Lightweight Nubi bags crafted in Japan, a Singapore-inspired new design and a limited gift with purchase arrive on Orchard Road from 13 to 31 October 2026.
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.
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
ECO Expo Asia 2026 – Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future
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 21st 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 15th 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 ProfessorKenneth 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.
BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 11 October 2026 – The World Health Summit (WHS) 2026, the leading platform for global health, brings together more than 4,000 participants from 130 countries in Berlin and tens of thousands more online from October 11 to 13. Under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health,” the Summit convenes leaders from politics, science, civil society, and the private sector. Discussions address Ebola and other infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, pandemic preparedness, resilient health systems, health care in conflict settings such as Ukraine, and climate-related health threats. The Summit will also address WHO leadership through a conversation with prospective candidates for the next WHO Director-General.
Against this backdrop, WHS President Axel R. Pries emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration: “Past achievements and continued progress in global health are increasingly challenged by multiple and overlapping crises. To build resilient, effective, and equitable health systems, we need innovation across biomedicine and technology, financing, delivery, and political coordination. This requires partnership and trust within and beyond the health sector and is at the heart of the World Health Summit 2026 leitmotif.”
Announcements and new pledges during the official WHS press conference:
Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, highlighted the Government of Bangladesh’s landmark investment of 250 million euros in women’s health, supported by the European Investment Bank.
John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome, launched the Wellcome Global Monitor 2026, which shows trust in science has fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ilana Ron Levey, Managing Director at Gallup, shared findings from the State of the World’s Emotional Health 2026 Report, examining the relationship between social media use and emotional well-being.
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China’s passenger vehicle retail sales fell 24% in September from a year earlier, underscoring persistent weakness in domestic demand despite a seasonal recovery in purchases.
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.
Saudi Arabia confirmed on Sunday that 12 people were killed and 309 injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting a temporary suspension of operations and widespread flight disruptions amid escalating hostilities with Yemen’s Houthi movement. The General Authority of Civil Aviation said Saturday’s attack caused extensive casualties and material damage to airport facilities. Several injured passengers and other victims remained in critical […]
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The United States has lifted a tsunami threat alert issued after a powerful earthquake struck Panama, as authorities assess widespread damage and injuries from two major tremors that shook the Central American country on Friday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially identified a potential threat to coastal areas across Central and South America following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake on October 9. Subsequent assessments found no continuing tsunami […]
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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 […]
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.
Left to right: Mr. Mohammad Fadzli B. Zainurdin, General Manager, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Takashi Horii, Chief Financial Officer, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Yasuo Mizoguchi, Managing Director, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Ron Poon, Director, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Nilamegan, Operations Manager, IOI Mall Puchong; and Mr. Edward Yong, Senior Manager, FO Design, at the opening of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee’s 100th store in Malaysia at IOI Mall Puchong on 10 October 2026.
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.
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
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.
Delhi police detained more than 1,500 people, including prominent youth movement leaders, on Saturday as authorities imposed extensive security restrictions across the capital to prevent a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior organisers Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport after arriving from Mumbai. Their detention followed overnight police operations targeting supporters preparing to assemble at Jantar Mantar.
Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across New Delhi, with barricades, vehicle inspections, transport restrictions and mobile internet disruptions affecting movement through several districts. Security arrangements extended to railway stations, major intersections and roads leading towards the proposed demonstration.
Police maintained that the gathering had not received official permission and that preventive measures were necessary to protect public order. Organisers accused authorities of attempting to suppress peaceful dissent over disputed revisions to electoral rolls.
The protest, organised under a campaign to safeguard democracy, sought Kumar’s removal following allegations that the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of voter lists had excluded substantial numbers of eligible voters.
The commission has rejected accusations of partisan manipulation, maintaining that electoral roll verification is intended to identify inaccuracies and ensure that voter registers remain accurate. It has also pointed to procedures allowing eligible citizens to challenge exclusions and seek reinstatement.
Police confirmed that detentions occurred across several districts, including areas near transport terminals and Delhi’s borders. The number of people detained increased throughout Saturday as officers intercepted groups attempting to reach central Delhi.
Dipke, Das and Ranka were subsequently taken to separate locations. Dipke was moved towards Gurugram, Ranka to Dwarka and Das to another location within Delhi, according to information emerging after their detention.
The CJP condemned the action against its leadership and maintained that its supporters were exercising their constitutional right to protest. Videos circulated by the organisation showed its leaders confronting officers aboard an aircraft and raising slogans before being escorted away.
The Delhi Police had refused permission for the Jantar Mantar gathering, citing concerns about public safety, traffic disruption and compliance with regulations governing demonstrations. Authorities said previous conduct by organisers had contributed to their assessment of potential risks.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had alerted state governments and Union Territories to possible disturbances associated with the planned mobilisation. Its communication called for coordination with Delhi Police, intelligence sharing and preventive action under applicable laws.
Security personnel established checkpoints along major approaches to the capital, while restrictions at metro stations complicated journeys for commuters. Traffic diversions were introduced around sensitive government installations and routes associated with the proposed rally.
Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi, adding to disruption caused by transport controls. Railway operations also faced restrictions, with some services delayed or cancelled amid the security arrangements.
Opposition politicians criticised the detentions, arguing that denying permission for the gathering and restricting movement undermined the right to peaceful assembly. Government supporters defended the precautions as necessary to prevent disorder and disruption to essential services.
The controversy centres on the Special Intensive Revision, an electoral verification exercise that opposition parties allege has resulted in the removal of legitimate voters from official lists.
Critics have cited figures suggesting that approximately 130 million electoral entries were affected by revisions, although the circumstances and validity of individual deletions remain contested. The figure does not establish that an equivalent number of eligible citizens were unlawfully disenfranchised.
Opposition parties contend that the exercise could disadvantage particular communities and alter electoral competition. The Election Commission denies political bias and maintains that verification procedures operate within the established electoral framework.
The dispute has sharpened scrutiny of election administration ahead of state assembly contests scheduled for 2027. Opposition representatives have demanded greater transparency concerning deletions, verification procedures and opportunities for affected voters to appeal.
The CJP has attracted support from students, activists and digital campaigners who have questioned the handling of electoral records. Its mobilisation has also drawn participation from opposition groups, although their political affiliations and demands are not identical.
Police deployments included specialised units assigned to crowd management and the protection of sensitive locations. Officers used loudspeakers to warn prospective demonstrators against entering restricted areas without authorisation.
Jantar Mantar, a designated venue for public demonstrations near Parliament, remained under heavy security throughout Saturday. Small groups nevertheless attempted to assemble at scattered locations, prompting further interventions by police personnel.
Authorities also monitored movement around accommodation facilities and transport hubs used by visitors arriving for the demonstration. Additional security checks remained in place at major entry points to central Delhi.
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 […]
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China will introduce a new employment initiative to help workers adapt to artificial intelligence, officials announced on Saturday, as Beijing seeks to create jobs while managing technological changes across its economy.
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.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE economy expanded by 0.4 per cent in the first half of 2026, reaching Dh961.9 billion in real gross domestic product, as non-oil activities sustained growth despite a contraction during the second quarter. Figures released on Friday by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) showed that non-oil GDP increased by 1.8 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025, lifting […]
New Delhi was placed under heightened security on Saturday as authorities imposed sweeping restrictions to prevent a mass demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over controversial electoral roll revisions.
Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the capital, with barricades, surveillance equipment and detention facilities positioned around Jantar Mantar, where the youth-led movement planned to assemble despite being denied permission.
Delhi Police strengthened checkpoints at major entry routes, restricted access to sensitive areas and warned that unauthorised gatherings would face action. Security arrangements included drones, closed-circuit television cameras, body-worn cameras and additional personnel assigned to monitor crowd movements.
The authorities prepared for approximately 7,000 demonstrators, although organisers have claimed substantially wider support. Police officials said their priority was maintaining public order while preventing confrontations between protesters and security personnel.
The Ministry of Home Affairs instructed police chiefs across states and Union Territories to remain vigilant, citing possible law-and-order consequences arising from the mobilisation. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan communicated the concerns after Delhi Police rejected the organisers’ application.
Police said the request had not complied with the prescribed ten-day advance notice requirement. Authorities also cited alleged failures to follow lawful instructions during an earlier demonstration and concerns about traffic disruption and public safety.
CJP representatives challenged the restrictions, arguing that peaceful assembly was a constitutional right. Founder Abhijeet Dipke maintained that the demonstration would proceed despite the security measures, accusing the government of attempting to suppress public opposition.
The planned protest centres on allegations that the Election Commission’s special intensive revision of electoral rolls has resulted in widespread exclusion of eligible voters. Organisers accuse the commission of conducting the exercise in a manner that benefits the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of electoral manipulation. The dispute has nevertheless drawn opposition parties, student organisations and civil society campaigners into demonstrations demanding greater transparency and accountability.
The confrontation has intensified following claims by opposition groups that more than 130 million names were removed from electoral registers during the revision exercise. The figure remains politically contested, while the commission maintains that electoral roll verification follows established procedures.
Security officials said approximately 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel were available for deployment. Additional forces were mobilised from outside Delhi, while officers established multiple layers of security around government buildings, transport hubs and approaches to the proposed protest venue.
Preventive detentions began before the scheduled gathering. Police acknowledged detaining hundreds of people as part of security operations, while CJP leaders alleged that substantially larger numbers of supporters had been stopped or taken into custody across several states. The organisers’ figures could not be independently established.
Transport restrictions compounded the disruption. Delhi Metro authorities curtailed access to several stations, while railway services connecting the capital with neighbouring states faced cancellations and rescheduling. The restrictions affected commuters travelling for purposes unrelated to the demonstration.
Mobile internet access was also restricted in parts of central Delhi, alongside heightened monitoring of roads leading towards government offices. The measures attracted criticism from civil liberties campaigners concerned about their impact on communication and freedom of movement.
The Supreme Court’s intervention over the extent of transport restrictions prompted authorities to reconsider some closures, reflecting concerns about the consequences for ordinary passengers. Police nevertheless retained powers to regulate access to areas considered vulnerable to large gatherings.
Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory identifying 30 locations where diversions could be imposed from 6 am. These included Connaught Place, Mandi House, Dhaula Kuan, Patel Chowk and roads approaching Jantar Mantar.
Commuters were advised to allow additional travelling time, particularly when heading towards railway stations, interstate bus terminals and the airport. Traffic arrangements were to be adjusted according to conditions on the ground.
Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma urged officers to exercise restraint and maintain professional standards while handling demonstrators. The instructions emphasised minimum force, discipline and the protection of public safety during crowd-control operations.
Student organisations supporting the CJP maintained that their campaign would remain peaceful. The All India Students’ Association and other groups joined calls for accountability over electoral roll changes, while organisers appealed to participants to avoid confrontation.
Police also sought information from authorities outside Delhi about planned journeys, accommodation arrangements and organisers coordinating the mobilisation. Intelligence-sharing arrangements covered railway stations, road transport routes and potential assembly points.
Hotels and guest houses around central Delhi were asked to restrict bookings where necessary, while security personnel monitored arrivals at transport terminals. Police established designated detention facilities to accommodate people taken into preventive custody.
The traffic advisory identified additional possible restrictions around Lodhi Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Moti Bagh and the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital roundabout, with diversions subject to operational assessments by traffic officers.
China’s DEEP Robotics has tested waterproof humanoid robots at busy intersections in Hangzhou, deploying machines to direct traffic, identify road violations and assist tourists during persistent rainfall. The trials, conducted during the National Day holiday in early October, involved several DR02 humanoid robots operating across Xihu District in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. The company said the exercise examined whether autonomous machines could undertake routine roadside duties while […]
India’s communications minister has rejected suggestions that powerful business interests are preventing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service from launching, insisting that the country does not permit monopolies and applies common regulatory requirements to competing operators.
Jyotiraditya Scindia responded on Friday after Musk questioned billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s influence over the approval process, escalating a dispute over Starlink’s prolonged wait to begin commercial operations in one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets.
“India does not allow a monopoly in any sector,” Scindia told a media briefing, defending the government’s handling of satellite communications licences and its approach to competition.
The intervention followed Musk’s question on his social media platform X on Thursday: “Is Ambani the real boss of India?” Musk suggested that Starlink’s difficulties reflected the influence of established business interests but offered no evidence that Ambani had interfered with regulatory decisions.
The Ministry of Communications had already dismissed Musk’s earlier allegation that unnamed oligarchs were obstructing Starlink to protect their market position. It described the regulatory framework as fair and non-discriminatory and called suggestions of unequal treatment “baseless and misconceived”.
Officials said three licensed satellite communications operators were undergoing security assessments and remained at broadly comparable stages of the approval process. Those operators are Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Eutelsat OneWeb, which has links with Bharti Airtel.
Starlink has obtained a licence to provide satellite services, but that authorisation does not itself permit an immediate commercial launch. The company must satisfy security conditions before proceeding to spectrum assignment, another requirement for starting operations.
The distinction has become central to the disagreement. Musk has questioned why his company cannot begin serving customers after years of work to meet regulatory requirements, while the government maintains that obtaining a licence is only one stage of a process applicable to every provider.
Security scrutiny covers issues arising from satellite networks’ ability to deliver communications across borders and from the need for operators to comply with domestic interception, monitoring and other lawful requirements. The government has not announced a date for completing the assessments or assigning spectrum to Starlink.
Musk initially accused unnamed influential figures of seeking to preserve what he described as a monopolistic hold over connectivity. He argued that delays harmed people without adequate internet access, particularly communities that could benefit from satellite connections where terrestrial networks are difficult to extend.
His subsequent reference to Ambani made the dispute more personal. Reliance Jio, part of the conglomerate led by Ambani, is among the dominant providers of mobile connectivity in India, alongside Bharti Airtel. Neither the size of those businesses nor their presence in the satellite sector establishes the interference alleged by Musk.
Reliance Jio had not publicly answered the accusation by Friday. The absence of a response leaves Musk’s specific suggestion about Ambani unsupported, while the government’s explanation addresses the formal approval process rather than every concern raised about its duration.
The controversy has also drawn political attention. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi joined the exchanges on X, responding to Musk’s remarks with a pointed comment about the influence of powerful figures. His intervention widened a disagreement initially centred on satellite licensing into a debate about corporate power and government decision-making.
Starlink’s proposed service differs from conventional mobile broadband. Its network uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to connect customer terminals, potentially extending internet access to remote locations without the same dependence on ground-based fibre or mobile towers.
That potential has made the timing of market entry important for Starlink, although affordability, equipment costs and regulatory obligations will also shape the service’s commercial prospects. No confirmed nationwide launch date or final retail pricing has been announced for customers in India.
The regulatory dispute follows years of preparations by SpaceX to enter the market. Starlink has also explored distribution partnerships with established telecommunications companies, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, demonstrating that competition in satellite broadband can coexist with commercial cooperation.
India’s satellite spectrum framework envisages administrative assignment rather than conventional auctions, subject to prescribed charges and conditions. Operators still require individual approvals before they can activate services, and holding an authorisation does not remove obligations connected with network security.
The Ministry of Communications has said a licensee may move towards spectrum assignment once its security assessment is completed. That sequence applies to the three companies currently seeking to introduce satellite broadband services under the government’s approval framework.
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