Standard Chartered has slashed its forecast for the digital asset XRP by about 65%, lowering the anticipated year-end 2026 price to around $2.80 from a previous projection above $8, underscoring deepening stress across broader cryptocurrency markets. That adjustment, communicated in an investor note led by Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, reflects enduring selling pressure and fading liquidity that have weighed on XRP […]
The Al-Khayyat family, a Syrian-Qatari business dynasty that rose to prominence in Doha through ventures such as Baladna dairy and Power International Holding, is accelerating its involvement in rebuilding Syria’s economy as Damascus opens up to foreign investment after years of conflict. Brothers Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, chairing sprawling conglomerates that span food, construction, energy and financial services, are spearheading a wave of deals that could shape […]
African Development Bank Group has approved a $200 million loan to support Nigeria’s efforts to expand agricultural production and curb reliance on food imports, reinforcing Abuja’s push to tackle food inflation and strengthen rural incomes. Board members of the AfDB cleared the financing to scale up priority investments across key value chains, targeting improved productivity, better access to inputs and enhanced storage and processing capacity. The funding […]
India has emerged as the second-largest market globally for Claude, the generative artificial intelligence model developed by US-based start-up Anthropic, underscoring the country’s expanding influence in the global AI ecosystem.
Debjani Ghosh, who leads Anthropic’s operations and policy engagement in India, said the scale of adoption by developers, enterprises and start-ups has placed the country just behind the United States in terms of usage and integration of Claude’s models. She described India as a “strategic growth engine” for the company, citing strong demand from sectors including financial services, healthcare, education and software development.
Anthropic, founded in 2021 by siblings Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei, has positioned Claude as a competitor to models from OpenAI and Google. The company has attracted substantial backing from Amazon and Google, with Amazon committing up to $4 billion as part of a strategic partnership to integrate Claude into Amazon Web Services infrastructure. The funding has enabled Anthropic to expand globally, with India becoming a focal point due to its developer base and digital economy.
India’s prominence in the AI adoption cycle reflects broader structural factors. The country has one of the world’s largest pools of software engineers, a fast-growing start-up ecosystem, and a government push towards digital public infrastructure. Enterprises across banking and fintech have begun embedding generative AI tools to automate compliance checks, summarise documents and enhance customer interaction. In healthcare, pilot projects are under way to use AI systems for clinical documentation and triage support, while education technology platforms are deploying AI-driven tutoring tools.
Ghosh indicated that India’s market dynamics differ from those of Western economies. Cost sensitivity and the need for scalable deployment across diverse languages and devices have shaped how enterprises experiment with large language models. Claude’s emphasis on constitutional AI — a framework designed to make outputs safer and more aligned with human values — has resonated with corporate clients concerned about regulatory risk and reputational exposure.
Regulatory considerations are central to the AI conversation in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has signalled its intent to craft a framework that balances innovation with safeguards against misinformation, bias and misuse. While India has not enacted a standalone AI law, policy discussions have intensified around data governance and algorithmic accountability. Companies operating in the country must also comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which imposes obligations on data fiduciaries and processors.
Industry analysts note that India’s large English-speaking population has historically accelerated the adoption of global technology platforms. However, the next phase of growth in AI is expected to depend on multilingual capabilities. Claude’s ability to handle multiple languages is seen as an advantage in a country with 22 constitutionally recognised languages and hundreds of dialects. Developers are increasingly testing generative models for vernacular content generation and customer support.
Competition in the Indian market is intensifying. OpenAI’s ChatGPT has built a strong user base, while Google has integrated its Gemini models into productivity tools and cloud services. Domestic start-ups are also entering the field, building foundation models trained on local datasets. Analysts say that enterprise adoption, rather than consumer usage alone, will determine long-term market leadership.
Anthropic’s expansion strategy in India includes partnerships with cloud providers and enterprise software companies. By leveraging Amazon Web Services’ presence in major Indian cities, Claude is being offered as part of broader digital transformation packages. Ghosh emphasised that collaboration with academic institutions and start-up incubators is another priority, with the aim of fostering responsible AI research and skills development.
The rapid uptake of generative AI has also raised concerns. Experts warn of the risks of hallucinations, data leakage and overreliance on automated systems. In financial services, regulators have cautioned against using AI outputs without human oversight. Cybersecurity specialists highlight the potential for AI tools to be misused for phishing or deepfake generation. Anthropic has sought to address such issues by embedding guardrails into its models and conducting external safety evaluations.
Galaxy Digital’s head of asset management, Steve Kurz, is projecting a structural shift in the cryptocurrency market as the industry grapples with price volatility and evolving investor behaviour. Speaking publicly this week, Kurz said the downturn in digital-asset prices is better understood as healthy deleveraging rather than evidence of systemic failure, and described a deepening integration between traditional financial systems and digital-asset infrastructure that he believes underpins […]
Concerns over inadequate privacy safeguards are holding back broader adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, according to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao and several industry executives speaking at a major digital assets forum. Their remarks underline a growing consensus that transparency, long touted as blockchain’s defining strength, may also be constraining its appeal among retail users and large institutions. Zhao, widely known as CZ, told a panel at […]
Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company has unveiled plans to establish Judan Financial Holding, an artificial intelligence-enabled global financial services platform expected to oversee more than AED 870 billion in assets under management, marking one of the most ambitious consolidation moves in the Gulf’s financial sector. The proposed entity will bring together financial services assets held by IHC, Alpha Dhabi, 2PointZero Group and Sirius International Holding, spanning banking, […]
Showcasing Spectacular Entertainment and Chinese Cultural Performances, Featuring Renowned Chinese Artist “Zhu Zhengting” to Bless the People of Thailand in the Heart of the City
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – Siam Paragon, Thailand’s premier global landmark and the top destination in the hearts of Thai people and international tourists, has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikornbank, ushers in a grand celebration for the Year of the Horse. The event “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” bringing an array of rare cultural performances from China to offer a magnificent experience in the heart of Bangkok, The celebration also features special performances by leading Thai artists and an exclusive appearance from Chinese superstar “Zhu Zhengting,” who flew in to deliver New Year blessings to Thai fans at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.
The Grand Opening Ceremony, held on 14 February 2026, was honored by the presence of Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, who both joined in delivering Chinese New Year blessings. Also in attendance were Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group; and Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., all gathered amidst a grand and festive atmosphere. The event captivated the audience with special performances, including “Chinese New Year Welcome Dance” from China and the “Siam Noble Steed Dance” from Thailand, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The celebration also featured rare and exquisite Chinese cultural showcases from four renowned troupes originating from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian.
The highly anticipated highlight was the appearance of renowned Chinese artist “Zhu Zhengting,” who joined the festivities to wish fans wealth, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead, while delivering a special performance as a New Year gift. Additionally, the celebration featured mini-concerts by leading Thai T-Pop artists, including Better Weather and Daou Pittaya, who brought joy and left a lasting impression amidst the spectacular sight of giant auspicious lanterns illuminating the entire of Parc Paragon.
The grand celebration of “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026″ presents a magnificent parade of entertainment to deliver joy and prosperity for the Year of the Horse, running from today until 18 February 2026. In addition to the spectacular colors of giant auspicious lanterns and exquisite cultural performances from the People’s Republic of China, there are concerts from leading Thai artists performing on a rotating schedule to provide non-stop fun at Parc Paragon and Fashion Hall.
The lineup includes:
15 February 2026: Enjoy performances by HERS and MEAN Band;
16 February 2026: Meet 2Ectasy, Jeffy, Kakagoesbackhome, and Slapkiss;
17 February 2026: Have fun with SERIOUS BACON and Klear;
18 February 2026: Concluding with Wanyai and OABNITHI.
Simultaneously, Siam Paragon is packed with activities to enhance luck and wealth across various areas, featuring many more highlights such as:
Be mesmerized by the art installation “The Fortune Guardians,” depicting a pair of lions in a rhythmic and lively spirit of celebration, created by Suthipa Kamyam, a renowned artist and illustrator who has collaborated with numerous international brands. She has transformed the Jewel zone and Cascade on the M Floor into an artistic landmark for the Chinese New Year, symbolizing the opening of gates to welcome positive energy, inviting luck and joy to flow in and reach all visitors.
The Sculpture Exhibition by Ren Zhe: This exhibition features the work of the renowned Chinese sculptor, celebrated for his masterful fusion of Eastern cultural roots with a contemporary global perspective. His powerful sculptures are imbued with dynamic movement, harmoniously communicating Eastern philosophical values through modern materials. The exhibition will be on display from 5 March 2026 at the Glass Wall on the M Floor.
NEXTOPIA, the prototype for the world of tomorrow, welcomes the Chinese New Year festival with the heartwarming concept “Let Good Things Grow: Lucky in Love, Lucky in Green.” This initiative invites everyone to share positive energy through self-care, meaningful connection with others, and sustainable growth alongside the planet. Visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary interactive activities and workshops that are engaging and accessible to all ages. We invite you to fulfill your special moments at NEXTOPIA with eco-friendly, heart-healthy menus amidst a romantic atmosphere and melodies —perfect for hanging out until midnight.
For those seeking spiritual guidance and an opportunity to give back, the Siriwattana Cheshire Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen presents the “Siriwattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled” charity event. To welcome the Year of the Horse, the event features 40 renowned experts specializing in various disciplines. The event takes place from February 13–20, 2026, at Crystal Court, 2nd Floor (North Zone), Siam Paragon, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Fortune-telling tickets are available at the venue for 400 THB.
Beyond the exceptional experiences offered across all zones, Siam Paragon delights shoppers with the exclusive “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” promotion, running from today until 22 February 2026, featuring discounts of up to 50% at participating stores. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can receive Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 1,700. Special privileges are also available for Kasikornbank credit cardholders, while ONESIAM members can earn 4x ONESIAM Coins upon qualifying spend, along with up to 15% credit cashback from participating credit cards, or 0% interest installments for up to 6 months on Siam Gift Card purchases.
Additionally, the special “Lucky with Love” promotion will run from today until 17 February 2026. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can redeem Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 31,800, plus an additional bonus of up to 1,550 ONESIAM Coins when spending via ONESIAM KBank Credit Cards. Furthermore, purchases of THB 2,000 or more will be rewarded with an extra Ang Pao (containing gift vouchers or discount coupons from participating stores). For top spenders at participating luxury brands, an exceptional prize of 2 Baht weight of gold, valued at THB 149,500 (price as of 26 January 2026), will be awarded to those with a cumulative spend of THB 4 million or more.
Experience the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration, a spectacular and radiant start to a prosperous Year of the Horse at “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026.” Join the festivities at Siam Paragon from today until 20 February 2026. For more information, please visit Facebook: SiamParagon
Hashtag: #SiamParagon #SiamParagonCNY2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia is accelerating a transformation of Mecca’s property market, opening parts of the holy city to foreign investment as lower oil prices strain state finances and flagship mega projects such as Neom undergo recalibration. Cranes line new promenades leading towards the Grand Mosque, where swathes of older neighbourhoods have been cleared to make way for high-rise hotels and mixed-use towers designed to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Orient Insurance posted a net profit of AED 836 million for 2025, marking a 14.4 per cent rise from the previous year, as the Dubai-based insurer strengthened underwriting performance and investment income amid steady demand across the UAE and Gulf markets. The company, part of the Al-Futtaim Group, said its annual financial results reflected disciplined risk management, prudent reserving and a diversified portfolio […]
Khaleeji Bank has rolled out a Ramadan promotional campaign across six major shopping malls in Bahrain, aiming to deepen customer engagement and reinforce its retail banking footprint during one of the Kingdom’s busiest commercial seasons. The Islamic lender said the initiative, branded “Spin & Win”, will run throughout the holy month and offers visitors the chance to participate in an interactive draw featuring a range of prizes. […]
XRP is back at the centre of market attention as Ripple’s chief executive takes on an advisory role in Washington, fuelling speculation that a clearer regulatory path for digital assets could reshape the token’s prospects even as exchange-traded products tracking it post their first net outflows in weeks. The digital token, closely associated with Ripple Labs, has seen volatile trading through February, hovering below its late-2024 highs […]
Bitcoin surged past 69,000 dollars on major exchanges on Tuesday, regaining a price level that has carried both symbolic and technical weight since the previous market cycle. The move marks a rebound from a bout of volatility that had pulled the world’s largest cryptocurrency below key support zones earlier this quarter, drawing renewed attention from institutional investors and retail traders alike. Data from leading trading platforms […]
A wave of stress signs emerging across the global private credit market is prompting closer scrutiny from investors and analysts, with covenant defaults climbing, leverage rising and slowing earnings growth among private companies shaping the outlook for direct lenders and credit managers. Recent proprietary data from valuation specialists and market trackers show covenant default rates creeping higher compared with historical averages, while a combination of weaker cash […]
Construction of the first 200 megawatts of the Stargate Data Centre project in the UAE is advancing, according to ALEC Holdings, as structural works near completion and major mechanical and electrical installations gather pace. ALEC, a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, informed the Dubai Financial Market that building structures have been erected and that mechanical, electrical and plumbing works are well under way. The update […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Capital is moving with greater intensity between Gulf and Asian debt markets as issuers and investors seek stability and yield in a volatile global environment. Bankers and asset managers say order books for Middle Eastern sovereign and corporate bonds are showing a rising share of allocations to Asia-based funds, while Gulf investors are increasing exposure to Asian credit, particularly China. The shift reflects […]
Washington is debating the future of digital assets just as dollar-backed stablecoins are reaching escape velocity in global payments. With Congress weighing the Clarity Act and regulators refining oversight frameworks introduced under last year’s Genius Act, the question is no longer whether stablecoins matter — but whether the US will shape the infrastructure now emerging around them. Behind the policy discussion sits a hard commercial reality. After […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak India witnessed on Thursday February 12 the most intensified of all India general strike of workers in the country so far in which over 30 crores workers were estimated to have participated in about 600 districts of the country, surpassing the record of July 9, 2025 general strike in which over […]
Nile has entered a strategic partnership with Truecaller aimed at reinforcing consumer confidence and reducing fraud across Egypt’s fast-growing digital economy, as businesses face mounting pressure to prove the authenticity of their communications. The collaboration is designed to allow companies using Nile’s financial and digital services platform to verify their outbound calls and messages through Truecaller’s caller identification and business verification tools. By displaying verified brand information […]
African technology ventures attracted $174 million in funding in January 2026, signalling a measured but steady start to the year for a sector navigating tighter global capital conditions. The figure, compiled by market intelligence platform Africa: The Big Deal, covers equity, debt and grant financing across the continent. The total marks a continuation of cautious investor behaviour that characterised much of the past two years, following the […]
South African share prices rose on Thursday as investors balanced optimism over global market trends with caution ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s keynote address to Parliament and the release of critical domestic economic information. The benchmark Johannesburg Stock Exchange Top-40 index climbed around 0.5 per cent during early trade, buoyed by gains in resource and financial stocks, while the rand strengthened modestly against the US dollar, reflecting […]
Tokyo set a fresh milestone on Thursday as the Nikkei 225 Index briefly breached the 58,000 mark, propelled by confidence in a bold economic agenda from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government. Yet while equities and the yen have rallied, a sharper debate is unfolding across Japan’s financial markets over the sustainability of fiscal policy amid expansive spending commitments and tax relief measures that lack clearly defined funding sources.
Equity markets have responded robustly since Takaichi’s emphatic landslide in the general election on 8 February, with domestic shares climbing sharply on expectations of pro-growth fiscal measures aimed at bolstering consumption and strategic sector investment. The broader Topix index also advanced, and the yen strengthened against the dollar, reflecting a sense of reduced political risk now that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding super-majority in the lower house of parliament. Despite these gains, bond markets have registered heightened volatility, with Japanese Government Bond yields spiking at various maturities, signalling investor unease over Japan’s already elevated public debt levels and the scale of planned fiscal support.
Takaichi’s policy blueprint encompasses an array of measures long favoured by fiscal conservatives and economic nationalists alike, including a two-year suspension of the 8 per cent consumption tax on food items and expanded public investment across sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and defence. The Prime Minister frames these interventions as critical to ending what she terms “chronic underinvestment” and galvanising growth after decades of modest performance. Economists note that this approach echoes aspects of previous reflationary strategies such as “Abenomics”, with an emphasis on proactive government involvement in crisis-management and targeted growth stimulation.
While equities have responded positively, fixed-income markets have told a more cautious story. Yields on both short- and long-dated JGBs have climbed, reflecting market pricing in potential increases in government borrowing and inflation expectations should growth accelerate faster than anticipated. Some market participants fear that expansive fiscal operations without clear revenue offsets could elevate Japan’s risk premium, potentially triggering fresh volatility or sell-offs in debt markets should confidence ebb.
The so-called “Takaichi trade” has been a defining narrative across markets, capturing the dual dynamic of optimism in equity performance and trepidation around sovereign debt issuance and currency movements. Investors have been closely monitoring the Bank of Japan’s posture, as monetary authorities navigate between maintaining ultra-low interest rates to support economic activity and addressing inflationary pressures that can be exacerbated by a weaker yen. Signals from central bankers and government advisors suggest that rate adjustments could be considered to counter imported inflation, even as policy remains broadly accommodative.
Currency markets have mirrored these conflicting forces. The yen, which initially weakened against the dollar on expectations of aggressive fiscal support and prolonged monetary easing, has later shown episodes of strengthening as risk sentiment and intervention concerns have ebbed and flowed. Japan’s top currency diplomat has emphasised that authorities remain vigilant to exchange-rate volatility and are in close communication with international counterparts, reinforcing that the policy stance is not shifting toward overt market manipulation.
Analysts and investors are also paying attention to cross-border implications. The government faces pressure to deliver on substantial trans-Pacific investment pledges, which hinge on significant capital flows and corporate involvement in overseas projects. Japanese firms have expressed both interest and caution, as logistical and regulatory complexities weigh on decision-making. These external commitments add another layer of scrutiny to Takaichi’s broader economic narrative, which seeks to balance growth ambitions with geopolitical and fiscal credibility.
Within Japan, views on Takaichi’s approach are sharply divided. Supporters argue that decisive action is necessary to break longstanding cycles of low growth and demographic headwinds, positing that strategic tax relief and investment can catalyse domestic demand and technological competitiveness. Critics caution that without robust revenue strategies and prudent debt management, the fiscal trajectory may amplify structural risks rather than alleviate them. Central to this debate is the question of policy coordination: how fiscal expansion will align with monetary oversight and long-term debt sustainability while maintaining investor confidence and macroeconomic stability. New Zealand][7])
YZi Labs is carving out a niche in venture capital by backing ideas that remain largely theoretical, wagering on founders who are attempting to build products and platforms that do not yet exist. Speaking about the firm’s strategy, managing partner Ella Zhang says YZi Labs is guided less by market cycles and more by what she calls “first principles thinking” — a focus on fundamental technological shifts […]
ETHZilla has launched a tokenised aviation product that allows accredited investors to gain exposure to commercial jet engines with a minimum outlay of $100, marking a new attempt to bring fractional ownership to a traditionally capital-intensive corner of the aircraft leasing market. The digital asset, named Eurus Aero Token I, represents an interest in lease income generated by two in-service commercial jet engines. According to the company, […]
