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Capital markets across the Middle East and North Africa recorded ten initial public offerings that raised a combined $1.7bn in the fourth quarter of 2025, signalling continued investor engagement despite broader market headwinds. According to the EY MENA IPO Eye Q4 2025 report, the MENA region sustained momentum in public market activity as companies across diverse sectors tapped equity markets for capital. Morocco’s Société Générale des Travaux […]

Dubai-based luxury property developer Binghatti Holding Limited has instructed banks to arrange a series of fixed income investor calls starting Tuesday, 3 February 2026, as it prepares the ground for a benchmark-sized, five-year, US dollar-denominated sukuk offering, according to transaction details communicated to the market. The planned issuance will take the form of a Regulation S senior unsecured sukuk under the $1.5 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme […]

  • Sales after nine months up on previous year, increasing by some 6.1 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA considerably better than in previous year – efficiency measures having a clear impact
  • Incoming orders down on previous year, as expected, due to underlying economic conditions and absence of drupa effect
  • Successful positioning in security, defense, and energy technologies
  • Full-year forecast confirmed despite challenging environment

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – News Aktuell – 5 February 2026 – After nine months of financial year 2025/26 (April 1 to December 31, 2025), developments at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) are in line with expectations. The company has achieved a considerable improvement in its profitability and is also resolutely pressing ahead with its strategic transformation, moving into new areas of business that are enjoying strong growth. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, sales after three quarters climbed to € 1,602 million – some 6.1 percent higher than the previous year’s figure of € 1,509 million – despite negative exchange rate effects amounting to around € 44 million compared with the equivalent period of the previous year. Business in Europe and with packaging and label printing presses saw particularly positive development during this period. At € 617 million, the sales figure for the third quarter was around 4 percent higher than in the equivalent quarter of the previous year and continued the quarter-on-quarter sales growth so far in the current financial year.

The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.
The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.

The adjusted operating result (EBITDA) after nine months increased significantly to € 114 million (adjusted figure for equivalent period of previous year: € 86 million) and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved considerably to 7.1 percent (equivalent period of previous year: 5.7 percent). Implementation of the personnel and efficiency measures envisaged in the plan for the future is having a clear impact. For example, production costs and total working costs improved compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. The personnel cost ratio was lower than in the first nine months of the previous year, falling to 36 percent (equivalent period of previous year, adjusted for special items: 39 percent). The company is expecting personnel costs as a whole to remain below the previous year’s figure for the rest of financial year 2025/26.

Incoming orders after nine months totaled € 1,628 million (previous year: € 1,823 million). Allowing for the fact that drupa resulted in the previous year being very strong, they were therefore in line with expectations. During the reporting period, the company saw a significant impact from negative exchange rate effects amounting to some € 46 million. Incoming orders in the third quarter stood at € 517 million (corresponding quarter of previous year: € 550 million). The development of incoming orders in the third quarter was particularly positive in the Americas Region, where they were up 17 percent on the equivalent quarter of the previous year.

HEIDELBERG pressing ahead with strategic transformation and tapping into new growth markets

Despite a market environment that remains challenging, HEIDELBERG is consistently pursuing its strategic transformation. Based on its strong industry and systems expertise, the company is systematically tapping into additional markets in the areas of defense, security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions. One key aspect of this process is combining all relevant activities under HD Advanced Technologies GmbH. This strategic further development is building HEIDELBERG a stronger future and opening up long-term growth opportunities.

In the HEIDELBERG Technology segment, sales after nine months totaled € 42 million – slightly higher than the previous year’s figure of € 41 million. Even though the development of sales is moderate at present, the strategic measures that have been initiated provide a basis for HEIDELBERG Technology to potentially make a much bigger contribution to business as a whole. In particular, the continuing strategy of tapping into new industries and the creation of new business models are raising expectations of a positive sales trend in the coming years.

“The measures we have initiated are confirmation of our growth plan,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. “Both strategically and operationally speaking, HEIDELBERG is extremely well positioned to actively hone this plan and leverage additional opportunities in dynamic future markets,” he adds.

Core business lays foundations for transformation

At the same time as new areas of business are being unlocked, the company’s core business is also developing robustly. In the Print & Packaging Equipment segment, HEIDELBERG is benefiting from its strong market position in packaging and label printing. In the reporting period, this segment’s sales increased to € 804 million (previous year’s figure: € 705 million). In the Digital Solutions & Lifecycle segment, the company is further expanding its role as a systems integrator – with hybrid printing, software, and service solutions as part of a digital ecosystem. In this segment, HEIDELBERG achieved nine-month sales of € 755 million (previous year’s figure: € 763 million).

“Our strength lies in the intelligent way we combine presses, software, and service operations,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer. “By specifically expanding our digital printing portfolio and launching new high-performance systems such as the Jetfire 75, we are creating additional growth potential – both in our core business and beyond,” he emphasizes.

The free cash flow of HEIDELBERG after three quarters was € -81 million, an improvement on the previous year (equivalent period of previous year: € -97 million). As expected, however, it was still negative. This is due to the Polar acquisition and restructuring costs in the high single-digit million-euro range. The net result after taxes of € 17 million after nine months represented a significant increase (corresponding period of previous year: € -42 million).

Full-year forecast confirmed despite challenging environment

The company is confirming its forecast for financial year 2025/26. A healthy order backlog, the current efficiency measures, and systematic implementation of the strategy are laying the foundations for achieving its targets. In view of macroeconomic developments, taking into account the various opportunities and risks, and assuming the global economy does not see weaker growth than predicted by the relevant institutions, the company is expecting sales of around € 2,350 million in financial year 2025/26 (2024/25: € 2,280 million). In view of the significant exchange rate effects, the continuing weak macroeconomic situation, and the uncertain trade situation, the company is assuming the increase in the adjusted EBITDA margin will be toward the lower end of the predicted range of up to 8 percent (previous year: 7.1 percent).

Image 1: A team from the Hoifu Group, gathered around Chairman Ou Shun Chou (front row, sixth from the left), with HEIDELBERG representatives including Steven Hou, General Manager South China, and Michael Nilges, Managing Director of the Shanghai site (front row, seventh and eighth from the left), during acceptance testing for the 1,000th Speedmaster CX 104 at the HEIDELBERG site in Shanghai.

Image 2: The digital printing line at rubmedia includes a Jetfire 50 and a Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG, as well as the corresponding postpress equipment. The media house can use this line for the complete, industrialized in-house production of personalized and high-quality short runs.

Image 3: The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.

Image material and further information about the company are available in the Investor Relations portal and Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.

Important note:

This release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even though the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, the actual future development and results may deviate substantially from these forward-looking statements due to various factors, such as changes in the overall economic situation, in exchange and interest rates, and within the print media industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee and assumes no liability for future developments and results deviating from the assumptions and estimates made in this press release.
Hashtag: #HEIDELBERGDruckmaschinenAG

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

About HEIDELBERG

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for 175 years. With a clear focus on growth and as a total solution provider, HEIDELBERG is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions, and lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. The company is also focusing on expanding into new business areas such as high-precision plant engineering with integrated control systems, automation technology, robotics, and the growing green technologies sector. With its strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creative power and expertise of its roughly 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China, and the USA, and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is ideally positioned for future growth.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has opened the second round of trilateral talks bringing together delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role as a discreet diplomatic venue for high-stakes dialogue amid a protracted conflict in Eastern Europe. The discussions, convened under the auspices of the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follow an initial round held earlier and are designed to […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has launched a comprehensive study to guide the long-term redevelopment of Mussafah, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the district’s standing as a major industrial and investment hub while improving liveability for workers and surrounding communities. The Department of Municipalities and Transport said the first phase of the project will examine ways to revitalise Mussafah’s waterfront, with proposals centred on creating […]

Designed by Skechers & Alpro Physiotherapists for comfort and fall prevention, the shoes are introduced alongside the Silver Line Walk & Run family event.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2026 – For many families, a simple walk is no longer taken for granted. As parents and grandparents age, everyday movement can become a real concern, from the risk of slipping on smooth floors to the strain of bending down just to put on shoes. These challenges often cause seniors to walk less, gradually limiting their independence and keeping them from enjoying outings, travel, and daily activities with their family members.

The Alpro x Skechers Silver Line Walk & Run Event held on 31 January 2026.
The Alpro x Skechers Silver Line Walk & Run Event held on 31 January 2026.

Recognising the growing impact of mobility-related issues among older adults, Alpro Physio, the physiotherapy arm of Alpro Group specialising in mobility and rehabilitation, has partnered with Skechers Malaysia to introduce Silver Line, an exclusive footwear line for seniors available at Alpro. The series brings clinical insight directly into everyday product design, with the goal of helping seniors move more safely and confidently.
Silver Line is not just a walking shoe, but a mobility support solution built around the real challenges faced by the elderly. As Malaysia’s ageing population continues to grow, mobility issues are becoming an increasingly urgent public health concern. Falls remain one of the leading risks among older adults, often linked to poor balance, unsuitable footwear, or the physical strain of wearing shoes. Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility can further discourage regular movement, affecting both physical health and emotional well-being.
Safety is at the heart of Silver Line’s design. The shoe features Skechers’ Hands-Free Slip-ins™ technology, allowing seniors to put on their shoes without bending down, helping to reduce strain and the risk of losing balance. An enhanced anti-slip outsole improves grip on tiled and smooth surfaces, supporting better stability and lowering the risk of falls.
Comfort is equally essential. Extra cushioning helps reduce pressure on knees, joints, and heels, while the lightweight construction makes walking less tiring. A wider, senior-friendly fit accommodates swollen or sensitive feet, helping seniors stay active longer with less discomfort and greater confidence.

The introduction of Silver Line is marked by the “Silver Line Walk & Run,” a family-friendly community event that encourages Malaysians to stay active across generations, especially alongside their parents and grandparents. The initiative reflects a shared belief that healthy ageing should be supported not only through medical care, but also through practical lifestyle solutions like shoes designed with safety in mind.
Eugene Siow, Chief Physiotherapist of Alpro Physio, shared that many elderly patients experience limited mobility not simply because of age, but due to preventable factors such as inappropriate footwear. He explained that Silver Line was created to support balance, reduce joint strain, and most importantly, help seniors move with confidence and maintain independence.
Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, added that Skechers has long focused on comfort-led innovation, with Slip-ins™ technology offering significant benefits for seniors who struggle with bending or balance. She noted that the availability of this range through Alpro allows more seniors to access footwear that goes beyond comfort to genuinely support ageing communities.

The Silver Line shoe is exclusively available through Alpro OneClick, Alpro’s official online pharmacy platform. More than just footwear, it is a thoughtful and practical gift choice for parents and grandparents, one that supports their independence, comfort, and confidence with every step. More information about the Silver Line collection can be found at https://bit.ly/AlproxSkechersSilverLine.
Hashtag: #AlproxSkechersSilverLine

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

Alpro Group

Founded in 2002, Alpro Group’s ecosystem has grown to include Alpro Pharmacy, Apotek Alpro, Alpro スギ (Sugi) Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro OptiSaver, Alpro Audiology, and Alpro Health. Supported by a team of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrist and many others, Alpro serves over 5 million families in Malaysia and Indonesia through its extensive network of 500 physical outlets.

Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the region to offer product liability insurance of MYR 1 million in Malaysia and IDR 3 billion in Indonesia, ensuring the supply of genuine medications and enhancing consumer trust.

With the vision of a healthy and vibrant world, Alpro Group aims to become the No. 1 prescription pharmacy chain in Southeast Asia.

Scientists have identified what may be the coldest ocean temperatures ever recorded in Earth’s history, shedding new light on how life endured a planet-wide freeze roughly 700 million years ago. The findings, drawn from advanced chemical analyses of ancient marine sediments, suggest that global oceans during the Cryogenian period cooled to levels close to, and in some regions possibly below, the freezing point of seawater, while remaining […]

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today successfully launched its annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, at the HKPC Building, with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) as the strategic partner of the event. With the theme of “Empowering Hong Kong’s Innovation Ecosystem, Bridging Opportunities with the 15th Five-Year Plan”, the event brought together, both in online and offline, more than 500 government, business, industry leaders and approximately 16,000 viewers in Chinese Mainland to discuss how Hong Kong can proactively connect with the national “15th Five-Year Plan” and jointly promote innovation and industrial integration, helping enterprises achieve high-quality development and enhance international competitiveness.

The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at the forum and expressed, “The country has consistently given strong support to Hong Kong’s development of innovation and technology. Whether in the ’14th Five‑Year Plan’ or in the recommendations for the ’15th Five‑Year Plan’, there is clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub”. He added, “Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively align with national development strategies, promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and further strengthen the linkage between technology and industry. We will encourage enterprises to devote more effort in research and development, expand the scope of technology applications, and nurture innovative enterprises with an international outlook and forward-looking vision, driving the economy toward a high value-added and more diversified future”.

The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said in the closing remarks, “The ’15th Five-Year Plan’ brings significant and far-reaching development opportunities to Hong Kong. At the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s recent group study session, President Xi Jinping urged adopting a strategy whereby industry poses questions and science and technology provide the answers. HKPC will continue to play an active role in promoting innovation and industrial upgrading, closely echoing the overall development strategies of the national and HKSAR Government, and making good use of innovative technologies to address business challenges, providing comprehensive support to enterprises to accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance their competitiveness, and seize new opportunities”.

Unlocking Hong Kong’s Connectivity Advantages and Gathering Leadership Wisdom

The “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel” was held at the day, moderated by Mr Vincent WONG, Columnist and Media Veteran, and invited industry leaders including Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd., Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder and Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Ltd., Mr Jonathan CHIU, President of Schneider Electric Hong Kong, Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council, to share their insights. The topic features three key areas of enterprise going global, technological empowerment and talent development, and delved into the practical experience of how enterprises can achieve innovation-driven and high-quality development under the national “15th Five-Year Plan” through Hong Kong’s role as a “bridgehead”, Chinese brands going international through Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s advantages in technical support and innovative talent gathering, and how it can provide the Chinese Mainland enterprises with a one-stop platform for upgrading and going globally.

Realising the Full Empowerment of Enterprises to “Go Global”

HKPC echoes the national and HKSAR Government’s development strategies to address business challenges and industrial technology needs. Over the years, HKPC has successfully assisted many Chinese Mainland and local enterprises in expanding overseas markets, with many of these expansions implemented in Southeast Asia, Europe, ASEAN and the Middle East, etc., achieving upgrades and internationalisation. In recent years, HKPC and OASES have jointly established an “introduction-application-growth-go global” service model to help enterprises go global, with success cases include Westwell, Yunji Technology, UNISEE, etc. HKPC will continue to work with OASES to leverage the advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” to help enterprises connecting the world through Hong Kong.

Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “Hong Kong possesses a robust financial system, deep talent pool, and an international environment that integrates with international regulations, standards and operation practices. Coupled with the government’s relevant industry policies and long-established overseas networks, Hong Kong provides unique support for Chinese Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base to go global, as well as for overseas enterprises to development in the GBA. OASES is dedicated to attracting global strategic enterprises from five strategic I&T sectors, actively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. We provide comprehensive landing support services and assist enterprises in establishing their ‘first project’ in Hong Kong, fully leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Added'”.

At the same time, HKPC, as a member of the GoGlobal Task Force of the HKSAR Government, will continue to focus on providing “Six Tactics to Go Global” for enterprises through “The Cradle Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), including smart production, Technology research and development and evaluation, international standards and testing, professional services, training and on-site visits, and funding schemes, to support Hong Kong to leverage its unique advantages and empower enterprises to expand overseas with high quality.

Since its establishment in April, The Cradle has attracted more than 350 companies that have expressed interest in using its services. Among these, over 100 cases have entered a concrete follow‑up stage. Together with overseas expansion projects supported prior to its establishment, the cumulative total exceeds 450 cases.

For more details, please watch the video “Six Tactics to Go Global“.

Bringing the strengths of Government, Industry, Academia, Research and Investment to Build an Innovative Industrial Ecosystem

HKPC has been working closely with the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to promote new industrialisation and enhance the new quality productive forces of industries, including:

  • The major project led by Harbin Institute of Technology on key technologies and equipment for circular economy: Provide dynamic identification and big data resource pool construction solutions for multi-source solid waste in megaurban agglomerations
  • The project led by Jiangsu University on wheat green smart processing and key technology integration and industrialisation demonstration: Provide core technical support such as AI and the Internet of Things
  • Tsinghua University: Jointly established a technology centre to focus on the industrial transformation of intelligent manufacturing and AI technology
  • Zuquan Research Institute of Fudan University: Signed a cooperation agreement to promote collaboration and transformation of scientific and technological outcomes between Shanghai and Hong Kong

HKPC will continue to promote cross-sectoral dialogue between government, industry, academia, research and investment, focusing on the implementation of future industries and technology applications, and helping to build Hong Kong into a key node in the global I&T value chain.

Click here to download the high-resolution photos

Photo caption:

  1. HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, themed “Empowering the Innovation Ecosystem and Bridging Hong Kong with New Opportunities under the 15th Five‑Year Plan,” brought together numerous government and business leaders.
  2. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a speech as the guest of honour at the “ForeSight 2026”, pointing out that going forward, efforts will continue to proactively align with national development strategies and promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.
  3. The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member, said in his closing remarks that the Productivity Council will leverage innovation and technology to address enterprises’ real pain points, provide all‑round support to help enterprises accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance competitiveness, and seize new opportunities.
  4. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo‑po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, GBM, GBS, MH, JP (centre); The Honourable Sunny Tan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member (second from right); Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (second from left); Mr Emil YU, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far right); and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far left), attended HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”.
  5. Moderated by veteran media professional Dr. Vincent WONG, industry leaders shared their insights at the “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel”.

    6. (From right to left) Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises; Mr Jonathan CHIU, President, Hong Kong, Schneider Electric Hong Kong; Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder & Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Limited; Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd.; and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Hashtag: #HKPC #Foresight2026

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

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing business challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: .

Supreme Court scrutiny of WhatsApp’s data practices intensified as the top court questioned whether the messaging platform’s policies align with constitutional guarantees on privacy and informed consent, while warning its parent company that operating in the country requires adherence to domestic law. The bench’s observations came amid an ongoing legal challenge to the 2021 privacy policy and regulatory penalties that have placed Meta and WhatsApp under sustained pressure from both courts and competition authorities.

At the centre of the proceedings is the 2021 update to WhatsApp’s terms, which expanded data-sharing with its parent entity, Meta Platforms. Petitioners have argued that the policy compelled users to accept broader data sharing to continue using the service, undermining free consent and diluting privacy protections recognised as a fundamental right. Judges asked pointed questions on whether users were given a genuine choice, and whether the policy met standards set by constitutional jurisprudence on proportionality and necessity.

The court also weighed in on enforcement actions taken by competition regulators, including a penalty of Rs 213 crore imposed for alleged abuse of market dominance through the policy change. While the competition case proceeds separately, the bench indicated that regulatory findings cannot be viewed in isolation when fundamental rights are implicated. The judges sought clarity on how WhatsApp segregates user data, what information is shared across Meta’s ecosystem, and whether safeguards claimed by the company are verifiable in practice.

During the hearing, the bench underlined that digital platforms operating at scale must respect constitutional norms. A warning was issued that companies unwilling to comply with domestic law cannot insist on unfettered market access. The remark was interpreted as a signal that economic presence does not confer immunity from judicial scrutiny, especially when services have become essential communication infrastructure for millions.

WhatsApp, represented by senior counsel, maintained that the 2021 update did not expand data sharing with Meta for personal messaging, stressing that end-to-end encryption remains intact. The company argued that the policy clarified existing practices related to business messaging and interoperability, and that users who did not accept the update could continue using core features for a limited period. Counsel also pointed to privacy controls and transparency reports as evidence of compliance.

Judges, however, questioned whether technical assurances suffice when consent mechanisms are contested. They asked if an opt-out that effectively restricts service access can be considered voluntary, and whether users were adequately informed of the scope and implications of data sharing. The court referenced earlier rulings that emphasise informed consent as a cornerstone of data protection, especially where asymmetry of power exists between platforms and users.

The case unfolds against a broader regulatory backdrop. A comprehensive digital personal data protection framework is being operationalised, setting clearer obligations for consent, purpose limitation and data minimisation. While the new regime applies prospectively, the court signalled that constitutional standards apply regardless of statutory timelines. The bench noted that platform conduct during transitional periods remains subject to judicial review.

Industry observers say the proceedings could have ripple effects across the technology sector. Messaging and social media platforms rely on integrated data ecosystems to monetise services, particularly through business messaging and targeted advertising. Judicial insistence on granular consent and strict separation of data could require costly re-engineering of systems and clearer disclosures to users.

For Meta, the stakes extend beyond this single policy. The company has faced competition probes and content moderation challenges across multiple jurisdictions, reflecting a global push to rein in Big Tech. A strong judicial stance in one of its largest markets may influence how policies are drafted elsewhere, especially in countries with robust constitutional privacy protections.

India has set out a strategic roadmap to accelerate domestic capabilities in robotics and physical artificial intelligence, signalling a push to reduce dependence on imported hardware and proprietary software while positioning the country as a competitive global supplier of intelligent machines. The plan, prepared by the Technology Advisory Group for Emerging Technologies, places indigenisation, software sovereignty and sector-focused deployment at the centre of the national approach, with healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and media production identified as priority domains.

The roadmap comes as governments worldwide race to translate advances in artificial intelligence into physical systems that can operate autonomously in real-world environments. While software-led AI has seen rapid adoption, policymakers argue that long-term economic and strategic gains will hinge on control over robotics hardware, operating systems and embedded intelligence. India’s proposal reflects concerns that reliance on imported robots and closed platforms could expose critical sectors to supply-chain risks and limit domestic innovation.

At its core, the strategy seeks to build a full-stack robotics ecosystem, spanning sensors, actuators, edge computing, operating software, cloud integration and safety certification. Officials involved in drafting the document have stressed that the objective is not isolation but resilience, with domestic alternatives developed alongside international collaboration. The roadmap calls for common standards and open architectures to prevent vendor lock-in and to allow startups and research institutions to build interoperable systems.

Healthcare has emerged as an early focus area, driven by workforce shortages and rising demand for precision care. The roadmap highlights surgical assistance, rehabilitation devices, hospital logistics robots and elder-care support systems as near-term opportunities. Policymakers note that such applications demand high reliability and ethical safeguards, reinforcing the need for locally controlled software stacks and transparent algorithms. Parallel efforts are proposed to strengthen clinical validation pathways and align regulatory approvals with global benchmarks.

Manufacturing and logistics form another pillar, with the document pointing to collaborative robots, autonomous guided vehicles and smart warehousing as tools to raise productivity and improve workplace safety. India’s manufacturing sector, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, has historically lagged in robot adoption due to cost and skills barriers. The roadmap recommends targeted incentives, shared testing facilities and modular designs to lower entry thresholds, alongside large-scale skilling programmes to train technicians, operators and system integrators.

Agriculture features prominently, reflecting policy priorities around food security and rural incomes. The plan outlines the use of robotics for precision spraying, harvesting, soil analysis and post-harvest handling. Developers are encouraged to design systems suited to fragmented landholdings and diverse crops, rather than importing models built for large, mechanised farms elsewhere. Officials argue that domestically developed agricultural robots could also find markets across Asia and Africa, where similar conditions prevail.

An unusual inclusion is the media and creative sector, where robotics and physical AI are seen as enablers of immersive production, automated camera systems and smart broadcasting infrastructure. The roadmap suggests that integrating robotics with virtual production and generative tools could lower costs for newsrooms and studios while enhancing safety in hazardous reporting environments.

Beyond sectoral applications, the strategy places strong emphasis on software sovereignty. It calls for homegrown robotics operating systems, simulation platforms and AI frameworks that can be audited and customised. While global open-source projects are acknowledged as valuable foundations, the document urges sustained public funding to ensure domestic stewardship and long-term maintenance. Data governance and cybersecurity are flagged as critical, particularly for robots deployed in sensitive locations.

Financing and procurement reforms form another strand. The roadmap proposes dedicated funding windows for deep-tech robotics ventures, longer grant cycles to reflect extended development timelines and clearer pathways from research labs to commercial deployment. Public procurement is positioned as a market-shaping tool, with government agencies encouraged to pilot domestically developed robots in hospitals, warehouses and public infrastructure.

The roadmap also addresses ethical and social dimensions, including job displacement concerns and safety standards. Rather than framing robotics as a threat to employment, the document argues that productivity gains can create new roles in design, maintenance and supervision, provided reskilling keeps pace. It recommends national guidelines for human–robot interaction, liability frameworks and continuous monitoring of societal impact.

ChatGPT experienced a service disruption that prompted widespread user complaints, with tracking platforms registering more than 12,000 reports of errors before OpenAI confirmed that systems were being restored. The incident, which affected users across multiple regions, briefly limited access to one of the most widely used generative artificial intelligence tools, raising renewed questions about the resilience of large-scale AI infrastructure as dependence on such services deepens. OpenAI […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has added a new regulated player to its financial landscape with the formal launch of EmCoin, positioned as the country’s first onshore, Capital Market Authority-regulated multi-asset investment platform. The company says the platform allows investors to access crypto assets, foreign exchange, equities and other asset classes through a single, domestically licensed structure, marking a notable step in the UAE’s effort to […]

By Nitya Chakraborty Nearly 48 hours after Donald Trump’s announcement about the India-US trade deal and Narendra Modi’s confirmation in his telephonic conversation, much has been written in the media by the experts, mostly following the lead given by the commerce minister Piyush Goyal in his press meet on Tuesday as to what positive impacts […]

The article Trump Has Linked India-US Trade Deal To India Acting As Partner In His Pacific Strategy appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

AACHEN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 4 February 2026 – Aachen, FEV has teamed up with Daimler Buses to create the first coach with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system. The starting point for the “H₂ Coach” technology demonstrator, which is intended for testing purposes, was a conventional Setra coach. This marks an important step toward locally emission-free long-distance travel: short refueling times, ranges of at least 800 kilometers per tank filling, and quiet operation underscore its practicality.

FEV and Daimler Buses have jointly developed the "H2 Coach", the first coach with a hydrogen-based fuel cell drive system. Source: Daimler Buses
FEV and Daimler Buses have jointly developed the “H2 Coach”, the first coach with a hydrogen-based fuel cell drive system. Source: Daimler Buses

Daimler Buses and FEV jointly carried out the complete system transformation from diesel drive to fuel cell electric vehicle. After creating the overall vehicle concept, FEV took over the mechanical and E/E integration. One distinguishing feature is that the individual components deployed – including fuel cells, high-voltage components (such as batteries and electric motors), H₂ tank assemblies, control units including software – originate from different technology platforms from Daimler Buses and Daimler Truck. FEV integrated the systems into a functional powertrain in the overall vehicle.

An important factor in the development process was safety. Measures were developed for various crash load cases as well as for functional, high-voltage, and hydrogen safety.

“The ‘H₂ Coach’ impressively demonstrates how complex subsystems can be integrated into a testable, safe complete vehicle when vehicle, powertrain, and E/E expertise come from a single source,” said Klaus Wolff, Vice President Project Management at FEV. “With our one-stop-shop approach, we quickly and efficiently delivered the desired customized solution to our customer – from concept to approval.”

After successful approval by German technical inspection authority TÜV and passing electromagnetic compatibility tests, FEV handed over the vehicle to Daimler Buses in the summer of 2025 after approximately two years of joint project work.

Hashtag: #FEV

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

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Heralding An Auspicious Chinese New Year with A Fun, Festive Horse-Year Collection

JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – Following the success of its first flagship store at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya, Sipzz, the Gen‑Z lifestyle tumbler brand, is opening its second flagship store at Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru. To celebrate, the brand is unveiling its Chinese New Year 2026 Collection, themed 「喝一口，好运马上到｜Sip Your Way to Prosperity」, featuring two playful and festive tumblers: The Fortune Ride H2Oh (360ml) and H2Oh (550ml) The Lucky Hop H2Oh (550ml), designed to bring good fortune, joy and stylish hydration to everyday life.

Have a refreshing festive season with Sipzz CNY 2026 Collection
Have a refreshing festive season with Sipzz CNY 2026 Collection

Malaysia’s Marketing Manager of Sipzz Ms. Catherine Soo said, “Hydration is more than just a daily necessity — it’s an opportunity to create enjoyable, meaningful moments. There is a growing market of health and wellness conscious communities, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. Through our thoughtfully-designed tumblers, we would like to inspire young people and working adults to stay hydrated every day while enjoying a touch of playfulness and style. Our CNY 2026 Collection brings this philosophy to life, combining festive design with functionality for everyday use.”

In conjunction with the soft opening of the Sipzz outlet at Paradigm Mall JB, visitors can explore an immersive and interactive showcase from 5 to 8 February 2026 with activations such as DIY tumbler customisation, personalised name engraving and festive photo moments crafted for social sharing. The collection transforms everyday hydration into a modern festive ritual, combining practicality with symbolic celebration to engage visitors, encourage family participation and create memorable connections during the Chinese New Year period.

Designed for consumers who value meaningful daily habits over traditional décor gifting, the collection emphasises thoughtful, lifestyle-driven gifting. The Fortune Ride H2Oh (360ml) and H2Oh (550ml) embodies a joyful journey with every sip, symbolising a smooth ride filled with luck, positivity and new opportunities, carrying good fortune wherever you go. Compact yet functional, it keeps beverages cold for up to five hours and hot for up to eight hours, featuring a wide-mouth opening and leak-resistant construction for everyday convenience.

Meanwhile, The Lucky Hop H2Oh (550ml) features a cheerful and energetic design that emphasises fun, inspired by the horse symbol representing spontaneity and continuous good fortune throughout the year. The H2Oh 360ml series is able to retain both cold and hot temperatures for up to six hours, while the H2Oh 550ml can maintain cold and hot temperatures for up to eight hours. All Sipzz tumblers are made from durable 304 stainless steel and BPA-free, food-grade materials, making them suitable for everyday use as well as gifting.

The collection draws inspiration from traditional prosperity symbols, reflecting good fortune, smooth beginnings and the phrase “马到成功“ (success arrives swiftly), resulting in a balance of festive warmth and modern minimalism that appeals to families and young adults alike.

All tumblers are made from BPA-free, food-grade materials with durable stainless steel for safe and reliable hydration, while SGS testing and certification apply to the H2Oh Regular and H2Oh Large series only.

As health awareness rises among younger consumers, Gen Z increasingly prioritizes hydration as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Sipzz encourages youngsters and working adults to drink more water by transforming hydration into a fun, colourful, and emotionally engaging experience, with research showing that visually appealing drinkware can motivate increased daily water intake and support healthier habits.

Hashtag: #Sipzz #SipzzMalaysia #GrandOpening #ParadigmMallJB #SIPinProsperity #CNY2026 #CNYCollection #HydrationLifestyle #Tumbler




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

About Sipzz

Founded in Singapore, Sipzz is a Gen-Z lifestyle tumbler brand that combines pastel aesthetics, premium materials, and customisation to elevate everyday hydration. Sipzz tumblers are SGS-tested and certified, designed for durability, style, and shareable moments, making hydration a personal and playful experience. For more information about the product, please visit

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