Several Saudi Arabian companies are moving ahead with plans to list shares in Riyadh, testing investor appetite at a time when volatile crude prices and regional tensions have weighed on the Tadawul All Share Index. Bankers and market participants say firms from oilfield services, manufacturing, telecommunications and contracting are preparing prospectuses or holding early talks with advisers, signalling a revival in primary market activity after a subdued […]
More than a thousand malicious plug-ins capable of siphoning cryptocurrency wallet data and sensitive credentials have been identified on OpenClaw’s ClawHub platform, raising fresh concerns over the security of decentralised software marketplaces and the speed at which harmful code can spread through developer ecosystems. Security researchers examining ClawHub said they had flagged 1,184 so-called “skills” that appeared designed to harvest SSH keys, private wallet information and other […]
Global technology groups including Microsoft, Amazon and Google have pledged billions of dollars to expand cloud and AI infrastructure across the country, betting on strong digital adoption, a vast developer base and policy support from New Delhi. At the same time, domestic conglomerates such as Reliance Industries and the Adani Group have unveiled plans to scale up capacity, signalling an arms race to capture the next phase of AI growth.
The surge is centred on established data centre hubs such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and the National Capital Region. Industry estimates place India’s operational data centre capacity at more than 900 megawatts, with projections that this could double within a few years as hyperscale facilities come online. Much of the new supply is being designed for AI workloads, which require more powerful processors and higher rack densities than traditional cloud computing.
Microsoft has committed to expanding its Azure footprint in multiple regions, while Amazon Web Services continues to invest in its Mumbai and Hyderabad zones. Google Cloud has also deepened its presence, citing demand from financial services, healthcare and government clients. Nvidia, whose graphics processing units underpin many AI systems, has strengthened partnerships with Indian firms to support sovereign AI initiatives and localised computing.
Officials argue that this wave of investment will support economic growth, digital inclusion and advanced research. India’s data protection framework and semiconductor incentives have been positioned as part of a broader strategy to create a resilient digital ecosystem. The government has also outlined ambitions to develop domestic AI models trained on local languages and datasets, increasing the need for high-performance computing infrastructure within national borders.
Yet environmental experts warn that the geography of expansion raises difficult trade-offs. Mumbai and Chennai, two of the country’s largest data centre clusters, face periodic water shortages and are vulnerable to climate-related risks, including extreme heat and flooding. Hyderabad, another key hub, has experienced mounting pressure on groundwater resources amid rapid urbanisation.
AI data centres are particularly resource-intensive. Training large language models can consume vast amounts of electricity, and the cooling systems required to maintain optimal temperatures often rely on significant volumes of water. While operators increasingly use advanced cooling technologies and pursue renewable energy procurement, critics question whether efficiency gains can keep pace with the scale of expansion.
According to industry analysts, AI-optimised facilities can draw substantially more power per rack than conventional data centres. India’s peak power demand has been rising steadily, touching record highs during heatwaves. Coal continues to account for a large share of electricity generation, although solar and wind capacity have expanded rapidly. The tension between decarbonisation goals and surging digital energy needs is becoming more pronounced.
Water usage is another flashpoint. Traditional evaporative cooling systems can require millions of litres annually for large facilities, though some operators are shifting to air-cooled or liquid immersion systems to reduce dependence on freshwater. Companies state that they are investing in water recycling, rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, particularly in regions classified as water-stressed.
Environmental groups argue that even with mitigation measures, cumulative impacts could strain local communities. Urban residents in Chennai and parts of Maharashtra have already experienced water rationing during drought periods. The prospect of energy-hungry AI campuses expanding in these same areas has prompted calls for stricter environmental assessments and greater transparency around resource use.
Corporate leaders counter that hyperscale operators often have stronger sustainability commitments than smaller, on-premise data centres. Many global firms have pledged to run on 100 per cent renewable energy and to become water positive within the decade. In India, power purchase agreements for solar and wind farms are increasingly tied to data centre projects, supporting the build-out of clean energy capacity.
Policy makers face a delicate balancing act. Digital infrastructure is viewed as critical to competitiveness, especially as countries race to develop generative AI capabilities. India’s large pool of engineers and its expanding start-up ecosystem make it an attractive base for AI research and deployment. Delaying capacity expansion could risk ceding ground to regional rivals in Southeast Asia or the Middle East, where governments are also courting hyperscale investment.
At the same time, climate resilience is rising on the national agenda. The country has set ambitious renewable energy targets and emphasised sustainable development in international forums. Integrating AI growth with environmental safeguards will test regulatory frameworks at both central and state levels.
Dubai authorities have revived and significantly expanded a Ramadan initiative aimed at encouraging children to attend mosque prayers, rolling it out to more than 300 mosques across the emirate as part of a broader push to deepen community engagement during the holy month. The programme, known as Ayal Al-Freej, invites children aged between six and 12 to collect special Ramadan “passports” that are stamped each time they […]
Blockchain ventures built around sport are moving beyond fan tokens towards real-time, onchain markets tied directly to match-day outcomes, marking a new phase for what has become known as SportFi. Developers and investors say the model aims to deepen fan engagement by allowing supporters to trade digital assets linked to specific games, player performances and season milestones, while settling transactions transparently on public blockchains. Proponents argue that […]
ProShares’ first exchange-traded fund designed to hold tokenised cash instruments attracted roughly $17 billion in assets on its market debut, igniting speculation across digital asset markets about whether Circle had shifted part of the reserves backing its USDC stablecoin into the vehicle. The scale of the launch marked one of the largest first-day asset gatherings for a US-listed ETF and underscored the pace at which traditional asset […]
Cybersecurity analysts warn that operators linked to North Korea have expanded their assault on digital asset platforms, a year after a record-breaking breach at Dubai-based exchange Bybit exposed structural weaknesses across the sector. On 21 February 2025, attackers attributed by multiple governments and private security firms to Pyongyang stole about $1.46 billion in cryptoassets from Bybit, marking the largest confirmed theft in the history of the cryptocurrency […]
Dubai has moved into the next stage of its real estate tokenisation drive, expanding the initiative onto the XRP Ledger in a bid to widen investor access and streamline property transactions through blockchain technology. The second phase of the emirate’s Real Estate Tokenisation Project allows approved investors to trade fractionalised property interests recorded on the XRP Ledger, a public blockchain associated with Ripple. Officials say the move […]
Greenlogue/AP More than 40 manufacturing facilities have been awarded the Green Factory Seal by Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, marking a push to embed environmental standards and energy efficiency deeper into the kingdom’s industrial base. Officials said the certification recognises factories that meet benchmarks on resource conservation, waste reduction, emissions control and compliance with national environmental regulations. The scheme forms part of a broader strategy to […]
Lumen’s Advanced MDR offering delivers comprehensive, AI-powered threat detection and response across cloud, on-premises, identity, and OT environments – helping customers gain full-spectrum visibility and control over their security operations. Built on Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM platform, which unifies XDR, SOAR, ASM, and SIEM capabilities, the solution simplifies SOC workflows, eliminates console switching, and accelerates incident response through automation and advanced analytics. This platform-centric approach not only improves detection accuracy but also reduces operational complexity and licensing overhead.
As a Select Partner, Lumen supports seamless deployment of Cortex XSIAM, empowering customers to transform their security posture with confidence. Customers benefit from continuous threat hunting, tailored playbooks, and asset discovery powered by Lumen’s SOC analysts and Black Lotus Lab. With deep regional expertise, a strategic global network of SOCs, and a customer-first success model, Lumen ensures proactive defence against evolving threats.
Lumen has also recently been recognised in the Major Players Category in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment[1]. Lumen believes this recognition further validates its leadership in delivering scalable, outcome-driven security solutions.
“Our Advanced MDR offering is designed to give customers clarity and control in the face of growing cyber complexity. Partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows us to deliver a unified, intelligence-driven platform that not only strengthens security operations but also aligns with our customers’ business goals. This specialisation validates our ability to deliver trusted, outcome-focused cybersecurity, backed by deep regional expertise and a commitment to proactive protection,” said Ignatius Wong, Senior Director, Managed & Professional Services, APAC at Lumen Technologies.
Michelle Saw, Vice President, GTM Shared Services and Ecosystems, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, said, “Lumen’s achievement is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to a partner ecosystem focused on delivering world-class security outcomes in APAC. In today’s complex threat landscape, customers need the power of a unified, AI-driven platform like Cortex XSIAM, combined with the deep regional expertise and managed services of a trusted partner like Lumen. We are proud to collaborate with Lumen to empower businesses across the region to transform their security posture and confidently face the next generation of cyber threats.”
Hashtag: #LumenTechnologies
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Lumen is unleashing the world’s digital potential. We ignite business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. As the trusted network for AI, Lumen uses the scale of our network to help companies realise AI’s full potential. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, managed service, and digital platform capabilities, we meet our customers’ needs today and as they build for tomorrow.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have intercepted what they describe as organised, terrorist-linked cyberattacks aimed at government systems and critical national infrastructure, preventing attempts to disrupt essential digital services and infiltrate strategic networks. The UAE Cybersecurity Council said coordinated operations targeted state entities and vital sectors through ransomware deployment, phishing campaigns and network intrusion efforts. Officials characterised the incidents as part of a broader attempt to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has opened discussions with a visiting United States delegation to expand cooperation in sustainable power, hydrogen and advanced energy technologies, underscoring Dubai’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of the global energy transition. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive of DEWA, held talks in Dubai with Robert Hertzberg, senior fellow at Mission Possible Partnership […]
Bitcoin fell about five per cent, sliding below the $65,000 mark as large holders accelerated transfers to exchanges and short-term investors continued to exit at a loss, underscoring fragile sentiment in the world’s largest cryptocurrency. The decline pushed Bitcoin to levels last seen several weeks ago, extending a pullback from record highs above $73,000 set earlier this year. Market data showed the digital asset trading in the […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Anaplan, the global leader in AI‑driven scenario planning and analysis, today announced the launch of its new Amazon Web Services data center in Singapore. This strategic expansion is designed to accelerate digital transformation and empower businesses in Southeast Asia with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities for real-time planning and decision-making.
The new data center will significantly enhance Anaplan’s global infrastructure and offer faster data processing, improved security and regulatory compliance. These features are essential for protecting sensitive information and meeting local data sovereignty requirements, which is especially critical for industries such as public sector and financial services.
“The launch of Anaplan on AWS in Singapore represents a strategic milestone and reinforces our shared commitment to customers across Asia-Pacific,” said Carol Potts, general manager for North America ISV sales at AWS.
By leveraging the Anaplan platform, businesses in the region will gain access to leading AI and machine learning technologies, enabling them to:
“We are delighted to bring the Anaplan platform, including our new suite of role-based AI agents, to Singapore and the broader Southeast Asia region,” said Amit Bagga, managing director, APAC, at Anaplan. “Data sovereignty is a stringent requirement for our clients, and our new location ensures that their data remains within Singapore, adhering to local regulations. Plus, with Anaplan Intelligence, businesses can harness the power of AI to optimize and unify their finance, workforce, sales, and supply chain planning processes, gain deeper insights and make strategic decisions with confidence.”
This regional addition marks another milestone in Anaplan’s $500 million innovation roadmap, aimed at expanding the company’s global reach and supporting local businesses with the latest AI-driven planning and analytics technology. The company has also made other data center expansions in the Asia-Pacific region, including in India, Indonesia, and Australia, further solidifying its commitment to the region.
Hashtag: #Anaplan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Anaplan is the only AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform designed to optimize decision-making in today’s complex business environment so that enterprises can outpace their competition and the market. By building connections and collaboration across organizational silos, our platform intelligently surfaces key insights — so businesses can make the right decisions, right now. More than 2,500 of the world’s best brands, including nearly half of the Fortune 50, continually optimize their decision-making by planning with Anaplan. To learn more, visit 
www.anaplan.com.
Michael Saylor has indicated that his company could expand its already vast Bitcoin holdings, renewing debate over corporate exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency and reinforcing his long-standing conviction that digital assets will define what he calls the “Orange Century”. Saylor, executive chairman of MicroStrategy, now rebranded as Strategy, shared remarks on social media that were widely interpreted by market participants as a signal of further purchases. […]
Aston Martin is exploring the sale of branding rights linked to its Formula One team as the luxury carmaker warns that losses are set to deepen, underscoring the financial strain facing one of Britain’s most storied automotive marques. The company said it is assessing options to monetise the commercial value of the Aston Martin name within Formula One, a move that could involve selling or licensing branding […]
Starbucks Corp’s India venture is accelerating store openings and introducing new menu innovations, including protein foam coffee, as it deepens its bet on the world’s most populous country even while losses widen. Tata Starbucks Pvt., the 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Corporation and Tata Group, plans to prioritise scale over short-term profitability, according to chief executive Sushant Dash. The strategy underscores a long-term view of India as […]
Belgian accessories brand Kipling is sharpening its focus on the Gulf as it unveils a redesigned flagship at Dubai Mall, betting that immersive retail and a renewed emphasis on its playful DNA will reconnect it with shoppers across the region. Domitille Parent, a senior executive overseeing the label’s regional strategy, said the store’s overhaul marks more than a cosmetic refresh. It signals a broader repositioning aimed […]
Japan’s SBI Holdings has announced plans to issue a ¥10 billion onchain bond that will be settled via blockchain technology and offer XRP rewards to eligible retail investors, marking one of the most prominent efforts by a major financial group to merge traditional fixed-income products with digital asset incentives. The offering, branded as SBI START Bonds, will provide a fixed interest rate and use distributed ledger infrastructure […]
Dubai will host the 25th Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 12 to 14, drawing global aviation industry leaders, suppliers and innovators to one of the sector’s most influential business platforms. The three-day event is expected to attract more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries and over 7,000 professionals, including 120 hosted buyers, making it a pivotal gathering for decision-makers shaping […]
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: When the Supreme Court of the United States struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs on February 20, delivering a 6–3 verdict that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 confers no authority to impose broad-spectrum duties without Congressional approval, the most consequential reverberations were felt not in […]
The article How A Supreme Court Ruling And A Russian Oil Gambit Rewrote India’s Trade Destiny appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi’s real estate market closed 2025 with transactions worth AED142 billion across 42,814 deals, marking the highest annual value on record and underscoring the emirate’s growing weight as a global investment destination. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, the sector’s regulator and custodian, said total transaction value rose 44 per cent compared with 2024, while the number of deals climbed 52 per […]
The gathering brought together senior executives from global technology firms, domestic start-ups, academic leaders and policymakers, signalling a concerted push by New Delhi to position the country as both a major market and a development hub for AI. Modi framed the technology as central to economic growth, public service delivery and national competitiveness, arguing that India’s digital public infrastructure and vast talent pool provide a foundation for leadership in the field.
Speaking at the event, Modi said AI must be “inclusive and responsible”, emphasising applications in healthcare, agriculture, education and governance. He pointed to platforms such as Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface and the CoWIN vaccination system as examples of large-scale digital architecture that could integrate advanced analytics and machine learning.
The summit’s optics were carefully managed to reflect global engagement. Executives from leading US technology companies shared stages with founders of domestic firms working on generative AI models, language tools and enterprise software. Representatives from multilateral bodies and research institutions discussed governance frameworks, data protection and the need for cross-border collaboration.
Yet the conference also exposed tensions between ambition and execution. Several sessions ran behind schedule, and some industry participants privately expressed concern over policy uncertainty, particularly around data localisation, cross-border data flows and regulatory oversight. Draft frameworks on AI ethics and safety remain under consultation, and companies are awaiting clarity on compliance requirements.
The event unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying global competition. The United States continues to dominate foundational AI research and chip design, while China has invested heavily in domestic models and semiconductor capacity. The European Union has advanced comprehensive legislation through its AI Act, seeking to set global standards on risk and accountability.
India’s approach has been more incremental. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has outlined plans to support compute infrastructure, encourage domestic large language models and expand skilling initiatives. Budget allocations for semiconductor manufacturing and design-linked incentives aim to reduce dependence on imports, although fabrication plants remain years away from full-scale production.
Industry analysts note that India’s strength lies in its software services sector and a large base of engineers. According to data from industry bodies, the country produces hundreds of thousands of engineering graduates annually, many of whom work in IT and business process outsourcing. Major domestic firms have announced internal AI integration plans, embedding generative tools into consulting, customer support and software development workflows.
At the same time, structural constraints are evident. High-performance computing resources are limited compared with those available in the US and China, and advanced chips are largely imported. Electricity reliability, data centre capacity and high-speed connectivity vary across regions. Venture capital funding for deep-tech ventures has fluctuated amid global market volatility.
Civil society groups and some academics used the summit to call for stronger safeguards. They warned that rapid deployment of AI systems without robust oversight could exacerbate misinformation, bias and privacy violations. India’s data protection law, enacted last year, sets out obligations for companies handling personal data, but implementing rules and enforcement mechanisms are still being developed.
Opposition figures have questioned whether headline events translate into durable policy outcomes. They argue that sustained investment in research universities, independent regulators and judicial capacity will be essential to manage the societal impact of AI. Some economists have also cautioned that automation could disrupt segments of the services workforce, requiring targeted reskilling programmes.
Global investors, however, continue to view India as a growth market. International cloud providers have expanded data centre footprints in cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. Partnerships between domestic start-ups and multinational firms aim to build AI systems tailored to local languages and contexts, addressing a market of more than a billion people with diverse linguistic needs.
Modi’s messaging emphasised sovereignty alongside collaboration. He has repeatedly advocated for a global framework on AI governance that reflects the priorities of emerging economies, not solely those of advanced industrial nations. At the summit, he called for shared principles that balance innovation with ethical safeguards, while ensuring access for developing countries.
Diplomatically, the conference reinforced India’s profile as a convening power in technology policy, following its presidency of the G20 and engagement in forums on digital public goods. Whether that translates into tangible influence over global AI standards will depend on sustained coordination with like-minded partners and domestic regulatory coherence.
The twin agreements signal a coordinated push to deepen collaboration on artificial intelligence research, semiconductor supply chains and standards-setting at a time when global competition over emerging technologies is intensifying. Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to align trusted partners around open, secure and innovation-driven AI ecosystems.
The Pax Silica Initiative, framed as a platform for cooperation among governments, industry and research institutions, aims to promote responsible AI development anchored in democratic values and transparent governance. By endorsing the declaration, India has committed to work with other signatories on areas including AI safety frameworks, interoperability standards and resilient semiconductor networks. The initiative also seeks to reduce vulnerabilities in critical technology supply chains, particularly in advanced chips that underpin AI systems.
The Joint Statement on the India–U. S. AI Opportunity Partnership outlines specific areas of collaboration between New Delhi and Washington. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the partnership will prioritise joint research projects, exchanges between academic institutions and closer engagement between start-ups and venture capital ecosystems in both countries. It also envisages cooperation on workforce development, with a focus on skilling programmes to meet rising demand for AI engineers, data scientists and semiconductor specialists.
Senior representatives from both sides emphasised that the agreements build on an expanding technology agenda that has gathered pace over the past two years. The United States has identified India as a key partner in diversifying supply chains for critical technologies, while New Delhi has sought greater access to advanced know-how and investment to support its domestic manufacturing ambitions.
The semiconductor dimension is central to the Pax Silica framework. Global shortages during the pandemic exposed structural weaknesses in chip production networks, prompting governments to reassess their dependence on a limited number of manufacturing hubs. India has since launched incentive schemes to attract chipmakers and component suppliers, positioning itself as a complementary node in the global value chain. Closer coordination with U. S. firms and research laboratories is expected to support technology transfer and design capabilities.
Artificial intelligence governance is another pillar of the collaboration. Policymakers in New Delhi have been working on a regulatory architecture that balances innovation with safeguards against misuse. The partnership with the United States is expected to facilitate dialogue on standards, testing protocols and ethical guidelines. Both countries have expressed support for international cooperation to ensure AI systems are transparent, accountable and aligned with human rights principles.
Industry leaders present at the summit pointed to the commercial opportunities arising from deeper integration. India’s digital economy has expanded rapidly, driven by widespread smartphone adoption and a thriving start-up ecosystem. U. S. technology companies view the market as both a testing ground for scalable AI applications and a source of skilled talent. Joint ventures and research collaborations are likely to accelerate as policy barriers are addressed.
Analysts say the agreements also carry geopolitical significance. As rival powers invest heavily in AI and semiconductor capabilities, technology has become intertwined with national security and economic resilience. By formalising cooperation through the Pax Silica Declaration and the AI Opportunity Partnership, New Delhi and Washington are signalling intent to shape global norms rather than react to them.
The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi brought together policymakers, technologists and academics from multiple countries, underscoring the growing prominence of the city as a convening platform for debates on digital governance. Discussions ranged from generative AI applications in healthcare and education to concerns over misinformation and algorithmic bias. The signing of the declaration and joint statement provided a tangible outcome to those deliberations.
Officials indicated that working groups would be established to translate the commitments into concrete projects, with timelines and measurable targets to be announced in due course. Engagement with private sector stakeholders and research universities is expected to be formalised through memoranda of understanding and funding calls.
