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SAP’s global chief executive Christian Klein announced a strategic expansion of cloud infrastructure in New Delhi today, unveiling the launch of SAP Software Cloud in India and urging that cloud computing and artificial intelligence must underpin India’s path towards self-reliance and a digitally fortified economy. He warned that India is on track to generate 10 zettabytes of data by 2025, and stressed that harnessing this data effectively will be critical for national growth.

Addressing an audience of business leaders, technologists, and government representatives, Klein emphasised that mission-critical infrastructure must increasingly rely on sovereign cloud offerings. These are systems where data storage, processing, and control are governed under local legal standards—ensuring both security and regulatory compliance. He added that many organisations will not yet have requirements for sovereign cloud, but sectors such as defence, utilities and others handling classified data are likely to lead adoption.

SAP India’s president and managing director, Manish Prasad, highlighted the firm’s 30-year legacy in the region, and the growing need to make AI “relevant”—not just in proof-of-concepts but in full-scale deployments. He made clear that India must benefit more from its data, not simply generate it. Enhanced capabilities in secure engineering, data sovereignty, and local control of cloud operations are being positioned as foundational elements for India’s next phase of growth.

One major component of SAP’s plan is investment: globally, the company is committing €20 billion by next year toward cloud infrastructure and expansion. India is being treated as a key strategic market for that investment. SAP says it will deliver the “full stack” for cloud solutions—including those with compliance, localised control planes and sovereign cloud services where required.

Klein also underscored that government policy, regulation and innovation capacity must keep pace with technological opportunity. India’s regulatory environment around data sovereignty and digital infrastructure is evolving, and sectors with critical or regulated data will demand clarity and trust in legal and technical frameworks. Without that, investing in sovereign cloud becomes more difficult for those clients.

Digital sovereignty loomed large in SAP’s message. Martin Merz, president of SAP’s sovereign cloud division, said that while physical infrastructure is important, operational, technical and legal dimensions of data sovereignty matter at least as much. He pointed out that SAP has already delivered sovereign cloud services to highly security-sensitive organisations globally, and that India offers “great potential.”

The new connectivity will enable AD Ports to introduce advanced tools such as real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation and automated cargo tracking. At sea, such applications are expected to aid smarter voyage planning, improved fuel efficiency and heightened safety monitoring—capabilities previously constrained by intermittent connections or high latency.

On land, the LEO backbone will support terminal operations by ensuring resilient communication even in remote or critical locations. It is set to enhance cargo monitoring, streamline emergency response coordination and boost business continuity during high-demand operations or network disruptions. Integration with existing Internet of Things sensors, smart port platforms and artificial intelligence analytics will underpin these improvements.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Chief Information Officer at AD Ports Group, stated that this step lays the foundation for “a smart, resilient infrastructure” capable of supporting continuous operations even under challenging conditions. He emphasised that connectivity is not solely about speed but about enabling constant visibility and control across the supply chain.

Importantly, the rollout aims to deliver operational savings. With enhanced connectivity, the company expects reductions in fuel consumption via optimised routing, lower maintenance costs due to predictive modelling, and fewer delays linked to communication failures. These gains form part of a broader agenda of digital transformation already underway at AD Ports, which includes smart port platforms and integrated supply chain systems.

While the service providers involved remain unnamed, the agreements point to AD Ports Group’s strategy to secure multiple vendor relationships to ensure redundancy and avoid single points of failure. The phased model also allows for company-led pilots on select vessels before full fleet implementation.

Analysts observing maritime and logistics industries interpret this move as part of a larger trend: ports and shipping companies are increasingly adopting LEO and other satellite-based technologies to overcome gaps in connectivity, particularly in less accessible sea routes and remote terminal locations. Such capabilities are seen as essential for the adoption of automation, green technologies, and stringent environmental regulations requiring greater transparency in operations.

Shiba Inu is drawing increased attention after the project’s team outlined how a prospective spot SHIB exchange-traded fund could enhance demand for its Layer-2 blockchain, Shibarium, and its gas/governance token, BONE.

Speculation about a SHIB ETF has intensified as SHIB retains a multi-billion dollar market cap, maintains listings on major global exchanges, and commands one of the stronger retail investor communities in crypto. The Shib Inu ecosystem team emphasised that while no asset manager or regulator has yet submitted an approved SHIB ETF, the token’s scaling infrastructure and utility features parallel those that aided Bitcoin and Ethereum. Analysts suggest these attributes may not only raise SHIB’s institutional legitimacy but also funnel value into Shibarium and BONE.

Shibarium, launched in August 2023, serves as Shiba Inu’s native Layer-2 network. Its design aims for fast, low-cost transactions while pushing gas fees to be paid in BONE. Any amplification of SHIB demand could indirectly drive more activity on Shibarium, reinforcing BONE’s utility. In commentary, the SHIB team has framed this as a rising inflection point: greater visibility for SHIB might translate into growing network usage, with BONE benefiting from both transaction volume and staking demand.

Events in the Shibarium ecosystem heighten the urgency. A flash-loan exploit allowed an attacker to purchase about 4.6 million BONE tokens, gain validator voting power, then execute a malicious state change to siphon assets from the Shibarium bridge. The team paused staking operations, moved certain funds to a secure multi-signature hardware wallet, froze the compromised BONE, and launched investigations with security firms. While the exploit dented confidence temporarily, it also drew attention to the importance of infrastructure security in scaling projects.

Market response to these developments has been mixed but leaned positive in some respects. BONE surged by about 40 % at one point after the exploit was revealed, before correcting. SHIB also saw modest gains as traders reacted to the possibility of more institutional participation. Some analysts caution, however, that regulatory hurdles and timing remain uncertain. A SHIB ETF would likely require clear alignment with securities laws in multiple jurisdictions, plus concrete backing from major asset managers.

Institutional exposure is being eyed not just via a direct SHIB ETF but through alternate paths: DeFi-oriented funds, layer-2 infrastructure products, or token baskets that include SHIB and BONE. Shibarium’s base of wallets—numbering over 21 million during earlier phases—and its integration with Ethereum and DeFi protocols are being cited as evidence that usage is scaling.

Space42, listed in Abu Dhabi, and Viasat, a US communications company on Nasdaq, have joined forces to launch a new entity called Equatys to deliver Direct-to-Device and mobile satellite services worldwide leveraging 5G standards.

Equatys will combine satellite and terrestrial networks under a 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network architecture so that standard smartphones and IoT devices can connect even where ground-based networks cannot reach. It will use over 100 MHz of harmonized Mobile Satellite Services spectrum across more than 160 markets. The venture aims to begin commercial service within three years.

The “space tower” model at Equatys is built on shared multi-tenant infrastructure covering both space and ground components. This setup is designed to cut redundant investment, improve spectrum utilisation, and reduce overall capital costs for operators. Licensed terrestrial and satellite operators will be able to tap into this infrastructure for D2D and next-generation MSS offerings.

Space42 was formed in 2024 through a merger combining the operations of Bayanat and Yahsat. Its business units include upstream satellite operations and geospatial analytics/AI-powered smart solutions. Major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC. Viasat, having acquired Inmarsat in 2023, operates globally in secure satellite communications, for government, enterprise, and consumer markets.

While financial terms of the venture were not disclosed, Equatys is expected to issue equity in phases, opening opportunities for strategic and financial partners as the system scales. The model is pitched as infrastructure-grade, aiming to offer returns tied to long-term deployment and spectrum utilisation rather than short-term hardware sales.

The project is subject to regulatory and customary conditions. It follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between Space42 and Viasat which moved from exploratory technical and commercial studies to forming a jointly owned infrastructure company.

Experts are watching closely how spectrum harmonisation will be maintained across the many markets Equatys aims to cover. Nation-level telecom regulators often impose latency, licensing or usage constraints on MSS and NTN services, which can complicate global rollout. Also, implementing a shared infrastructure model across multiple orbits of satellites presents technical and operational challenges, from latency and hand-off between orbits, to ground station coordination, spectrum interference and service reliability.

Bybit has restored full access to its mobile app for users in India, marking a pivotal stage in its compliance efforts and reaffirming its long-term presence in the market. Access to its website is being reinstated in phases and is expected to be fully live within the next three to four days. This marks a strategic relaunch of services including spot trading, derivatives, options and copy trading, supported by enhanced Know Your Customer protocols and security measures.

The exchange began its compliance drive earlier this year by registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India as a reporting entity under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in January 2025. That move followed a penalty of approximately INR 9.27 crore imposed for operating without proper registration. Services had trickled back in February for authorised users, but full restoration remained pending until now.

Bybit co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou said the company views this phase Bybit Restores Full Trading Access in India as more than a mere return—it signals a renewed chapter in its India operations. He emphasised India’s potential as a leading digital-asset market and reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering secure, transparent, world-class trading experiences. Vikas Gupta, Country Manager of Bybit India, described the moment as a landmark in providing Indian clients a seamless and compliant trading environment. He also spoke of broader ambitions to nurture India’s crypto ecosystem through education, strategic partnerships and community initiatives.

Legal counsel from Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas led Bybit’s regulatory realignment, navigating months of negotiations and product realignment to meet Indian norms and transaction-reporting requirements. The process has been framed as a model for other offshore platforms seeking a compliant pathway into India’s tightening regulatory environment.

Bybit has intensified its outreach in the Indian market, serving as title sponsor for the India Blockchain Tour 2025 and preparing for the next leg, “Metamorphosis – India Blockchain Tour,” in New Delhi on 27–28 September. The exchange has also unveiled its World Series of Trading 2025, offering welcome bonuses and prizes such as cars and smartphones to attract users.

India remains one of the world’s most dynamic cryptocurrency markets, despite stiff tax and regulatory hurdles—such as a 30 per cent tax on crypto gains and no comprehensive legal framework yet in place. The restoration of Bybit’s services under tighter compliance standards reflects its resilience and underscores the importance of regulatory alignment for offshore platforms.

SriLankan Airlines has suspended services to Kathmandu after authorities closed Tribhuvan International Airport amid nationwide unrest, forcing cancellations on the Colombo–Kathmandu route and disrupting onward travel plans.

Airport officials said flight operations at Kathmandu would remain shut until the evening as security forces moved to stabilise the capital, while armoured patrols and curfews kept streets largely empty following two days of violent demonstrations. Airline pauses Kathmandu services amid escalating unrest.

Protests that began over corruption and economic grievances have turned deadly, with soldiers guarding parliament and key government buildings after arson attacks and clashes. Reuters reported at least 19 fatalities over 48 hours and said the turmoil prompted a nationwide shutdown affecting aviation, retail and public services.

Knock-on effects spread across regional air corridors. Multiple Kathmandu-bound flights were diverted to India, including four routed to Lucknow as the closure took effect, while IndiGo extended a temporary halt of services to and from Kathmandu to the early evening. Other carriers announced cancellations through the day as they assessed security and operational risks.

SriLankan confirmed the cancellation of flights UL181 and UL182 on Wednesday and advised ticketed passengers to contact their booking channels. Local news outlets in Colombo said the airline’s suspension would remain until further notice, aligning with guidance to monitor official updates as authorities reviewed conditions at the airport.

Regional governments urged caution for travellers. India advised its citizens to defer trips to Nepal and for those already in the country to remain indoors, as curfews and transport disruptions left tourists and business travellers stranded across Kathmandu Valley and beyond.

Live updates from Kathmandu indicated authorities were weighing phased resumptions of essential services alongside crowd-control measures. Airports and transport links were prioritised for restoration once security agencies deemed conditions manageable, with the army coordinating road clearance and fire response in affected districts.

Airlines across South Asia adjusted schedules through the afternoon, with Indian and regional carriers cancelling or retiming Kathmandu rotations while offering waivers. Public statements from operators noted the situation remained fluid and that customer notifications would follow as airspace and airport status changed.

SriLankan’s decision underscores how quickly a single-airport closure can ripple through a network heavily reliant on narrow time buffers and daylight slots into high-altitude hubs. For passengers booked to or through Kathmandu, carriers advised monitoring flight status pages and staying in contact with travel agents as curfew orders and airport operating hours evolve.

Bitcoin traded in a tight range near $111,500 to $112,300 as market participants paused, waiting for fresh cues from upcoming Consumer Price Index, Producer Price Index and central bank announcements. This positioning reflects prudence amid heavier macroeconomic noise.

Solana climbed to around $218 to $220, marking a multi-month high as renewed interest drew capital from more established tokens. Meanwhile, Dogecoin extended a weekly gain to approximately $0.24, buoyed by optimism surrounding the imminent debut of the first U. S. memecoin exchange-traded fund.

SignalPlus head of insights Augustine Fan noted that crypto markets have been relatively flat recently, with Bitcoin underperforming both its major peers and traditional assets such as equities and spot gold. That underperformance accompanied weaker inflows into digital asset trusts and reduced activity on centralised exchanges.

Economists have also dialled back inflation and recession worries following revisions to U. S. labour data, prompting some rebound in market sentiment. Bitcoin, alongside European equities, saw support as experts downplayed fears of stagflation.

Prediction markets suggest that a rate cut from the Federal Reserve is increasingly likely, with sentiment split between a further cut or a hold in October. Gold reached record levels in anticipation of looser monetary policy, even as U. S. equity indices pushed higher.

Positioning remains defensive, but the rotation into altcoins signals willingness among traders to explore higher-beta opportunities. Reflecting this, the phrase Traders Push Bitcoin Above $112K captures the shifting dynamic in crypto allocations—but notably, attention remains fixed on upcoming U. S. data releases shaping the next phase of the market.

Liquidity has stayed modest. Reference points in the $110K–$112K zone appear increasingly important as support amid a backdrop of uncertainty.