Honeywell Technologies Helps Hengyi Industries’ Brunei Facility Improve Efficiency, Reliability With Higher-Value Petrochem Production

* Hengyi Industries Brunei PMB Phase II Refinery and Petrochemical Project expected to produce 20 Million MTA of crude upon completion

Honeywell Technologies (Nasdaq: HON) today announced the company will provide process technologies, licensing, engineering, proprietary equipment, catalysts and technical support services to help Hengyi Industries improve efficiency and reliability with higher-value petrochemicals production. Honeywell Technologies UOP solutions will be used to support Phase II of Hengyi’s Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) petrochemical project in Brunei.

The PMB planned hydrocracking, aromatics complex and dehydrogenation units are expected to be among the world’s largest facilities of its kind. PMB will reach approximately 20 million metric tons of annual crude-processing capacity in Phase II.

“With more than 100 years in the energy sector and technologies deployed in hundreds of aromatics complexes and process units, we help refining customers get more from their existing assets, feedstocks and resources,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell Technologies UOP. “Our solutions are designed to continue in helping PMB improve efficiency and reliability while positioning them to diversify into higher-value petrochemicals to meet evolving market demands.”

Honeywell Technologies UOP process solutions – including CCR Platforming™, Unicracking™, Unionfining™, Butamer™ and C4 Oleflex™, together with a full Aromatics Complex based on light desorbent Parex™ technology – will be deployed in Phase II of PMB. The companies worked together during the first phase of the PMB project, with Honeywell Technologies providing process technologies, engineering design, key equipment and state-of-the-art catalysts and adsorbents, operator training and technical services for start-up and continuing operations.

“The successful implementation of Honeywell Technologies solutions in Phase I helped Hengyi further strengthen its integrated refining and petrochemical value chain while supporting Brunei’s efforts to create greater value from its oil and gas resources and expand downstream industries,” said Chen Liancai, CEO of Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. “We believe deeper cooperation between our companies will support the development of Brunei’s energy and petrochemical sector while creating value for regional economic growth.”

About Honeywell Technologies

Honeywell Technologies is a global, pure-play automation company with a legacy of innovating to help solve the world’s most mission-critical challenges, enhancing the quality of life for people and communities around the world. We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Technologies Forge intelligence layer. By combining the deep domain expertise of our more than 50,000 employees with decades of data from our global installed base, we are uniquely positioned to lead the industrial sector’s transition from automation to autonomy. For more news and information on Honeywell Technologies, please visit Honeywell Technologies Newsroom

About Hengyi Group

Hengyi Group is one of the world's leading technology-driven industry leaders with a fully integrated "refining-chemical-fiber" industry-chain. Founded in 1974 as the Ya Qian Commune Knitting Factory in Xiaoshan and incorporated as a group in 1994, it is now a technology-driven enterprise with nearly 30,000 employees and total assets exceeding RMB 160 billion. In 2025, the company reported annual revenue of RMB 501.6 billion, ranking 201st on the 2026 Fortune Global 500 and 50th on the China Top 500.

The group operates a diversified "three-head, six-arm" business model, synergizing oil refining, coal chemical, caprolactam/nylon, PTA, polyester, and waste textile recycling. Its current production capacities include 9 million tonnes of crude oil processing, 23 million tonnes of PTA, 15 million tonnes of PET, and 1 million tonnes of CPL and 1.12 million tonnes of PA6. Hengyi's core petrochemical assets are held through Hengyi Petrochemical (listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2011), and it holds strategic stakes in China Zheshang Bank (listed in Hong Kong and Shanghai).

Moving forward, Hengyi is focused on an "onshore-offshore synergy and oil-coal integration" strategy. By significantly increasing R&D investment and driving continuous technological innovation, the group aims to transition from an industry leader to a technology pioneer. Hengyi is committed to high-quality development, with the goal of becoming a world-class petrochemical conglomerate by 2044.

Bigg Boss South Crosses Half A Billion Watch Hours In Just 5 Weeks; 75+ Brands Bet Big On The Franchise

* Biggest-ever launch across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam reinforces the franchise's growing scale, deeper audience engagement and strong advertiser confidence

JioStar's South editions of Bigg Boss have crossed 550 million watch hours in just five weeks, delivering the biggest launch in the franchise's history across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. For the first time, all four South editions premiered on the same day, creating one shared entertainment moment across the region while preserving the unique identity of each market. The result has been the strongest opening the franchise has ever delivered, with overall watch time growing 20% year-on-year.

Bigg Boss South is seeing strong engagement across its 24x7 live feed this season as well. Beyond the daily episodes, 6 in 10 viewers are also engaging with the 24x7 live feed, signalling that Bigg Boss has evolved into an always-on entertainment experience, with audiences staying connected to the conversations, relationships and moments inside the house throughout the day.

Krishnan Kutty, Head – Entertainment Business, South Cluster, JioStar, said, "The Bigg Boss phenomenon continues to get bigger with every passing season. Crossing half a billion watch hours in just five weeks is an important milestone, but what is even more encouraging is what sits behind that number. Every season, audiences are spending more time with the franchise, whether through the daily episodes or the 24x7 live feed. The simultaneous launch across all four South markets created one shared entertainment moment, while the continued growth in Connected TV consumption reinforces how audience behaviour is evolving. Together, these trends give us tremendous confidence in the long-term strength of the Bigg Boss franchise."

The momentum has been matched by strong advertiser confidence. More than 75 brands have partnered with the four South editions, accounting for over 120 sponsorships. Notably, more than half of the participating brands are first-time advertisers, while local advertisers contribute approximately 30% of total advertising spends, highlighting the franchise's ability to attract both national and regional brands.

The brands on board include: WhiteGold, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Ai + Nova Smartphone, Asian Paints, Britannia Nutri Choice, Dulcoflex, Denver, Star Health Insurance, Dazller, Ramraj Mrithu Towels, Walkaroo, Kajaria Ceramics, 1 to 3 Noodles, Haier, Cadbury 5 Star, Continental Xtra Instant South Blend, Cera, CP Plus, Gold On Phone Pe, MYK Laticrete, Simta Astrix, Vijay Sales, Amazon, Amrutanjan, Anil Foods, Ariel, Aroma Ghee, Asal, Ashwasurya Realities, Ashwin Sweets, Avaada Energy, Bakers Masala, Darling Digital, EcoPlanet Elevators, EXO, FirstClub, Gold Drop, IHP Iyengar, India Gate, Jeeni Slim, Jos Alukkas, JK Tyres, K P Namboodiri, KT Special Tea, Max Gold, Milk Bikis, MyG -Future, Nilkamal Sleep, Nivea Soft Gel, Pears, Purplle, Ramesh Lungies, Ramson Dhotis, Regal Jewellers, Rin, Sastry Balm, Shree Sai Gold Palace, Sparsh Masala, Sprite, Sudarshan Silks, Sunpure, Sunrich Oil, Taj Mahal, TDH Foods, TTK Prestige, Vicks Cough Drops, Vicks Inhaler, Walkmate, Hero Xoom, Kamla Pasand, ORN Vacations, Danube Properties Dubai, Colgate, Head & Shoulders, Kingfisher Packaged Drinking Water, Uber and Centuary Mattress.

Audience engagement began even before the main launch through Bigg Boss Agnipariksha, the franchise's first integrated digital pre-show across all four South markets. Known as Agnipariksha in Telugu, Agniparikshe in Kannada, Agnipareeksha in Malayalam and The Common Man in Tamil, the initiative gave aspiring contestants an opportunity to compete for a place inside the Bigg Boss house, extending audience participation and building anticipation ahead of the main season.

Bigg Boss Tamil, Bigg Boss Telugu, Bigg Boss Kannada and Bigg Boss Malayalam, hosted by Vijay Sethupathi, Nagarjuna, Kichha Sudeepa and Mohanlal respectively, air daily on Star Vijay, Star Maa, Colors Kannada and Asianet, with episodes and the 24x7 live feed streaming on JioHotstar.

HCCB In Collaboration With Mysuru City Corporation, Inaugurates Used PET Bottle Collection Drive At Mysuru Dasara 2026

* The initiative combines designated collection points at Chamundi Hills and the Aahara Mela Grounds, volunteer engagement, Safai Sathis, and Beedi Nataka performances to encourage responsible used PET bottle collection during Mysuru Dasara.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), in collaboration with the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and implementation partner Sangam Pratishthan, inaugurated 'Used PET Bottle-Free Mysuru Dasara 2026' drive under its 'GreenSweep' initiative during the annual Mysuru Dasara festivities.

The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Smt. B.N. Veena, K.A.S., Additional Commissioner, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), bringing together volunteers, local artists, Safai Sathis, community members, and visitors in support of responsible used PET bottle collection during Mysuru Dasara 2026. Karnataka's celebrated Nada Habba, Mysuru Dasara is one of India's largest cultural festivals, attracting lakhs of visitors annually to key locations across the city, including Chamundi Hills and the Aahara Mela Grounds. As footfalls increase during the festivities, so does the volume of used PET bottles generated, making responsible collection and recycling critical to ensuring valuable material is recovered and channelled back into the recycling value chain.

This year marks the 3rd year of GreenSweep supporting responsible used PET bottle collection through designated collection points, volunteer engagement, segregation activities, and sustained awareness efforts. Collected PET bottles are directed to authorised recycling channels for responsible recycling and recovery. More than 30 volunteers and Safai Sathis have been deployed at key festival locations, with two collection centers established at Chamundi Hills and Aahara Mela Grounds to encourage participation in the collection drive.

Complementing the collection effort, the initiative continues to leverages Beedi Nataka, Karnataka's traditional street theatre format, to create awareness about responsible used PET bottle collection among festival-goers. Local artists perform interactive shows in Kannada at key festival locations, encouraging participation in the drive.

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. B.N. Veena, K.A.S., Additional Commissioner, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), said, “Mysuru Dasara is one of Karnataka's most significant cultural celebrations, bringing together lakhs of residents, pilgrims, and tourists every year. Managing public spaces during an event of this scale requires collective participation from all stakeholders. Through this initiative, we are encouraging visitors to adopt responsible used PET bottle collection practices and make use of the designated collection points at key festival venues. We appreciate the partnership of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Sangam Pratishthan, volunteers, and Safai Sathis in supporting this effort.”

Commenting on the initiative, Himanshu Sekhar Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer, HCCB, said, "Mysuru Dasara is a celebration of Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and community spirit, and we are proud to support it in our home state. Through GreenSweep, we aim to make responsible used PET bottle collection easy, accessible, and visible for every visitor through dedicated collection points, trained volunteers and Safai Sathis, and Beedi Nataka performances in Kannada. By encouraging every used PET bottle to be collected and channelled for recycling, we hope to drive greater awareness and participation in circular economy practices and responsible post-consumer packaging management. We thank the Mysuru City Corporation, Sangam Pratishthan, volunteers, and artists for their partnership in bringing this collective effort to life."

Speaking on the initiative, Komal Ghag Nadar, Founder, Sangam Pratishthan, said, "Mysuru Dasara brings together families, pilgrims, and tourists from across Karnataka and beyond, making it an ideal platform to encourage responsible used PET bottle collection. We are grateful to the Mysuru City Corporation for their support, and to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for entrusting us with the opportunity to implement this initiative on the ground."

The initiative also builds on HCCB's broader presence and community engagement in Karnataka, where the company is headquartered in Bengaluru and operates two manufacturing facilities in the state, including its state-of-the-art plant in the Bidadi Industrial Area. Through its flagship community partnership programme, Project SHINE, HCCB continues to support a range of community-focused initiatives across Karnataka, including health and hygiene awareness, waste management, access to safe drinking water, and skill development programmes for women and youth.

Roll In, Dig In: A Street-Style Food Festival At Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

* October 23–25, 2026: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru brings street-food favourites to ‘Feast on Wheels’

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will host ‘Feast on Wheels’, a three-day food truck festival from 23 to 25 October 2026, from 5 PM onwards. Bringing together a diverse mix of food trucks, the festival invites visitors to explore street-food favourites and cuisines in a lively outdoor setting.

From smoky grills and barbecue to tangy chaats and bold street-style Chinese dishes, the festival will offer something for every palate. A selection of desserts will round off the experience, giving visitors plenty to sample as they discover new favourites.

Designed for families, friends and food enthusiasts, ‘Feast on Wheels’ brings together food, conversation and relaxed evenings outdoors. Visitors can browse the food trucks, share a meal and enjoy a flavour-filled outing at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru.

Event Details:
When: 23rd–25th October 2026
Timing: 5 PM onwards
Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru. 

India’s First-Car Buyer Is Moving Up The Value Curve: Kotak Prime

* Young buyers are entering the car market earlier, spending more, and choosing better-equipped vehicles as financing, resale confidence and wider model choices reshape the first-car category.

Young India is changing the meaning of the first car. For earlier generations, the first car was often a carefully budgeted mobility purchase, chosen largely around affordability. For many younger buyers today, it has become a more considered lifestyle and value decision. They are entering the car market earlier, spending more, and looking for a vehicle that can serve multiple needs from day one.

According to Kotak Mahindra Prime Ltd. (Kotak Prime), first-time car buyers in their mid-20s and early 30s are now investing nearly twice as much as earlier cohorts did on their first vehicle. A decade ago, the first car typically sat in the ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh range, for an entry-level car. Today, many young buyers are beginning at the ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh range, with several stretching further for better-equipped variants, compact SUVs or mid-segment options. The shift is being driven by higher expectations around safety, comfort, technology, road presence and long-term usability.

“The first-car category has evolved, and this change is reshaping the wider auto market,” said Suraj Rajappan, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Prime Ltd. “We are seeing a clear change in the first-car buyer profile. Younger buyers are entering the market sooner and their first car is no longer only about owning a vehicle. It is about finding the best value they can access within a comfortable EMI. They are entering earlier, spending more, choosing bigger and better-equipped vehicles, and using financing smartly to align aspiration with affordability.”

Over the past few years, manufacturers have widened the number of choices available to young buyers across compact SUVs, feature-rich models and better-equipped variants. Safety, infotainment, connectivity and convenience features that were once associated with higher segments are now increasingly part of the purchase conversation much earlier in the ownership journey. For young buyers, the first car is expected to handle office commutes, weekend travel, family use, road trips and personal independence, which naturally pushes them toward more capable vehicles.

“The first-car journey has moved up the value curve,” Suraj said. “Young customers are not simply choosing the lowest-priced option. They are comparing space, safety, technology, resale value and EMI comfort before making a decision. That is a very different purchase behaviour from what we saw earlier.”

A key driver of this shift is the rise of organised pre-owned platforms and the growing comfort around used vehicles. A well-maintained used SUV or mid-size car can often fit within an EMI range similar to an entry-level new car, making a higher segment feel accessible without sharply increasing monthly outgo. Certified inspections, warranties, digital discovery and transparent pricing have also reduced some of the hesitation traditionally associated with pre-owned cars.

Financing is central to this change. Kotak Prime has observed rising ticket sizes for first-car loans, greater comfort with longer tenures of five to seven years, and strong repayment discipline among younger borrowers. For many first-time buyers, the EMI has become the primary affordability filter. If the monthly repayment remains within a comfortable band, they are willing to move up one or even two segments for a vehicle they believe will serve them better for a longer period.

The shift reflects broader socio-economic changes in India. Young professionals are earning earlier, households are more likely to have dual incomes, urban mobility needs have expanded, and aspirations around travel, comfort and safety have become stronger. For this generation, the first car is not merely the first step into mobility. It is often the first major expression of financial confidence and personal progress.

AISATS Launches Flexible Short-Term Logistics Warehousing At KIA Airport In Bengaluru

* Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has introduced a short-term warehousing solution at its BLR Logistics Park in Bengaluru. The offering provides freight forwarders and shippers flexible storage options starting from a single day without long-term lease commitments.

Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has introduced a short-term warehousing solution at its BLR Logistics Park in Bengaluru, offering freight forwarders and shippers flexible storage for urgent, temporary and specialised cargo . Announced on October 14, 2026, the service accommodates general and temperature-controlled cargo, with rental periods starting at one day and no long-term lease commitments.

Spread across eight acres, the facility combines Grade A warehousing, a customs-bonded warehouse, a consolidation centre, cold storage, office spaces and value-added logistics services. These include cargo inter-shuttle services, packing and labelling, dedicated manpower and forklift support. Located at Bengaluru airport, with access to National Highway 44. The park is designed to reduce transit times and transportation costs by limiting the need to move cargo to off-airport warehouses 40–50 km away.

AISATS said the facility reached 70% occupancy in its first year and is on track to achieve full occupancy. Companies operating at the logistics park include DHL, DSV, FedEx, Kuehne+Nagel and CEVA Logistics. The short-term warehousing service extends access to the facility to mid-sized and smaller freight forwarders, shippers and businesses on an occasional basis.

The service is intended to accommodate fluctuations in cargo volumes during peak periods such as Diwali, Christmas and New Year, as well as project cargo and oversized or specialised consignments. AISATS has already handled irregularly sized medical equipment requiring special care, along with specialised chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients at its common-user cold storage facility.

Salim Chaudhary, Chief Operations Officer at AISATS, says, “The AISATS BLR Logistics Park was developed to address Bengaluru’s evolving air cargo and logistics requirements through world-class, integrated infrastructure. The response from the market has been extremely encouraging, with occupancy already reaching 70%, reflecting the strong value proposition and cost efficiencies the facility offers. As cargo volumes grow, we are witnessing increasing demand for flexible storage solutions, particularly for urgent, short-duration and specialised cargo requirements. Our Short-term Warehousing Solution has been introduced to address this need, enabling freight forwarders and shippers to access premium warehousing infrastructure on demand, without the constraints of long-term commitments. As the cargo ecosystem continues to expand, AISATS remains committed to delivering agile, customer-centric logistics solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency and support the region’s growth trajectory.”

Chaudhary said the new service would give freight forwarders and shippers access to warehousing infrastructure without the constraints of long-term commitments. With demand coming from sectors including electronics, semiconductors, engineering goods, aerospace and pharmaceuticals,AISATS expects the logistics park to support the region’s evolving supply chain requirements.

Even India's Best-Performing State Leaves 5 In 6 Men Unscreened For Prostate Cancer

* 7 in 10 Indian men over 45 cannot name a prostate cancer risk factor; Karnataka reflects national awareness gap: Survey

Seven in 10 Indian men aged 45 and above cannot name a single risk factor for prostate cancer, highlighting a significant awareness gap that cuts across geographies, according to a new national survey of 1,036 men across Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra.

The survey, conducted by Heal Foundation, found that 68.9% of men nationally could not identify even one prostate cancer risk factor, while only 13.2% recognised family history as a risk factor. Awareness of when prostate cancer monitoring should begin was also limited, with around 75% of men believing monitoring should start at age 50 or later, despite the monitoring window beginning at 45, or earlier for men with a positive family history.

Karnataka's findings reflect this broader national challenge. While the state recorded the strongest prostate cancer screening performance among the five states surveyed, its relative lead exists against a backdrop of low awareness nationally. Across India, 60.8% of men did not know their own screening status, only 31% had heard of the PSA blood test, and just 14% had ever specifically requested a PSA test. This is despite nearly two-thirds of men reporting that they undergo a general annual health check-up.

The findings point to a clear gap between general health-seeking behaviour and awareness of prostate-specific cancer risk and screening. Karnataka's relatively stronger screening performance therefore does not indicate that the awareness challenge has been resolved; rather, it highlights the need to convert existing healthcare access into greater awareness and proactive screening conversations among men aged 45 and above.

“Karnataka's relative performance should be viewed in the context of the much larger national awareness gap. When nearly seven in 10 men across India cannot name a single prostate cancer risk factor, the issue is clearly not limited to one geography. Karnataka may be ahead of the other states surveyed on screening, but there is still considerable scope to improve awareness about risk factors, the right age to begin monitoring and the role of PSA testing,” said Prof. Dr. Somashekhar S P, Consultant – Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgeon HIPEC & PIPAC Super specialist , Aster International Institute of Oncology.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian men, yet awareness of its risk factors remains limited. The survey found that 68.9% of respondents nationally could not name a single risk factor, while only 13.2% identified family history. The findings suggest that many men may not recognise their potential risk or understand when they should begin conversations about prostate health.

The lack of awareness also appears to influence screening behaviour. Nationally, the most commonly cited reasons for not undergoing screening were the belief that screening was not necessary (34%), absence of symptoms (approximately 28%) and lack of a doctor's recommendation (approximately 22%). Cost was cited by around 19%, while approximately 17% cited embarrassment or privacy concerns.

The survey further found that 59.5% of men were uncomfortable raising screening or treatment concerns with a doctor, while only around 18% said they would raise the issue themselves. This indicates that improving awareness may require not only information about prostate cancer but also greater normalisation of conversations around screening.

“The Karnataka findings offer an important insight into the prostate cancer journey. While the state shows relatively stronger awareness compared with the other regions surveyed, awareness of the disease also needs to extend to the treatment options available when prostate cancer advances. Radioligand therapy is an important development in the treatment landscape, yet many patients and families may still be unfamiliar with it. Improving awareness should therefore not stop at screening or diagnosis. Men and their caregivers also need access to information about evolving treatment options so they can have informed discussions with their treating specialists,” said Dr. Niti Raizada, Principal Director, Medical Oncology & HematoOncology, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore.

Awareness gaps extend beyond risk factors and screening. Only 36% of men nationally correctly identified a urologist as the appropriate specialist for prostate cancer, while 44% said they would want a second opinion before beginning treatment. Knowledge of treatment options was also limited, with 71.2% reporting low treatment knowledge and only around 10% describing themselves as confident across the prostate cancer care pathway.



The findings underline the need for a more consistent prostate cancer awareness approach across regions, with messaging focused on helping men understand risk factors, the appropriate age to begin monitoring, available screening options and when to seek specialist advice.