News related to
work

By Tirthankar Mitra KOLKATA: By-poll results are usually predictable going in favour of the ruling party but the victory margin of twin electoral contests at Rejinagar and Nandigram declared on Friday, October 9 came as surprises. Even as a motley Opposition cried itself hoarse alleging electoral malpractices, thumping victories were registered by BJP candidates in […]

The article Two Bypoll Results In Bengal Vindicate State BJP’s Success In Courting Minorities appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Rahil Nora Chopra Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi stole the spotlight with a display of athleticism, seamless climbing over a police barricade during the Opposition MPs’ march to the Election Commission headquarters. Dressed in his trademark white collared T-shirt, Rahul stood atop the barricade, waving the Tricolour in the face […]

The article Anti-Election Commission Protest: Athletic Rahul Steals The Show appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

DAVIS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – BINGXUE, a mass-market tea beverage brand from Shandong, has opened its first U.S. store in Davis, California. After expanding into Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and other international markets, the brand has officially entered North America, marking another milestone in its global expansion. Backed by years of investment in supply chain capabilities, international compliance, and overseas store operations, BINGXUE is accelerating its international expansion and bringing Chinese tea beverages to consumers around the world.

On October 2, BINGXUE officially opened its first U.S. store in Davis, California, drawing strong foot traffic and sustained crowds throughout the day. From the moment the store opened, large numbers of local consumers gathered to explore the brand and line up for their favorite products. The line stretched more than 50 meters along the street, creating a striking new consumer destination in the neighborhood. Several signature soft serve and beverage products sold out within half a day, while customer traffic remained consistently high throughout the day, with staff working at full capacity to serve customers. According to store data, more than 1,000 beverages were sold on opening day, quickly generating strong consumer interest in the local market. The store quickly became a popular new destination in Davis, with many local residents sharing their visits on social media and generating widespread local buzz.

The grand opening also received significant attention and support from local government and business representatives. Davis Mayor Donna Neville attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony in person, joining the BINGXUE team to mark the official opening of the brand’s first North American store. Following the ceremony, Mayor Neville visited the store to learn more about BINGXUE’s ingredient standards, product portfolio, and global supply chain, and sampled several of the brand’s signature tea beverages. The beverages were well received for their quality and refreshing flavors, further strengthening BINGXUE’s connection with the local community and highlighting its growing presence in the market. The warm and engaging exchange throughout the event helped bring the brand closer to the local community and support its deeper integration into the North American market.

Representatives from the local chamber of commerce also attended the grand opening to congratulate the BINGXUE team and engaged in in-depth discussions with the brand on topics including localized operations, integration into the local business community, and opportunities for community collaboration. The recognition and welcome from the local business community provide a strong foundation for BINGXUE to establish a long-term presence in California.

This achievement reflects the brand’s long-term investment in supply chain development, compliance systems, and product localization. Although its first U.S. store opened only this year, BINGXUE began preparing for FDA requirements related to relevant ingredients three years ago, while its supply chain planning started even earlier. The company has spent years preparing its ingredients, certifications, production processes, and compliance systems for the U.S. market. The launch of its first store was therefore the result of long-term planning rather than a short-term market test.

Founded in Shandong in 2014, BINGXUE began its international expansion in 2023. In just three years, the brand has entered 18 countries and regions, with more than 5,000 contracted stores worldwide. Of these, more than 2,000 are overseas, with over 1,500 overseas stores already in operation, while the overseas store closure rate remains below 1%. From Southeast Asia to North America, BINGXUE continues to expand its global footprint.

BINGXUE’s global expansion strategy did not begin simply with opening stores overseas. It began with the long-term development of its brand, supply chain, and international compliance capabilities. BINGXUE is the first Shandong-based tea beverage brand to enter the U.S. market. Its ability to establish a presence in one of the world’s most competitive consumer markets, with stringent market-entry requirements, demonstrates the strength of its broader business and operational capabilities.

On the product side, BINGXUE offers a diversified portfolio spanning fresh fruit teas, milk teas, signature soft serve, yogurt smoothies, and other categories to cater to different tastes and consumption occasions. According to research by Champ Consulting, BINGXUE’s matcha soft serve ranks No. 1 globally in sales.

In terms of store experience, BINGXUE’s new 8.0 store format enhances customer engagement through a five-senses approach and premium aesthetics, while maintaining the same pricing structure and continuing its positioning of “premium experience at accessible prices.” The choice of Davis for its first U.S. store was not a simple replication of its domestic model, but a decision based on the city’s university ecosystem and young consumer base, supported by localized adjustments.

Many may ask why BINGXUE chose Davis rather than a major city such as Los Angeles or San Francisco for its first U.S. store. The answer lies in the character of the city itself.

Davis is one of the birthplaces of the U.S. “Farm-to-Fork” movement, where local ingredients and sustainable agriculture are deeply embedded in everyday life. UC Davis is consistently recognized as a leading institution in agriculture and food science. This strong emphasis on ingredients closely aligns with BINGXUE’s “Global Flavors Season” concept, which explores source regions and local flavors.

As a classic college town, Davis has a large student and university-affiliated population, while its diverse and open-minded community provides a strong audience for new-style tea beverages. Rather than competing for traffic in a major metropolitan market, BINGXUE positioned its first store close to consumers who value ingredients and are willing to try new products. In Davis’s competitive tea beverage market, the brand has also differentiated itself through accessible pricing and distinctive flavors that resonate with local consumers.

Successful international expansion for a tea beverage brand depends on far more than store operations. It requires an integrated system covering ingredients, production, certification, warehousing, logistics, and training. BINGXUE established its own factory as early as 2018. In August 2026, the BINGXUE Industrial Park officially opened in Qihe, Shandong, with a total investment of RMB 660 million, integrating manufacturing, R&D, training, and supply chain operations.

The industrial park includes production facilities covering key product categories such as powdered beverages, juices and jams, tea, and dairy products, supported by an R&D center and business training system. Together, these capabilities form an integrated chain spanning raw-material production, product development, staff training, warehousing, logistics, and store operations. More than 80% of BINGXUE’s raw materials are currently supplied by its own factories.

The company has also established a three-tier logistics network consisting of central warehouses, regional warehouses, and partner warehouses, supporting stores worldwide through domestic warehousing, overseas warehouses, and localized production.

Meanwhile, to meet food safety and production requirements across different countries and regions, BINGXUE has continued to strengthen its international compliance capabilities and has obtained six international certifications and related qualifications, including Halal, ISO 22000, HACCP, and FDA-related certifications and approvals. From factories to overseas warehouses, and from ingredient certification to store training, BINGXUE is gradually converting years of industrial investment into overseas operating capabilities.

For BINGXUE, international expansion also means building a supply chain capable of supporting operations across different markets. The company has taken a more asset-intensive approach, building the infrastructure and capabilities needed to support its expansion into the U.S. market.

The first U.S. store is only the beginning. A second U.S. location is already in development and is expected to open on Oxnard Boulevard in California. As Jiang Huabei, founder and general manager of BINGXUE, said, “The overseas market offers greater room for growth than the domestic market. If you decide to enter it, the goal should not be simply to test the waters, but to build for the long term, develop the market thoroughly, and meet unmet consumer needs.”

Going forward, BINGXUE will continue to build on its supply chain capabilities, focus on product development, and strengthen localized operations as it steadily advances toward its goal of reaching 10,000 stores worldwide within three years. With its entry into North America, BINGXUE is bringing Chinese tea beverages to more consumers around the world and opening a new chapter in the international expansion of Chinese tea culture.

Hashtag: #BINGXUE

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

The MICHELIN Key recognises hotels that offer exceptional stay experiences, assessed against five universal criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; individual personality and overall character; value for money; and a meaningful contribution to the experience of the surrounding neighbourhood or destination. Together, these criteria demonstrate that a memorable stay is shaped by far more than the beauty of a property alone; it is the result of different elements coming together to create an overall experience. At Oriental Residence Bangkok, this is expressed through a distinctive residential experience centred on elegance, privacy and intuitive care that responds to each guest’s individual needs.

Three Years of Recognition, Beyond the First Impression

Receiving One MICHELIN Key for the third consecutive year places Oriental Residence Bangkok among the hotels in Thailand recognised internationally for an exceptional stay experience. The achievement also reflects the dedication of the hotel team in maintaining consistently high standards of service.

Alongside its One MICHELIN Key distinction, Oriental Residence Bangkok is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), reflecting the hotel’s distinctive identity and thoughtful approach to service. Together, these recognitions reflect the strong foundation of quality on which the hotel continues to build and evolve its guest experience in response to changing traveller expectations.

For ONYX Hospitality Group, the recognition reflects a management approach that places equal importance on maintaining standards and preserving each brand’s individual character. Drawing on its experience and expertise, the Group develops services that respond to different guest needs, ensuring each journey is supported with the right level of care while maintaining a consistent quality of experience.

For travellers choosing a hotel for a relaxing break, whether for a weekend away, time with family or a stay that calls for added comfort and convenience, the choice may be about more than simply discovering a new place to stay. It is also about having confidence that the experience will meet their needs and make the time set aside for rest truly worthwhile. Consistent recognition therefore provides another meaningful point of reference when choosing where to stay.

One of the defining qualities of Oriental Residence Bangkok is the opportunity to unwind in a tranquil and private setting on Wireless Road while remaining in the heart of the city. Surrounded by embassies, lifestyle destinations, restaurants and key landmarks, guests can step out to experience Bangkok, meet the people who matter, or return to the calm of the hotel at their own pace. With spaces suited to both work and time together, complemented by service that respects privacy, the hotel is well suited to both short breaks and longer stays in Bangkok.

Building on Recognition, Shaping the Next Chapter of the Guest Experience

Over more than 60 years, ONYX Hospitality Group has continued to build on its hospitality expertise, bringing this foundation to Oriental Residence Bangkok through The Art of Intuitive Refinement. The concept places emphasis on elegance, privacy and care that understands each guest’s needs at different moments throughout their stay.

This experience also connects naturally with More of What You Love, ONYX Hospitality Group’s philosophy of giving guests more time for the things that matter to them, whether choosing how to spend their day, discovering the character of Bangkok, or returning to the tranquillity and privacy of the hotel.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

The successful field trial, conducted by QNu Labs, the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and IIT Gandhinagar, established a quantum communication channel between two facilities in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced the achievement on October 3, confirming that the experiment took place overnight on September 27–28. The system generated secure cryptographic keys at 230–260 bits per second while maintaining a quantum bit error rate below five per cent.

The participating institutions also demonstrated successful encryption and decryption of test messages using the generated keys, establishing that the experimental quantum channel could operate alongside conventional communications infrastructure.

The achievement represents India’s first publicly announced free-space quantum key distribution demonstration at this distance. Unlike fibre-based systems, the technology transmits quantum signals through the atmosphere, allowing secure key exchange without a continuous physical cable between communicating locations.

QNu Labs deployed its Armos quantum key distribution equipment alongside a pointing, acquisition and tracking system designed to maintain optical alignment between transmitting and receiving terminals.

The experiment used a 1,550-nanometre optical channel and a differential phase shift decoy protocol. Precise alignment was essential because atmospheric disturbances and small movements can disrupt the transmission of weak quantum signals across extended distances.

The reported error rate provided an important indication of transmission quality, while the secure key generation rate demonstrated the system’s ability to produce cryptographic material for practical encryption applications.

The generated keys were integrated into BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach platform, which incorporates post-quantum cryptography and quantum random number generation. This arrangement combined hardware-based quantum key distribution with software-based cryptographic protection.

Researchers demonstrated the transmission of 256-bit encryption keys through an interface conforming to the ETSI GS QKD 014 specification, enabling a test message to be encrypted, transmitted and decrypted successfully.

The hybrid architecture is intended to maintain cryptographic protection when the quantum channel becomes temporarily unavailable. Post-quantum cryptography uses mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from sufficiently powerful quantum computers, while quantum key distribution relies on the properties of quantum states to reveal potential interception.

The two approaches address different security requirements and can operate together, although neither eliminates every vulnerability associated with communication networks, including compromised devices or implementation weaknesses.

Sunil Gupta, co-founder and chief executive of QNu Labs, said quantum security would become meaningful at scale only when technologies moved beyond controlled laboratories and operated across actual communications infrastructure.

He said the field trial demonstrated that quantum key distribution, supported by precise optical tracking, could function across a multi-kilometre atmospheric link while integrating with a post-quantum security layer.

Vinay Thakur, director-general of BISAG-N, highlighted the integration of Vedic Kavach with quantum key distribution as evidence that complementary security technologies could address evolving protection requirements.

The demonstration also has implications for India’s proposed satellite quantum communication capabilities. Satellite-to-ground systems require quantum signals to pass through atmospheric conditions, making terrestrial free-space experiments useful for evaluating optical transmission and tracking technologies.

However, the Gandhinagar experiment did not establish a satellite connection or demonstrate operational performance across orbital distances. Such applications require additional testing involving moving platforms, longer optical paths and changing atmospheric conditions.

The achievement contributes to technical work associated with India’s National Quantum Mission, which includes developing secure quantum communications and supporting technologies for terrestrial and space applications.

Manish Tripathi, who oversees the Interdisciplinary School of Technology and Future at IIT Gandhinagar, described the experiment as a valuable field environment bringing together academic research, domestic technology development and practical testing.

The participating organisations have not announced a timetable for commercial deployment or a subsequent satellite demonstration based on the trial.

The reported performance figures describe the conditions achieved during the September experiment rather than guaranteed operating rates under different weather conditions or across other locations.

BISAG-N contributed its Vedic Kavach encryption environment, IIT Gandhinagar provided the academic testing setting, and QNu Labs supplied the quantum distribution equipment and optical tracking technology used in the demonstration.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak The first week of anti-CEC agitation – 2 to 8 October, originally called by 19 political parties of INDIA bloc on September 30, now looks like the beginning of a broader electoral-rights movement in India. Several streams are converging: INDIA bloc parties, the youth-led by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), student organisations, […]

The article First Week Of Anti-CEC Agitation Turns Into Electoral Rights Movement appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Dr. Nilanjan Banik The public argument over Tata Sons has been told as a story of power: a board and a set of trusts pulling in different directions, a regulator applying pressure from outside. Lost in that framing is the party with the least say and the most at stake, the ordinary investor. This […]

The article appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

• Protection for ageing parents up to age 100 against conditions such as dementia, with maximum entry age at 80* and no medical underwriting required
• Lifetime protection for the child, covering death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability, with optional crisis care add-ons

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched PRUActive Family Care (PAFC), a whole-of-life protection plan designed for Singaporeans caring for multiple generations. The plan enables caregivers to provide protection for both their child and ageing parents under a single policy.

PAFC provides lifetime protection for the caregiver’s child, as the life assured, covering death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability (TPD). It also offers critical illness add-ons that cover 182 conditions including juvenile conditions and mental illness.

The plan also includes Parent Guard Benefit that provides protection for the caregiver’s ageing parents up to age 100, without the need for medical underwriting. It offers financial and income support when a parent is diagnosed with specified age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Often, older adults may find it challenging to get insurance coverage due to health-related underwriting requirements. By including protection for parents under the caregiver’s policy, PAFC helps families address the protection gap.

The launch of PAFC comes as Singapore has become a super-aged society as the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above was at 21.4 per cent in 2026, an increase from 13.7 per cent in 2016. By 2035, more than one in four citizens is expected to be aged 65 and above¹. As such, there will be an increasing number of people taking on caregiving responsibilities.

Mr Manu Tandon, Chief Health & Protection Officer of Prudential Singapore, said: “As Singapore’s population ages and families become smaller, many caregivers in the “sandwiched generation” are caring for their ageing parents while raising their young children. These caregivers can face significant financial and emotional stress as they need to fund their children’s education, meet their parents’ healthcare needs – particularly when ongoing care is required – and save for their own retirement.”

Prudential’s recent research² also highlights the financial challenges many caregivers face. Nearly three in four Singaporeans (72 per cent) cited financial support as the most important form of assistance for caregivers, yet only 13 per cent believed their household would have enough savings if a caregiver had to stop working to provide care.

Added Mr Tandon: “PRUActive Family Care helps families prepare for rising caregiving demands with protection for both parents and child under one plan, while safeguarding the caregiver’s financial future. Importantly, the Parent Guard Benefit extends protection to the caregiver’s ageing parents without underwriting required, who may otherwise find it difficult to obtain coverage.”

Supporting the Needs of the Multigenerational Families by Protecting Ageing Parents

Reflecting the diverse needs of caregivers, PRUActive Family Care offers flexibility for individuals with or without children. It allows the caregiver (the policyowner) or their child to be the life assured, with the option to enhance the life assured’s coverage by up to five times through the Multiplier Benefit. In addition, the Parent Guard Benefit provides coverage for both parents of the caregiver.

The Parent Guard Benefit offers the following financial and income support³:

• Diagnosis Support: 20 per cent sum assured (SA) upon parent’s diagnosis of covered conditions (Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy)
• Income Support: Up to 5 years upon parent undergoing the first treatment due to the diagnosis of the covered condition
• Accidental Fracture Hospital Income: Upon parent’s hospitalisation due to an Accidental Bone Fracture, a daily income of $150 will be paid for up to 10 days. This is an additional benefit that does not reduce the Parent Guard Sum Assured (SA).
• Family Support: Up to 8 per cent of SA upon parent’s death

Up to two parents can be included in the plan, with entry up to age 80* and coverage to age 100. Benefits are payable for eligible diagnoses in any of 13 recognised countries**.

Supporting Recovery and Rehabilitation

Beyond financial protection, PAFC is a holistic plan that provides value-added service to support recovery long after treatment or hospitalisation. The caregiver (policyholder), his/her child and parents, can tap on the recovery and rehabilitation services including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy and traditional Chinese medicine, and home care and medical services.

For more information on PRUActive Family Care, including full product terms, eligibility criteria and exclusions, please visit https://www.prudential.com.sg/pruactive-family-care

Additional notes:

• With ageing, the risk of developing health conditions increases. In Singapore, an estimated 72,000 people were living with dementia in 2023, and the Ministry of Health projects this figure could rise to 135,000 by 2030 (Source: Ministry of Health Parliamentary QA, 4 November 2025)
• This protection is especially relevant as about 90 to 100 new cases of childhood cancer are detected each year in Singapore among children under the age of 15 (Source: Singhealth website, 5 October 2026)
• 1 in 3 adolescents aged 10–18 experience symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness (Source: Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) Study, National University of Singapore, 2024)

* Based on age next birthday (ANB)

** Diagnosis must be provided by a registered medical practitioner in one of the following: Singapore, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China (limited to class 3 hospitals in designated cities), Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), United Kingdom, United States

Hashtag: #Prudential

https://www.prudential.com.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/prudential-assurance-company-singapore
https://www.facebook.com/PrudentialSingapore/
https://www.instagram.com/prudentialsingapore/?hl=en

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

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an AA Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.

This represents an improvement over Malaysia’s performance in 2025, when the country received 16 recognitions, including six category wins. The stronger performance in 2026 demonstrates the growing capabilities of Malaysian organisations in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

The recognitions were conferred under the ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices Awards and the ASEAN Renewable Energy Project Awards. The Malaysian recipients were recognised for projects involving energy-efficient and green buildings, biogas, solar and micro-hydro, as well as emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, waste-to-energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Prior to stepping onto the regional stage at AEA 2026, these organisations were first recognised for their achievement at the national level through National Energy Awards.

The National Energy Awards (NEA) serves as Malaysia’s platform for identifying and recognising organisations with the potential to compete at the ASEAN level. Selected NEA 2026 winners represented Malaysia at AEA 2026 and presented the country’s sustainable energy achievements and best practices to the region.

PETRA regards this regional recognition as evidence of the ability of Malaysian industries, businesses and institutions to translate the country’s energy transition objectives into practical solutions. It also demonstrates the value of cooperation among the Government, industry and other relevant stakeholders in strengthening Malaysia’s energy ecosystem.

The ASEAN Energy Awards 2026 were presented in Manila, the Philippines, in conjunction with the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF).

Malaysia’s performance at AEA 2026 supports the objectives of the National Energy Policy 2022–2040 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) to develop a secure, sustainable and inclusive energy system while enhancing the country’s long-term economic competitiveness.

These objectives will also be advanced through the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2.0 (NEEAP 2.0) for 2026–2035. The plan targets cumulative energy savings of 815,000 terajoule (TJ) over its 10-year implementation period and is expected to generate approximately RM85 billion in energy savings, attract RM36 billion in private investment and create around 29,000 employment opportunities.

Together with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024, NETR and NEEAP 2.0 provide the policy and regulatory foundation to accelerate energy efficiency, encourage investment and innovation, and enhance Malaysia’s energy security and economic competitiveness.

PETRA, together with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia and other relevant stakeholders, will continue to work with industry to increase the adoption of energy-efficient practices, expand renewable energy deployment, and facilitate innovation and investment in support of Malaysia’s energy transition objectives.

PETRA once again congratulates all Malaysian recipients for their achievements and for representing the country with distinction at AEA 2026. Their success reflects the progress of Malaysia’s energy sector and reinforces the country’s contribution to a secure, resilient and sustainable energy future for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

Hashtag: #PETRA

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