WaveMaker Fuses Design and Development with Architecture-first Agentic Application Generation System for Enterprise Dev Teams

WaveMaker, a leading application platform provider for enterprise-grade web and mobile applications, today announced the availability of its new agentic application generation system, designed to target a growing need for a standardized AI-powered development model for design-led, long-lived enterprise applications.

 

WaveMaker Agentic Platform delivers fast, safe, scalable enterprise app development with business guardrails, consistent execution, and long-term code reliability


This announcement also marks WaveMaker’s entry into the GenAI powered software development space with a carefully architected platform that empowers enterprise application development teams to deliver AI speed with predictable quality and controlled costs.


Businesses and their custom application teams are under the twin pressures of quickly taking advantage of agentic AI while ensuring it delivers guaranteed outcomes at predictable costs,” said Vijay Prasanna Pullur, Co-founder and CEO at WaveMaker. “WaveMaker solves this challenge by enabling organizations to build design-first, architecture-first and standards-first applications for businesses minus the typical complexity and cost.


This launch is strong evidence of our aligned vision and purpose with our partner WaveMaker: enabling AI-native software development and building better applications faster for the AI era,” said Mikko Jarva, Head of Portfolio & Architecture in Nokia’s Network Monetization Platform unit


“Blue Yonder is using WaveMaker to support extensibility in areas of our supply chain solutions. This launch is part of our continued efforts to accelerate AI-enabled capabilities for customers,” said Nunzio Esposito, Chief Design Officer at Blue Yonder.


WaveMaker offers its new agentic application generation system as a hybrid integrated developer environment (IDE) that integrates agentic prompts with a visual canvas and code editor. Its unique two-pass code generation methodology preserves a standardized, structured application development pattern with an architecture-first approach to automating developer tasks with agents. When developers submit Figma design files and natural language prompts, the system generates a tech stack-agnostic application markup with architectural guardrails verified by developers before triggering markup-to-code generation via a deterministic engine. This preserves the speed and intuitive nature of AI-assisted development while ensuring enterprise-quality outcomes at lower, predictable LLM costs. 


WaveMaker is now accepting sign-ups for product trials at wavemaker.ai.

 

About WaveMaker
WaveMaker is headquartered in the Dallas metro area with global customers in regulated industries who have built and shipped applications in use by millions of consumers and business users. Modern application development teams choose WaveMaker as an agentic AI powered, no-compromise, full-stack productivity multiplier to deterministically generate beautifully designed, commercial-grade web and mobile applications that are performant and secure at scale. For businesses, WaveMaker delivers guaranteed architecture, accuracy and quality at predictable, low AI costs for complex, iterative and integrated application development.

 

For more information, visit www.wavemaker.com or follow @WaveMaker on Twitter and LinkedIn.

UHA Breaks Ground in Delhi NCR and Bolsters Team with Two New Senior Associates

UHA, a global architecture and design studio, today announced the appointments of Gurvinder Singh Chowdhury and Ashwin Navelkar as Senior Associates, bolstering its senior team with nearly 60 years of combined Indian experience. The hirings mark a significant milestone in UHA’s growth with the company’s long-awaited establishment of a hub in the capital region.

 

From left to right: Gurvinder Singh Chowdhury and Ashwin Navelkar

 

Since its launch in India in 2012, UHA has delivered projects across the country, adding to the urban vocabularies of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow and Gurugram. With more than 25 projects currently on site in Delhi NCR, these new appointments point to UHA’s expanding footprint.

 

We may be London-based, but our beginnings truly are in India, and this expansion of team and geography further validates our work and success here,” said Jonas Upton-Hansen, the firm’s Founding Partner. “We’ve worked with both Ashwin and Gurvinder over the years as partners, and their market expertise and networks are a boon to UHA. We’re very much set up for further success, and it says a lot about the work we’re doing that we’re attracting such prestigious talent.”

 

Along with the growth of its Mumbai team, UHA’s recent focus has been establishing a presence in the capital to reflect its growing collaborations in the region. UHA recently exhibited its pop-up pavilion, Pentad, at India Art Fair 2026, and has also designed Delhi’s tallest residential tower. Chowdhury, a graduate of SPA Delhi with more than 30 years’ experience working across the full value chain from design to delivery, will serve as Regional Director for Delhi NCR, bringing his technical rigour and timeless aesthetics to sectors including high-rise, residential, commercial and hospitality.

 

What excites me most is UHA’s honest design ethos—sensitive to the Indian context while delivered to international standards. This resonates deeply with my belief that architecture must be guided by sensibility and sustainability, creating spaces that are human, inclusive, and future‑ready,” Chowdhury said.

 

Navelkar completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai and has worked with top design firms including Bijoy Jain + Associates, KAPl & DPA-Mumbai, as well as with real estate firms like RNA Corp, Runwal and K Raheja on high-rise residential, hotels, commercial offices and IT parks. He will be joining the expanding Mumbai team.

 

Having collaborated previously with UHA on projects across India, I know both the expertise and creativity they bring to projects,” Navelkar said, “And it brings me immense pleasure to have the opportunity to join the studio firm on this next journey of expansion.”

 

It’s an exciting moment for the firm for us to appoint our first Delhi-based leader as it’s obviously a key market for us,” said Zachary Dominitz, UHA’s Head of India. “Gurvinder and Ashwin bring the wisdom and field experience only time can teach. Even more, they bring a commitment to mentorship that’s fundamental for growth. Our Mumbai team is exceptionally talented, and wonderfully driven, and adding the likes of these two gentlemen to the office will exponentially increase what we’re able to offer our clients in terms of skill, creativity and service. We’re thrilled.”

 

About UHA

UHA designs and delivers projects that vary in context, function, and scale, encompassing architecture, masterplanning, landscaping, environmental services and interior design. From concept design to turnkey challenges, we have projects on-site from London to Taipei, covering boutique residential towers and luxury villas to high-tech workspaces and educational institutions.

 

Our asynchronous approach means that somewhere we are always open. Distributed across seven time zones, our team of architects, designers, urbanists, visualisers, sustainability consultants, and project managers design and deliver projects around the clock. As office hours draw to a close in Tokyo, work continues in Mumbai and construction sites open in London. With multiple projects currently under construction across three continents, our multi-nodal studio provides a variety of services within an accelerated timeline.

 

For more information, visit www.uha.global

 

For press inquiries and interview requests, please write to mumbai@uh-architects.com

Summer 2026 AC Guide: Top picks, deals and savings

As summer approaches, most Indian families are looking for a reliable way to escape the rising heat. With heatwaves becoming more frequent, owning a high‑performance AC from trusted brands like Voltas, Daikin, or LG has become an essential for staying comfortable at home. The latest 2026 models are designed to do more than just cool; whether it is the energy‑saving technology of Samsung or the heavy‑duty cooling of Blue Star, these units provide instant relief and keep rooms chilled even on the hottest days.

 

Make your air conditioner purchase more affordable with the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan

 

Buying a new air conditioner can feel like a big investment, but Bajaj Finserv makes it simple and affordable. With the Easy EMI Loan, customers can break down the cost into manageable monthly installments, choosing repayment tenures of up to 60 months. Many AC models are also available with zero down payment, making instant ownership possible. And with over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, upgrading to a reliable cooling solution this season is both convenient and budget‑friendly.

 

What’s on offer this summer

Beat the heat without burning a hole in the pocket. Bajaj Finserv offers exclusive deals on premier AC brands tailored to different needs—whether prioritising eco‑friendly energy savings, cutting‑edge smart features, or powerful, consistent performance, there is an ideal cooling solution for every space.

 

Voltas ACs

  • Discounts: Up to 52% off

  • Deal offered: 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC at Rs. 37,490

  • Models covered: 2024 and 2025 range

  • Ideal for: Families seeking maximum savings with trusted performance

 

Daikin ACs

  • Discounts: 36% – 41% off

  • Deal offered: 1.5 Ton 3 Star models starting at Rs. 34,490

  • Known for: Japanese precision and durability

  • Ideal for: Homeowners who value long‑lasting quality and quiet cooling

 

LG ACs

  • Discounts: Up to 30% off

  • Special feature: AI convertible cooling adapts to room occupancy

  • Ideal for: Tech savvy users who want smart, customised cooling with options like the LG 1.5‑ton air conditioner.

 

Who can avail these offers

These EMI plans are available to Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card holders or those eligible for Easy EMI loan across India. Customers can check their pre‑approved loan eligibility by entering their mobile number online.

 

Disclaimer: The prices are subject to change and may vary by location or retailer. For the latest prices and offers, visit the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store.

 

Why buy a new AC from Bajaj Finserv this summer

Upgrading to a high‑performance air conditioner has never been easier or more affordable. With Bajaj Finserv’s Summer Sale offers, customers can bring home the latest AC models through Easy EMIs, zero down payment schemes, and exclusive seasonal discounts designed to fit every budget.

 

To help buyers save even more, Bajaj Finserv offers the Maha Bachat Savings Calculator — a smart tool that combines brand discounts, dealer offers, and EMI benefits. It helps customers plan purchases efficiently while lowering the overall cost of ownership.

  • Browse online: Explore a wide range of ACs from top brands like Voltas, Daikin, and LG on Bajaj Mall. Compare features such as inverter technology, star ratings, and cooling capacity.

  • Visit partner stores: Experience models in person at any of the 1.5 lakh+ Bajaj Finserv partner stores across 4,000 cities, with expert guidance available.

  • Opt for Easy EMI Loan: Finance up to Rs. 5 lakh with flexible tenures ranging from 3 to 60 months. Many AC models come with zero down payment for instant ownership.

  • Check eligibility online: Quickly verify pre‑approved loan limits by entering a mobile number and OTP.

  • Use Insta EMI Network Card: Existing cardholders can convert purchases into EMIs instantly with a paperless checkout process.

 

With trusted brands offering powerful, energy‑efficient ACs at exclusive prices — and Bajaj Finserv making ownership simple and budget‑friendly — this is the perfect time for families to upgrade their home cooling setup.

 

Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings. 

 

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in.

Abhishek Bachchan Urges Authenticity Over Hype; Rishab Sharma Highlights Music and Mental Well-Being at ET Now Global Business Summit 2026

India’s growing startup ecosystem, booming sports leagues and expanding creative industries offer unprecedented opportunity but success, actor and investor Abhishek Bachchan said, ultimately rests on “authenticity and disciplined risk-taking”.

 

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Abhishek Bachchan at ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026


Addressing the ET NOW Global Business Summit in New Delhi, Bachchan spoke about his journey from film star to entrepreneur and sports team owner, outlining a personal investment philosophy rooted less in trend-chasing and more in conviction.


A lot of the products that interest me predominantly have something to do with the fact of whether I use them or not,” he said, describing how several of his investments began with everyday consumer experiences rather than boardroom strategy.


At a time when information overload and celebrity endorsements dominate marketing, Bachchan emphasized the importance of credibility. “Authenticity of storytelling and authenticity of intent is something that goes a long way,” he said. “It’ll be dishonest of me to try and sell a product if I don’t use it myself.”


On risk management, he offered a clear rule of thumb: “If you can’t afford it yourself, don’t get into it.”


That’s the greatest assessment for risk for me,” he said. “Can I afford it? If I don’t, then the risk goes up exponentially.”


On artificial intelligence, Bachchan struck a cautious tone. “AI scares me,” he said candidly. While he sees benefits in areas such as animation and special effects, he warned that misuse could be disruptive in creative professions.


There’s an imperfection to humanity, which is what we enjoy watching in film,” he said of fully AI-generated content. “Somewhere there’s no soul.”


Rather than trying to replicate Western or Korean storytelling formulas, he argued, Indian cinema should double down on its own identity. “The minute we compromise our Indianness, I think we lose out,” he said. Citing the global success of films like RRR, he added that being “unabashedly Indian” is what sets Indian cinema apart internationally.


If Bachchan spoke about authenticity in business and cinema, the summit’s next session explored authenticity of a different kind: the inner kind. From disciplined risk-taking to emotional resilience, the conversation shifted from boardrooms to ragas, examining how staying true to oneself matters just as much in personal well-being as it does in investment decisions.


India’s classical music tradition may be centuries old, but for sitarist Rishabh Rikhiram Sharam, it has become a personal tool for navigating modern mental health challenges.


Speaking at a live session at ET NOW Global Business Summit, that blended conversation with performance, Sharma reflected on how music helped him through a difficult period during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think music was very instrumental, no pun intended,” he quipped. “But I think it was a combination of therapy, music, and working out that really helped me get out of that phase that I was in during COVID.”


While he stops short of prescribing music as therapy, he is clear about its impact on his own life. “I feel like music has been keeping me and my mental health in check,” he added.


That personal journey has now evolved into a larger mission: creating immersive sitar-led experiences focused on mental well-being.


Audience feedback has reinforced his belief in music’s emotional power. “We receive so many testimonies and so many personal experiences like people having emotional releases at the shows,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens in that moment.”


Beyond performance, Rishabh is also exploring the science behind sound. He revealed that ongoing research is examining brainwaves and ECG responses to sitar music. The findings, however, will take time. “It’s still a work in progress. It’ll still be a couple of years before we can get real, actual data.”


Though devotional music now plays a larger role in his repertoire, he resists being boxed into a single genre. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m super hip-hop myself,” he said, adding that he listens to Kanye West and Playboi Carti. But he believes the growing youth interest in devotional music reflects broader shifts. “Gen Zs are drinking less. They are focusing more on health… I think this was a natural by-product.”


As the evening closed with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” and a live rendering of “Shiv Kailash,” Sharma left the audience not with spectacle, but with stillness: a reminder that in an age of noise, pause itself can be powerful.


We are so overstimulated all the time,” he said, adding, “These experiences come like a pause for you.”

Strengthening GCC Presence: VTS Infosoft Powers Digital Transformation at Novelty Logistics

VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd., a leading digital transformation company, is proud to announce the successful deployment of a next-generation Microsoft D365 Business Central ERP system for Novelty Logistics, a global logistics provider with operations spanning Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar & India.

 

Official Go-live of Microsoft Business Central ERP at Novelty Logistics

 

The integration marks a significant advancement in Novelty Logistics’ digital transformation journey, enhancing operational efficiency, supply chain visibility, and customer service across the Gulf region. The Microsoft ERP system is designed to streamline processes, enable data-driven decision-making, and strengthen the company’s agility in a competitive market.

 

“We are thrilled to partner with Novelty Logistics on this transformative project. Our expertise in digital transformation enabled Novelty Logistics to take a significant leap in becoming a more agile and responsive organisation,” commented CA Pawan Kumar Rastogi, Director, VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd. “This integration also marks a milestone in our strategic expansion into the GCC region, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving growth across global markets.”

 

Mr Abdul Majeed, Managing Director at Novelty Logistics, stated, “Harnessing technology to fuel innovation and set new standards of excellence in logistics is the way forward in today’s era. With the new ERP system, we are empowered to deliver unmatched customer service and accelerate our expansion across the region with greater speed and confidence.”

 

Representing Novelty Logistics Group, Founder Partners Hani Hassan Ali Al-Ghamdi and Abdulla Al Harthi stated, “At Novelty Logistics, the idea of driving innovation and excellence has always been central. We continue to seek ways to deliver seamless transportation and logistics solutions and elevate customer satisfaction. The ERP integration is a strategic step in that direction, and we are excited about the positive impact it will bring to our operations and overall customer experience.”

 

Abdulla Al Harthi further emphasized, “We are elated to have achieved this milestone and appreciate the efforts of the VTS Infosoft team led by Rahul Agarwal- Practice Head. This is a significant step toward our goal of becoming a leading logistics provider in the Middle East & India.”

 

About Novelty Logistics

Novelty Logistics is a global transportation & logistics company with a strong presence across the Gulf region. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence, Novelty Logistics continues to expand its footprint and deliver world-class logistics solutions.

 

Website: www.noveltylogistics.com.

 

About VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd

VTS Infosoft Pvt Ltd is a trusted digital transformation partner specializing in ERP implementations, enterprise solutions, and technology-driven innovation. With expertise across industries, VTS Infosoft empowers organizations to achieve agility, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

 

Website: vtsinfosoft.com.

Big Billion Property Sale Returns with Rs. 25,000 Crore Inventory Across Gurugram, Noida and Panipat

After recording sales of over Rs. 10,000 crore across its first two editions, the third edition of the Big Billion Property Sale will be held later this month, with a total inventory of Rs. 25,000 crore across Gurugram, Noida and Panipat.


Organised by M3M India and Smartworld Developers, the platform has evolved into a large-scale, transaction-focused real estate marketplace, bringing curated inventory, structured financial offerings and end-to-end support under one roof. This year, the event introduces an integrated Buy. Sell. Lease. Model, enabling customers to sell existing properties, upgrade to new assets or explore leasing opportunities across residential, retail and commercial categories.


The previous editions witnessed strong response and transaction momentum. The first edition featured Rs. 10,000 crore worth of inventory and recorded approximately Rs. 4,000 crore in sales in just three days. The second edition scaled up to Rs. 15,000 crore inventory and reported over Rs. 6,000 crore in sales, with more than 15,000 walk-ins during the event.


Customers also benefited from festival rewards such as international travel packages, smartphones, gold coins and bumper lucky draws, including luxury cars. The platform enabled buybacks worth Rs. 3,000 crore and premium payouts of Rs. 800 crore to existing customers. Pre-event engagement for the third edition has seen participation from over 4,200 channel partners through structured training and outreach programmes.


The third edition of the Big Billion Property Sale will showcase over 70 premium developments with a total inventory of Rs. 25,000 crore. Ticket sizes will range from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 25 crore, spanning retail, residential apartments, service apartments, residential and industrial plots, along with food courts, multiplex formats and office towers.


The Big Billion Property Sale was envisioned as more than a transactional event – it is a transformational platform for the real estate ecosystem. By bringing scale, transparency, and structured financial advantages together, we are enabling customers to upgrade lifestyles, optimize investments, and unlock value in their existing assets. The response to the first two editions validated the demand for such a platform. With Rs. 25,000 crore worth of inventory, dual-city presence, and the addition of Buy–Sell–Lease opportunities, this edition marks the evolution of the Big Billion Property Sale into India’s most powerful real estate marketplace.” said Robin Mangla, President – M3M India


Ashish Jerath, President Sales and Marketing, Smartworld Developers, said, “This edition has been planned at a significantly larger scale with three times the projects, momentum and reach, creating unmatched opportunities for end users and investors alike with this we are enabling confident and informed decisions. It’s what we call as Diwali of Real Estate market. The strong response during our pre-event partner engagement highlights the growing appetite for premium real estate opportunities.”


As part of the customer value proposition, the platform will enable existing property owners to explore opportunities to sell their assets at premiums of up to 60%, subject to market conditions and due diligence, while also offering structured payment plans starting at 20% for new purchases. Additional incentives, including early-payment benefits, will be available during the event.


The third edition marks a significant shift in the platform’s positioning, moving beyond a traditional property exhibition to a more integrated real estate ecosystem. Designed to be three times larger in scale, the event aims to provide a seamless experience for customers looking to sell, upgrade or invest through a single interface. The platform is also positioned as a strategic wealth transition opportunity, enabling investors and end users to rebalance portfolios and optimise asset allocation.

Top 4 Favourites to Win ICC T20 World Cup 2026: India, South Africa, England & Afghanistan Lead the Race

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7 amid a lot of controversy regarding where Bangladesh’s matches would be played and whether the Bangla Tigers would end up participating in the tournament or would they get replaced by Scotland, who have miraculously found themselves in the reckoning after losing their qualification spot to debutants Italy.

 

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Top 4 Favourite Win T20 World Cup 2026- South Africa, India, Afghanistan, England, and more…


A total of 20 participating teams would be competing in the upcoming tournament, with each team playing a minimum of four group stage matches. Group A contains favorites India, along with arch-rivals Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.


Group B is headlined by previous winners Sri Lanka and Australia, with Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman making up the rest of the group. Group C features England, West Indies, Scotland, Nepal, and Italy, with three European teams finding themselves in the same group after Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament.


Group D could prove to be the Group of Death as it boasts of 2024 edition runners-up South Africa, 2021 edition runners-up New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE, with one of the three big-name teams a definite to crash out from the group stage.


Apart from co-hosts India, many teams would be hoping to lift the trophy and prove their credentials in the shortest format of the game. While New Zealand have lost both of the matches so far in the 5-match T20I series against India, the Black Caps could provide a formidable challenge and have a plethora of spin options which could come in handy on the surfaces of Colombo and Chennai.


Another team from down under, Australia are placed alongside Sri Lanka in Group B and the Kangaroos are packed with power from top to bottom, with skipper Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Marcus Stonis providing an enviable batting lineup. The presence of Cooper Connolly, Matt Short, and Maxwell, along with lead spinner Adam Zampa, would keep the 2021 T20 World Cup champions in good stead in the subcontinent.


Let’s have a look at the top four favorites to lift the trophy in the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup as the T20 extravaganza returns to India after a gap of 10 years:


#4 Afghanistan
Rashid Khan is the heart of the Afghanistan team and would be eyeing the trophy in 2026


The Afghans are the dark horses in a multi-lateral tournament yet again, as Rashid Khan and co. have had a disappointing time since the conclusion of the last edition of the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan has only defeated Zimbabwe, Qatar, and the West Indies in the last 18 months, but Rashid’s men have pressed the accelerator at the right time with the T20 World Cup less than a fortnight away.


Placed alongside New Zealand and South Africa in Group D, Afghanistan has the potential to knock out one of the juggernauts of international cricket in the group stage. The Afghans had a memorable campaign in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup as they eliminated Australia from the Super Eight stage, exacting revenge for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup heartbreak.


The legendary spin quartet of skipper Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi is arguably the best spin contingent amongst the 20 teams, and the quartet would love the opportunity of bowling on Chennai and Colombo’s spin-friendly pitches.


Full Squad: Rashid Khan ©, Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran


#3 England
Group C favorites England will kick off their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against Nepal, and Brendon McCullum will have a point to prove after the 4-1 drubbing in the Ashes at the hands of arch-rivals Australia. Harry Brook will be captaining the Three Lions for the first time in an ICC tournament, and all eyes will be on how England lines up with Jos Buttler set to take the No.3 spot in the batting line-up.


The 2022 T20 World Cup champions endured a tough time in the last edition as they lost to Australia, South Africa, and eventually to champions India in the semi-final, while rain protected them from a potential loss against neighbors Scotland in the group stage as well.


The spin quintet of Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, and Liam Dawson signifies a change in direction for the English side, who have usually been packed with out-and-out fast bowlers in recent editions.


Full Squad: Harry Brook ©, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Josh Tongue, Luke Wood


#2 South Africa
Runner-ups of the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, South Africa finally ended their hoodoo and took off the chokers tag when they lifted the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Mace by defeating Australia in the final at Lord’s.


Skipper Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, and David Miller make up a batting order which is well-versed with Indian pitches, while the star-studded pace quartet of Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen would be supported by the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and George Linde.


Heinrich Klassen and David Miller almost took South Africa over the line in 2024 T20 WC Final


In the wake of the recently concluded SA20 season, the Proteas have lost a few players to injuries, as Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickleton finally found their respective places in the squad after Donovan Ferreira and Tony de Zorzi were ruled out of the T20 World Cup. The inclusions of Stubbs and Rickleton could prove to be a blessing in disguise as both players are well-versed with the Indian conditions after representing Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, respectively.


Full Squad: Aiden Markram ©, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs


#1 India 
Defending champions and currently ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I Team rankings, India would bear the load of more than a billion fans yet again in home conditions. While the support of fans could prove to be a boost, as seen in 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the Cricket World Cup, none of the previous nine editions of the T20 World Cup, barring the 2012 T20 WC, have even seen the hosts qualify for the final, let alone lift the cup in home conditions.


Gautam Gambhir will once again be under the scanner despite the proven performances of his side in the T20 format, owing to Indian team’s poor run in ODIs and Tests. Suryakumar Yadav broke his 468-day jinx of not scoring a half-century in Indian colors, getting to the landmark in mere 23 deliveries in the second T20I of the 5-match T20 series against New Zealand.


After winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, India head into the 2026 edition of the tournament as firm favorites, after winning 8 consecutive bilateral series and one multi-lateral tournament, the 2025 Asia Cup.


Full Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav ©, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.

 

Contributed By– Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports analytics expert

MAHE Partners with OpenAI to Integrate Artificial Intelligence Across Teaching, Learning, and Research

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has partnered with OpenAI to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools across teaching, research, and academic administration. This collaboration aims to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research productivity, and equip students and faculty with critical AI skills for a rapidly evolving global workforce. MAHE will implement AI-powered tools and resources across its academic programs to support personalised learning, boost critical thinking, and encourage ethical AI use. Faculty will also gain access to advanced AI tools for curriculum planning, research, and innovation.
 

MAHE Partners with OpenAI to Drive Responsible and Ethical AI in Higher Education
 

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.), MAHE, said, “MAHE has always been guided by academic excellence and innovation. Our partnership with OpenAI represents a strategic step toward embedding AI as a transformative enabler across teaching, research, and administration. By integrating advanced AI tools responsibly, we aim to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research impact, and prepare our students for leadership in an AI-driven world.”
 

The collaboration will focus on building AI literacy across disciplines, ensuring that students from Health Sciences, Technology & Science, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and allied fields gain practical exposure to AI applications relevant to their domains. MAHE will also promote interdisciplinary research and innovation using AI to address complex real-world challenges. MAHE will also establish structured AI governance guidelines to ensure responsible, ethical, and transparent governance use of artificial intelligence across academic functions.
 

The partnership aligns with MAHE’s long-term digital transformation roadmap and reinforces its commitment to innovation, industry relevance, and societal impact. With this collaboration, MAHE reinforces its vision of becoming a globally benchmarked, AI-enabled university committed to shaping responsible innovation and future-ready leaders.
 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.
 

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

Leading AI Firms, Governments, and Education Partners Launch Alliance to Scale AI-powered Solutions for Learning in Low- and Middle-income Countries

The Global AI for Learning Alliance (GAILA) was formally launched on February 17 on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, bringing together frontier AI firms, governments, EdTech and education leaders to accelerate effective, responsible, and inclusive AI-enabled learning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). GAILA will serve as a coordination and collaboration platform to solve the collective action challenge in AI for education. The initiative is co-led by UNICEF and partners, with the Secretariat operated by Dalberg, and initial support from the Gates Foundation. 
 

Frontier AI firms, NGOs, Governments and philanthropic organisations came together to launch GAILA
 

AI can improve learning outcomes, save teachers time, and expand equitable access to quality education. However, frontier AI investment remains concentrated in the higher income countries, and education systems in the LMICs face persistent barriers: limited infrastructure, affordability constraints, and weak alignment between technology and system needs. Unlocking AI’s potential in these contexts requires coordinated engagement between AI firms and education stakeholders, grounded in national priorities and local realities.
 

GAILA is working towards an Industry Compact to align AI firms and the global education community around measurable commitments on performance, safety, accessibility, affordability, and relevance. As an initial step, the AI for Learning Industry Call to Action outlines joint commitments across four areas: coordinated investment in shared public goods; improved model performance for education in LMICs; strengthened standards for safety, ethics, and contextual relevance; and expanded affordability and uptake of AI models. By convening diverse stakeholders, GAILA will align incentives and reduce fragmentation in response to national and local priorities, while supporting transparency, accountability, and shared learning across the ecosystem.

 

The Compact will be co-developed in 2026 with more specific, measurable, and time-bound commitments.

 

Pia Britto, Global Director Education & Adolescent Development at UNICEF, started the session by saying that, “GAILA is designed to go beyond dialogue. It aims to serve as a bridge from commitment to implementation, supporting collective action that translates innovation into measurable improvements in learning outcomes. Ultimately, GAILA is an invitation to all ecosystem stakeholders to lead together.”

 

“This ecosystem needs to work better and I am really excited about the progress made in this room,” said Benjamin Piper, Director, Global Education at Gates Foundation.

 

“At Anthropic, we’re already seeing what happens when AI is built with communities rather than deployed to them through partnerships with governments, educators, and non-profits in places like Rwanda and India,” said Elizabeth Kelly, Head of Beneficial Deployments at Anthropic.GAILA gives that work a shared framework, and we’re glad to be part of it.”

 

“We have two key mandates: one is to build the talent pipeline, and the second is to use AI to deliver better educational services, like personalized learning,” said Rohit Tripathi, Deputy Secretary at India’s Ministry of Education. “For both mandates, we need everyone in the room: academia, researchers, evaluators, industry, philanthropy – all of us together.”

 

Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister for Communication Technology and Innovation said, “As we join GAILA, we are joining both a vision and a community. A vision because we believe the Global South must write the rules of how AI serves learning, not simply adopt the tools developed elsewhere. And a community, because no country can do it alone.”

 

 A spokesperson from Google and Google DeepMind, “Getting AI in education right requires cross-sector collaboration – with policymakers, educators, researchers and experts. It’s critical to create tools that are genuinely helpful to teachers and students in enhancing learning outcomes. That means using AI backed by research, built responsibly, distributed equitably and grounded in learning science principles.”

 

The launch event convened senior leaders from across government, AI firms, and education ecosystem actors. Discussions focused on real-world use cases, responsible and scalable deployment, and stronger global coordination across the education ecosystem. The event was co-hosted by Observer Research Foundation and Carnegie India, with participation from organisations including UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, the Government of Kenya, Pratham, Google, Anthropic, and Karya AI.

 

More information on GAILA is available here. Organisations can review and endorse the AI for Learning Call to Action: www.globalaiforlearningalliance.org/call-to-action-statement 

 

To date, more than 40 organisations have endorsed the Call to Action, including Africodia Foundation, Angaza Elimu, Anthropic, ARED, Boston Consulting Group, BRAC, Brink, Central Square Foundation, ConveGenius, Dalberg, Education Above All, Eedi, EdTech Hub, Eidu, EkStep Foundation, FabAI, FCDO, Gates Foundation, Global Partnership for Education, Global Schools Forum, Gooey.ai, Google, Government of Kenya, Government of Rwanda, Government of Sierra Leone, HundrEd, International Centre for EdTech Impact, International Rescue Committee, J-PAL, Karya, Khan Academy, MakerGhat, OpenAI, Pratham, Project Tech4Dev, Rising Academies, Rocket Learning, ShikshaLokam, SHOFCO, Spix Foundation, Teach For All, The Agency Fund, TUMO, UNICEF, VVOB, and WISE.

 

About Dalberg Advisors 

Dalberg Advisors is a global professional services firm that puts impact at the centre of decision-making.
 

Founded in 2001, Dalberg Advisors now has over 450+ full-time staff spread across 29 global locations, bringing global perspectives to local solutions for over 1600 clients. 
 

This includes local and international NGOs, governments, financial institutions, philanthropies and business leaders; and entities that sit at the intersections of these organisations. 
 

Link: Dalberg.com | LinkedIn: Dalberg 

Zen Technologies Limited Achieves Highest Dun & Bradstreet Rating of 5A1

Zen Technologies Limited (NSE/BSE: ZENTEC), India’s leading defence training simulator and Counter-UAS technology company, today announced that it has been assigned a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Rating of 5A1 — the highest rating classification awarded by D&B, reflecting both the company’s exceptional financial strength and an overall composite appraisal status of ‘Strong.’


The rating, which is  based on the audited financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025, was evaluated under D&B’s globally recognized Impact Report framework. The ‘5A’ component signifies the highest tier of tangible net worth among rated entities, while the composite appraisal score of ‘1’ denotes the strongest level of overall creditworthiness,  encompassing financial condition, trade reference history, legal structure, management experience, and absence of adverse listings.


This rating is an independent, third-party validation of the financial discipline and operational rigour that Zen Technologies has built over decades. It strengthens our credibility with global defence procurement agencies, international partners, and investors as we pursue our next phase of growth,” said Ashok Atluri, Chairman & Managing Director, Zen Technologies Limited.


The D&B 5A1 rating is particularly significant as Zen Technologies continues its strategic expansion across three key verticals: defence training simulators, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and autonomous defence platforms. With a consolidated order book exceeding ₹1,400 crores, an IP portfolio of over 200 patents, and customers including the Indian Armed Forces and international defence organisations, the company is positioned at the forefront of India’s indigenisation drive under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.


The rating further reinforces Zen Technologies’ standing as it pursues strategic partnerships, international market entry including NATO member nations, and continued investment in AI-driven product development,  all of which demand the highest standards of institutional credibility and financial soundness.


About Zen Technologies Limited
Zen Technologies Limited is a publicly listed defence technology company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. The company specialises in training simulators, Counter-UAS systems, drones, and automated defence systems, holding over 200 patents and serving the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary organisations, and international defence customers. Zen Technologies is listed on the NSE and BSE.


About the D&B Rating
A Dun & Bradstreet Rating consists of two components: Financial Strength (an indication of tangible net worth) and Composite Appraisal (an overall evaluation of creditworthiness). The 5A1 rating — the highest possible — reflects the strongest tier of net worth and a ‘Strong’ composite appraisal. D-U-N-S® Number: 65-007-8822.

 

Dsclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The D&B Rating is assigned as of the date of evaluation and is subject to change. Please refer to the full D&B Impact Report for complete details.