation tools in our self-built secure cloud environment. Our engineers’ codes protect a nation, counter digital threats, and secure our most sensitive secrets. CSIT is an agency of the Ministry of Defence and a member of the Defence Technology Community. For more information, please visit www.csit.gov.sg

Media Contact, Amanda Taggart, Vice President, Global Communications @ Cohere, press@cohere.com 

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