Archives 2026

Prism™ ISP–Powered Dual Camera Module Delivers Enhanced Performance and Faster Integration for OEMs

BARCELONA and GOLETA, Calif.,– Teledyne FLIR OEM, a part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), today announced the launch of the Lepton® XDS, a compact dual‑thermal‑and‑visible camera module bringing Teledyne FLIR’s patented MSX® (Multi‑Spectral Dynamic Imaging) technology to a new class of space‑ and power‑constrained Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products. Designed for rapid integration, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) -free Lepton XDS reduces development risk and accelerates time‑to‑market for embedded, mobile, and industrial applications.

The Lepton XDS pairs a 160 × 120 radiometric Lepton 3.5 micro‑thermal camera with a five‑megapixel (MP) visible sensor, featuring MSX that enhances thermal imagery in real time by embossing visible‑image edges directly onto the thermal scene. This patented software delivers sharper detail, improved context, and a level of actionable thermal intelligence typically associated with more-expensive, higher-resolution camera systems. It is ideal for fire detection and prevention, EV battery monitoring, robotics navigation, unmanned platforms, smart infrastructure, and health and safety systems.

“MSX technology has long been a defining advantage of Teledyne FLIR, and with Lepton XDS, we are making that capability accessible in a compact, OEM‑ready module,” said Mike Walters, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “By combining a visible camera, a proven micro‑thermal sensor, onboard Prism ISP processing, and direct access to radiometric overlays including spot meters and regions of interest we’re accelerating innovation and enabling OEMs to deliver clearer thermal imagery for faster user interpretation.”

Prism ISP: Advanced Imaging Beyond MSX

The integrated FLIR Prism ISP software ensures real‑time image enhancement while providing a comprehensive out‑of‑the‑box suite of advanced image‑processing features, including thermal‑visible fusion, advanced image processing, and an industry-first radiometric JPEG (RJPEG) output. Built‑in measurement and visualization tools include regions of interest (ROI), spot temperature measurements, isotherms, and customizable color palettes, and it is seamlessly compatible with the Teledyne FLIR OEM software ecosystem for analysis, post‑processing, and reporting. 

Designed for Scalable OEM Deployment

The Lepton XDS is a size, weight, and power (SWaP)‑optimized module, and an industry‑standard USB output makes it well-suited for battery‑powered and always‑on systems. It is also ITAR‑free and classified under 6a993.b.4.b enabling broadly available for commercial applications worldwide.

As the global leader in thermal camera manufacturing, Teledyne FLIR OEM’s global technical services organization and proven high‑volume manufacturing systems have delivered more than six million Leptons supporting scalable production while minimizing supply‑chain risk.

To see the new Lepton XDS and other exciting products from the Thermal by FLIR collaborative development program, visit booth 7B6 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, 2-5 March 2026. Learn more at www.oem.flir.com/lepton.

First Dedicated Industrial-Scale Halal Baby Food Purée Facility in the GCC to be Developed within KEZAD Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Feb 25: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, and Barakat Group, the UAE’s leading fresh food and juice producer, today announced the commencement of construction of a dedicated baby food manufacturing facility through Barakat Group’s joint venture with Pure Baby Food Industries, in KEZAD.

 The project marks the development of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first industrial-scale facility dedicated exclusively to the production of baby food purées. Representing a total investment of approximately AED 150 million by the company, the facility will strengthen local food manufacturing capacity and support growing regional demand for locally produced infant nutrition.

 Once fully operational, the 10,000 sqm facility is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 90 million units of baby food products, covering fruit and vegetable purées as well as protein-rich meat and fish baby foods. Products will be manufactured using fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, and supplied in both pouch and glass jar formats. Selected ambient juice products will also be produced as part of the integrated operation.

 The facility is projected to create approximately 200 direct jobs, spanning manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and operational support roles. Additional indirect employment is expected across local supply chains, logistics, and agricultural sourcing.

 The facility is being designed as a fully halal-certified baby food manufacturing plant, applying end-to-end halal certification across the full baby food category, including protein-based meat and fish purées. This addresses a clear gap in the GCC market, where locally produced, halal-compliant protein baby foods remain limited.

 Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster – AD Ports Group, said, “This investment reflects the scale and sophistication of food manufacturing projects now choosing KEZAD. The projected production capacity and employment impact underline how specialised manufacturing can deliver both economic value and strategic resilience within the food sector.”

 Kenneth D Costa – Managing Director, Barakat Group, said, “By expanding our production footprint into premium infant nutrition, this facility reinforces Barakat Group’s mission to nourish the ambitions of the nation. Establishing dedicated capacity within KEZAD allows us to meet regional demand efficiently while creating skilled employment and maintaining the highest standards of quality and halal compliance.”

 Designed to meet the highest international standards for food safety, quality, and traceability, the facility will prioritise nutrition, freshness, and clean-label production. It is expected to reduce reliance on imported baby food products while contributing to the development of a domestic, halal baby food manufacturing ecosystem.

 The project supports national objectives related to food security, local manufacturing, and value-added food production, and represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Abu Dhabi’s food processing sector within KEZAD.

Head of Business Development at RAKEZ, Holly Garforth (L), during the panel at BCCD’s London event

Ras Al Khaimah, Feb 25: A high-level delegation from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) visited the United Kingdom, engaging British investors and reinforcing its position as a strategic gateway to the UAE and wider regional markets. The economic zone’s representatives met with investors, industry leaders, and business stakeholders across London and Manchester.

In London, RAKEZ sponsored the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai’s (BCCD) business briefing titled ‘Doing Business in Dubai and Northern Emirates’, which brought together British investors exploring opportunities in the Middle East. During the session, Holly Garforth, Head of Business Development at RAKEZ, joined a panel discussion to provide practical insights on setting up and relocating businesses within Ras Al Khaimah’s plug-and-play ecosystem.

The roadshow continued in Manchester, where the RAKEZ delegation took part in discussions on Making the Right Business Setup Choice in the UAE.

Across both cities, the team conducted targeted B2B meetings with stakeholders from the advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and professional services sectors.

Commenting on the roadshow, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The UK continues to be a priority market for RAKEZ, with strong interest from British companies seeking scalable, cost-effective bases for regional and global expansion. Our presence in London and Manchester allowed us to engage directly with decision-makers, understand their ambitions, and demonstrate how Ras Al Khaimah offers the infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and connectivity needed to grow with confidence.”

RAKEZ is home to more than 3,600 British investors operating across SME and industrial sectors. Established British companies at RAKEZ include Ahmad Tea, A2C, Spatial Composite, Polar Manufacturing, Green Rock Manufacturing Group, and Waste to Wonder, operating across sectors such as tea production, aircraft cabin crew training simulators, carbon fibre manufacturing, sustainable packaging, circular economy-led remanufacturing, and social enterprise initiatives. Their continued growth highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a reliable base for scale, export-oriented operations, and long-term investment.

The UK roadshow forms part of RAKEZ’s ongoing international outreach efforts to deepen commercial ties, attract quality investment, and further strengthen the economic bridge between Ras Al Khaimah and the United Kingdom.

Feb 25: INOX Air Products Private Limited (INOXAP), has entered into a long-term partnership with TACC Limited, for supply of Nitrogen through a dedicated onsite Nitrogen plant for their upcoming greenfield manufacturing facility in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, India for the production of lithium-ion battery-grade graphite anode material. INOXAP will set up the Nitrogen plant on a Build, Own and Operate basis, ensuring a consistent, safe and high-purity nitrogen supply aligned with TACC’s manufacturing needs.

Speaking on this milestone, Diganta Sarma, Head Business Development & Strategy, INOX Air Products said, 

“TACC stands at the forefront of advanced carbon materials and this partnership reflects a strong alignment of purpose, sustainability and ambition. This long-term agreement reinforces our expertise and operational capabilities in enabling the production of high-performance materials that are critical to India’s growth in electric mobility, energy storage, and the broader clean energy transition. At INOXAP, we view this partnership as a strategic step towards building resilient, future-ready industrial value chain.”

TACC, one of the leading players in advanced carbon materials, specializes in developing battery-grade synthetic graphite anode materials for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, while also advancing graphene-based derivatives that unlock new possibilities across industries including construction, textiles, paints and other industrial applications. The assured supply of nitrogen will enhance process efficiency and product quality, supporting TACC’s focus on scalable, sustainable solutions.

Sharing his views, Ankur Khaitan, Managing Director & CEO, TACC said,

“Manufacturing battery-grade graphite demands precision, purity and reliability. Our partnership with INOXAP ensures a dependable, high-purity nitrogen supply that is critical to achieving global standards at scale. Together, we aim to strengthen India’s advanced materials ecosystem and support the nation’s clean energy and electric mobility ambitions.”

With this partnership, INOXAP aims to reinforce its position in building future-ready industrial gas infrastructure while setting benchmarks in supply reliability, safety and compliance. This collaboration furthers INOXAP’s commitment for driving India’s transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future. INOX Air Products and TACC are jointly laying the groundwork for sustainable industrial growth and advancing technologies that will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s green energy ecosystem.

Some films grow louder with time. Mandali grows quieter and sharper. Now streaming on OTT, the film feels less like a period reflection and more like a mirror held up to the present. The film shows how difficult, yet how important, it is to protect the ideals of Sanatan values.

Directed by Rakesh Chaturvedi, Mandali draws from Munshi Premchand’s Ramleela to explore a society where righteousness is praised on stage but punished in real life. At its centre is Purushottam Choubey, portrayed by Abhishek Duhan, a man whose faith is simple, deeply personal and increasingly out of place. Times are changing. Society is changing. But will we change our sense of dignity and values?

Puru plays Lord Laxman in Ramleela, believing the role demands humility and discipline. When his uncle Ramsevak (Vineet Kumar), the moral anchor of his life, is sidelined by those who control the performance, Puru is forced to confront a hard truth that power often hides behind tradition and devotion can be weaponised. In today’s fast-paced life, we often forget that our traditions and values are our true identity. Mandali reminds us how Ramleela artists, despite living in poverty, continue to uphold dignity and moral values.

As political influence, caste prejudice and social pressure close in, the film refuses easy victories. Rajneesh Duggall’s character embodies authority that speaks softly but controls deeply, while Aanchal Munjal’s Bunty brings emotional weight to the cost of standing by principles when survival demands surrender. From the Ramleela stage to the reality of society, this is a journey that will open your eyes.

What makes Mandali resonate today is its refusal to romanticise resistance. It shows how lonely moral courage can be and how choosing the right path often means losing comfort, belonging and love. In the name of entertainment, are we losing our values?

With its OTT release, the film finally reaches audiences in a space that allows reflection rather than reaction. Chanting Lord Ram’s name is easy, but walking on the path of Ram’s values is difficult. Mandali reflects the pain of those artists who, despite poverty and humiliation, continue to keep the divine stories of Lord Ram alive.

Produced by Prashant Kumar Gupta, Geetika Gupta and Neetu Sabarwal, Mandali now streams on Amazon Prime Video, asking a timeless question: what happens when doing the right thing costs you everything?

New Delhi , Feb 25 : Shobhan Mittal, Managing Director & CEO of Greenpanel Industries Ltd, has been honored with the prestigious “CEO of the Year” title at the Business Leader of the Year Awards 2026, recognizing him for his proven remarkable vision, strategic clarity and business impact.

The recognition highlights Mr. Mittal’s leadership in driving Greenpanel to the forefront of India’s wood panel industry. Under his guidance, the company has enhanced its position as India’s Largest Wood Panel Manufacturer and India’s No.1 MDF Company, while continuing to scale operations, expand capacity and enhance product innovation.

Over the years, Mr. Mittal has played a leadership role in shaping Greenpanel into an integrated wood panel solutions provider, building a strong portfolio across MDF, HDF Pre-Laminated MDF, Plywood and Wooden Flooring, while consistently driving operational excellence, technological advancement and customer trust to strengthen the company’s presence in both domestic and global markets.

On the occasion, Shobhan Mittal, Managing Director & CEO of Greenpanel Industries Ltd said,

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. It is truly representation of the collective dedication and hard work of the entire Greenpanel team. Our journey has always been led by a clear vision, a strong focus on quality, and a long-term growth roadmap. I express my true appreciation to our employees, channel partners and customers whose continued trust inspires us to keep raising the bar.”

The recognition highlights the company’s strong growth run and its commitment to building a future-ready organization aligned with innovation, responsible growth, and leadership excellence.

REHAU has been certified as a Great Place To Work in 2026, a recognition that shows the organisation’s sustained focus on building a workplace defined by trust, fairness, and shared accountability. Based entirely on employee feedback, the certification places REHAU ahead of industry benchmarks and offers a meaningful view into how teams experience the organisation every day.

According to the Great Place To Work assessment, REHAU performed at or above benchmark levels across key dimensions such as credibility, respect, pride, and camaraderie, indicating consistency in leadership behaviour, people practices, and workplace culture.

One of the strongest indicators to emerge from the survey was inclusion. Majority of the employees stated they are treated fairly, irrespective of gender orientation, showcasing REHAU’s emphasis on equality and dignity at the workplace. A similar percentage expressed confidence in the organisation’s contribution to the community, building upon a culture where social responsibility is understood as part of everyday decision-making rather than a separate initiative.

Employee pride remains high across functions and locations. The employees also reported feeling good about working at REHAU, while a comparable number said they feel proud of what the organisation has achieved. These responses are supported by a strong Trust Index score, signalling confidence in leadership intent, organisational direction, and long-term stability.

Commenting on the certification, Mr. Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU India and Subcon, said,

“This recognition is important because it comes directly from our people. It shows how teams experience REHAU in their daily roles, right from the shop floor, in offices, or across functions. We have always believed that performance follows trust. When people feel respected, treated fairly, and heard, they engage more deeply with their work. The idea behind ‘Be More, Achieve More’ is to create an environment where individuals can grow with clarity, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully over the long term.”

REHAU’s people culture is anchored in transparent communication, leadership accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration. Employees are encouraged to participate in improvement initiatives, share ideas openly, and build capabilities through structured development programs. This approach has helped create a workplace where accountability is balanced with support, and growth is viewed as a shared responsibility.

Ms. Ashima Deepak Kaul, VP – Human Resources, REHAU India, said,

“Being recognised as a Great Place To Work in 2026 is a strong validation of the culture our teams have built together over time. At REHAU, trust, fairness, and inclusion are reflected in everyday interactions and decisions. When our people say they feel proud to work here and respected for who they are, it tells us that our focus on people-first leadership is resonating. It is our shared belief that when individuals feel supported and valued, they naturally perform better and grow with the organisation. This recognition motivates us to continue creating meaningful careers and a workplace where people can thrive with confidence.”

The Great Place To Work Certification 2026 marks another step in REHAU’s ongoing effort to strengthen its people-first approach as the organisation continues to grow. Through placing trust and fairness at the centre of its workplace philosophy, REHAU remains focused on building teams that are engaged, resilient, and aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision.

Chennai, Feb 25: Celebrating the spirit, stories and stalwarts of the city, Super Chennai has announced the launch of a brand-new intellectual and cultural property Super Chennai Arattai – a curated, intimate conversation series that brings Chennai’s most celebrated personalities face-to-face with their admirers.

The inaugural edition of Super Chennai Arattai will feature legendary Carnatic vocalist Padma Shri Aruna Sairam, one of India’s most revered classical musicians and a global ambassador of Chennai’s musical heritage. In this special first edition, Padma Shri Aruna Sairam will engage in an intimate chat with her fans, sharing insights from her extraordinary journey, reflections on music, culture and Chennai, and personal anecdotes that have shaped her illustrious career. She will also be felicitated as the ‘Icon of the Month’ for the month of February.

Rooted in the city’s rich culture of dialogue and community, Super Chennai Arattai is designed as a warm, up-close interaction where a distinguished celebrity or legend from Chennai will engage in an open, heartfelt conversation with a select audience of fans.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, Super Chennai said,

“Super Chennai has always been about celebrating the positive narratives and inspiring personalities that define our city. With Super Chennai Arattai, we are creating a platform for meaningful conversations – where legends are not just seen on stage, but heard, felt and experienced up close. It is our way of honouring the icons who have shaped Chennai’s identity.”

The event will be held on 28th February at 5:00 pm and is strictly by invite. Fans and admirers can register to receive an exclusive invite, making the experience both personal and curated.

With its blend of recognition and real conversation, Super Chennai Arattai aims to become a monthly cultural touchpoint – spotlighting icons across diverse fields including arts, sports, entrepreneurship, cinema, literature and public service – and strengthening the bond between Chennai’s legends and its people.

Did you know that two different wearable sensors can give an athlete two completely different scores for the same workout? 

Those differences, which can be subtle and not-so subtle, make it hard for elite athletes, coaches and even sports leagues to cut through the noise and identify the tools that are best for them. 

That’s exactly the challenge IEEE Member Rachel Hybart wants to address through a standard in development through the IEEE Standards Association. 

IEEE Standard P3716, a Standard for the Quality Assessment of Human and Object Tracking Technologies Used in Field- or Court-based Sports, is intended to provide an objective performance evaluation of electronic systems that measure things like the speed, position and velocity of humans and objects in sports that are played in fields and courts. 

 She recently appeared on the IEEE SA Re-Think Health podcast. As the world’s attention begins to focus on elite winter sports, we touched base with her to discuss how this new standard might help elite athletes, coaches and leagues make more informed decisions.

 “Without a way of assessing the quality of a specific measurement device or method, it’s really easy for teams and leagues to invest in technology that maybe doesn’t best suit their needs,” Hybart told the podcast. 

 Why Accuracy Matters

 From wearables on wrists to GPS vests to special cameras using LiDAR, sensors are everywhere and data is embedded at the highest levels of decision-making. 

 “At the elite level, small errors in timing orientation or force estimation can meaningfully change conclusions about fatigue, asymmetry or injury risk,” Hybart said. 

 And it isn’t just training load. Data from sensors can be used to determine whether an injured player should return to play and to help broadcasters provide context for viewers at home. Sports leagues use data to evaluate rules designed to improve player safety. 

 How Different Sensors Take Different Measurements

 To understand how differences in sensors and electronic devices can impact athlete data, consider the use of satellite-based navigation systems, like GPS, which are often combined with motion sensors worn on the body. While these satellite systems follow common standards, the devices that use them can process the data in different ways. During fast changes in speed or direction, differences in how frequently data is collected, how motion sensors are combined and how the data is smoothed can lead to noticeable differences in reported position and speed between systems.

 Furthermore, the way wearables and other sensors measure athletic performance is frequently locked behind proprietary systems and algorithms that are hard to evaluate. 

 Are Consumer-Grade Sensors Good Enough?

 Of course, the use of sensors and wearables isn’t just driven by elite athletes. Hobbyists and student athletes use them as well.

 “Consumer devices are optimized for consistency and engagement at the individual level,” Hybart said. “Systems used by elite athletes must be precise enough to inform medical, performance and safety decisions.”

 Systems used at elite international events are also designed to integrate multiple data streams such as motion tracking, force measurement, broadcast video and event context rather than relying on a single wearable signal.

India, Feb 25 : India’s cricket season is driving a measurable surge in domestic travel, with new Airbnb data showing significant year-on-year growth in searches and bookings across demand across match-hosting cities, particularly beyond metro hubs.

Demand shifts beyond metros

As marquee tournaments unfold between February and May, travel demand is dispersing into emerging cricket centres such as Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur and Lucknow, signaling how major sporting moments are reshaping India’s tourism map.

According to Airbnb internal data, searches by Indian guests for several match-hosting cities during the cricket season rose significantly compared to the same period last year, with some of the strongest growth recorded in emerging cricket centres beyond the metro circuit.

• Ranchi saw nearly a 120% increase in searches year-on-year.
• Thiruvananthapuram recorded over 110% growth in searches year-on-year.
• Jaipur and Lucknow witnessed increases of over 70% and 60% in searches year-on-year respectively.

The data suggests that high-profile fixtures are accelerating travel into tier-2 locations, broadening the geographic distribution of visitor demand beyond India’s traditional gateway cities.

Key match-day spikes were even more pronounced

Searches for stays by Indians in the host city Colombo during the India vs Pakistan match weekend surged over 325%, while nights booked recorded a notable increase year-on-year, underscoring cricket’s power to drive cross-border travel during marquee encounters

Similarly, ahead of the cricket world cup final window Ahmedabad recorded a nearly 170% increase in searches reinforcing its position as a marquee cricket destination during major tournament fixtures.

Match day = travel getaway

Behind this surge is a generational shift in how cricket is consumed. What was once largely a living-room experience has evolved into in-real-life travel, especially among younger Indians. From streaming watch sessions to travelling across states to support favourite teams, cricket is increasingly shaping how Gen Z plans trips and getaways.

Airbnb’s Experience-Led Travel Insights survey showed that nearly 60% of India’s Gen Z say they plan to travel to attend live cricket matches in 2026, and 70% prefer to attend with friends or family. While cricket might be drawing India’s Gen Z to a destination, their trips typically extend beyond the match day. Rather than short, single purpose visits, these trips are often built as longer stays as more than half (53%) extend trips beyond match days to explore local culture, cuisine and neighbourhoods. The median trip length for a cricket match stands at 3–4 days, mirroring a growing appetite for immersive, experience-led travel.

Search trends reflect this shift. Airbnb data of Indian travelers leading up to the cricket season suggests that cricket travel is increasingly becoming a group and family-friendly experience:-

• In Ahmedabad, searches for entire homes were nearly double those for private rooms.
• Additionally, searches for homes with two or more bedrooms grew in cities such as Ahmedabad Kangra (up nearly 90%), and Visakhapatnam (up over 75%).

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, said,

 “Cricket has long united the country in spirit. What we’re seeing now is that same energy translating into travel, with fans building meaningful trips around the game. Increasingly, these moments go beyond the stadium, people are extending their stays, travelling with friends and family, and exploring destinations more deeply. On Airbnb, we’re seeing this shift firsthand, as travellers choose homes that allow them to stay together, experience neighbourhoods more authentically, and turn match days into fuller, more memorable getaways. It’s a powerful example of how culture shapes travel and creates meaningful impact for local communities.”

As India’s tourism ecosystem evolves, cricket-led travel is increasingly extending beyond traditional gateway cities. As fans travel for marquee fixtures and build longer stays around match weekends, visitor activity is reaching a wider set of host cities supporting local hospitality ecosystems and contributing to more geographically distributed tourism demand.