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  • ESET reaffirms its global market presence with new European and Asian offices

    New Delhi, India  May 20: ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions and the largest European cybersecurity vendor*, announced the opening of its ESET France, ESET Netherlands, and ESET India branches at ESET World 2026, growing its local presence and market opportunities in those regions.

    The new offices join ESET’s growing portfolio, bringing the total number to 20 local offices, of which the most recent to open was ESET Norden, located in Denmark. While currently operating via exclusive partners—Cyber Defense Group in the Netherlands and ATHENA Global Services in France—ESET has agreed to acquire these entities, prioritizing the seamless transfer of all employees and customers. The formation of ESET Software India Pvt. Ltd. will similarly support an increase in the scale of local management and support for this key APAC market.

    “For more than 20 years, we’ve built this journey alongside ESET. This next step is a natural evolution of a trusted partnership and marks the beginning of a new chapter that we approach with both pride and confidence,” said Julien Jean, CEO of ATHENA Global Services.

    “This is a proud moment for everyone involved. At a time when Europe faces growing digital challenges, there is also an enormous opportunity to help organizations become more resilient and reduce risk in smarter ways. Bringing ESET and the Netherlands even closer together strengthens both sides — combining European technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship with deep local relationships and expertise,” said Dave Maasland, CEO of Cyber Defense Group.

    In a similar fashion to our recent ESET Norden expansion, ESET will again move closer to its customers and partners in regions recognized for their novel cybersecurity innovations, visible cyber-enforcement actions, and significant market demands, where there is a need for more direct support.

    “I am pleased that we will now have a larger presence in France, the second-largest market in the European Union, after Germany. Our company will also operate directly in the Dutch market, which is known as an early adopter of the latest technologies and often indicates purchase and usage behaviors of solutions in other countries,” said Miroslav Mikuš, ESET Chief Sales Officer. “Likewise, by establishing stronger presence in India, our products and expertise will help reinforce top-flight security practices and resilience in a country whose IT workforce is a cornerstone of global digital capacity. Closer than ever, and together, I’m sure that we will make a noticeable difference.”

    Ultimately, the expansion, with new offices in Paris, Spijkenisse, and New Delhi, is going to strengthen ESET’s position as both a European and a global player, by adding additional markets to ESET’s direct presence. This pattern has already demonstrated value via the Cyber Defense Group, our Partners in the Netherlands, by, for example, helping to open doors for ESET in providing support for intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations like Europol and the Netherlands Industry for Defense and Security Foundation (NIDV), with advisory and protection.

    “The establishment of ESET Software India Pvt. Ltd. marks a significant step in ESET’s long-term commitment to India and the broader APAC region. With a stronger local presence, we are better positioned to empower our channel partners, expand into new customer segments, and deliver advanced capabilities including MDR and professional services. Importantly, this enables us to build solutions designed for the specific needs of the Indian market, helping organizations strengthen their cyber resilience with trusted ESET protection,” said Parvinder Walia, President of the Asia Pacific Region.

    Founded in 1992, European Union-based ESET has been a dominant player in the endpoint security market. Since then, ESET has been gaining ground and growing its enterprise portfolio with specialized products and divisions like ESET PRIVATE, protecting some of the largest companies in the world. ESET security solutions are currently sold in over 178 markets, protecting more than one billion people across the globe.

    In parallel with its global footprint, ESET is also deeply involved in topics such as AI development, where it’s taken a part in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to share its expertise, and via its support of initiatives like the Horizon Europe AI project, with a €3 million commitment.

    *Based on Frost Radar™: Endpoint Security, 2025 (Frost & Sullivan), ESET is Europe’s largest cybersecurity vendor. 

    Originally presented at ESET World 2026, held in Berlin, Germany, at the JW Marriott Hotel, May 18-21. See the original CEO keynote and more by registering for the virtual event for free.

  • Abundia Global Impact Group Completes Strategic Acquisition of RPD Technologies

    Strengthens Abundia’s vertically integrated business strategy by expanding operations, capabilities and value proposition of its scalable waste-to-value model; recognizes immediate revenue stream

    Abundia Global Impact Group, Inc. (NYSE American: AGIG) (“Abundia” or the “Company”), a low-carbon energy solutions company focused on converting biomass and plastics waste into high-value low-carbon fuels, on May 19 announced that it has completed the acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of RPD Technologies Americas, LLC (“RPD”), a scale-up project development firm focused on the design, construction, operations of pilot plants and consulting services. The Acquisition was completed and effective on April 1, 2026.

    Abundia – RPD Acquisition Strategic Highlights

    • Establishes Additional Revenue Stream and Long-term Conversion Pipeline: Adds revenue generating business to Abundia’s financial profile with longer term realization of high-margin economics to deliver on the Company’s commitment to drive shareholder value
    • Increased Scale and Operational Capabilities: Adds a new business vertical offering an existing customer base, long-term opportunity pipeline and team of scale up project development and engineering experts in refining, petrochemical and renewables that establishes this unit as a core competency 
    • Expands Vertically Integrated Waste-to-Value Model: Integrates into Abundia’s model bringing development and scale up capabilities in-house and increases exposure to the full economic value chain of its waste-to-value vertically integrated platform
    • Strengthens Competitive Advantage to Form a Resilient Business: Distinguishes Abundia’s market position as a waste-to-value supply chain consolidator while strengthening and diversifying its operations and financial performance
    “We’ve entered the second quarter with strong momentum led by the acquisition of RPD, fulfilling another meaningful milestone for Abundia,” said Ed Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Abundia. “This strategic execution underscores our disciplined approach to high value M&A opportunities that enhance our business’s ability to operate across the waste-to-value chain as a fully integrated producer of renewable products. RPD’s services business creates diversification within Abundia’s capabilities and complements the renewable products business. In parallel, we gain immediate top line growth from a revenue generating business with an established pipeline of future business. Over time, we believe RPD’s long-term opportunities will grow as we relocate its operations to the Innovation Center, currently under construction and specifically designed to cater to larger projects, positioning RPD for expansion.”

    “Importantly, by converging RPD’s capabilities and its highly skilled team with Abundia’s waste-to-value project, we unlock a valuable cog in our current development cycle that strengthens our vertical integration strategy. Of particular focus is RPD’s proven track record in the development and scaling of processes in the petrochemical and renewable energy industries. This new unit will organically accelerate the company’s trajectory by assisting in the next phase of engineering the Biomass technology stack,” concluded Mr. Gillespie.

    Transaction Overview

    RPD initiated operations in 2019 as a project developer within the energy space offering engineering and design support for the development, scale up and commercialization of new technologies focused on refining, petrochemical and renewables. RPD’s team of approximately twenty (20) employees and engineers augment Abundia’s business with expertise in operations, engineering, process safety and quality control, and technical mechanics with a combined 100+ years of chemical engineering scale-up experience.

    Revenue generated by RPD will be recognized as total revenue in Abundia’s second quarter 2026 financial statements and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings. RPD will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Abundia, maintaining its existing team, customer relationships, and project pipeline, while benefiting from the integration within Abundia’s broader platform.

    Abundia’s acquisition of RPD aligns with its long-term strategic priorities reflected in the establishment of an incremental revenue-generating core competency under its vertically integrated waste-to-value business model. Abundia will benefit from RPD’s existing pipeline and revenue stream and favorably positions the Company to generate long-term value to shareholders. Additionally, the Acquisition demonstrates Abundia’s disciplined and strategic M&A approach, adding a services vertical that accelerates value generation. As a unit of Abundia, the RPD team will be well positioned to grow and expand operations, assets, and capabilities, supporting operating and revenue growth as it scales into a larger business.

    About Abundia Global Impact Group, Inc.
    Abundia Global Impact Group, Inc. (NYSE American: AGIG), formerly Houston American Energy Corp., is a low-carbon energy company focused on converting waste into value. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we are developing commercial-scale facilities that transform waste plastics and biomass into drop-in fuels and low-carbon chemical feedstocks. Our flagship project at Cedar Port positions Abundia at the center of the Gulf Coast’s energy and chemical infrastructure, with access to feedstock supply chains, upgrading partners, and end markets.

    For more information, please visit www.abundiaimpact.com.

    About RPD Technologies Americas, LLC

    RPD is a project development firm focused on the design, development, scale up and commercialization of new technologies in the refining, petrochemical and renewables space. Collectively, the RPD team accounts for over 100+ years of chemical engineering and scale up experience. RPD’s capabilities consist of project inception and design, the construction commissioning start-up stage, experimental operations phase, scale up analysis and modeling. A critical element of RPD’s capabilities in renewable energy is expansive experience with the technologies and mechanics associated with the refining process of various feedstock including pyrolysis-oils, biomass, plastics and derivatives streams, naphtha, UMO, VGO, and lipids. RPD was founded in 2019 and with headquarters in the Cedar Port Industrial Park in Baytown, TX. To learn more, visit www.rpdtechnologies.com.
  • Teenage Star Vaibhav Suryavanshi Powers Rajasthan Royals to Thrilling Win, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

    Jaipur, May 20 (BNP): Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to guide Rajasthan Royals to a remarkable seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring Indian Premier League encounter, keeping Rajasthan firmly in contention for a playoff berth.

    Teenage Star Vaibhav Suryavanshi Powers Rajasthan Royals to Thrilling Win, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

    Chasing a daunting target of 221 runs, Rajasthan Royals rode on Suryavanshi’s explosive 93 off just 38 deliveries, an innings studded with 10 towering sixes and seven boundaries. Displaying fearless intent and maturity beyond his years, the young batter dismantled the Lucknow bowling attack and laid the foundation for one of Rajasthan’s most crucial wins of the season.

    Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants had posted a formidable 220/5 in 20 overs, powered by a blistering 96 from Mitchell Marsh, who narrowly missed a century, while Josh Inglis added quickfire momentum with a 29-ball 60.

    In reply, Suryavanshi forged a strong opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a fluent 43 off 23 balls. The chase was later steadied and completed by Dhruv Jurel, who remained unbeaten on 53 off 38 deliveries, ensuring Rajasthan crossed the finish line comfortably in just 19.1 overs.

    The victory lifted Rajasthan Royals to 14 points and significantly boosted their playoff aspirations ahead of a crucial final league clash against the Mumbai Indians. A win in the upcoming fixture would secure Rajasthan a place in the playoffs, intensifying excitement among fans as the IPL season nears its climax.

  • Axione Development to Build Advanced Cold Chain Infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Food Hub

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – 20  May 2026: Abu Dhabi Food Hub, AD Ports Group’s integrated food trade and logistics hub, announced the signing of an agreement with Axione Development for the development of advanced cold chain infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.

    In accordance with the agreement, which underlines the growing confidence in the Emirate’s upcoming premier food platform, Axione Development will develop a dedicated cold chain facility on a 37,000 sqm plot under a 50-year land lease agreement to support the broader ecosystem of traders and businesses that will operate within Abu Dhabi Food Hub’s integrated marketplace. Designed as enabling infrastructure for the wider market, the facility will strengthen critical cold chain capabilities serving wholesale trade, distribution and value-added food supply activities.

    Axione Development to Build Advanced Cold Chain Infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Food Hub

    Abdulla Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “Food security is a national priority for the UAE and an essential pillar of our sustainable economic development. Strong partnerships such as our deal with Axione Development strengthen this long-term goal of world-class infrastructure, diversified trade corridors, and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Within this wider vision, Abu Dhabi Food Hub represents how national priorities can be translated into practical market infrastructure that supports the efficient movement, storage, and trade of food products. We are pleased to see the project continue to progress through partnerships such as this, reinforcing its role in becoming a central food trade gateway for the UAE and the wider region.”

    The agreement reflects continued momentum in the development of Abu Dhabi Food Hub’s next-generation wholesale market ecosystem, which brings together wholesale trade, logistics, warehousing, distribution and digital enablement within a single integrated platform designed to enhance the efficiency and resilience of regional food supply chains.

    The development of advanced cold chain infrastructure forms a key component of the Abu Dhabi Food Hub’s broader proposition to support the UAE’s long-term food security ambitions through modern, future-ready trade and supply chain infrastructure. The agreement also signals expanding customer and investor interest in Abu Dhabi Food Hub as construction progresses, and the project advances toward operational readiness by Q4 2026.

    As a landmark agreement within the Hub’s commercial development journey, the partnership with Axione Development further reinforces Abu Dhabi Food Hub’s role in shaping a globally connected wholesale and logistics ecosystem for food trade in the region.

    Jens Michel, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Food Hub, said: “Our objective is to build an ecosystem where traders and supply chain partners can operate with greater efficiency, reliability, and access to modern infrastructure. This agreement with Axione Development marks an important client milestone for Abu Dhabi Food Hub and reinforces the market demand for purpose-built facilities that support the evolving needs of regional and global food trade.”

    Mikhail Zarkhi, Managing Partner of Axione Development, said: “We are pleased to partner with Abu Dhabi Food Hub on this strategic development. Our focus is to deliver modern, high-specification cold chain infrastructure that meets the evolving operational requirements of today’s food businesses. Through this project, we aim to support food trade with efficient and reliable infrastructure capabilities that enable business growth, strengthen supply continuity, and contribute to a more resilient food ecosystem.”

    Daniel Ilizarov, Managing Partner of Axione Development, said: “This project represents a strategic step in expanding institutional-grade infrastructure within the UAE. We see Abu Dhabi Food Hub as a unique platform combining trade, logistics, and regulatory efficiency, which creates a compelling environment for long-term capital deployment. Our objective is to deliver scalable, high-performance assets that align with global standards and support the continued growth of regional food supply chains.”

    Strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi Food Hub is set to become a central gateway for food trade, connecting global supply with regional demand through modern infrastructure, efficient logistics, and a collaborative business environment.

  • Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Return for Afghanistan ODIs; Ravindra Jadeja Misses Out on Test & ODI Squads

    May 20 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday announced Team India’s squads for the upcoming Test and One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan, with the return of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the ODI format emerging as a major highlight.

    The squad announcement signals the comeback of two of India’s most experienced campaigners, strengthening the batting line-up ahead of the bilateral contest. Their return is expected to boost both stability and experience in the ODI unit as India prepares for a busy international calendar.

    In another significant development, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was excluded from both the Test and ODI squads, raising questions over team strategy, fitness considerations, or workload management. The selectors, however, have not officially elaborated on the reason behind his omission.

    The selection panel also made notable changes in the wicketkeeping department, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant in the squad, adding another talking point ahead of the series.

    The India-Afghanistan series is expected to provide crucial match exposure and help the team refine combinations across formats, while fans eagerly await the return of Rohit and Kohli in India colours.

  • Supreme Court Refuses to Relax Stray Dog Order; Aggressive Rabid Dogs May Face Euthanasia

    New Delhi, May 20 (BNP): In a significant ruling on public safety and stray animal management, the Supreme Court of India refused to modify its earlier directive ordering States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from high-footfall public spaces, including schools, hospitals, bus terminals, and railway stations.

    Supreme Court Refuses to Relax Stray Dog Order; Aggressive Rabid Dogs May Face Euthanasia

    A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N. V. Anjaria observed that public authorities must prioritize citizen safety, particularly in areas frequently accessed by children, elderly persons, patients, and travellers.

    The apex court clarified that stray dogs removed from institutional or crowded public spaces cannot be reintroduced into the same areas even after sterilisation and vaccination. Interpreting the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, alongside the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the court noted that stray dogs do not have an unrestricted or absolute right to occupy all public places irrespective of their nature and usage.

    In a stern observation, the court also indicated that aggressive or rabid dogs posing serious risks to human life may be subjected to euthanasia under legal provisions, while warning authorities of contempt action in case of non-compliance with its directions.

    The ruling comes amid growing concerns over rising dog bite incidents across the country, with the court acknowledging the need to balance animal welfare with public safety.

  • Rethinking Summer Travel: A Shift Toward More Considered Stays

     

    Rethinking Summer Travel: A Shift Toward More Considered Stays

     Photo credit: Ananda in the Himalayas

    Ananda in the Himalayas (India)

    A higher-altitude wellness stay designed for travelers looking for a deeper reset

    As travelers place greater value on trips that deliver lasting impact, Ananda in the Himalayas is focusing this summer on longer, more immersive stays, with a seasonal Summer Wellness Offer available from June 1 through July 31, 2026. The program includes savings of up to 40 percent on stays of five nights or more, with fully inclusive pricing that covers accommodation, consultations before and after arrival, personalized therapies, private yoga and meditation sessions, and tailored meals, creating a structured framework for longer, outcome-driven stays.

    Set in the Himalayan foothills above Rishikesh, the location naturally lends itself to summer travel. Temperatures are cooler than in much of the region, and the setting feels removed from the intensity of peak-season destinations. Guests follow individualized programs grounded in Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, often staying for a week or longer to work through specific health and wellbeing goals, from sleep, stress, and burnout to more chronic health conditions such as diabetes or hormonal and metabolic imbalances.

    What makes the experience distinct is the sense of structure built into each day, with guided practices and treatments creating a sense of progression over time. As more travelers move away from short trips in favor of something more meaningful, Ananda offers an experience that feels both restorative and purposeful.

    This reflects a broader shift toward commitment travel, where time away is designed to deliver lasting results rather than a quick escape. 

     

    Rethinking Summer Travel: A Shift Toward More Considered Stays

    Photo credit: The Dylan Amsterdam

    The Dylan Amsterdam (the Netherlands)

    A more relaxed way to experience a European city at the height of summer

    Summer in European cities can feel increasingly intense, with packed itineraries and crowded streets leaving little room to enjoy being there. The Dylan Amsterdam addresses this with its Unscripted Summer experience, available from June 21 through September 20, designed to slow the pace and create more space in the day.

    Located along the Keizersgracht canal, the 41-room hotel feels notably removed from the city once inside. Guests arrive through a gated entrance into a quiet courtyard, creating an immediate sense of separation from the energy of the city outside. This balance between central location and privacy becomes especially valuable during peak season.

    At the center of the experience is a private canal boat journey at golden hour, with a three-course menu served on board and curated across three of the city’s leading kitchens. This is paired with a two-night stay in one of the hotel’s luxury rooms, including daily breakfast at Bar Brasserie OCCO, alongside a more flexible framework that encourages exploration. Complimentary bicycles and personalized walking routes provide a sense of direction without overplanning, while a drink in the hotel’s secluded garden offers a quieter moment to return to at the end of the day.

    Amsterdam’s mild summer climate and walkable layout support this more relaxed flow, allowing guests to explore without pressure. For travelers rethinking how they approach city travel, this offers a more flexible and manageable alternative. Increasingly, this points to slower city travel, where travelers pull back from overpacked itineraries and allow more space for spontaneity and ease. 

    Rethinking Summer Travel: A Shift Toward More Considered Stays

    Photo credit: Imperial Hotel, Kamikochi

    Imperial Hotel (Japan)

    A more balanced way to experience Japan, pairing major cities with a seasonal alpine escape

    Japan remains one of the most in-demand destinations, but the pace of travel there is beginning to shift. Instead of moving quickly between cities, travelers are building in time to slow down. The Imperial Hotel portfolio supports this by combining stays in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto with Kamikochi, a mountain resort region in the Japanese Alps that is only accessible during part of the year.

    Located at around 1,500 meters, Kamikochi offers a cooler and quieter counterpart to Japan’s major cities. First brought to wider attention in the late 19th century by British missionary Walter Weston, it has since captivated travelers from around the world. At its center is the Imperial Hotel, Kamikochi, which opened in 1933 as Japan’s first mountain resort and remains one of the area’s most iconic stays, with a classic alpine lodge feel and views of the surrounding peaks and river valley. The experience is shaped by the landscape, with walking paths connecting sites such as Kappa Bridge, Taisho Pond, and Myojin Pond. The region welcomes over 1.2 million visitors annually, yet remains carefully managed, with access limited to protect its natural environment and preserve a sense of calm.

    Open from mid-April through November 15 this year before closing for winter, Kamikochi brings a strong sense of seasonality to a Japan itinerary. Traveling between major cities and this alpine setting allows for a more balanced and intentional rhythm.

    This approach highlights the rise of dual-speed travel, where high-energy exploration is balanced with quieter, more reflective time, allowing travelers to engage more meaningfully with both place and pace. 

    Rethinking Summer Travel: A Shift Toward More Considered Stays

     

    Photo credit: Hotel Belmar

    Hotel Belmar (Costa Rica)

    A cooler, nature-driven alternative to traditional tropical summer travel

    As summer temperatures rise in many coastal destinations, travelers are increasingly looking toward higher-elevation environments that offer a different kind of tropical experience. Hotel Belmar, set in Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest, provides that shift with a naturally cooler climate and a strong connection to nature. The summer months fall within the region’s green season, bringing fewer crowds and a more vibrant landscape. Instead of peak-season congestion, the experience feels slower and more grounded, making it well suited for travelers looking to spend more time in one place.

    Longer stays are encouraged through seasonal offers that weave together wellness, guided forest experiences, and the slower cadence of discovery that define Monteverde. Days unfold in close relationship with the cloud forest, from trails winding through the property and immersions at Belmar’s SAVIA reserve to farm-to-table dining supplied by Finca Madre Tierra, the hotel’s regenerative farm.

    For travelers rethinking what a summer trip should feel like, Monteverde offers something distinctly different from a beach escape. The combination of cooler weather and deeper immersion creates a more restorative experience overall.

    In turn, it underscores growing interest in nature-led travel, where time away is shaped by connection to the environment and a slower, more deliberate approach.

  • Fenesta launches ‘Fenesta ProTec’, an industry‑first wellness innovation

    Fenesta launches ‘Fenesta ProTec’, an industry‑first wellness innovation

    New Delhi, May 20: As homes become live‑work‑recharge hubs, indoor environments are now central to how we experience everyday life. ringing this shift into focus, Fenesta, India’s no.1 windows & doors brand, has launched its industryfirst innovation, ‘Fenesta ProTec, and unveiled a film that redefines modern comfort as going far beyond what is immediately visible. 

    Conceptualized around a quiet but powerful insight – Till date the homeowners have always sought to keep out dust, noise, rain and heat — elements that can be seen, heard, or felt. However, modern homes carry an invisible layer that most of us rarely think about: Electrosmog, which is generated by everyday technologies (from Wi-Fi routers, mobile signals and smart devices) that are woven into our lives. Electrosmog can lead to restlessness, disrupted sleep, headaches, and fatigue. With Fenesta ProTec, the brand introduces a first-of-its-kind innovation embedded within its windows and doors — one that works passively to minimize the potential harmful effects of Electrosmog on the human body, without interfering with the connectivity within the home. In doing so, Fenesta extends its promise of quieter, cleaner, more comfortable spaces into a dimension of comfort that, until now, has largely gone unaddressed. 

    Bringing this insight to life, the film captures a familiar moment inside a home, subtly highlighting how much of our surroundings often goes unnoticed, and leaving viewers with a simple thought: there is more to comfort than what meets the eye. 

    Commenting on the launch, Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta, said, “For generations, designing a great home meant mastering what you could see and feel — light, air, temperature, sound. We believe it’s time to expand that definition. The homes being built today are the most connected in history, and with that connectivity comes an invisible dimension that has never really been part of the design conversation – the effects of Electromagnetic radiation or Electrosmog. At Fenesta, our vision is to improve the lives and homes of our customers and Fenesta ProTec is the embodiment of this vision. It works without being seen, being integrated into the windows and doors solution, asks nothing of the homeowner, and quietly ensures that the spaces people live in are genuinely supporting the lives they want to live. This is what ‘Better by Design’ truly means.” 

    With this launch, the brand reinforces its commitment to shaping how homes are experienced today. Fenesta ProTec reflects the brand’s ‘Better by Design’ approach, where comfort is defined not only by what is seen but also by what lies beyond. By integrating this layer into windows and doors, Fenesta brings a more balanced approach to everyday living. 

    The film is now live across Fenesta‘s digital platforms — YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. With Fenesta ProTecFenesta takes another step toward its vision of homes that don’t just protect from the outside world but actively support the well-being of those within.

  • NATO Considers Warship Deployment in Strait of Hormuz; Iran Warns of ‘Serious Consequences’

    Brussels/Tehran, May 20 (BNP): Rising tensions in the Middle East have intensified amid discussions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization over a possible maritime security mission in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to safeguard commercial shipping routes and regional stability. The move comes as disruptions in the oil transit corridor continue to trigger global concerns over energy security and maritime trade.

    News In Pics

     Representational image

    However, NATO officials clarified that no formal decision has yet been taken regarding the deployment of warships, stressing that any mission would require political consensus among all 32 member nations. Senior alliance officials indicated that discussions remain at a preliminary stage, with several member states reportedly expressing reservations over direct military involvement in the volatile region.

    Reacting sharply to reports of a possible foreign naval mission, Iran warned that any expanded military presence in and around the Strait of Hormuz could lead to “serious consequences,” reiterating its opposition to external intervention in regional waters. Tehran has maintained that foreign military deployments risk escalating tensions further in an already fragile geopolitical environment.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most crucial energy corridors, through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes daily, making any disruption a matter of global economic concern.

  • Liquibase Financial Services Playbook Offers New Findings, Best Practices to Let FinServs Protect Data and Navigate the Mythos-Class Threat Age

    While Financial Institutions Primarily Focus on AI Models, Mythos‑Class Attackers Target Their Databases. Research Across Hundreds of Engagements Finds Universal Problems. 

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2026 – Liquibase, provider of database change governance solutions used by many of the world’s leading financial services organizations, today announced The Financial Services Playbook for Governed Database Change, a new executive guide designed to help financial institutions modernize and secure one of the last major control gaps in enterprise technology delivery: database change.

    Built for CIOs, CTOs, platform engineering leaders, database architects, and compliance teams, the playbook examines how banks, insurers, payment processors, fintechs, and capital markets firms continue to face a growing governance gap between highly automated application delivery pipelines and still-manual database change processes.

    “Every other layer of the software delivery pipeline has been automated, policy-driven, and made auditable,” said Ryan McCurdy, Vice President at Liquibase. “But at many financial institutions, database changes are still routed through tickets, manually reviewed, and directly executed in production. In today’s regulatory environment, that is no longer simply inefficient. It is an operational and compliance exposure.”

    Field research for the Playbook was conducted across hundreds of financial services engagements spanning enterprise banks, regional institutions, credit unions, global insurers, payment processors, fintechs, and capital markets firms.

    Among key findings:

    • The problem is universal. Manual database change execution is the industry baseline, not a maturity problem at lagging organizations.
    • Compliance is the accelerant. SOX, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and DORA are driving purchase decisions. When auditors flag deficiencies, budget materializes.
    • The DBA bottleneck is structural. Executive mandates to remove DBA involvement from routine changes are appearing at the largest institutions.
    • The proven path is pilot, platform, enterprise. Start with two to five applications, build the pipeline through platform engineering, then scale.
    • Multi-database reality is the baseline. Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, DynamoDB, Databricks. Partial coverage is not governance.

    Organizations that close this gap deliberately will set the standard. The rest will be forced to catch up by their auditors, their regulators, or a production incident.

    Drawing on field research from hundreds of financial services engagements, the playbook argues that manual database change execution remains the industry norm, even at highly mature institutions. It outlines how mounting regulatory scrutiny from frameworks including SOX, PCI DSS 4.0, SOC 2, DORA, and emerging operational resilience requirements is accelerating demand for governed database delivery pipelines.

    The playbook also addresses a growing concern around AI adoption in software delivery.

    “Financial institutions are entering a phase of AI adoption under a perilous assumption: that governance frameworks built for human-driven systems can simply be extended to autonomous agents,” said Chris Steffen, Research VP, Enterprise Management Associates. “That assumption is now clearly outdated. Governance that ends too early is a crucial misstep, one that leaves databases exposed to a kill chain that’s now moving with unprecedented speed and lethality.”

    Liquibase recently explored that emerging threat in its analysis: Banks Focus on AI Models. Mythos Class Attackers Focus on Your Databases.

    Rather than focusing narrowly on tooling, the playbook walks readers through the operational realities financial institutions face today, including DBA bottlenecks, fragmented deployment tooling, audit evidence reconstruction, schema drift, and growing separation-of-duties concerns.

    The guide also details a practical maturity path for organizations seeking to modernize database governance. Chapters include:

    • The governance gap: why database delivery remains structurally different from application delivery
    • How governance failures create operational, audit, and regulatory exposure
    • The evolving role of DBAs, platform engineering, and compliance teams
    • An eight-principle target operating model for governed database change
    • A phased rollout strategy covering pilot, platform, and enterprise adoption
    • A framework for evaluating build-versus-buy governance approaches
    • Metrics financial leaders can use to justify modernization investments
    • The impact of AI-generated SQL and hybrid cloud database environments on governance strategy

    TL;DR: FinServ Operational Resilience Is At Risk

    Manual database change execution is throttling data security and is the FinServ industry baseline, not a maturity problem at slow-adopter organizations.

    Organizations that embed governance directly into database delivery pipelines now will gain operational resilience and regulatory advantages. Institutions that delay modernization risk being forced into reactive remediation by data loss or corruption incidents, by audit pressures, and by competitive market forces.

    The executive summary of The Financial Services Playbook for Governed Database Change is available now from Liquibase: https://www.liquibase.com/resources/ebooks/financial-services-playbook-for-governed-database-change