New Delhi, April 17 (BNP): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units for constituencies going to polls in the first phase on April 23, officials said on Thursday.

The commissioning process began across various constituencies in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase-I) in the presence of candidates, their authorised representatives, and General Observers, ensuring transparency in poll preparations.

According to the ECI, the commissioning will be followed by mock polls, where 1,000 votes will be cast in 5 per cent of randomly selected EVMs. Candidates or their representatives will also be allowed to conduct mock polls themselves.

Ahead of commissioning, EVMs and VVPATs were allocated to polling stations through a two-stage randomisation process using the EVM Management System (EMS). In the first stage, machines were distributed from district warehouses to assembly constituencies, and in the second stage, from constituencies to individual polling stations.

Officials said Tamil Nadu has a total of 75,064 polling stations, while 44,378 polling stations in West Bengal will go to polls in the first phase on April 23.

The first randomisation was carried out by District Election Officers (DEOs) in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties, while the second randomisation was conducted by Returning Officers (ROs) with candidates, their agents, and General Observers present.

Lists of allocated EVMs and VVPATs were shared with political parties and candidates at each stage. The machines have since been securely stored in designated strong rooms under the supervision of stakeholders, the Commission added.

The commissioning exercise is part of preparations for the ongoing General Elections to Legislative Assemblies in several states and accompanying bye-elections scheduled this year.

New Delhi, April 17 (BNP): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, on Wednesday inaugurated the two-day “Ayush Chintan Shivir 2026” in the national capital.

The event, which concludes on April 17, is aimed at reviewing progress, strengthening policy direction, and charting a future roadmap for the Ayush sector, officials said.

Addressing the gathering, Jadhav said the Chintan Shivir reflects the government’s commitment to reinforcing policy implementation and institutional capacity in Ayush. He noted that the platform would help assess achievements since the previous conclave and identify gaps for future action. He also underlined the growing role of Ayush in addressing lifestyle diseases through a holistic approach.

Highlighting the government’s focus, the minister pointed to increased budget allocations for education, research, infrastructure, and global outreach. He stressed the need for evidence-based research, innovation, digitalisation, and greater public awareness, expressing confidence that Ayush will play a key role in achieving the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.

Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, described the Shivir as an important platform for policy review and long-term planning, adding that efforts are underway to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science and expand global collaboration.

Joint Secretary Alarmelmangai D. said the initiative promotes collaborative policymaking and noted the rising national and international recognition of Ayush systems.

A key highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and the General Insurance Council to expand insurance coverage and streamline claim settlements for Ayush treatments.

The minister also launched the Ministry’s official WhatsApp channel to enhance citizen engagement and released a document on revised benchmark rates for insurance coverage of Ayush therapies. A toll-free helpline (1800-11-0008) for Ayush insurance was also introduced.

The first day featured three thematic sessions focusing on review of earlier outcomes, strengthening research and global partnerships, and improving legal preparedness in the sector, officials added.

TERO Pro leads the new series with 0.1-second adaptive returns and post-session reports that convert rallies into measurable improvement.

Los Angeles, CA, USA, April 17, 2026 – LUMISTAR, a sports technology company focused on making high-quality training more accessible, today announced its flagship TERO series Tennis Training Partner will be available for preorder by April 30, with sales beginning May 30, 2026. The series includes TERO and TERO Pro, with the Pro model offering the most responsive experience and the deepest training feedback through the Vision Module, including post-session training reports that offer clear feedback and next steps.

Tennis improvement often hits a ceiling that has little to do with talent or effort. Consistency is the difference maker, and it’s hard to build without a partner who can keep up and always be available when you are. When that’s missing, practice gets fragmented. Players end up doing workarounds that don’t feel like real points, or they simply don’t get the reps they need to keep progressing. A reliable, always-available partner changes that equation and that’s what LUMISTAR envisions TERO to be. TERO Pro Sets a New Standard for Match-Real Tennis Training on a Personal Level

For players who want the most comprehensive training loop, the TERO Pro takes competitive tennis even further. After each session, TERO Pro generates personal training reports with an objective breakdown of performance, then saves those reports in your history so you can track progress over time and plan the next step with purpose. TERO Pro is also designed around a more advanced hardware and interaction stack, including:

• The All-in-One Court Kit that keeps racket, balls, a detachable bag and machine
  integrated into one seamless system
• Real-time visual perception and AI insight that unlocks new ways to play through
  modes such as “All Star Game”, where you can face off against tennis legends like
  Roger Federer and Serena Williams
• 4K AI dual-focal lens (60fps) with an automotive-grade SoC and pre-trained AI model
  that makes each rally smarter and more adaptive as you grow (with Vision Module)
• Extendable system intelligence with swappable modules that allow TERO Pro to
  evolve and upgrade as new features are released

TERO Delivers Reliability to Tennis Training for Consistent Reps and Real Progress TERO is designed to make practice feel less like feeding and more like playing. With 238 built-in drills, it gives players a deep library to train consistency, patterns and point-ready scenarios without needing to plan every session from scratch. The session itself stays dynamic and reactive, so you can train against changing tempo and placement instead of settling into predictable routines.

Just as importantly, TERO is built to keep you in rhythm. You can start a session with one click, then make changes through voice and gesture control for speed and spin adjustments, or placement without stopping to dig through menus. With wristband positioning and swing-speed detection, TERO also understands your location, timing and pace during the rally, which makes the next ball feel earned and responsive rather than pre-programmed.

Core performance specs (TERO series):

• Max ball speed: 140 km/h
• Max range: 26 m
• Max height: ≥ 4.2 m
• 238 built-in drills
• Upgradeable with the Vision Module to add “sight” and expanded capabilities (Vision + AI features enabled with the module)
• The world’s first dual-axis, dual-end gimbal design, uniquely engineered for a
  rock-solid, stable feed

“Reps matter, but reps alone don’t necessarily make you a better player. You improve when practice gives you instantaneous feedback, real variety and moments that force better decision making,” said Rachel Yang, CMO at LUMISTAR. “That’s what we had in mind when designing TERO. We want it to truly feel like the training partner you wish you had on call, ready when you are, reacting instantly and pushing you in all the right ways. Then it shows you what actually improved and what still needs to be worked on.”

Further details for the TERO and TERO Pro, including ordering information and pricing will be announced towards the end of April.For product details and preorder updates, visit: https://lumistar.ai

Two-hour session features India-based experts addressing corrosion control, decarbonization, and evolving regulatory challenges in global shipping

Maharashtra, India – (April 17, 2026) — As global shipping faces increasing pressure from decarbonization mandates, aging fleets, and supply chain disruptions, maritime experts from India are playing a growing role in shaping how the industry responds to these challenges.

The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s leading authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, will host an upcoming webcast focused on strengthening safety, sustainability, and operational resilience across the global commercial maritime industry—featuring a strong lineup of India-based experts.

The event, “Corrosion, Safety, and Sustainability in Commercial Maritime,” will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EDT (6:30 p.m. IST). In this two-hour session, global industry experts, including leaders from India’s maritime, engineering, and training sectors, will examine how shipowners, operators, port authorities, and supply-chain partners can address evolving challenges and advance modern, sustainable practices. The session brings together perspectives from engineering, operations, and maritime training to provide practical, real-world approaches to today’s most pressing industry challenges.

With approximately 90% of international trade moving by sea, ship reliability and performance are critical to global commerce. As India continues to expand its maritime capabilities and global footprint, experts from across the country are contributing to key discussions on asset integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability in commercial shipping.

Speakers include:

•         Dylan Goddard, Coating Performance Specialist, Seaspan
•         Venkatraman Sheshashayee, Executive Chairman, Shipworkz Marine Services LLC
•         Capt. RKP Sinha, Co-Founder & Director, Marine Solutionz Group
•         Rishabh Jangra, Senior Engineer, American Bureau of Shipping
•         Dr. (Captain) Suresh Bhardwaj, Director & Principal, MASSA Maritime Academy, Chennai

 Attendees will gain insights into:

•         Decarbonization strategies and port-led green transitions
•         Maritime security frameworks and risk mitigation
•         Seafarer wellbeing and workforce considerations
•         Practical implementation of evolving International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations
•        Ongoing modernization efforts across commercial maritime operations

“Commercial maritime operations are facing a convergence of pressures, from stricter environmental regulations to increasing demands on global supply chains,” said Jennifer Merck, Vice President of Maritime and Defense at AMPP. “Corrosion control is not a maintenance issue. It’s a reliability and risk issue that directly impacts safety, operational continuity, and long-term sustainability.”

As regulatory requirements evolve and global trade demands intensify, industry stakeholders must align technical practices with broader operational goals. Corrosion prevention plays a critical role in extending asset life, reducing unplanned downtime, and supporting compliance with environmental standards.

Register to gain practical insights from global maritime experts and stay ahead of evolving regulatory and operational demands.

To learn more and register, visit: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5274653/8E575277B915AA579A28F6F7E002F41B?partnerref=AMPPWeb

Carlsbad, California. 17th April 2026: TAU Systems, the pioneer in compact laser-powered accelerator technology, today announced it has joined RADNEXT 2030, a European initiative coordinated by CERN that provides access to world-class radiation testing infrastructures for electronics. As a network member, TAU Systems will open its TAU Labs facility in California to European researchers and industry testers, supported by a dedicated allocation of European funding to subsidize test time for qualifying users.

RADNEXT 2030 is being developed in response to the Horizon Europe programme and unites a network of accelerator-based and complementary testing facilities across Europe and beyond. The initiative enables researchers, industry users, and early-stage innovators to test and better understand the effects of radiation on electronics for applications in space, automotive, communications, energy, and quantum technologies.

TAU Systems’ inclusion in the network, as its only US-based test facility, reflects the growing recognition of laser-powered accelerators as a credible and commercially accessible complement to traditional large-scale facilities. TAU Labs in Carlsbad, California, the world’s first commercial laser-powered accelerator center, is capable of generating high-energy particle beams to replicate real-world radiation environments with high precision, repeatability, and flexibility. The facility offers beamtime-as-a-service for Single Event Effects (SEE) testing for space, defense, semiconductor, and industrial electronics.

“Joining the RADNEXT 2030 network is a significant milestone for TAU Systems and for the future of radiation testing,” said Jerome Paye, CEO of TAU Systems. “There is a serious global bottleneck in access to radiation testing infrastructure, and Europe in particular is working hard to address that gap. Being part of this network means European researchers and companies can now access our unique laser-powered accelerator capabilities, backed by European funding, and without the long wait times that have traditionally held the industry back. We are proud to contribute to this important initiative and to work alongside some of the world’s leading testing facilities.”

Rubén García Alía, RADNEXT Project Coordinator, CERN, said:  “Given the overall scarcity of heavy-ion SEE testing beam time, as well as the physical anti-correlation between the energy of a heavy ion and its capability of generating failures in electronics, alternative testing approaches such as the one proposed by TAU Systems need to be explored and carefully validated. Space electronics testing requires very high levels of accuracy and reproducibility, and therefore a thorough benchmarking of the proposed technique – as planned within the framework of the RADNEXT 2030 activities on this topic – will be of great relevance and impact for the radiation effects community. We are therefore delighted to welcome TAU Systems as a key partner in the RADNEXT 2030 international facility network.”

TAU’s technology is particularly well-suited to Single Event Effects testing, providing electron beams that effectively simulate the cosmic radiation environment encountered by space-bound and safety-critical electronics.

The RADNEXT 2030 project is targeted to run from June 2026 through May 2030.

SAN FRANCISCO- RealSense today announced expanded support for Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL) across its depth camera portfolio, delivering a scalable, production-ready perception platform for robotics and industrial automation. The company will showcase its new GMSL-enabled lineup at Hannover Messe 2026, Hall 26, Stand D29.

Robots and industrial automation require high-precision, robust and reliable perception systems to ensure they navigate safely and operate predictably across a variety of conditions. GMSL is rapidly emerging as the preferred standard for robotic industrial vision systems, overcoming the limitations of USB with improved synchronization, longer cable reach and greater dependability in demanding environments.

By enabling rugged, scalable multi-camera perception through a single cable infrastructure, GMSL supports the next generation of autonomous machines operating in factories, warehouses and logistics environments.

Expanding the GMSL Portfolio

RealSense is introducing GMSL support across three of its most widely used depth cameras:

• D401: Sub-millimeter precision in a compact form factor, ideal for robotic arms and humanoids, with a tiny GMSL package that enables near-invisible integration into manipulators
• D430: High-accuracy, mid-range 3D depth sensing, deployed extensively across robotics systems worldwide
• D415: Precision mid-range scanning and spatial intelligence in factories and warehouses

These join the existing D457, creating the industry’s most comprehensive lineup of industrial-ready GMSL depth cameras.

The cameras are powered by the RealSense SDK 2.0, featuring native ROS 2 support for seamless integration into modern robotics stacks. The RealSense D457 also includes native models in Isaac Sim, accelerating development and significantly reducing sim-to-real deployment time. Crucially, all RealSense cameras perform depth processing directly on-device via the company’s AI Vision ASIC, eliminating the need for external compute while delivering low-latency, reliable performance at the edge.

Built for Industrial Scale

USB-based systems often require complex synchronization and can suffer from instability in harsh environments. GMSL enables:

• Consistent, predictable performance with reduced calibration needs
• Native multi-camera synchronization with up to 8 cameras per system
• Long-reach, secure industrial cabling via FAKRA connectors
• Reduced system complexity and cost with up to four cameras per deserializer

These capabilities allow OEMs and system integrators to deploy scalable, multi-camera perception systems with greater reliability and lower total cost of ownership.

From Cameras to a “Visual Cortex”

The launch marks a shift from standalone sensors to an integrated perception platform, designed for industrial-scale deployment and multi-camera autonomy. This innovation reinforces RealSense as the visual cortex of Physical AI, delivering the perception layer that enables machines to see, understand and act in the physical world.

“Industrial autonomy depends on perception that works in the real world, not just in the lab,” said Nadav Orbach, CEO of RealSense. “With our GMSL portfolio, we enable scalable multi-camera vision with the reliability, reach and integration simplicity required for production deployment. Together with partners like AVerMedia, we are making it easier to build and deploy complete perception systems, faster and at scale.”

Partner Ecosystem and Live Demonstrations

At Hannover Messe, RealSense and its partners will demonstrate real-world applications of scalable perception:

• AVerMedia Demo (Multi-Camera Scaling): Built on a compact indoor AMR, the AVerMedia SenseEdge Development Kit demonstrates real-time 3D perception for navigation through synchronized multimodal sensing and on-device inference. Powered by RealSense GMSL cameras and the RealSense Visual Cortex, the system supports up to 4 cameras per interface and scales to 8 cameras out of the box.
• Inbolt Demo (Real-Time Control): Inbolt will demonstrate real-time part tracking and robot control using AI-driven software and a RealSense D435 depth camera integrated into a robot-mounted system. The demo highlights continuous localization and closed-loop trajectory control, showing how perception translates directly into precise robotic action in production environments.

“RealSense’s new GMSL cameras significantly advance 3D perception capabilities, and our expanded SenseEdge Development Kit provides a validated, production-ready platform to deploy them at scale,” said Alex Liu, Vice President, Industrial Product Division at AVerMedia. “By enabling the full RealSense GMSL lineup across both AGX Orin and NVIDIA Jetson AGX Thor editions, we’re helping customers accelerate from development to real-world deployment in robotics and industrial environments.”

Thought Leadership and Sessions

RealSense executives will also lead key sessions at Hannover Messe, including:

• Panel Discussion: Led by Mike Nielsen, RealSense CMO, “The Visual Cortex for Industrial Robots: From Perception to Predictable Autonomy,” will be held April 21 at 10:25 CEST in Hall 26, Solution Lab (E43), Expert Stage 2
• Demo Talk: Chris Matthieu, RealSense VP Developer Ecosystem, will explore human-robot interaction and identity recognition in his presentation, “When Robots Recognize You,” on April 24 at 10:20 CEST in Hall 26, Solution Lab, Spotlight Stage

For more information, contact Penny Malsch, RealSense Global Senior Marketing Strategist, at penny.malsch@realsenseai.com

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16 April 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, has successfully drawn on its diversified logistics capabilities to strengthen local and regional supply chains in the Gulf region, ensuring continued resilience.

Since the onset of the recent regional developments at the end of February, the Group has continued to operate as normal, serving the needs of its global clients by establishing alternative routes and rerouting cargo across land, rail, sea, and air to mitigate supply chain disruptions affecting Arabian Gulf ports, in light of the traffic conditions through the Strait of Hormuz.

To date, AD Ports Group handled over 54,000 TEUs at Fujairah Terminals and Khor Fakkan Port, and successfully transported over 22,000 containers through its land logistics services, alongside 18,000 TEUs across its maritime network, supported by a dedicated fleet of 24 vessels operating 8 feeder services. In addition, the Group has transported more than 8,000 tonnes of cargo through its air logistics services, enabled by more than 100 chartered flights. 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Our long-term investments in a diversified and comprehensive network of logistics and trade infrastructure have enabled one of the UAE’s largest-ever logistics redeployments to be executed with speed, agility and efficiency. Under the guidance of our wise leadership in the UAE, AD Ports Group will continue to guarantee the flow of goods across local and regional markets, particularly essential commodities such as food, medicines, strategic reserves, and other critical inputs. Our commitment towards serving our partners and customers remains firm, while safeguarding the safety of our workforce and strengthening the resilience of local and regional supply chains.”

To ensure continuity of regular shipping services to Khalifa Port, and across three key trade corridors linking the UAE’s eastern ports with ports in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, the Group has launched new regional feeder shipping services to maintain supply chain integrity, which redeployed and scaled up its dedicated vessel fleet to 24 container and bulk cargo vessels, with plans to increase fleet capacity.

Feeder shipping services operated by the Group’s SAFEEN Feeders and Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) have been rerouted via Fujairah Terminals and Khor Fakkan Port, both located on the Gulf of Oman, providing alternative gateways to the UAE and the wider GCC region.

New container feeder shipping services have been established connecting ports in India, Pakistan and Oman, as well as Red Sea ports, and ports along the Upper Arabian Gulf region.

By leveraging its logistics assets and extensive strategic and commercial networks, the Group has established an air bridge comprising three chartered aircraft, to transport vital goods, with plans to further increase capacity.

The Group has also established a land bridge to transport cargo from Fujairah and Khor Fakkan through bonded customs corridors in the UAE to Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, and Sharjah, using 800 trucks and four new daily rail service trips by Etihad Rail. These efforts are supported by the Group’s expanded warehousing and storage capacity for essential goods, currently exceeding 76,000 sqm, with plans to more than double to 188,000 sqm.

Leveraging its award-winning digital trade infrastructure, the Group has launched new freight management platforms that deliver visibility and resilience, enabling the efficient management of trade flows. By unifying and processing data across the Group’s global operations, these platforms have enabled the Group to leverage real-time trade lane intelligence to strengthen supply chain integrity, while repurposing empty import containers for export along alternative high-volume corridors– enhancing resilience and reducing time and cost for customers. 

Working closely with UAE authorities and industry partners, AD Ports Group continues to safeguard its workforce, partners and stakeholders, while ensuring uninterrupted services to customers.

Certifications reinforce the company’s commitment to secure cloud operations and responsible AI management

SAN JOSE, Calif. – April 16, 2026 – DuploCloud, the industry pioneer for DevOps automation and built-in compliance, today announced that it has successfully completed its SOC 2 Type II compliance in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standards for SOC for Service Organizations, also known as SSAE 18, and achieved ISO/IEC 42001 certification. These attributions will further strengthen the company’s foundation for enterprise security, governance, and responsible AI management.

These milestones reflect DuploCloud’s continued investment in the controls, processes, and management systems that enterprise customers increasingly expect as they evaluate cloud infrastructure platforms and AI-enabled operational technologies.

“Enterprises are moving quickly to modernize infrastructure and adopt AI, but they also need confidence that these systems are being built and managed responsibly,” said Venkat Thiruvengadam, Founder and CEO of DuploCloud. “Completing our SOC 2 Type II examination and achieving ISO/IEC 42001 certification are important milestones for DuploCloud and for the customers who rely on us to help them operate securely, stay compliant, and scale with confidence.”

A SOC 2 Type II examination evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls relevant to security and other Trust Services Criteria over a defined period. ISO/IEC 42001 is an international standard for AI management systems that helps organizations establish a structured approach to governing AI responsibly.

Together, these milestones support DuploCloud’s broader mission to help organizations streamline cloud operations while maintaining strong security, compliance, and governance standards. They also reinforce the company’s position as enterprises increasingly look for partners that can support both infrastructure automation and responsible AI adoption.

DuploCloud’s platform helps teams automate cloud operations, accelerate deployment, and manage compliance across complex environments. The company’s growing AI capabilities are designed to help engineering and operations teams move faster while maintaining visibility, control, and accountability.

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team has extended its longstanding relationship with Memento Exclusives, the world’s leading motorsport memorabilia specialist and expert provider of Simulators and Show Cars.

This new multi-year extension will see Memento Exclusives continue to provide industry leading products for elite activations as well as a host of categories for sale at multiple price-points via the officially licensed memorabilia retail and auction platform F1® Authentics. 

One of the most popular items is the 2026 Official Team Motion Simulator, designed and built at Memento Exclusives’ facility, just 15 minutes away from the AMR Technology Campus. This fully immersive Championship Simulator experience is made using the team’s CAD drawings to perfectly recreate the design and manufacture of the actual car. New additions to the expanded 2026 range include the X range, focusing purely on getting in the driver’s seat, as well as a static wheelchair-accessible variation, ensuring professional-level realism and performance is made available more fans than ever before.

These simulators are made to order and painted in iconic British racing green, bringing fans as close as possible to the experience of becoming an F1® driver, just like Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll.

Memento Exclusives is also the supplier of the Official 2026 AMR26 Replica Car. Whether unveiled on stage, featured at a partner event or displayed within a VIP hospitality environment, these strictly limited-edition replicas showcase craftsmanship, authenticity and technical quality.

Brand-new additions to the official licensed lineup in 2026 are set to include a Pit-Stop System, featuring the front half of a Show Car and offering the ability to compete, just like a member of the race crew.

Barry Gough, Founder & CEO, Memento Exclusives, added: “The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team continues to be one of our most valued licensees. We are excited to have extended our relationship and to be able to continue to offer fans and partners new ways to engage with the iconic team. From our expanded Simulator Range to limited-edition Replica Show Cars and the brand-new Pit Stop Systems launching in 2026, all available in AMR26 livery, there is more opportunity than ever for Aston Martin Aramco fans to Own The Moment.”

Matt Chapman, Head of Licensing and Merchandise, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, said: “We are pleased to extend our longstanding relationship with Memento Exclusives through this new multi-year agreement. Building on our existing product ranges, we are excited to further expand our offering with the introduction of new products later this year, continuing our commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative experiences for fans.”

To explore the latest Official Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team products available, visit  F1® Authentics now.