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  • Bevacizumab enhances overall survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients with high COX-2 expression

  • Woehrer, A., Bauchet, L. & Barnholtz-Sloan, J. S. Glioblastoma survival: Has it improved? Evidence from population-based studies. Curr. Opin. Neurol. 27, 666–674. https://doi.org/10.1097/wco.0000000000000144 (2014).

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  • Wen, P. Y. et al. Updated response assessment criteria for high-grade gliomas: Response assessment in neuro-oncology working group. J. Clin. Oncol. 28, 1963–1972. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2009.26.3541 (2010).

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  • Lucerastat, an oral therapy for Fabry disease: results from a pivotal randomized phase 3 study and its open-label extension

    Competing interests

    P.N.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; consulting fees from Amicus, Chiesi, Greenovation, Idorsia, Sanofi-Genzyme, Takeda; payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Amicus, Chiesi, Greenovation, Idorsia, Sanofi-Genzyme, Takeda; participation on a data safety monitoring board or advisory board for Amicus, Chiesi, Greenovation, Idorsia, Sanofi-Genzyme, Takeda. O.G.-A.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; grant support from Idorsia, Sanofi, Protalix, Chiesi, Sangamo, 4DMT for clinical research trials; grant support from Sanofi and Takeda for other investigator-initiated studies; has/will receive(d) consulting fees from Sanofi, Chiesi, Takeda, Uniqure; payment or honoraria for speaker bureaus for Sanofi and Takeda; participation on an advisory board on Fabry disease for Chiesi and Sanofi. J.B.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; research support for clinical trial from Idorsia Pharmaceuticals; research support from AVROBIO, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Pfizer, Protalix BioTherapeutics, Sangamo Therapeutics, Sanofi, Takeda, Travere Therapeutics; consulting fees from Chiesi USA and Takeda for advisory boards; speaker honorarium from Fabry Support and Information Group. D.P.G.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; consulting fees from Chiesi, Idorsia, Sanofi, and Takeda; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Chiesi, Sanofi, and Takeda. P.G.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments. A.J.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; research grants from Takeda and Amicus; payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speaker bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Amicus, Chiesi, Takeda, and Sanofi; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Amicus and Chiesi. V.K.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; payment for expert testimony from Sanofi; participation on a Pompe disease advisory board for Sanofi; PI of trials for Protalix and Idorsia. K.N.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; research/clinical trial funding to institution from Sanofi, Takeda, Amicus and Idorsia; payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speaker bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from Takeda, Sanofi and Amicus; participation on a data safety monitoring board or advisory board for Takeda, Sanofi and Amicus. C.R.G.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments. R.S.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments. M.T.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments. A.T.-S.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments. E.W.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; grants or contracts from Sanofi, Idorsia, Chiesi, Protalix, Walking Fish Therapeutics, Spark Therapeutics; consulting fees from Sanofi, Amicus, Chiesi, Protalix, Walking Fish Therapeutics, Spark Therapeutics; payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speaker bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Sanofi, Chiesi, and Natera; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Sanofi, Chiesi, and Protalix. R.W.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; employed by Idorsia (the study funder) during the planning and execution of the study; owns stock in Idorsia. M.W.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; contract for research from Chiesi; grants from Takeda, Sanofi and Amicus; IP for Fabry gene therapy and Fabry cardiac biomarkers; consulting fees from Takeda; honoraria for CME presentations from Takeda, Sanofi and Sumitomo; payment for expert testimony from Takeda and Amicus; support for travel expenses from Amicus; participation on advisory boards for Sanofi and Amicus; Chair of the Scientific Committee for the CFDI Registry; Member of the Fabry Outcome Survey Steering Committee for Takeda; Member of the Scientific Committee for the Canadian Symposium on Lysosomal Diseases; Member of the North American Advisory Board for Sanofi; Member of the Scientific Committee for the Fabry Update Meeting. M.C.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; employee of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd; shareholder of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. A.F.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; employee of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd; shareholder of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. L.T.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; employee of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals (Sponsor) at the time of data generation, statistical evaluation, and data interpretation; shareholder of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. M.M.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; employee of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd; owns stock. M.V.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; employee of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd; shareholder of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. C.W.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; grant(s) from Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi; consultancy fees from Amgen, Amicus, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Vifor Pharma, Chiesi, Chugai, Fresenius Medical Care, GSK, Idorsia, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. D.H.: Medical writing support for the manuscript as declared in the Acknowledgments; consultancy fees for advisory boards from Idorsia, Amicus, Sanofi, Takeda, Chiesi, Freeline, Sangamo; honoraria for speaking from Idorsia, Amicus, Sanofi, Takeda, Chiesi, Freeline, Sangamo; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Amicus, Sanofi, Freeline, Chiesi.

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  • Infosys Science Foundation Honors Outstanding Researchers with the Infosys Prize 2025

    The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) today awarded the winners of the Infosys Prize 2025 at a felicitation ceremony in Bengaluru. In its 17th year, the prize recognizes researchers under the age of 40, underscoring the importance of early recognition for exceptional talent. The winners were conferred the prize for their stellar contributions across six categories: Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. The winners were felicitated by Chief Guest Prof. Randy Schekman, 2013 Nobel laureate in Physiology /Medicine, Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, with a pure gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of USD 100,000.

    The event was attended by distinguished scientists, eminent academicians from around the globe, business leaders, young scholars, and students. Trustees of the Infosys Science Foundation including, Mr. K. Dinesh (President, Board of Trustees), Mr. Narayana Murthy, Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Mr. Mohandas Pai, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, and Mr. Salil Parekh were present at the award ceremony.

    Commenting on the occasion, Chief Guest Prof. Randy Schekman, said, “I am delighted to offer my congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Infosys Prize representing the finest achievements of scholars whose work impacts India in diverse fields of basic and applied natural and social sciences. As one of the great civilizations and the largest democracy in the world, India takes a prime position of leadership in scholarly achievement here in India and abroad. I witness daily the brilliance and industriousness of the Indian people in contributions to the health and prosperity of the world community. In an increasingly polarized world, it is refreshing to pause and reflect on the constructive impact of India’s finest scholars.”

    K. Dinesh, President, Board of Trustees, Infosys Science Foundation, said, “We take pride in celebrating emerging researchers whose work reflects the evolving strength and promise of science today. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the Infosys Prize 2025, whose achievements underscore the vital role of research and discovery in advancing society. The ingenuity of their vision and work highlights the capacity of scientific research to address complex global challenges in a unique way. Their accomplishments reaffirm our conviction that science continues on a promising path toward a more sustainable and resilient world. To foster meaningful research collaborations, we have continued the Infosys Prize Sabbatical program by inviting winners from outside India to spend a month in Indian institutions. At the Infosys Science Foundation, we remain committed to supporting excellence in research and inspiring future generations.”

    As part of the Infosys Prize Sabbatical program, a laureate of the Infosys Prize in any category who does not reside in India is required to spend 30 days, at a time of their choosing, in the calendar year following the announcement at an Indian institution of their choice. This is done with an aim to encourage collaboration among the laureates and the science community in India.

    On January 09, the fifth edition of the Infosys Prize Winners’ Symposium was held at the Taj West End. The laureates presented their award-winning work to an invited audience of their peers and senior members of academia.

    The winners were chosen by jury panels headed by eminent academics: Prof. Kaushik Basu (Cornell University) for Economics; Prof. Jayathi Y. Murthy (President, Oregon State University) for Engineering and Computer Science; Prof. Akeel Bilgrami (Columbia University) for Humanities and Social Sciences; Prof. Mriganka Sur (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) for Life Sciences; Prof. Chandrashekhar Khare (University of California, Los Angeles) for Mathematical Sciences; and Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni (California Institute of Technology) for Physical Sciences.

    The winners of the Infosys Prize 2025 in the six categories are:

    Economics

    The Infosys Prize 2025 in Economics is awarded to Nikhil Agarwal, Paul A. Samuelson Professor of Economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for his pioneering contributions to market design, including the development and implementation of pathbreaking methodology for empirical studies of allocation mechanisms, including school choice, medical residency, and kidney exchanges. Much of economics assumes that the invisible hand of the market brings about prices where demand equals supply. While this is likely true for apples and oranges, this is not the way those needing kidneys find those willing to supply kidneys, or students seeking college admission find the college that will admit them. These matching problems are hugely important but inadequately understood. Agarwal’s work has transformed this rudimentary literature into one anchored in data, providing new insights into policy design.

    Engineering and Computer Science

    The Infosys Prize 2025 in Engineering and Computer Science is awarded to Sushant Sachdeva, Associate Professor (CSC) of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto, for his deep insights into mathematical optimization and the resolution of longstanding open questions in algorithmic theory that has established new standards on achievable performance in computational problems affecting information flows across societal lifelines, including the internet, transportation, and communication networks. He is a pioneer in theoretical computer science whose fundamental contributions have profoundly impacted many algorithmic challenges underlying modern society.

    Humanities and Social Sciences

    The Infosys Prize 2025 in Humanities and Social Sciences is awarded to Andrew Ollett, Associate Professor in the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago, who is the world’s foremost scholar of the Prakrit languages in this generation. His book, Language of the Snakes, is a magisterial analysis of the cultural roles of Prakrit in tandem with Sanskrit and the Indian vernaculars over the last two thousand years. Andrew Ollett’s linguistic mastery and knowledge is breathtaking, ranging from detailed contributions to the study of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada, Tamil, Old Javanese, and Chinese, in addition to his knowledge of the modern European languages and his training in Greek and Latin. Scholarship such as Ollett’s in Sanskrit literature and other Indian languages helps us understand the remarkable cosmopolitan reach of Indian culture in places as distant as the farthest corners of Southeast Asia.

    Life Sciences
    The Infosys Prize 2025 in Life Sciences is awarded to Anjana Badrinarayanan, Associate Professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, for her pioneering contributions to understanding mechanisms of genome maintenance and repair. Through innovative live-cell imaging combined with genetic and cell biological approaches, her work has revealed fundamental principles of how DNA damage is repaired, demonstrated mutagenesis in non-dividing cells, and identified novel pathways of mitochondrial DNA damage responses, illuminating principles central to life and evolution. By uncovering universal strategies that cells use to safeguard their genomes, she has profoundly advanced the fields of genome and microbial biology, establishing new directions for research into genome stability and cellular resilience.

    Mathematical Sciences

    The Infosys Prize 2025 in Mathematical Sciences is awarded to Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Associate Professor at the School of Mathematics at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, for his powerful and original work that links two distinct areas of mathematics—the dynamics of Kleinian group actions and the iteration of holomorphic and anti-holomorphic maps in complex dynamics. His results have reshaped our understanding of conformal dynamics, an area of study that has important implications across physics, fluid dynamics, and even data science.

    Physical Sciences

    The Infosys Prize 2025 in Physical Sciences is awarded to Karthish Manthiram, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), for his pioneering work on sustainable electrochemical routes to essential chemicals. His breakthroughs in lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis and oxygen-atom transfer catalysis have transformed our understanding of electrified chemical manufacturing, demonstrating how renewable electricity can drive selective, efficient synthesis of chemicals that are fundamental to agriculture and industry.

     

    About Infosys Science Foundation

    The Infosys Prize is awarded by the Infosys Science Foundation, a not-for-profit trust set up in 2009. The award is given annually to honor outstanding achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists in six categories: Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Each prize consists of a gold medal, a citation and a purse of USD 100,000. The award intends to celebrate success in research and stand as a marker of excellence in these fields.

    Jury Chairs

    Prof. Kaushik Basu | Prof. Jayathi Murthy | Prof. Akeel Bilgrami | Prof. Mriganka Sur | Prof. Chandrashekhar Khare | Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni

    Trustees

    K. Dinesh | Srinath Batni | S. Gopalakrishnan | Narayana Murthy | Pratima Murthy | Nandan Nilekani | T. V. Mohandas Pai | Salil Parekh | Shibulal S.D.

     

    About Infosys

    Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 320,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses, and communities. We enable clients in 59 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

    Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

     

    Safe Harbor

    Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the ‘safe harbor’ under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence (“AI”), generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

     

    Media contact

    For more information, please contact: PR_India@infosys.com

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  • Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition skis for sale

    Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition skis for sale

    Adam Partridge Auctioneers A black and white photo which has three men standing and two more sitting in front of them on the snow. They are wearing heavy clothing and hats and have ski poles. There is a Union Jack flag in the snow behind them.Adam Partridge Auctioneers

    Browning was one of the southern party, all of whom survived the Antarctic expedition

    Relics from Captain Scott’s doomed attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole are set to go under the hammer.

    A set of skis and ski poles used by a member of the Antarctic expedition, Frank Browning from Stockland, are set to be auctioned by Adam Partridge Auctioneers in Hele, Devon, on 12 January.

    Director of valuations Christopher Surfleet said Browning had been part of the northern party that was stranded on an island for the winter and, after trekking 200 miles (322km) back to the ship eight months later, found Scott and his southern party had died.

    He said the £10-20,000 guide price was a reflection on the “exceptionally important and rare” equipment from the 1910-1913 expedition.

    Adam Partridge Auctioneers The pair of skis and ski poles are mounted on a white wall and there is a presentation case open which features two group black and white photos, a brass plaque and annotations relating to the expedition.Adam Partridge Auctioneers

    Browning gifted the equipment to the St Marychurch and Babbacombe Constitutional Club in 1930

    The director said the historic skis and ski poles were one of 40 or 50 sets ordered for the expedition from L H Hagen and Co, in Christiania, now known as Oslo, in Norway.

    Surfleet said Browning had gifted the equipment to the St Marychurch and Babbacombe Constitutional Club in 1930.

    He said that, while Scott and his team had been the southern party, Browning’s northern party had been transferred to an area near Evans Cove on 4 January 1912 and due to be picked up on 18 February.

    Ice and bad weather had prevented the pick-up, so the group had to build an ice cave to see the winter out on Inexpressible Island, he explained.

    Surfleet said the group in summer clothes with six weeks of rations had to hunt animals to survive, including a seal which Browning killed and found 36 edible fish in its stomach.

    The group left their camp on 30 September 1912 and 200 miles later they reached the Terra Nova ship on 7 November to be told Scott and his team had died.

    Adam Partridge Auctioneers The presentation case has two black and white group photos of the expedition member wearing cold weather gear and hats as they stand in the snow holding ski poles. There is a brass plaque and three boxes of typewritten information which is to small to read in this photo.Adam Partridge Auctioneers

    Chris Surfleet said the set of skis and poles was “one of the most interesting and exciting” items he had ever handled

    Surfleet said Browning had returned to live in Torquay and played for Torquay United Football Club before he died of double pneumonia in 1930, which may been a result of the hardship he had suffered in the Antarctic.

    He said: “The skis and poles are an incredible link to that time and the horrendous conditions these pioneering brave gents endured.”

    “I’ve been an auctioneer for 33 years and this is one of the most interesting and exciting items I’ve ever handled,” he said.

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  • Gold prices in Pakistan Today

    Gold prices in Pakistan Today

    Gold and silver prices continued their upward trend for a second consecutive day on Saturday in both international and domestic markets.

    In the international bullion market, the price of gold rose by $37 per ounce to reach $4,509, prompting a corresponding increase in local bullion rates.

    In Pakistan’s domestic markets, the price of 24-carat gold increased by Rs3,700 per tola, taking the rate to Rs472,262. The price of 10 grams of gold rose by Rs3,172 to Rs405,745.

    Silver prices also recorded gains. The price of silver increased by Rs270 per tola to Rs8,465, while the rate for 10 grams rose by Rs232 to Rs7,257.

    Read: Staples, energy push SPI up by 3.2%

    Furthermore, the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week ended January 8, 2026, increased by 3.20% year-on-year (YoY), underscoring the continued pressure on household budgets, amid persistent food and energy inflation.

    The SPI, which tracks weekly price movements of 51 essential commodities across 50 markets in 17 cities, is a key gauge of short-term inflationary trends.

    On a week-on-week (WoW) basis, the SPI rose by 0.12%, reflecting broad-based price increases across consumption quintiles. The WoW inflation was marginally higher for lower- and middle-income groups: Quintile 1 (0.12%), Q2 (0.13%), Q3 (0.13%) and Q4 (0.13%), while the highest-income quintile – Q5 – saw a slightly lower inflation growth of 0.11%.

    Read more: Foreign reserves rise $141m to $21.19b

    On a YoY basis, the inflationary pressure was most pronounced for Q2 (3.65%) and Q3 (3.43%), indicating the disproportionate stress on lower-middle and middle-income households, compared to Q1 (2.42%) and Q5 (2.58%).

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  • South Africa Joins UK, Egypt, Lebanon, China And More Powerful Countries As Emirates Makes Major Moves With New Direct Flights, Driving UAE’s Tourism Boom In 2026

    South Africa Joins UK, Egypt, Lebanon, China And More Powerful Countries As Emirates Makes Major Moves With New Direct Flights, Driving UAE’s Tourism Boom In 2026

    Home » AIRLINE NEWS » South Africa Joins UK, Egypt, Lebanon, China And More Powerful Countries As Emirates Makes Major Moves With New Direct Flights, Driving UAE’s Tourism Boom In 2026

    Published on
    January 10, 2026

    South Africa joins UK, Egypt, Lebanon, China, and other powerful countries as Emirates introduces new direct flights to accelerate the UAE’s tourism boom in 2026. This bold expansion is part of Emirates’ strategy to enhance its global reach and improve connectivity to key destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America. By launching new routes and increasing flight frequencies, Emirates is not only providing travelers with more options but also boosting the UAE’s status as a global tourism hub. With the introduction of the Airbus A350, Premium Economy, and modernized services, Emirates is poised to offer an elevated travel experience while supporting the growing demand for international travel to and from the UAE.

    Emirates Airlines is set to revolutionize the travel landscape in 2026, marking an exciting period of expansion. The airline, known for its exceptional service and commitment to global connectivity, has unveiled a series of new flight routes, increased frequencies, and fleet upgrades to enhance accessibility and provide passengers with more seamless travel options. These moves come at a time when Emirates is not only expanding its network but also introducing modern aircraft like the Airbus A350 and offering new services like Premium Economy to enhance the flying experience for travelers across the world.

    Expanding Global Connections

    One of the standout features of Emirates’ expansion in 2026 is its focus on strengthening its global network with new direct flights to key destinations. South Africa, alongside other influential nations such as the UK, Egypt, Lebanon, and China, now finds itself connected more than ever to the UAE, thanks to Emirates’ new flight offerings. These new routes are expected to further boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the UAE and the rest of the world, with a particular emphasis on increasing passenger access to key global hubs.

    For many years, Emirates has led the way in making Dubai a central hub for international travel. As the airline continues its growth trajectory, new destinations in Europe, Africa, and North America are in focus for 2026. By adding more direct routes, Emirates aims to serve more passengers, helping facilitate global tourism and making the UAE even more accessible for international travelers.

    South Africa’s Growing Role in UAE’s Tourism Boom

    South Africa’s inclusion in Emirates’ expansion strategy is a significant milestone for both nations. The new flight connections between South Africa and the UAE will bring benefits not only for tourists but also for business travelers, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to supporting the burgeoning UAE tourism sector. South Africa’s growing popularity as a tourism destination, combined with the increased frequency of flights to Cape Town, is expected to bring a surge in international arrivals, contributing to the UAE’s overall tourism boom.

    Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most iconic cities, will see a third daily Emirates flight starting in July 2026. This will provide travelers with more options to visit one of the world’s most picturesque destinations. With increasing demand for travel between South Africa and the UAE, the third daily flight will open up more opportunities for business and leisure travelers alike. As South Africa is a major player in Africa’s tourism scene, this enhanced connectivity will pave the way for a deeper cultural and economic exchange between the two countries.

    Exciting New Routes to Europe, Africa, and North America

    In addition to the South African route, Emirates’ 2026 expansion will introduce several new connections to Europe, Africa, and North America. Travelers from these regions will enjoy easier access to Dubai and beyond, with seamless connections to numerous destinations across the globe. These routes will not only offer more flight options but also improve convenience for tourists, business professionals, and families traveling between continents.

    Here are some of the exciting new and expanded routes that Emirates will offer in 2026:

    • Dubai ↔ Montréal: New nonstop service, launching early 2026, will connect Dubai to Montréal via the Airbus A350, complete with Emirates’ Premium Economy offering. This route will cater to both tourists and business travelers, providing more accessibility to North America, particularly Canada. This new service will also allow passengers to connect to other parts of the continent, enhancing Emirates’ already extensive North American network.
    • Dubai ↔ Cairo: Emirates will increase its frequency on the busy Dubai-Cairo route starting in February 2026, adding a fifth daily flight. The increased frequency comes in response to high demand for travel between the UAE and Egypt, with passengers benefiting from more flexibility when traveling between two major business hubs.
    • Dubai ↔ Cape Town: Emirates will add a third daily flight to Cape Town, starting in July 2026. This increased frequency aims to meet the growing demand between the UAE and South Africa, especially with Cape Town’s rising popularity as a global tourism hotspot. The added service will ensure more options for travelers flying to one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
    • Dubai ↔ Beirut: In early 2026, Emirates will introduce its Airbus A350 aircraft on this route, providing a premium travel experience with new amenities, including the addition of Premium Economy. This will provide an elevated option for travelers seeking greater comfort on long-haul flights.
    • Dubai ↔ Beijing: Also in early 2026, the Airbus A350 will be rolled out for this route. The upgraded aircraft will offer passengers enhanced service and comfort, along with Emirates’ newly introduced Premium Economy cabin. This addition marks another key milestone in Emirates’ expansion into the Chinese market.
    • Dubai ↔ London Gatwick: A fourth daily flight will be added starting February 8, 2026, improving the airline’s connection to one of the most significant travel markets in Europe. This increased frequency will provide more flexibility for passengers traveling between Dubai and London, a key route for both business and leisure.

    A350 and Premium Economy Take Center Stage

    The introduction of the Airbus A350 and Premium Economy on select routes is one of the highlights of Emirates’ 2026 expansion. As the airline strives to offer better comfort, efficiency, and sustainability, the A350 stands out with its fuel-efficient design and advanced cabin features. Passengers flying on the A350 will experience state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, improved seating, and a more spacious cabin. This aircraft will be used on several long-haul routes, offering an enhanced travel experience.

    The new Premium Economy class is a game-changer for Emirates. This cabin offers extra space, comfortable seating, and improved service, making it an attractive option for passengers who seek more comfort than economy class but aren’t ready to pay the premium for business class. Premium Economy is designed to provide a more affordable yet luxurious travel experience, ensuring that Emirates continues to cater to a broad range of travelers.

    A Vision for the Future: A Modernized Fleet

    By the end of 2026, Emirates will operate a modernized fleet of more than 110 Airbus A380s and A350s. This fleet expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to offering passengers the best flying experience available. As Emirates continues to push the boundaries of air travel, the increased fleet size will help cater to the growing demand for flights while maintaining the highest standards of service, comfort, and efficiency.

    The Airbus A380 and A350 aircraft are renowned for their superior cabin design and eco-friendly features, which will contribute to the airline’s sustainability goals. With these modern aircraft, Emirates aims to not only offer more flights and improved service but also reduce its environmental impact, aligning with its long-term vision for sustainable aviation.

    What This Means for Travelers

    Emirates’ expansion in 2026 opens up a world of opportunities for travelers. The introduction of new routes, increased frequencies, and a modernized fleet means more options for connecting to global destinations. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or both, passengers will enjoy greater flexibility and enhanced comfort. The addition of Premium Economy and the Airbus A350 ensures that Emirates is catering to the evolving needs of travelers, offering a range of affordable, luxurious, and efficient travel options.

    For passengers traveling between South Africa and the UAE, the additional flights and upgraded service will make it easier to connect with other parts of the world, increasing accessibility and convenience. Similarly, the new connections between Dubai and Europe, North America, and Africa will enhance the travel experience for those seeking to explore new destinations or strengthen business ties.

    Emirates’ bold expansion in 2026 solidifies its position as a global leader in air travel. With new routes, an upgraded fleet, and enhanced services, the airline is not only expanding its global reach but also making travel more accessible, comfortable, and efficient. The introduction of the Airbus A350 and Premium Economy, combined with increased flight frequencies, ensures that Emirates will continue to cater to a diverse range of passengers in the coming year.

    South Africa joins UK, Egypt, Lebanon, China, and other powerful countries as Emirates introduces new direct flights to boost UAE tourism in 2026. This expansion enhances global connectivity and offers more travel options, fueling the growth of the UAE’s tourism sector.

    For travelers around the world, Emirates’ 2026 expansion offers exciting opportunities to explore new destinations, connect with key global hubs, and experience world-class service in the sky. With these changes, Emirates is set to play a major role in accelerating the UAE’s tourism boom and connecting the world like never before.

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  • Pi Network Releases New Payments Library to Accelerate App Development in 2026

    Pi Network Releases New Payments Library to Accelerate App Development in 2026

    The new year has seen Pi Network start the year strongly on the aspect of building. The group declared the launch of a fresh developer Payments Library that would help ease the integration of Pi payments into Pi-based applications. The new library combines the Pi SDK and backend APIs into a single streamlined system. This saves a lot of time and complicated procedures that are involved in making payments possible. The developers are now able to make Pi payments in less than ten minutes according to the announcement. It facilitates the use of popular frontend and backend structures and therefore, small teams and professionals can effortlessly deploy functional applications. The relocation is an indication of the continued time by Pi Network to reduce the barriers to entry and invite more builders into the ecosystem.

    Real-World Utility

    It is released following the release of Open Network by Pi Network in 2025. The project has since changed its message to utility and practical uses. This strategy has been directly supported by faster payment integration. Now developers are able to work on the features of products rather than waste their time on the technical payment infrastructure. A new protocol upgrade such as Protocol v23 is also compatible with the Payments Library. These enhancements will enhance the effectiveness of the network and stability. The two are the foundations of scaling Pi-powered applications in various industries, ranging between commerce and services.

    Pi Network Ecosystem

    Even though the tool enhances the power of developers, Pi Network still functions in a divided market sentiment. Continuous unlocking of tokens and reserved price anticipations have maintained speculation at a low level. The leadership of the project however seems to be more concerned with the long term health of the ecosystem than price fluctuations in the short run. Pi Network investing in developer tooling is an indication that adoption and usage are both the most important. The location of the future value creation in network is placed on functional applications and real transactions.

    The reaction in the Pi community is divided. The update has been received positively by lots of users and developers, with real-world applications like Pi-based shopping apps describing its increased utility. These individuals consider the new library as progress in ensuring that Pi can be applied in practical settings. Simultaneously, the issues linked to KYC completion and migration delays are still raised in the discussions. Still, there is an under-note of gradual improvement in the development front with the release.

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  • Closed-form design optimization for LLC converters with wide output voltage range based on FHA

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  • Five charts that will move markets in 2026

    Five charts that will move markets in 2026

    Markets feel like they’ve been stuck in a range for many months now. In fact, after the excitement of reciprocal tariffs in early April and the collapse in the Dollar thereafter, there really wasn’t much further action in 2025. That said, though markets look quiet on the surface, there’s several areas where tensions are building. Today’s post runs through five of these.

    • Markets price only two Fed cuts through end-2027: the black line in the chart below shows the Fed’s policy rate alongside what interest rate futures price for end-2026 (blue line) and end-2027 (red line). The White House spent a lot of time in 2025 leaning on the Fed to cut, so I find it completely implausible that we get only two cuts through 2027, especially with a new Trump-appointed Fed Chair. Markets are pricing “business as usual,” when it doesn’t seem like we’ll get that.

    • The Dollar looks vulnerable: I spent much of 2025 pushing back on all the apocalyptic Dollar talk, which struck me as overly emotional. A key barometer for me is how the Dollar is holding up against emerging markets (EM), which in my mind offers a better gauge for market sentiment than G10 crosses. As the blue line in the chart below shows, the Dollar has been falling steadily against EM since the Dec. 10 Fed cut. If the Fed ends up easing more than is priced – to my first point – the Dollar could fall a lot further.

    • Japan’s Yen is increasingly distressed: the Dollar isn’t the only currency that’s in trouble. As the black line in the chart below shows, the trade-weighted Yen has fallen to an all-time low versus the G10, even as long-term rate differentials have moved sharply in favor of the Yen (blue line). This kind of decoupling is a telltale indication of fiscal distress and parallels the UK bond market blow-up in 2022. Japan is trapped by its high public debt. Yen depreciation is the safety valve.

    • The Euro zone stumbles towards deflation: a large output gap has been opening up in Germany and markets are starting to recognize this. As the blue line in the chart below shows, 5y5y forward breakeven inflation is only 0.4 percent, which is – stunningly – below COVID levels. The ECB has been doing things it shouldn’t – it’s morphed into a fiscal bailout agency for high-debt sovereigns – and thinks a hawkish stance on interest rates will absolve it of its sins. What it’s really doing is compounding one error with another. A major policy mistake is unfolding here, which will only end when Germany puts its foot down at the ECB.

    • The debasement trade roars ahead: towards the end of 2025, there were lots of questions whether year-end dynamics were driving precious metals higher and whether the start of the new year would see a sharp pull-back. As the chart below shows, that clearly hasn’t happened. All indications are that the debasement trade is much stronger than any of us had expected. As crazy as it sounds, I think this means precious metals can go a lot higher.

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  • EDQP Reawakening 2026: Unlocking The Next Value-Up Cycle For Singapore Equities

    EDQP Reawakening 2026: Unlocking The Next Value-Up Cycle For Singapore Equities

    Mr Luke Lim, Chairman of SAS
    Mr Loh Boon Chye, CEO of SGX 
    Distinguished guests 
    Ladies and Gentlemen

    1. Good morning. 

    2. Thank you for inviting me to the inaugural Singapore Equities Forum. I’d like to thank the Securities Association of Singapore (SAS) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX) for organizing the Forum. 

    3. It is wonderful to see many key stakeholders representing brokers, research analysts, fund managers and investors, here today to collectively write the next chapter for Singapore’s equity market.

    4. But we are not just writing the next chapter for Singapore’s equity market. The Government has embarked on an Economic Strategy Review aimed at charting a forward-looking path for Singapore’s economy. We are therefore also in the midst of writing the next chapter of Singapore’s economic story, and the equity market is a key part of our strategy to empower, restructure and rejuvenate the economy.

    5. Earlier this week, we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Straits Times Index. Over six decades, STI has evolved alongside Singapore’s growth story. The STI is now anchored by our banks, telecommunications and real estate firms. In 2025, STI rose 23%, reflecting global tailwinds and renewed investor interest in Singapore equities.   

    6. However, there is much more to do, and we are committed to doing more. Our equity market’s true potential extends beyond the STI, with many promising companies that remain overlooked by investors. The Forum’s theme – “Unlocking the next value-up cycle for Singapore equities” is timely. It represents a call to action to spotlight these hidden gems and drive greater interest in the full spectrum of Singapore-listed companies. 

    7. Last November, the Equities Market Review Group concluded its review and released its final report, setting out a comprehensive set of measures developed through collaboration among various stakeholders. How we execute these measures matter. In a month, we welcome the Year of the Horse in the Lunar calendar. And I thought we could draw inspiration from this most impressive animal as we  unpack our strategy for our equity market. 

    8. Let us consider the three traits of the horse: its Spirit, its Gallop, and its Stamina.

    Spirit: Reigniting Market Vitality

    9. To “reawaken” a market, we must first infuse it with renewed Spirit. This is about energy and vitality, and it means sparking greater interest in our market. MAS has allocated S$3.95 billion, out of a total of S$5 billion, across nine fund managers through the Equity Market Development Programme. Our goal is to strengthen our local fund management industry, enhance equity research and listing support, and generate greater investor interest in a segment that has typically received less attention – our small- and mid-caps companies. 

    10. By appointing a diverse mix of local and global fund managers, we are drawing fresh capital and new investors into our ecosystem and our equity market. In turn, this will strengthen the local fund management and equity research ecosystem and bolster market liquidity.

    11. Beyond fund managers, the brokerage community – including those represented here through SAS today – plays an equally vital role in our ecosystem. Brokers drive participation across various investor segments, especially among retail investors. With your market expertise and strong local networks, you can raise visibility of promising companies through research coverage and investor dialogues, such as today’s Forum. By sharing insights widely and clearly, you help investors spot value in our market, reignite momentum and give business owners the confidence to raise capital here.  

    Gallop: Scaling through Structural Reform

    12. Once we have ignited our animal spirits, we must find our gallop. This represents the speed and scale of our systemic reforms to improve the overall effectiveness, fundamentals and competitiveness of our equity market. 

    13. MAS and SGX are pursuing a comprehensive range of reforms to deepen liquidity and improve trading and custody efficiency in our markets. Liquidity is also the lifeblood of the brokerage community, and I ask that you partner us on these key initiatives:

    a) Market-making incentives: We are developing market-making initiatives to tighten spreads and improve execution, making trading more cost-effective for investors, focusing on newly listed and next-tier small- and mid-cap stocks outside the STI.
    b) Enhanced retail accessibility: SGX plans to reduce board lot sizes from 100 to 10 units for securities priced above S$10. This lowers the “entry jump” for retail investors. Brokers can help us raise awareness of this improvement in accessibility for retail investors, particularly those just starting out.   
    c) Modernised custody infrastructure: SGX will modernise the Central Depository (CDP)’s post-trade custody model. This allows brokers to reimagine how they deliver execution and custody services seamlessly, unlocking new service possibilities for investors and strengthening our equity market’s value proposition. Investor support and education will be key in harnessing the full potential of this initiative.   
    d) Improved global connectivity: The SGX-Nasdaq dual listing bridge will connect Singapore and the United States, allowing companies to tap into liquidity in two time zones simultaneously. The goal is to attract more issuers as well as investors into the Singapore ecosystem. 

    14. To further power our gallop, MAS and SGX’s “Value Unlock” programme will help our listed companies better engage with investors and deliver sustainable shareholder value. “Value Unlock” does this in three thrusts. First, it provides grants to help companies develop capabilities. Second, it amplifies corporate stories. Third, it helps create communities that can promote peer learning and scale value creation efforts across different market segments. Over time, we hope to create a “flywheel” where liquidity attracts quality, and quality attracts even more liquidity. 

    Stamina: Sustaining Long-Term Value 

    15. Finally, we must also have Stamina. A market reawakening is not a sprint. It is a long-distance journey. We must sustain the positive momentum we saw in 2025.

    16. The upcoming Equity Market Implementation Committee, co-chaired by MAS and SGX, will be the “jockey” steering this process. The Committee will oversee the implementation of the Review Group’s recommendations with the same spirit of collaboration that created them. 

    17. Ladies and Gentlemen, as the Chinese idiom goes, the longer the journey, the better we can gauge the strength of the horse (路遥知马力). 

    18. As we welcome 2026 and approach the Year of the Horse, let us move forward with the Spirit to inspire, the Gallop to scale and the Stamina to succeed.
     
    19. Thank you. I wish all of us 马到成功 – to achieve what we have set out in this journey to achieve.

    ***

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