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By K Raveendran The sharp note of disappointment sounded by Scott Bessent over the India–European Union free trade agreement says less about a single deal and more about a changing geometry of power in the global economy. At one level, Washington’s frustration reflects a familiar concern that sanctions and trade penalties are losing their bite […]

The article India-EU Free Trade Deal Redraws Balance Of Economic Power appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Speaking during the engagement, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, said air traffic between the UAE and India continues to show strong momentum, with around 1,231 direct flights operating each week between cities in both countries. Those services are spread across multiple carriers and hubs, reflecting the depth of commercial, tourism and people-to-people ties that underpin the aviation relationship.

The scale of connectivity has few parallels globally. The UAE serves as a critical transit and destination market for travellers from India, while Indian cities form the largest single source of international passengers for UAE airports. Industry data indicates that traffic has surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks on several routes, driven by a rebound in business travel, a sustained flow of expatriate workers, and rising leisure demand in both directions.

Officials discussed measures to ensure that bilateral air services arrangements remain responsive to market realities. Capacity management, slot allocation at congested airports, and coordination on safety and security standards featured prominently. There was also a focus on ensuring that regulatory processes keep pace with airline expansion plans, particularly as carriers introduce new wide-body aircraft and add frequencies to secondary cities.

Bin Touq noted that aviation cooperation has spillover benefits for wider economic engagement, supporting tourism, trade in services and cargo connectivity. Air freight was identified as a growing pillar, with belly-hold capacity on passenger aircraft playing an increasing role in moving high-value and time-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables.

From the Indian side, officials emphasised the importance of predictable access to UAE hubs for carriers as they scale up international operations. India’s airport expansion programme, which has added new terminals and greenfield airports across several states, is expected to unlock further growth in outbound travel. That expansion has altered traffic patterns, enabling more direct international services from tier-two and tier-three cities, many of which already have links to the UAE.

Airlines operating on the corridor include network carriers and low-cost operators, creating a competitive landscape that has helped keep fares in check while expanding choice. The presence of multiple hubs in the UAE has also diversified routing options, strengthening resilience during peak travel periods and operational disruptions.

Beyond capacity, the talks addressed cooperation on sustainability and workforce development. Both sides acknowledged mounting pressure on the aviation sector to curb emissions and improve fuel efficiency. While sustainable aviation fuel remains limited in supply and expensive, officials discussed the importance of policy alignment, pilot projects and knowledge sharing to accelerate adoption over time.

Training and skills were another area of interest, as airlines and airports face shortages of pilots, engineers and air traffic management professionals. Partnerships between training institutions and recognition of certifications were flagged as practical steps to ease bottlenecks without compromising safety standards.

Technology and digitalisation also featured, with attention on passenger processing, biometric systems and data sharing to improve the travel experience. As passenger volumes rise, authorities are seeking to reduce congestion through smarter border controls and interoperable systems that can be scaled across airports.

The civil aviation dialogue sits within a broader economic partnership that has deepened over the past two years, including trade and investment initiatives across manufacturing, energy and digital services. Aviation remains a visible barometer of that relationship, given its sensitivity to economic cycles and consumer confidence.

Reinforcing Thailand’s position as a trusted, high-quality destination through emotion-driven storytelling

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 -The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is creating a new wave of momentum for Thai tourism, reinforcing the ‘Trusted Thailand’ image and elevating the nation towards becoming a ‘Quality Destination’ with its latest TVC, “Feel All The Feelings,” featuring a story narrated by the Amazing Thailand Ambassador “Lalisa LISA Manobal”, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and actor.

The film sets to entice tourists to experience and discover the multitude of feelings to be gained from travelling in Thailand, including happiness, serenity, excitement, challenge, and warmth, to establish Thailand as a valuable and unforgettable travel destination.

Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the TAT, revealed, “This year, the TAT remains committed to reinforcing Thailand’s image through the ‘Trusted Thailand’ strategy to warmly welcome tourists, while continuing its push to establish Thailand as a ‘Quality Leisure Destination.’ This is to build confidence among tourists who want to create valuable, unforgettable memories at every step of their journey. Recently, we launched the ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign, building widespread communication and awareness across various channels. We are kicking off the year with a new commercial featuring ‘Lalisa LISA Manobal’ as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, who will showcase Thailand’s tourist attractions and the feelings evoked on each visit. The campaign aims to ‘enhance quality’ while distributing revenue and tourists to new potential areas. TAT cordially invites all Thais to be ‘good hosts’ and share memorable Thai travel experiences.

TVC ‘Feel All The Feelings‘ by TAT portrays unseen attractions and diverse emotions awaiting tourists to discover and experience in Thailand. The story’s inception was inspired by tourists’ desire to seek a range of experiences that fulfil them emotionally and spiritually, helping them ‘Feel Alive’ again. TAT is confident that Thailand can be the answer and add vivid hues to tourists’ lives, as we are a land of diversity, colour, and vitality, ready to offer an exceptional experience for visitors to feel every emotion, from happiness, serenity, excitement, and challenge, to the warmth of smiles and hospitality, the intriguing mystery of new places, and the wonder of unseen locations. We believe that every area and every journey in Thailand will not only create impressive memories but also deliver ‘feelings’ that greatly enrich the travel experience.”

In this ad, Lalisa ‘LISA’ Manobal, in her role as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, invites everyone to experience the ‘feelings within Thailand’. LISA is often asked, “What does Thailand feel like?” and she reveals the feelings she experiences while resting and recharging in Thailand in the commercial, through every emotion, every feeling, and every rhythm of Thailand’s beauty, which is unlike anywhere else in the world. The production also features renowned stars and actors such as Win – Metawin Opas–iamkajorn, Gulf – Kanawut Traipipattanapong, and Blue – Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen, who join the journey and convey these feelings together.

The TVC showcases beautiful locations nationwide, starting with the captivating beauty of the Lanna Candle Ceremony (Phang Prateep) at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai province, followed by a spectacular view of the ‘floating pagodas’ in Lampang province. Viewers can marvel at the sea of mist at Phu Langka in Phayao province. The ads also features attractions in other regions to show that, wherever you are, there is always something to discover. Examples include experiencing the beauty of the first light of dawn at Wat Arun in Bangkok, the splendour of the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani province, or experiencing the sound of the cascading waters of
Thi Lo Su Waterfall in Tak province.

Furthermore, the “Feel All the Feelings“ campaign aims is to shift tourists from popular landmarks to hidden-gem destinations, increasing the quality of their spending and the value per trip, in line with the “Value over Volume” strategy.

Join “LISA“ on her journey as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador and discover feelings awaiting tourists in Thailand with the “Feel All The Feelings“ campaign. The “Feel All The Feelings“ TVC is currently available at official Amazing Thailand channels:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/wDMv1KujSGc
X (@AmazingThailand) : https://x.com/AmazingThailand/status/2016507144783487483?s=20
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/14RnwfmwTTW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUDnoOziPCp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amazingthailand/video/7600405546558131476

Contact Information
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tatnews.org

Media contacts:

• Khianthong Ngernphum (Thonghom) PR Executive, VERVE Public Relations | E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +66 80 561 9511
• Jirachaya Jaiyen (Linda) Senior PR Executive, VERVE Public Relations | E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +66 94 876 4938

Hashtag: #AmazingThailand #AmazingThailandAmbassador #AmazingThailandxLISA #FeelAllTheFeelings #FeelAllTheFeelings_TVC

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

The SK Series is designed to operate reliably under high-speed conditions, delivering a maximum acceleration of 2.7G and a maximum rotational speed of 260 r/min. The rear chuck reaches position in 2.5 seconds, supporting rapid tube positioning and continuous cutting. According to internal testing, the system achieves up to 1.8 times higher processing efficiency at 2.7G compared with operation at 1G.

Precision is maintained through a laser head Z-axis speed of up to 60 m/min, supported by an upgraded adaptive following algorithm that enables fast and accurate height adjustment during cutting. The system also supports simultaneous loading and cutting, reducing tube loading time to approximately 8 seconds and increasing overall processing efficiency by more than 20%.

To ensure stability at high speeds, the SK Series features Bodor Laser’s proprietary arch-bridge structure. The three-dimensional triangular transmission design optimizes force distribution during rapid motion, improving mechanical balance and long-term stability.

The chuck system is manufactured from high-strength alloy materials and treated with advanced heat processing. Compared with the previous generation, positioning accuracy has improved by over 20%. In addition, front-chuck over-travel technology enables dual-chuck clamping for long tubes, ensuring consistent accuracy throughout the entire cutting process.

Addressing the industry’s shift toward small-batch, high-mix production, the SK Series integrates an AI-based intelligent nesting system that automatically optimizes cutting paths. Compared with conventional nesting methods, the system increases cutting efficiency by up to 30% and improves material utilization, resulting in annual savings of more than 1,000 tubes under comprehensive production conditions.

Optional configurations—including zero-tail cutting, bevel cutting, and loading and unloading following support—allow the SK Series to be adapted to a wide range of advanced manufacturing requirements. With the Extreme Speed concept, Bodor Laser aims to set new benchmarks for efficiency and reliability in tube laser cutting.

Hashtag: #BodorLaser

https://www.bodor.com

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

By Nitya Chakraborty The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, January 29 in Beijing assumes special significance at a time when Britain is fighting its transatlantic ally U.S. over the sovereignty of Greenland and President Trump has mentioned security threat from China and Russia in Arctic […]

The article China’s Diplomatic, Trade Gains In Europe Continue As Trump Fumes appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Champions Youth Football Development across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – CTF Life announced today the extension of its exclusive collaboration with PSG Academy (GBA, China) to continue bringing Paris Saint-Germain Academy football training programmes and related sports initiatives to Hong Kong and all cities across the Chinese Mainland. The strengthened three-year collaboration with one of the world’s leading football academies marks a significant milestone in CTF Life’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the holistic development of young football talent through structured, high-quality training programmes, empowering them to pursue their ambitions and realise their dreams.

The programme will potentially reach around 10 million students from schools, corporations, residential complex, etc. across Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese Mainland, helping them strengthen their football skills and amplify their enthusiasm for the sport. In addition to regular training, the collaboration will also offer young participants a range of exclusive international experiences, including participation in the annual PSG Academy World Cup tournaments held in Paris, visits to Paris Saint-Germain’s home stadium in Paris and meet-and-greet sessions with global football stars.

Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life, said, “CTF Life’s extended collaboration with PSG Academy (GBA, China) underscores our longstanding dedication to youth development through sport. By deepening this exclusive collaboration, we are opening meaningful pathways for the next generation of football talents across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland – combining on-the-ground training with one-of-a-kind experiences that inspire ambition, broaden horizons and build confidence, resilience and teamwork – exemplifying our commitment to creating value beyond dreams, an aspiration that stems from our brand promise to create value beyond insurance.”

Yannick Ngassa, Chief Executive Officer of PSG Academy (GBA, China), said, “Partnering with a forward-thinking insurer like CTF Life allows us to do more than just teach football; it allows us to build a solid foundation for the next generation. We share a common vision of empowering young people to pursue their ambitions with confidence. By expanding our academy across Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China, we are collectively investing in the health, resilience, and future success of millions of students.”

Through sustained investment in meaningful and impactful youth initiatives, CTF Life continues to play an active role in advancing community wellbeing and long-term talent development – shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for young people and nurturing tomorrow’s champions.

Hashtag: #ChowTaiFookLife #ParisSaintGermainAcademy #YouthDevelopment #SportsEducation

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

About CTF Life

Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”) is proud of its rich, 40-year legacy in Hong Kong. CTF Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTF Services Limited (“CTFS”) (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) and one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong. As a member of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, CTF Life consistently strengthens its collaboration with the Chow Tai Fook Group ecosystem to support customers and their loved ones in navigating life’s journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences. By leveraging the Group’s robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe, CTF Life aspires to become a leading insurance company in Asia while continuously creating value beyond insurance.

About PSG Academy (GBA, China)

Dedicated to bringing the world-renowned Paris Saint-Germain training methodology to the region, PSG Academy (GBA, China) provides comprehensive football training for youth across Hong Kong , Macau and the Chinese Mainland. Led by Paris Saint-Germain Academy and UEFA-certified coaches, the programmes emphasize technical development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun and educational environment, offering young players a unique pathway to international football experiences. www.psgacademyguangdong.com www.psgacademyhongkong.com

Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liabil

Airport health authorities across parts of Asia have stepped up screening measures following confirmed Nipah virus infections in southern India, as governments move to limit the risk of cross-border transmission of one of the world’s deadliest zoonotic diseases. Thermal scanning, health declarations and targeted advisories for travellers arriving from affected regions have been expanded at several international gateways, according to aviation and public health officials.

Health officials say the steps reflect heightened vigilance rather than evidence of international spread. Nipah virus, which circulates naturally in fruit bats of the Pteropus genus, does not transmit easily between people but can cause severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis when outbreaks occur. The case fatality rate recorded in past outbreaks has ranged between 40 per cent and 75 per cent, making it a pathogen of particular concern for health systems with dense populations and high travel volumes.

Kerala has confirmed a small cluster of infections, triggering contact tracing, isolation of close contacts and temporary restrictions in affected localities. State authorities have emphasised that the outbreak remains contained, with surveillance expanded in hospitals and laboratories instructed to prioritise testing of patients with compatible symptoms. Central health agencies have issued advisories to states to strengthen infection-control protocols, especially in intensive care units.

Against this backdrop, several Asian countries have updated airport health protocols. Major hubs in Southeast Asia have reinstated temperature screening for passengers arriving from Kerala and neighbouring regions, while airlines have circulated guidance to cabin crew on recognising symptoms and handling suspected cases in flight. Travellers reporting fever, headache, cough or altered consciousness are being referred for secondary screening and medical evaluation on arrival.

Public health experts note that such measures are designed to buy time rather than eliminate risk entirely. Nipah virus has an incubation period that can extend beyond a week, meaning asymptomatic travellers may not be detected at borders. However, early identification of symptomatic cases can reduce exposure in crowded terminals and allow faster clinical intervention.

Regional travel checks widen amid Nipah concerns, health specialists say, reflecting lessons learned from previous outbreaks. Since Nipah was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 during an outbreak linked to pig farming, sporadic episodes have been recorded in Bangladesh and India, often associated with consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by bats or close contact with infected patients. Bangladesh has reported more frequent outbreaks, with evidence of limited human-to-human transmission in hospital and household settings.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Clinical management focuses on supportive care, including respiratory support and treatment of complications. Experimental therapies and vaccine candidates are under development, but none has reached late-stage approval. This places a premium on early detection, isolation and rigorous infection control.

Airports are a critical interface in that strategy. Aviation authorities say screening has been calibrated to avoid unnecessary disruption to travel while maintaining public confidence. Airlines operating routes to India have not reported cancellations, though some passengers have faced longer processing times at arrival halls.

Economic analysts point out that even limited health alerts can affect tourism-dependent economies if risk communication is mishandled. Governments have sought to strike a careful balance, emphasising that there is no general travel ban and that routine travel remains safe. Health ministries across the region have coordinated messaging through existing disease surveillance networks to ensure consistent guidance.

Within India, the outbreak has renewed scrutiny of zoonotic spillover risks linked to deforestation, urban expansion and climate variability. Ecologists note that changes in bat habitats can increase contact with human settlements, raising the likelihood of viral transmission. Public health planners argue that long-term prevention will require stronger integration of animal, human and environmental health policies under a “One Health” approach.

Citigold Private Clients will gain access to alternative asset classes including private equity and private infrastructure

HONG KONG SAR and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – Citi Hong Kong and Citi Singapore have announced strategic partnerships with leading global private market firms Blackstone, Blue Owl and KKR, to launch evergreen funds for high net-worth clients who are seeking enhanced wealth solutions and greater portfolio diversification.

Through the partnerships, Citigold Private Clients in Asia and the Middle East will gain access to private markets, including equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. These alternative asset classes have traditionally been reserved for institutional investors.

The funds will be structured in an evergreen format, offering simplified access to private markets with more flexible subscription and liquidity terms than traditional closed-ended private markets solutions, subject to a minimum initial holding period.

The launch of the funds has started and the funds will continue to be rolled out in the next few months.

Citigold Private Clients will be able to diversify their portfolios, capture opportunities for uncorrelated returns and long-term growth, as well as participate directly in the value creation inherent in private markets assets.

Ms Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Citi, said: “In today’s complex and volatile market, our clients are rightly seeking resilient, diversified sources of returns beyond traditional public markets. This collaboration with Blackstone, Blue Owl and KKR directly addresses that demand, providing sophisticated access to private markets that were once the exclusive domain of institutional and private bank investors. This is more than a product expansion, it’s a significant step in our commitment to delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions to our affluent clients, and empowering our clients to build long-term portfolios fit for the future.”

Ms Yeo Wenxian, Head of Wealth for Asia South, Citi, said: “We are excited to work with Blackstone, Blue Owl and KKR to leverage their industry leadership, investment expertise and robust deal-sourcing capabilities. These investment vehicles will deepen and broaden Citi’s comprehensive wealth management offerings, further cementing our role as a trusted partner to our clients in their wealth journeys.”

Mr Ed Huang, Head of Asia Pacific for Blackstone Private Wealth, said: “We are delighted to build on our longstanding relationship with Citi, combining its robust network and Blackstone’s position as the world’s largest alternatives manager, with proven performance in scaled offerings and a 23-year track record serving individual investors. We remain committed to expanding access to institutional-quality private market opportunities for Citi’s high-net-worth clients, helping them diversify their portfolios. Education is the cornerstone of our platform, and we look forward to deepening our partnership by providing enhanced resources and insights into private markets.”

Mr Sean Connor, CEO and Global Head of Private Wealth at Blue Owl Capital, said: “Our global partnership with Citi for their platform expansion in Asia is a critical milestone in our collective effort to provide best-in-class access to the private markets for investors. We are pleased to bring Blue Owl’s differentiated investment capabilities, all-weather solutions, along with dedicated service and support for Citi financial advisors and their clients. Our priority is to continue to provide differentiated access to institutional-grade solutions that empower investors to unlock the full potential of the private markets in their portfolios with leading global partners like Citi.”

Ms Jacqueline Zhuang, Managing Director and Head of Global Wealth Solutions Asia Pacific ex-Japan at KKR, said: “This strategic partnership with Citi provides their advisors and clients across Asia and the Middle East with differentiated access to KKR’s suite of evergreen private equity, infrastructure and private credit strategies. Individual wealth investors expect access to the same private markets investment opportunities as institutions. Together with Citi, we are focused on delivering a comprehensive solution that combines investor service, education, and access to KKR’s differentiated investment capabilities.”

Hashtag: #Citibank

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

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

Additional information may be found atwww.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi