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Grounded in the school’s guiding ethos—“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world”—this milestone celebration, themed “World of Possibilities,” will showcase how CSS empowers young learners to become thoughtful, adaptable global citizens. Visitors will experience first-hand the school’s inquiry-based learning model across its IB MYP, IB DP, and HKDSE pathways, designed to cultivate critical thinking, academic excellence, and international-mindedness.

Throughout the event, attendees will enjoy a vibrant campus experience featuring live student music and arts performances, academic showcases, interactive student-led charity booths, and opportunities to connect directly with CSS teachers, parents, students, and support teams. To gain deeper insight into academic life, families can attend the Admissions Talk (1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at the School Hall to learn about the educational philosophy and admissions process, or register upper-primary learners for specialized P5 & P6 Classroom Taster Sessions (held at 12:00 nn and 2:15 p.m.) to experience CSS’s dynamic teaching approach firsthand.

Join us as CSS celebrates 20 years of transformative education and looks toward a future of limitless possibilities.

Sign Up & Enquiries
If you are interested in joining our CSS Open Day 2026, please fill in the Online Form here or scan the QR code below.

Contact Us: +852 2336 0233 / [email protected]

Hashtag: #CreativeSecondarySchool

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – pionunnal, the Japanese bag brand known for turning traditional Korean Nubi quilting into elegant everyday accessories, will open its first overseas pop-up at Takashimaya Department Store from 13 to 31 October 2026. The event brings together signature styles and the debut of bonbon, a new two-way bag inspired by Singapore’s Chinese New Year tradition of exchanging mandarin oranges.

With bags priced from S$106, the pop-up offers Singapore shoppers an opportunity to discover the brand in person: feel the soft quilting, compare sizes and colours, and find a bag for work, family outings or weekends away. Customers purchasing at the event will also receive a complimentary, non-retail mirror, while stocks last.

From a Japanese favourite to an everyday companion in Singapore
Nubi is a traditional quilted fabric long used in Korea for bedding and household textiles. Recognising its durability, ease of washing and lightweight comfort, pionunnal gave the fabric a new purpose as a bag. By combining this traditional textile with fine stitching by Japanese artisans and refined design, the brand created a new category of “Nubi bags” with a distinctive appeal beyond the conventional tote.

Following the brand’s launch, social media brought attention to a fresh style: lesson bags designed for adults. Traditionally associated with children carrying supplies to classes and activities, the lesson bag became a fashion accessory for adults through pionunnal’s high-quality materials and clean, simple designs, which complement everything from casual looks to more polished outfits.

The brand’s first department store pop-up at Isetan Shinjuku drew a strong response, with customers queuing outside the department store on opening day. Through subsequent pop-ups at major department stores across Japan and collaborations with brands and companies, pionunnal helped establish a new culture of enjoying a second bag as part of an outfit, becoming a driving force behind the second-bag trend and opening up a new fashion category.

A new bag with a Singapore connection
The event’s new release, bonbon (S$172), takes its inspiration from the mandarin oranges exchanged during Chinese New Year visits as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. It introduces an organza drawstring closure and velvet cord to pionunnal’s Nubi designs, giving the softly rounded bag a more decorative finish.

An adjustable, detachable strap allows bonbon to be carried as a shoulder bag or a compact mini bag. Measuring 280 mm wide, 120 mm deep and 150 mm high, it can carry mandarin oranges for festive visits, while also fitting into everyday outings and meals with friends. The Singapore event offers advance sales of bonbon, with a launch in Japan planned to follow.

Styles for different parts of the day
Alongside bonbon, visitors can explore MILK (S$106), a compact companion for essentials; PIANO (S$112), a clean-lined tote that accommodates B4 documents, magazines and a laptop; and GARDEN (S$235), a roomy, rounded bag with two handle lengths and two deep interior pockets.

MOANA (S$192) and MOANA mini (S$166) pair a clear PVC outer bag with a Nubi tote. Each can be used separately or together, offering three carrying arrangements for city outings, pool visits and holidays. For those drawn to a structured silhouette, LADY (S$252) combines a square silhouette, satin lining and a base insert.

The brand name means “a rainy day” in Korean and expresses the idea that rainy days can still be enjoyable. In Singapore, the pop-up gives that philosophy a new setting, with designs intended to accompany the many different moments of everyday life.

Event information
pionunnal
POP UP STORE from Tue 13 Oct to Sat 31 Oct 2026
Available at Ladies’ Accessories, Level 1 (near main entrance), Takashimaya Department Store

Customers purchasing at the pop-up will receive a complimentary mirror, while stocks last. Gifts cannot be reserved. For the product line-up and further information, visit the official website.

Hashtag: #pionunnal

https://pionunnal.shop
https://www.instagram.com/pionunnal/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About pionunnal

pionunnal is a Japanese bag brand founded in Kobe in 2019. Led by representative and Director Cha Kumson, it combines traditional Korean Nubi fabric with bags crafted in Japan. Its simple designs, versatile colours and practical approach to everyday carrying have attracted repeat customers, particularly among mothers in Japan.

Debut of ASEAN and Qinghai Pavilions alongside four key themes spanning energy, technology, green cities and waste management

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Eco Expo Asia 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), will be held from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo.

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Silas Chu said: “Last month, the Hong Kong SAR Government unveiled the Policy Address and first Five-Year Plan, setting out a vision for building a green and liveable city. Across the region and beyond, China, the European Union and many ASEAN economies are actively pursuing carbon-neutrality or net-zero emission targets, and driving decarbonisation through regulations and industrial policies. Green transformation has shifted from policy aspiration to market rule. As global demand for ESG and green solutions continues to grow, Eco Expo Asia will bring together green technologies, innovative solutions, and global business opportunities to help enterprises capitalise on the new prospects emerging from this transition.”

He added, “This year’s Eco Expo Asia brings together over 340 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, highlighting the Expo’s growing international reach. Some 200 key officials and representatives of semi-official organisations from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road countries, and ASEAN, will attend and tour the Expo, further promoting cross-regional cooperation and exchange.”

Speaking at the press conference, the Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government, Dr Vanessa Au, expressed: “The 21^st edition of Eco Expo Asia, held under the theme ‘Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future’, dovetails with the HKSAR Government’s First Five-Year Plan, and implements the Policy Address precisely aligning with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan. It underscores our commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s green transformation, fostering green innovation, seizing the opportunities presented by the low-carbon economy, creating economic benefits and enhancing citizen well-being. Key highlights of this year’s expo include the HKSAR Government booth, the Environmental Campaign Committee Pavilion, the Hong Kong Pavilion and the newly established comprehensive experience zone for green technology. This year during the expo, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China will, for the first time, co-host the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Hong Kong. In addition, the Environmental Protection Department, in association with the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will jointly organise the second edition of the ‘Green Silk Road’ International Training Programme. This expo brings together stakeholders from all sectors, uniting our efforts to advance global carbon neutrality and sustainable development.”

Businesses show continued strong confidence in Hong Kong as an ESG business hub

The HKTDC has also released the “HKTDC ESG Index 2026”. The latest ESG Index stood at 67.3, up from 64.2 last year and well above the neutral threshold of 50, reflecting the continued strengthening of corporate confidence in Hong Kong’s role as an ESG hub. The survey also showed that 93% of respondents have integrated ESG into their overall business decision-making processes, while the share of businesses sourcing or selling ESG-related products and services rose from 29% in 2025 to 46% in 2026.

Silas said, “The rise in the ESG index reflects the continued strengthening of global businesses’ confidence in Hong Kong’s role as an ESG business hub. Results further demonstrate that ESG is increasingly being built into business decisions on investment, sourcing, and supply chain management, fuelling steady growth in demand for ESG products, services and solutions. ESG has evolved beyond a compliance requirement into a source of competitive advantage for companies.”

With strong demand for ESG solutions, Hong Kong is well positioned to unlock commercial opportunities across banking and finance, professional services, and innovation and technology. In terms of technological innovation, surveyed businesses identified the most impactful Hong Kong digital and ESG platforms for boosting performance as sustainable supply chain platforms (45%), AI analytics (37%), and cloud data reporting (30%). On supply chain management, respondents most valued Hong Kong’s ESG certification services (50%), followed by transparency and traceability tools (41%), and ESG audit and risk analysis solutions (36%).

Pavilion line-up expands with ASEAN and Qinghai Pavilion debuts

Eco Expo Asia brings together green innovations and technologies from around the world, offering the industry a platform to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities. This year, the number of participating pavilions has risen to 18, covering a wider spread of regions. On the Chinese Mainland front, Qinghai Province makes its first appearance with a pavilion of its own, joined by the nine Chinese Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area, Macao, Guangxi, Hunan, Shanghai, and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province.

Among the international group pavilions, the headline addition is a new ASEAN Pavilion, featuring 13 green technology companies from eight member countries, including Singapore, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. An ASEAN networking reception on the opening day will further strengthen business ties with the region. In addition, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), bringing two companies, will showcase their marine environmental technologies and waste gas treatment equipment. The US State of Illinois returns after several years, while Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands maintain their regular presence.

Regarding Hong Kong exhibitors, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation once again leads 11 start-ups to the Expo to showcase local green innovation achievements. The Hong Kong Pavilion, supported by the Environmental Protection Department and coordinated by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, is back with 19 local exhibitors presenting a diverse range of eco-friendly products, technologies and solutions. Rounding off the home-grown line-up, the HKSAR Government booth, featuring 11 bureaux and departments including the Environment and Ecology Bureau, and the Environmental Campaign Committee Pavilion, will highlight the city’s latest work in environmental protection and green development.

As a member of the HKSAR Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, the HKTDC will set up a GoGlobal Connect Zone, helping Chinese Mainland environmental enterprises tap international markets through Hong Kong’s professional services. A seminar on going global rounds out the programme, sharing practical experiences in expanding overseas.

Four thematic areas spotlight green innovation

Aligned with global trends and policy directions, this year’s Expo centres on four areas: Green Energy in Motion, Frontier Green Tech, Building for a Greener City and From Waste to Worth, showcasing the latest innovative green technologies, products, and solutions.

Under”Green Energy in Motion“, the Expo features green energy solutions spanning the maritime, land transport and aviation sectors. Echoing the call in the Policy Address and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to build a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry chain, EcoCeres Ltd. (Booth: 3-F30), a global leading SAF producer, makes its Expo debut with its advanced renewable SAF made from waste materials, alongside Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Pavilion (Booth: 3-E02) will also focus on energy, with start-ups presenting innovations such as EV chargers and modular EV conversion technology.

Under the “Frontier Green Tech” theme, around 30 start-ups and university spin-offs will show how research achievements have been transformed into practical environmental applications. Among them, first-time exhibitor Stellerus Technology Limited (Booth: 6-D27) will display the Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), the world’s first lightweight, high‑resolution, high‑precision synergistic greenhouse gases observatory, which has already been deployed on China’s Tiangong space station. MUSICO monitors greenhouse gas emissions, supporting enterprises in formulating emission-reduction measures and supplying precise data to green finance institutions.

In keeping with the “building a green and liveable city” policy direction under Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan, the “Building for a Greener City” theme gathers a host of innovations now in real-world use. Green Vigor Limited (Booth: 3-E02) will exhibit a modular hydropower system that converts wasted hydraulic resources from water tanks and cooling systems in buildings into electricity, a solution already in use in local shopping malls, commercial buildings and schools. AEC GreenTech Innovations Limited (Booth: 3-C20) brings a robot designed for plastering and paint spraying, which works at least five times faster than manual labour while halving material use, delivering environmental benefits. The technology has been adopted in local construction projects.

The fourth area, “From Waste to Worth“, assembles a number of leading Chinese Mainland enterprises in the waste management sector, including Chongqing Sanfeng Environment Group (Booth: 3-E30), named among Top 50 Environmental Enterprises in China and the Top 10 Influential Enterprises in China’s Solid Waste Industry, as well as listed environmental companies Dynagreen Environmental Protection Group (Booth: 3-B30) and Beijing Enterprises Environment Group (Booth: 3-D30), showcasing their waste management and resource circular solutions. Hong Kong-based Green AI Technology Limited (Booth: 3-E26) will launch REV, its new generation of the unmanned recycling station at the Expo, demonstrating how AI and automation can be applied to recycling.

Over 30 key events to gather experts from government, industry, academia and research

More than 30 forums and seminars will be held during the Expo, bringing together over 80 government officials, industry leaders and business representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Belt and Road countries to share insights on green opportunities, success stories and forward-looking strategies.

The annual flagship event, Eco Asia Conference, will also feature a series of seminars centred on four key themes, with industry and academic experts presenting the latest developments. On 26 October, Professor Su Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, who spearheaded the development of MUSICO, will join Professor Kenneth Leung, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health at CityUHK, to discuss technologies for monitoring extreme weather and explore Hong Kong’s role as a regional green innovation hub. On 27 October, representatives from the Construction Industry Council and China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd will examine green building development from the perspectives of policy, certification and practice.

On 28 October, Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance for the COP26, 27 and 28 Presidencies, will take to the stage. Drawing on his extensive experience spanning international finance, public policy, and climate finance, he will analyse emerging global trends in the field.

Public Dayinvites everyone to embrace green lifestyles

The final day of the Expo (29 October) will be Public Day, with free admission for the public, aiming to raise awareness of environmental protection and sustainability and to encourage the adoption of green lifestyles. A series of seminars on climate, environmental protection and food waste upcycling will be held that day. Speakers include representatives from the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong meteorologist and former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Leung Wing Mo, and guests from Ways Out HK, a local social enterprise that turns food waste into jewellery. Visitors can also take part in interactive workshops, including a recycled paper making workshop, green cleaners making workshop and green mini games, enabling participants to learn hands-on how to put resource recycling and green living into practice.

Register now : https://tinyurl.com/33s7wf64

Hashtag: #HKTDC #EcoExpoAsia #ESG #Sustainability

https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en
https://www.instagram.com/hktdclifestyle/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Preliminary figures released by the China Passenger Car Association on Saturday showed that retail deliveries totalled 1.702 million vehicles, compared with approximately 2.24 million during September 2025. Sales nevertheless increased 10% from August, reflecting a month-end improvement that failed to offset the substantial annual decline.

New-energy vehicle sales, covering battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models, declined 12% year on year to 1.141 million units. However, deliveries rose 14% from August, demonstrating stronger monthly momentum than the overall passenger vehicle market.

Electrified vehicles accounted for 67.1% of passenger vehicle retail sales during September, highlighting their growing dominance even as total purchases weakened. Their share of manufacturer wholesale deliveries reached 66.1%, according to the association.

The figures reveal a widening divergence between domestic consumer purchases and manufacturers’ distribution volumes. Passenger vehicle wholesale sales reached 2.528 million units, declining 10% annually but increasing 7% from August.

New-energy vehicle wholesale deliveries performed considerably better, rising 11% year on year to 1.672 million units. They also increased 11% from August, indicating that manufacturers maintained comparatively strong shipments despite softer domestic retail demand.

For the first nine months of 2026, cumulative passenger vehicle retail sales reached 13.418 million units, representing a 21% contraction against the corresponding period last year. The sustained decline illustrates the difficulty facing manufacturers seeking to stimulate purchases in the world’s largest automotive market.

New-energy vehicle retail sales totalled 7.816 million units between January and September, falling 12% annually. Their comparatively smaller contraction helped increase their proportion of overall passenger vehicle purchases.

Wholesale passenger vehicle deliveries reached 19.711 million units during the nine-month period, down 6% from a year earlier. New-energy wholesale shipments, however, increased 9% to 11.45 million units, reinforcing the contrast between production distribution and domestic retail activity.

The association’s figures suggest that electrification continues to reshape market demand without generating sufficient additional purchases to reverse the broader contraction.

Traditional petrol-powered vehicles faced particularly difficult conditions. The association identified higher fuel prices and changing consumer preferences as factors weighing on demand for conventional models.

It also observed that September, normally a stronger selling period for China’s automotive industry, had produced an unusually uneven performance. Manufacturers were competing for existing customers rather than benefiting from a substantial expansion in overall demand.

The industry body’s assessment indicated that gains were concentrated overwhelmingly among new-energy vehicles, while conventional petrol-powered models struggled to attract additional buyers.

Competition has intensified as manufacturers attempt to defend market positions, sustain factory utilisation and meet delivery targets. The association noted that many new-energy brands lacked particularly strong-selling models, complicating efforts to maintain sales momentum.

Dealerships also faced mounting operating pressure despite relatively low inventories. The association highlighted tensions across the automotive supply chain, where manufacturers, suppliers and retailers were experiencing differing financial conditions.

September’s final days nevertheless provided an important boost to deliveries. New-energy retail sales had reached approximately 827,000 units during the first 27 days, representing a 20% annual decline.

The full-month total of 1.141 million indicates that roughly 314,000 additional vehicles were sold during the final three days, substantially narrowing the annual contraction.

That acceleration lifted the new-energy share of passenger vehicle retail sales above the 65.7% recorded during the month’s first 27 days.

The figures also underline the importance of distinguishing wholesale deliveries from purchases by domestic motorists. Wholesale volumes include vehicles distributed through manufacturers’ sales channels and exports, while retail figures more directly reflect domestic consumer demand.

The stronger wholesale performance therefore does not necessarily indicate a corresponding improvement in purchasing conditions within China.

The association’s preliminary statistics cover September 1 to 30 and form part of its regular monitoring of passenger vehicle market activity.

Its assessment places particular emphasis on the contrasting performance of conventional and electrified vehicles, alongside the differences between manufacturers’ shipments and dealership sales.

The September figures also showed that new-energy vehicles represented nearly two-thirds of manufacturer wholesale volumes, broadly consistent with their dominant position in domestic retail purchases.

The association published the figures as part of its market review covering September 28 to 30, incorporating preliminary estimates for the completed month.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak Hundreds of protesters ultimately were able to reach near Jantar Mantar on October 10 to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar despite the Union Government’s unprecedentedly locking off the venue and the entire Central Delhi, heavy deployment of police force in entire Delhi, internet shut down, erecting blockades across Delhi and its […]

The article Opposition Bloc Is Upbeat Despite Suppression Of Its Dharna By Delhi Police appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By K Raveendran India’s electoral democracy has reached a critical juncture where judicial intervention can no longer remain confined to procedural scrutiny and expressions of concern. The mounting controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the unprecedented scale of voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and the government’s increasingly coercive response to public […]

The article Supreme Court Must Act Decisively To Restore Electoral Democracy appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Born and grown in Malaysia, the 19-year-old brand marks the milestone at IOI Mall Puchong and welcomes new franchise partners

PUCHONG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 October 2026 – Big Apple Donuts & Coffee, the donut and coffee brand born and grown in Malaysia, today opened its 100th store in Malaysia at IOI Mall Puchong, marking a major milestone in its 19-year journey.

The official announcement took place at 1.00pm, and the new store at EFK-03, 1st Floor, South Court, IOI Mall Puchong, 47170 Puchong, Selangor opened to the public the same day.

To celebrate, Big Apple is offering its two pandan donuts, Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan, at RM1 each at all outlets nationwide until 31 October 2026, while stocks last. Each store offers 100 pieces a day, with no limit per customer. The offer is for in-store purchases only and is not available on delivery apps.

“Big Apple was born in Malaysia 19 years ago, and every one of our 100 stores was built on the support of Malaysian customers, our team and our franchise partners. This milestone belongs to them, and we are deeply grateful,” said Mr. Yasuo Mizoguchi, Managing Director of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee.

Big Apple opened its first store at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, in 2007, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.

“We wanted to say thank you in a way every Malaysian can enjoy. Pandan is a flavour close to Malaysian hearts, so for the rest of October, Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan are RM1 at every outlet,” he said.

Ola Pandan has a fragrant pandan glaze topped with a creamy vanilla swirl. Dreamy Pandan has a sweet pandan glaze with a dreamy, creamy vanilla topping and drizzle.

Big Apple’s network in Malaysia includes both company-owned and franchised stores, and the brand welcomes new franchise partners.

“The F&B scene keeps changing, and customers have more choice than ever. To stay relevant, we keep listening to them. One hundred stores is a milestone, not a finish line. We will continue to grow and evolve into a brand that is loved by more customers and brings even greater happiness to their everyday lives,” he added.

“Looking ahead to 2027, we plan to open another 10 stores across Malaysia as part of our continued expansion. Our ambition is to strengthen our presence nationwide and work towards becoming the number one donut brand in Malaysia,” he said.

Big Apple Donuts & Coffee products are halal-certified. More information is available at https://www.bigappledonuts.com/big-apple-donuts-100th-store-malaysia/

Key facts

• Milestone: 100th Big Apple Donuts & Coffee store in Malaysia
• Opened: Saturday, 10 October 2026, at IOI Mall Puchong, Selangor
• Offer: Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan at RM1 each, all outlets nationwide, until 31 October 2026, while stocks last (100 pieces per store per day, in-store only)
• Heritage: first store opened in 2007 at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
• Franchise: Big Apple welcomes new franchise partners
• 2027 plans: another 10 stores across Malaysia

Hashtag: #BigAppleDonuts #OneSweetMilestone #BigApple100 #Donuts #Malaysia #FnB

https://www.bigappledonuts.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-apple-donuts-coffee
https://twitter.com/BigAppleDnC
https://www.facebook.com/bigappledonutscoffee/
https://www.instagram.com/bigappledonutscoffee/
https://www.tiktok.com/@bigappledonutsandcoffee
https://youtube.com/@bigappledonutscoffee

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Big Apple Donuts & Coffee

Big Apple Donuts & Coffee is a donut and coffee brand born and grown in Malaysia. Since opening its first store at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, in 2007, the brand has grown to 100 stores in Malaysia and 10 in Cambodia, serving freshly made donuts and coffee for 19 years. Its products are halal-certified, and the brand welcomes new franchise partners. For store locations, visit www.bigappledonuts.com.

By Dr Arun Mitra The unprecedented security arrangements in Delhi, which have virtually turned the capital into a cantonment, are reminiscent of the British Raj, when colonial rulers resorted to brute force to suppress popular movements and crush dissent. The arrests of leaders and activists of CJP, AISF, SFI and AISA, along with students and […]

The article In Delhi, The Battle Is Between The Powerful State And Its Citizens appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security outlined the initiative during a State Council Information Office briefing, placing workforce development and emerging employment opportunities at the centre of China’s economic priorities for the next five years.

The programme will focus on aligning workers’ skills with changing industrial requirements as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into manufacturing, services and other sectors. Officials identified technological transformation as an important consideration for employment policy during the 2026–2030 planning period.

The announcement comes as China reported creating 10.52 million urban jobs during the first nine months of 2026, equivalent to 87.7 per cent of its annual employment target. The ministry described overall employment conditions as generally stable despite continuing pressure on the labour market.

China’s surveyed urban unemployment rate averaged 5.2 per cent during the first eight months of the year. Authorities are seeking to maintain employment in labour-intensive industries while developing opportunities in emerging sectors and strengthening recruitment across services.

The government also plans additional measures to expand service-sector employment, coordinating policies across departments to support businesses and improve access to jobs. Services remain a major source of employment, making their continued expansion important for absorbing workers entering the labour market.

The artificial intelligence initiative forms part of a broader employment strategy that emphasises vocational training, occupational mobility and closer coordination between educational institutions and employers. Beijing has identified mismatches between available skills and business requirements as an obstacle to improving employment quality.

Under the government’s five-year employment framework, vocational training programmes will be expanded to help workers acquire competencies demanded by changing industries. Particular attention will be directed towards graduates, migrant workers and people experiencing difficulties securing employment.

The authorities have also committed to improving systems that match jobseekers with vacancies, including the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment services and occupational guidance. These measures are intended to make employment services more responsive to changing business demand.

Separate guidelines issued by four government agencies in June established a framework for applying artificial intelligence across human resources and social security administration. The agencies included the human resources ministry, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Data Administration.

Those guidelines envisage using intelligent recruitment systems to identify employers’ requirements, assess applicants’ capabilities and provide personalised career guidance. They also call for improved monitoring of how artificial intelligence affects employment, including the development of assessment mechanisms to identify potential disruption.

The government wants employment services to connect information about vacancies with vocational training, skills assessment and recruitment assistance. Such integration could help workers identify qualifications required for positions emerging from technological transformation.

The initiative arrives alongside broader efforts to accelerate artificial intelligence deployment across China’s economy. Policy guidelines released this week call for stronger technological research, industrial applications and safeguards against risks associated with rapid investment in advanced technologies.

Beijing’s approach combines support for technological innovation with measures intended to prevent speculative investment and improve oversight. Authorities have called for artificial intelligence applications in established industries alongside development of intelligent products and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Evidence of changing workplace requirements has emerged from research published by the International Labour Organization in September. Its examination of 21 Chinese enterprises across several industries found that every participating company was either deploying artificial intelligence or preparing to introduce it.

A complementary survey involving 1,591 professionals found that 56 per cent regarded artificial intelligence as an inevitable development, while 47 per cent believed the technology would create more jobs than it displaced. The findings also highlighted uncertainty surrounding employment effects.

The research identified productivity improvements in recruitment, customer services and manufacturing, although it noted limitations in measuring results consistently. These findings underline the importance of distinguishing potential employment opportunities from the displacement of existing tasks.

China’s employment authorities are also pursuing digital improvements to social insurance administration. Official figures showed that basic pension insurance covered more than 1.079 billion people at the end of September, while unemployment insurance covered 251 million.

Work-injury insurance covered 327 million people, according to the ministry. The combined balance of the country’s three principal social insurance funds stood at 11.2 trillion yuan at the end of September, providing a financial measure of the existing social protection system.

Built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm N2P process, the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro delivers a significant generational leap in performance and power efficiency. Compared with the previous-generation process, it delivers up to a 61% improvement in CPU multi-core energy efficiency, providing a stronger foundation for sustained flagship performance and increasingly demanded on-device AI workloads on Find X10 Pro Max.

For CPU performance, the Dimensity 9600 Pro continues MediaTek’s All-Big-Core architecture with a new configuration featuring two 4.55GHz C2-Ultra cores and six performance cores. The new CPU delivers an overall performance improvement of 17%, while independent frequency control for each core enables more precise workload scheduling, helping Find X10 Pro Max balance sustained performance with outstanding power efficiency.

Graphics performance takes another step forward with the latest flagship G2-Ultra NX GPU, introducing enhanced ray tracing and new neural graphics capabilities. Under sustained heavy workloads, the Dimensity 9600 Pro delivers approximately 27% higher performance, enabling richer visual detail and more immersive gaming experiences on Find X10 Pro Max.

The Dimensity 9600 Pro also brings a major upgrade to on-device AI with its latest-generation dual-NPU design, combining a powerful NPU with a Super Efficient NPU. The new high-performance NPU delivers 51% faster LLM prefill performance, providing powerful support for workloads including large-model inference and computational imaging. Meanwhile, the Super Efficient NPU is 40% more power efficient, enabling persistent AI capabilities to run at ultra-low power for more responsive and always-available AI experiences.

Further enhancing the platform is OPPO Laminar Flow Engine, jointly developed by OPPO and MediaTek and making its debut on Find X10 Pro Max. By restructuring the underlying rendering architecture and coordinating it more closely with system scheduling, the technology achieves a better balance between ultra-smooth system responsiveness and low power consumption. It also helps accelerate app launches and maintain smooth and stable content loading during demanding scenarios such as rapid photo browsing.

Further details about OPPO Find X10 Pro Max, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, will be revealed at the upcoming global launch event.

Hashtag: #OPPO

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 90 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak The byelection results of the five assembly constituencies – Thattanchavady in Puducherry, Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, and Rejinagar and Nandigram in West Bengal, along with Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, have given clear signal that regional parties of the country still hold central position in the Indian politics. […]

The article Bypoll Results In Bengal And Assam Underline BJP’s Expansion In Eastern Region appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Guided by the Central Passport, LANDMARK invites visitors to experience Central anew— from Louis Vuitton’s global spectacle to cultural, dining and seasonal celebrations.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – LANDMARK today unveils Destination CENTRAL, inviting local residents and international visitors to rediscover the many sides of Central through the collectible Central Passport. The programme celebrates the district’s long-standing role as Hong Kong’s gateway for arrival, exchange and discovery. Inspired by the spirit of travel, Destination CENTRAL connects experiences across Central, bringing together travel-inspired activations in partnership with Hong Kong Tramways and Asia Miles; district-wide dining privileges; a global spectacle by Louis Vuitton; and THE CHATER, an exclusive dining concept presented by LANDMARK.

Your Passport to Central

Created by LANDMARK, the luggage-inspired Central Passport is a collectible guide bringing together experiences both within LANDMARK and across the wider district into a seamless journey. Inside, a curated map is paired with personal stories and recommendations from people who know Central closely—from tram motormen, singers and public figures to athletes, celebrated chefs and bar founders—inviting visitors to uncover the area’s hidden character.

Available from collection points across the district, the Central Passport can be personalised with stamps from eight designated locations. Visitors who collect any three stamps can visit the Destination CENTRAL Redemption Counter on 2/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM to enter a lucky draw and unlock a surprise gift. Lucky winners stand a chance to receive up to 66,000 Asia Miles—equivalent to a round-trip business-class flight to Japan—alongside photobooth experiences, limited-edition keepsakes and dining vouchers. The Central Passport also includes exclusive dining privileges from more than 40 participating partners, including Lan Kwai Fong and The Murray.

Louis Vuitton at LANDMARK

Following iconic presentations on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, 57th Street in New York and ‘The Louis’ in Shanghai, Louis Vuitton brings the latest chapter of its global series to Hong Kong. Unveiling soon, the Maison will present a monumental mega-art installation at LANDMARK, reimagining its enduring “Spirit of Travel”. Complemented by the pop-up store currently at LANDMARK ATRIUM and the upcoming dedicated Basement Brand Exhibition , the experience offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Louis Vuitton—setting the stage for the highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Maison at LANDMARK.

Transit Through Central’s Changing Landscape

The travel narrative continues with the LANDMARK Tram Station and Heritage Route, created in partnership with Hong Kong Tramways. Together, they offer an interactive look at Central’s transport heritage and evolving urban landscape—from its early harbourfront and trading past to today’s connected city centre. The LANDMARK Tram Station recreates one of the city’s first-generation trams, fitted with authentic archive pieces from Hong Kong Tramways, including a traditional ticket punch, a coin box, driving console and “Dick, Kerr” controller.

A First Class Stop for Dining and Views

Taking the travel theme into hospitality, LANDMARK presents THE CHATER, an exclusive dining concept opening on 6 October, featuring an all-day menu curated by Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Inspired by the elegance and anticipation of a grand station lounge, the new venue brings together Hong Kong and international flavours, with highlights including bubble tea and gourmet quick bites, alongside Pierre Hermé macarons and gelato set to be launched later in the season. The experience will extend to Platform 1889 on 3/F, a first-class railway carriage-inspired feature within THE CHATER’s terrace. Named for the year Sir Paul Chater co-founded Hongkong Land, Platform 1889 pays tribute to a defining moment in Central’s history while offering a prime view of Louis Vuitton’s monumental mega-art installation and the Central skyline.

Halloween Takes Over Central

From 17 to 31 October, Hongkong Land, supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and district partners, presents Halloween in Central—a heritage-led celebration that transforms Central’s iconic streetscape into a citywide Halloween playground.

At Statue Square Gardens, South, four large-scale installations set a striking scene: I Am Watching You, a giant eyeball rising over the fountain; The Awakening, a monumental gateway; the photo-ready Coffin Throne; and The Jail, a haunted reimagining of the pavilion.

On Chater Road, the programme begins with Boo-st Your Mood – Pickleball Day in partnership with Pick & Match on 17 October, a wellness-focused afternoon of active fun. This is followed by OPEN by HE.R – Halloween in Central Kick-Off Party on 18 October, bringing live music and high-energy celebrations to the street. Monster Mash Fest – Family Day arrives on 24 October with costumes, face painting, themed bouncy-castle sessions, performances and Halloween treats, before Halloween Day Unleashed closes the programme on 31 October, featuring cosplay, roving characters, themed performances and late-night festivities. Full details are available at https://www.halloweenincentral.com/

“As a key stakeholder deeply rooted in Central, Hongkong Land is delighted to bring Destination CENTRAL to life alongside our district partners, inviting the public to discover the extraordinary charm of Central anew,” said Olivia Luk, General Manager, Marketing, Hong Kong Central, Hongkong Land Limited. “Together with a rich programme of dining privileges and seasonal celebrations, we hope everyone—from daily office workers and local residents to visitors—can shape their own memorable story of Central.”

Exclusive Rewards and Privileges

Destination CENTRAL brings added benefits to every qualifying LANDMARK visit with HSBC-exclusive offers for BESPOKE members. From 28 September to 18 November 2026, eligible BESPOKE members paying with an HSBC Privé Mastercard® or HSBC Premier Mastercard® can receive up to HK$3,000 in BESPOKE Bonus Reward Vouchers, up to 135,000 Bonus BESPOKE Points, and Complimentary Beverage Passes to Platform 1889 at THE CHATER upon registration of cumulative same-day eligible spending.

Terms and conditions apply. For full programme and promotional details, including specific Central Passport mechanisms, please visit https://destinationcentral.hk.

@landmarkhk #LANDMARKHK #DestinationCENTRAL

APPENDIX

Please visit the Destination CENTRAL website at https://destinationcentral.hk for the latest programme details, terms and conditions.

Central Passport Collection & Reward Details (28 September – 18 November 2026)

Other Destination CENTRAL Activities At A Glance

Destination CENTRAL Redemption Gifts

• 66,000 Asia Miles—equivalent to one Cathay Pacific Business Class round-trip ticket to Japan*
• 26,000 Asia Miles—equivalent to one Cathay Pacific Economy Class round-trip ticket to Japan*
• Destination CENTRAL Tram Plush Charm
• Destination CENTRAL Magnet
• Destination CENTRAL Photobooth Experience
• Destination CENTRAL Mini Camera
• Ami Signature Beef Sando
• BaseHall HK$50 Gift Certificate
• THE CHATER HK$50 Gift Certificate

*Based on Cathay Flight Awards – Standard Awards as of 1 September 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

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About LANDMARK

LANDMARK represents the epitome of top-tier luxury shopping and lifestyle experiences. Drawing from a rich heritage which began in 1904 – LANDMARK today is the luxury shopping destination of Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio including 4 iconic connected buildings, LANDMARK ATRIUM, LANDMARK ALEXANDRA, LANDMARK CHATER and LANDMARK PRINCE’S. LANDMARK offers approximately 208 of the finest stores and restaurants, all seamlessly linked by pedestrian bridges. From high fashion and accessories to watches and jewellery, from luxury living to beauty and grooming, from international cuisine to authentic gourmet dining, LANDMARK brings the ultimate shopping experience to the discerning customer.

About Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. The Group focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. Its mixed-use real estate footprint spans more than 850,000 sq. m., with flagship projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. The Group’s Hong Kong Central portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. The Group has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held through joint ventures and five retail centres on the Chinese mainland, including a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing. In Shanghai, the Group owns a 43% interest in a 1.1 million sq. m. mixed-use project in West Bund, which is due to be completed in 2028. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

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