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Gyan Pathak Jharkhand has just witnessed a multi group agitation of students, which ended on August 18 with an agreement reached between student leaders and the state government, and Devendra Nath Mahto ended his 16 days hunger strike. Jharkhand government, as per the agreement reached, notified cancellation of 22 recruitment examinations on August 19 and […]

The article Jharkhand may witness a more complicated students movement appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Collaboration could extend Singapore-developed AI training to ICAI’s members and students, alongside greater recognition of relevant professional learning

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are deepening their longstanding collaboration through two initiatives focussed on strengthening AI capabilities among accounting professionals and enhancing professional qualification recognition.

ISCA today signed a Letter of Cooperation setting out a framework for proposed Global AI Fluency Initiative centred on ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme. The proposed cooperation will explore how ISCA and ICAI can work together to extend practical and responsible AI learning to ICAI members and students, subject to relevant approvals and mutually agreed implementation arrangements.

ISCA also announced its approval of a proposed Module Exemption Agreement (MEA) with ICAI relating to their professional qualification pathways.

Extending Singapore-developed AI capability internationally

The proposed AI collaboration builds on the early momentum of ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme. Through the proposed collaboration, ISCA and ICAI will explore opportunities to extend access of the programme to ICAI’s professional community of more than 1.5 million members and students, broadening the international reach of Singapore-developed AI capability building for the accountancy profession.

The approximately 30-hour programme comprises 180 hands-on cases based on workplace applications, structured around three areas:

• AI Fluency Foundations: Building essential AI confidence for everyday professional work;
• AI for Accounting Specialisations: Applying AI across accounting, audit, finance, tax and related professional functions; and
• AI Leadership & Governance: Developing the capability to lead AI adoption responsibly, with appropriate governance and oversight.

The practical approach is designed to help learners identify where AI can add value while continuing to exercise professional judgement, appropriate oversight and responsibility for their work.

The proposed collaboration will explore:

• Programme promotion: Supporting the promotion of respective AI programmes to each institute’s members through mutually agreed arrangements;
• Member outreach and promotion: Promoting the AI Fluency Programme to ICAI members in India and, where appropriate, across ICAI’s global network through mutually agreed communications;
• Professional application: Exchanging views and use cases on the application of AI in accounting, audit, finance, tax and related professional work;
• AI leadership and responsible adoption: Sharing perspectives on appropriate governance, oversight and responsible adoption of AI within the profession; and
• Knowledge exchange: Exploring further opportunities for thought leadership, professional learning and capability development relating to AI.

Strengthening professional recognition

ISCA has approved a proposed Module Exemption Agreement (MEA) with ICAI. The proposed arrangement would provide specified exemptions under the respective qualification pathways for eligible ICAI and ISCA members, supporting greater recognition of professional qualifications.

While the MEA has yet to be formally executed, ISCA will implement the specified exemptions from the SCAQ for eligible ICAI members with effect from 21 August 2026. Eligible candidates must continue to meet the applicable entry, assessment and remaining qualification requirements. ¹

The AI initiative and proposed module exemption arrangement collaborations are built on the longstanding relationship between ISCA and ICAI and their shared commitment to developing a future-ready, internationally connected accountancy profession.

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI is reshaping the accountancy profession and building AI fluency alongside strong professional expertise will be critical to enabling the profession to adapt and create greater value. Through the proposed Global AI Fluency initiative, we hope to share Singapore’s experience in practical and responsible AI capability development with a wider professional community and contribute to responsible AI adoption across the global accountancy profession. Our longstanding relationship with ICAI also provides opportunities to strengthen the recognition of relevant professional learning and reduce extent of duplication for qualified professionals. Together, these initiatives contribute to a future-ready and internationally connected accountancy profession.”

Mr Prasanna Kumar D, President of ICAI, said: “The exchange of letters between ICAI and ISCA on 21st August marks a defining step in our shared journey and a clear statement of intent to work towards strengthening recognition between our professional qualifications. For our members, this opens up the potential for greater opportunities and professional recognition. At the same time, our discussions on Artificial Intelligence capability building reflect our shared commitment to strengthening AI capabilities across the profession. We look forward to working closely with ISCA to explore mutually beneficial opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building and preparing a future ready profession.”

¹ The formal execution of the MEA remains subject to the necessary approvals in India and completion of the remaining formalities.
Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

By T Neelakantan Aiyers Despite the tariff shocks unleashed by Donald Trump, Indian exports to the United States have proved remarkably resilient. New trade agreements with Britain, the EU, Oman and New Zealand are giving India more options—but not yet replacing America as its most important export market. There was a moment when Donald Trump’s […]

The article Why America still cannot shake India’s export machine appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Local Franchise Model to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Support Sustainable Growth

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2026 – International Housewares Retail Company Limited (“IH Retail” or the “Group”, stock code: 1373), the parent company and owner of the “Japan Home” brand in Singapore, is pleased to announce that all “Japan Home” stores in Singapore have resumed operations and are open for business.

Following the completion of the transition arrangements, all relevant stores have reopened on 20 August 2026.

On 13 August 2026, an indirect subsidiary of the Group entered into a three-year master franchise agreement with the Singapore master franchisee, Radha Export Pte. Ltd (“Radha”), the company which is the engine behind the ABC and Valu$ stores in Singapore, and completed the handover of the existing stores on 19 August 2026. The agreement grants the master franchisee the exclusive right to operate the “Japan Home” business in Singapore, including through sub-franchisees, and to establish additional outlets at suitable locations.

Radha combines extensive experience in consumer goods and wholesale distribution with strong local operational expertise and a well-established supply chain network. By leveraging the Radha’s local capabilities, the Group expects to enhance store operating efficiency, improve its responsiveness to market demand and maintain strong brand awareness in Singapore. The local franchise model is also expected to support the continued expansion of the “Japan Home” brand’s reach and influence in Singapore and across the Southeast Asian market over the next three years.

This strategic restructuring represents an important step in optimizing the Group’s regional business structure, improving operational quality and enhancing efficiency. The Group remains confident in the long-term development of the Singapore market and is committed to ensuring customers continue to enjoy shopping at “Japan Home” stores in Singapore.

Hashtag: #JapanHome

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The event was attended by core management of Tesson Holdings : Chairman and Executive Director, Mr. Wei Mingren; Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Li Jingquan; Executive Director, Mr. Li Yang; as well as distinguished guests including Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩), President of Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP; Mr. Yan An (閆安), President of the Digital Lianli Research Institute of the Jiangxi Centre of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (中科院江西中心數字連理研究院); Professor Yu Changyuan, Chairman of Anlaseo Technology; and Dr. Cheng Zhi, Chief Executive Officer of Anlaseo Technology.

Strategic Evolution: From “Battery Manufacturing” to “Smart Energy Operation”

Tesson Holdings has long been engaged in the research, manufacturing and sales of lithium-ion motive batteries. In 2025, the Company launched its Hong Kong-based “photovoltaic storage charging and checking” AI-inspected ultra-fast charging and zero-carbon microgrid asset operation business, completing the acquisition of the assets of seven new energy integrated service stations and marking its first step towards strategic recharge.

Mr. Wei Mingren said that the recharge does not represent a departure from the Company’s existing industrial foundation, but rather based on the company’s past decade of industrial foundation of the system of motive battery manufacturing business, the experience of the operation of charging network in Hong Kong and the capabilties of industrial integration and capital management.”Based on our manufacturing foundation, Tesson Holdings is accelerating its transformation into a smart energy platform operator, enabling every unit of electricity to unleash greater value.”

Mr. Li Jingquan outlined development pathway of the company:”Battery manufacturing → zero-carbon microgrid and energy storage operations → AI-powered electricity trading and carbon-energy asset management platform.”

He noted that Tesson will leverage its “photovoltaic storage charging and checking” microgrid operations as an entry point, collaborate with supply chain partners to develop zero-carbon microgrids and virtual power plants, while strategic upgrade gradually from an energy equipments manufacturer into a smart energy platform operator.

Mr. Li Yang further elaborated on the company’s core competitiveness built around “Data, Intelligence and Electricity”:”Data” represents the credible data base; “Intelligence” represents the AI-driven capabilities of electricity trading; “Electricity” represents capabilities of electrical assets operation.

The Company will expand its regional market presence actively, aim to secure over 10% of regional market share in multiple cities, and building an operating ecosystem servicing up to 10 billion kWh of electricity consumption.

Industrial Opportunities: Policy Support Driving New Energy Infrastructure Development in Mainland China and Hong Kong

Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩) noted that China is simultaneously advancing the upgrading and restructure of two major infrastructure networks — the new power system and modern logistics network.

She highlighted that logistics facilities are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs into important industrial platforms for energy consumption, green transformation and electrical data collection. The cooperative operation of energy flows, logistics flows and data flows is reshaping the pattern of national infrastructure. Tesson Smart Energy timely deploy related industries

Since 2026, the company has entered into strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding with DST Sustainable Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (地上鐵綠色科技（深圳）股份有限公司) (DST) and China Railway First Group Co., Ltd respectively. The first pilot project of China Railway First Group, located at car park of Hoi Wang Road in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, and will be developed into a zero-carbon integrated facility combining parking, charging and vehicle inspection functions.

Meanwhile, the joint venture company established with DST plans to build 10 more multi-functional battery swapping stations.

The launch event follows the completion of the Company’s financing activity of placing of new shares. With the completion financing activity of placing, strategic launching and industrial partnership signings simultaneously, signaling the new energy strategic of”Tesson Smart Energy”which is driven by “Technology + Industry + Capital” formally set sail.

Strategic Partnerships Covering the Full “Industry–Research–Application” Value Chain

The three strategic partnership signings at the event covering national think tank, research institutions and university spin-offs, surrounding modern power and development of new energy ecosystem, forming a complete layout from strategic planning, technology development and commercial application.

Mr. Wei Mingren said the significance of these signings is not only “plans announcing”, but rather is “in progress and amplifying the outcomes through ecological cooperation”.

The cooperation between Tesson Holdings and Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP is particularly crucial. Both parties will establish a joint venture big data operation company in Beijing to formally advance to transport logistics, important scenario of power consumption.

As a national logistics think tank and the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) publishing organization, the Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP, both parties will work together to explore the integration path of new and renewable energy power and green logistics, pushing logistics industry to upgrade in the direction of low-carbonization and intelligentization.

Afterwards, Tesson Holdings also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhongke Lianli (中科连理) focusing on development of industrial brain data resource, digitization of logistics hub energy and scenario collaboration of modernized power grid, further improving the capabilities of digitization and intelligentization of new energy industry

Finally, Tesson Holdings entered into a strategic partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University Anlaseo Technolgy, which is a startup incubator of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Anlaseo Technology was also subsidized by the Hong Kong Government’s “Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+)”.Its intelligent battery sensor system enabling intelligent lifecycle monitoring of batteries through edge computing and AI algorithm, providing the core technological support in the of field of such as electrical safety awareness and smart management. .

Future Outlook: Anchoring the Strategic Position of Smart Energy Platform Operator

With the upgrade of strategy of “Tesson Smart Energy” and the implementation of significant industrial cooperation partnership signings, Tesson Holdings is in the stage of systematically advancing the deployment of new energy ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Tesson Holdings will continue advancing systematic deployment across energy generation, distribution and consumption sectors with core strategic brand of “Tesson Smart Energy”.

Through a dual strategy combining strategic acquisitions and organic development, Tesson Holdings aims to build an integrated new energy ecosystem covering renewable energy generation, energy storage, charging infrastructure, electricity trading and carbon-energy asset management.

Hashtag: #Tesson

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About Tesson Holdings

Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK) is a company listed on Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited principally engaged in the research, manufacturing and sale of lithium ion motive battery and investment and operation of new energy electric vehicles ultra-fast charging stations

On 10 August 2026, the company formally launches the newest strategic brand “Tesson Smart Energy” accelerate new business innovation such as the deployment of photovoltaic storage charging and checking zero-carbon microgrid, AI-powered electricity trading, operation of carbon-energy assets, transforming into a premier new energy smart electricity platform operator.

As EV adoption develops across the Middle East, VinFast is working with local partners across distribution, charging and aftersales to strengthen the ownership experience.

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – The global EV market is entering a stage where selling the vehicle is only part of the challenge. As more electric vehicles reach new markets, automakers with international reach also need to build the infrastructure, service capabilities and customer support systems that can sustain ownership long after the initial sale.

This is particularly relevant in the Middle East, where EV adoption is gaining momentum and international brands are expanding their presence. For newer EV manufacturers, establishing a reliable ownership ecosystem requires more than simply importing vehicles. It also means working with local partners that understand the market, regulations and customer expectations.

Vietnam-based VinFast is among the companies taking this approach. As it enters the Middle East, the company is making substantial commitments to customers, including a 10-year/200,000-km vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty and five years or 100,000 km of free service for the all-electric mid-size VF 8. Supporting such commitments requires an aftersales infrastructure capable of serving customers throughout the ownership journey, which is why VinFast is taking a partnership-led approach to its expansion in the UAE, combining its EV business with established local expertise across distribution, service and charging.

VinFast signed an exclusive dealership agreement with Al Tayer Motors in 2024 for the distribution of VinFast EVs in the UAE. Established in 1982, Al Tayer Motors is one of the UAE’s leading automotive groups and represents major European and American automotive brands. It has a network of sales, service and parts centers, supported by 2,700 employees and digital platforms including e-commerce and a dedicated app. Al Tayer Motors also planned to establish a network of VinFast facilities across the UAE, extending the brand’s local service infrastructure.

VinFast has continued to strengthen that infrastructure through additional partnerships. In February 2026, VinFast Middle East signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PlusX Electric, a DEWA-approved EV charging and electric mobility solutions provider in the UAE.

The partnership focuses on charging accessibility and customer support, with the two companies exploring Portable EV Charging Pods, on-demand mobile charging and emergency charging as part of EV roadside assistance. They will also explore scalable charging and mobile-support solutions for commercial and fleet customers, as well as digital integration to streamline charging bookings and service updates.

The same partnership model extends to VinFast’s wider global aftersales strategy. At its 2026 Global Business Conference, the company signed MOUs with 29 aftersales partners across its international markets, including the Middle East. The partners are expected to establish EV service workshops that meet VinFast’s global standards, while VinFast aims to expand to more than 1,100 service workshops globally in 2026. The network will be supported by standardized technician training and certification, consistent operating procedures and quality controls, while its parts network targets delivery of common spare parts within 24 hours in key markets.

For EV brands entering the Middle East, the strength of the local support network can therefore become a competitive advantage. As VinFast’s UAE strategy shows, bringing an EV to market increasingly means building the capabilities around it that can make ownership dependable over the long term.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

Trump instructed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale down the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises just hours before the drills were due to begin on Monday. The 11-day exercise, involving about 18,000 South Korean troops, nevertheless started as scheduled as military planners awaited details of how Washington intended to implement the presidential directive.

The decision marks a significant change in the handling of one of Washington’s most important security alliances in Asia. Trump described the exercises as costly and said they sent an unnecessarily hostile signal to North Korea, while stressing that he maintained a “very good relationship” with Kim.

Trump also connected the decision to wider tensions with Seoul over Iran. He said he had asked South Korea to join US efforts aimed at the “denuclearisation” of Iran but had received a negative response. His comments indicate that cooperation on security commitments in one region is increasingly being assessed alongside Washington’s expectations of allies in unrelated theatres.

Ulchi Freedom Shield is one of the two principal annual exercises conducted by US and South Korean forces. The drills combine computer simulations, command-post exercises and field training intended to test the allies’ ability to respond to threats from North Korea. Planned activities include precision targeting, manoeuvres, equipment deployment and exercises involving forces from several military services.

About 28,500 US military personnel are stationed in South Korea, where the American presence remains central to the deterrence strategy established after the 1950-53 Korean War. The conflict ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically at war.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has simultaneously been pursuing a reduction in tensions with Pyongyang. A day before Trump announced the exercise cutback, Lee called for renewed dialogue with North Korea and proposed efforts to replace the armistice with a permanent peace arrangement. His government has sought engagement while maintaining the alliance with Washington and strengthening South Korea’s military capabilities.

The exercise opened against an increasingly complex regional security environment. North Korea resumed ballistic missile testing days before the drills, while its expanding military partnership with Russia has raised concern among US and South Korean defence officials. North Korean troops deployed in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine have gained combat experience involving drones, electronic warfare and modern battlefield tactics that could strengthen Pyongyang’s forces.

North Korea has long condemned large US-South Korean exercises as rehearsals for invasion. Washington and Seoul reject that characterisation and describe the training as defensive. The exercises have nevertheless repeatedly become a bargaining tool during periods of diplomacy with Pyongyang.

Trump followed a similar approach during his first presidency. After meeting Kim in Singapore in 2018, he unexpectedly announced the suspension of major military exercises, calling them expensive and provocative. Several large drills were later replaced with smaller or modified exercises as Washington sought to keep nuclear negotiations alive.

Those talks ultimately failed to produce an agreement. Trump and Kim met three times between 2018 and 2019, but negotiations stalled over differences concerning sanctions relief and the scope of North Korea’s nuclear disarmament. Trump has continued to express interest in renewing personal diplomacy since returning to the White House.

Kim has also left open a narrow possibility of renewed talks, while rejecting Washington’s longstanding demand for North Korea’s denuclearisation. Pyongyang has accelerated development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles and strengthened its strategic relationship with Moscow.

The reduction order has revived debate in Washington over military readiness. Critics argue that reducing combined exercises could weaken interoperability between US and South Korean forces at a time when North Korea’s military capabilities are becoming more sophisticated. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat and former US Navy pilot, described hollowing out the exercises as a mistake and warned against weakening preparedness.