Diplomats from Iran and the United States are preparing to examine a detailed framework for a possible agreement in Geneva, as both sides signal cautious openness to narrowing differences over sanctions relief and nuclear restrictions. The discussions come amid renewed diplomatic activity between Tehran and Washington, with officials framing the meeting as a substantive step rather than a symbolic encounter. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Tehran […]
The launch marks a significant step in expanding Malaysian retail investor participation in financial products through blockchain technology
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2026 – Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Group“), Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank and the Stellar Development Foundation (“Stellar”), a US-based non-profit organisation that supports the Stellar network, yesterday introduced Myrra, a dedicated token platform that leverages the Stellar blockchain to enable the tokenisation of real world-assets.
From left: Betty Sun-Lucas, Regional Director, APAC, Stellar Development Foundation; Jose Fernandez da Ponte, President, Chief Growth Officer, Stellar Development Foundation; Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad; Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors Berhad; Ranjit Gill, Director, Head of Product & Market Development, Kenanga Investors Berhad
The inaugural deployment on the Myrra platform is the tokenisation of the Kenanga Money Market Fund (“KMMF“) and the Kenanga Islamic Money Market Fund (“KIMMF“) (collectively, the “Funds“) managed by Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors“). The Funds represent the first tokenised unit trust funds to go live within the Malaysian market.
Through this initiative, investors can now transact blockchain-based digital representations of the Funds’ units through Myrra. Tokens are issued on a 1:1 basis, with each token representing a unit of either fund. This ensures the digital tokens function exactly like traditional fund units, while prioritising regulatory compliance, legal parity with existing unit holders, and operational integrity.
The reveal took place at the Blockchain Summit 2026, co-organised by Credit Saison and Pacific Meta as part of Japan Fintech Week.
By tokenising its Malaysian Ringgit money market funds using trusted Stellar blockchain infrastructure, Kenanga Group is bringing its money market products directly to a broader segment of Malaysian investors, enabling the purchase or selling of tokens directly on Myrra’s web portal.
“The launch of Malaysia’s first tokenised money market funds on the new Myrra platform represents a major step forward in our Group-wide commitment to driving digital innovation across the Malaysian capital markets,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Group. “By deploying on the Stellar network, we are able to contribute to the development of a digital public infrastructure that aligns with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a regional centre for blockchain-enabled finance.”
“The implementation of tokenisation is a strategic initiative to evolve our existing distribution and operational processes and capabilities through the operational efficiencies offered by Distributed Ledge Technology,” said Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Kenanga Investors. “We believe this will work towards driving investor participation without compromising regulatory standards and transparency.”
Operating for more than a decade, Stellar is one of the earliest blockchains designed specifically to support payments, asset issuance, and financial products in a compliance-forward and transparent manner. It hosts Franklin Templeton’s Benji token, a tokenised U.S. Treasury money market fund primarily used by institutional users for on-chain settlement and peer-to-peer transfers. Stellar also powers MoneyGram’s large-scale cash-to-crypto on/off-ramp across 170 countries using USDC and supports the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (“UNHCR“) in distributing USDC-based aid that refugees can redeem even without bank accounts.
“Tokenisation drives real-world utility and access when it is built on infrastructure that institutions and regulators trust,” said Jose Fernandez da Ponte, President and Chief Growth Officer at the Stellar Development Foundation. “Stellar was designed from the outset to support regulated financial products, increase access and provide the rails for enterprise-grade assets to move securely. This deployment by Kenanga Group is a prime example of how digital public infrastructure is scaling on Stellar making financial services more accessible, efficient, and inclusive for everyone across the globe.”
Myrra represents a milestone in addressing a tokenised asset opportunity in Malaysia, estimated at US$43 billion by 2030. It builds upon recent efforts by the Securities Commission Malaysia to advance tokenised capital market products within a framework that balances innovation with investor protection. By applying blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology to familiar financial products, Kenanga Group is taking a pragmatic approach to financial innovation and inclusion while positioning Malaysian investors for a global transition toward faster settlement and enhanced transparency.
The KMMF aims to provide investors with a regular income stream while maintaining capital stability by investing entirely in money market instruments, debentures, and deposits. Meanwhile, the KIMMF offers similar benefits aligned with Shariah principle. Both Funds cater to investors who want stable, short-term returns with minimal volatility.
For more information about Myrra, please visit myrra.my.Hashtag: #KenangaGroup #Myrra #Tokenisation#BlockchainFinance #FinTech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))
Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga” or “The Group”) is a leading financial group in Malaysia, offering a wide range of services, including equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. The Group’s digital innovations include the launch of KDi GO, a wealth-centric app, along with Kenanga Digital Investing, an A.I. robo-advisor, and game-changing products such as Rakuten Trade, Malaysia’s first fully digital stockbroking platform developed through a joint venture with Japan’s Rakuten Securities, Inc. This digital expansion also extends to the digital assets space through the Group’s investment in Kinetic DAX Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Tokenize Technology (M) Sdn Bhd).
Kenanga has garnered multiple industry accolades, including top honours at the Bursa Excellence Awards, Asia Asset Management’s Best of the Best Awards, and The Morningstar Awards, recognition for its sustainability leadership at The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards and the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, and further acknowledgements for its corporate governance and sustainability excellence at the National Corporate Governance and Sustainability Awards. As one of the highest scoring constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the Group continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the financial industry.
Disclaimer: The Replacement Master Prospectus (including all supplemental and ancillary documents thereto) and the Product Highlight Sheet (“PHS”), have been registered and/or lodged with the Securities Commission Malaysia (“SC”), who takes no responsibility for its contents and related advertisement or marketing materials, does not indicate that the SC has recommended or endorsed the product/service. The material has not been reviewed by the SC. Investors have the right to request for a copy of the RMP, PHS and other relevant product disclosure documents which are available at our office, at any authorised distributors and our corporate website before making investment decisions. If you are in doubt when considering the investment or any of the information provided, you are advised to consult a professional adviser. A Fund’s track record does not guarantee its future performance. Kenanga Investors Berhad is committed to prevent conflict of interest between its various businesses and activities and between its clients/director/shareholders and employees by having in place procedures and measures for identifying and properly managing any apparent, potential and perceived conflict of interest by making disclosures to Clients, where appropriate. Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P).
OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman delivered a candid message to students at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, telling them that conventional career guidance may be of limited value as artificial intelligence reshapes the world of work. Speaking at an interactive session in Dogra Hall, Altman said that younger generations will have to trust their own instincts and adapt to fast-changing technological landscapes rather than relying on established rules or advice from older generations. His remarks underscored a broader debate about how work, education and ambition will evolve alongside accelerating AI developments.
Addressing a packed audience, Altman said that the “biggest mistake young people make” is listening too closely to traditional wisdom on careers passed down by their elders. He acknowledged that even he did not claim to have a firm grasp on the pace of change, urging students to cultivate independent judgment and flexibility instead. “For a predictor of what the world is going to be like going forward, I don’t think you should trust me for having good intuition of the rate of change,” he said, emphasising that those entering the workforce must be prepared to navigate uncertainty and disruption.
Altman’s comments reflected a growing consensus among technology leaders that the job market and the nature of work are undergoing fundamental transformation as generative AI and automation systems become more capable. Traditional professions that once seemed secure are being rethought, while new categories of employment linked to AI development, oversight and ethical deployment are emerging. Altman’s view was echoed elsewhere at global forums where he and other AI leaders have stressed the need for adaptability, lifelong learning and creative problem-solving.
During the session at the institute, Altman clarified that while parents and mentors remain important for personal values, their career advice – rooted in past paradigms – may not offer reliable direction amid rapid technological shifts. He said young people must develop what he called “agency,” a capacity to shape their own paths, learn from failure and recalibrate as conditions evolve. “Young people always figure this out best,” he told the students, highlighting the creative energy he sees in younger cohorts.
Altman also acknowledged that the rise of artificial intelligence will entail changes in employment structures, with some roles becoming obsolete even as new opportunities are created. He stressed that preparing for the future will require calculated risk-taking and an openness to reinventing career plans rather than adhering to criteria like stability and predictability alone. His advice resonated with students grappling with how to position themselves in a world where AI tools are becoming deeply integrated into industries from healthcare to finance.
Reactions to Altman’s remarks have been varied. Some students and observers praised his emphasis on independent thought and adaptability, seeing it as realistic guidance for navigating disruption. Others questioned whether the message might undermine confidence in tried-and-tested pathways into professions such as engineering, medicine and law that have long been valued for stability and societal contribution. This tension illustrates the broader uncertainty about how best to prepare for a future shaped by rapid technological evolution.
Altman’s visit to the institute took place against the backdrop of major international discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in economic and social life. In New Delhi last month, global tech leaders and policymakers gathered for a major AI summit focused on collaboration, governance and responsible innovation. Altman’s remarks at IIT Delhi dovetail with themes emerging from those dialogues, where experts have called for societies to rethink education systems, regulatory frameworks and workforce strategies to accommodate profound shifts driven by AI capabilities.
His message to students also reflects a generational contrast in attitudes towards technology and opportunity. Younger people, he suggested, have an inherent advantage when it comes to understanding and experimenting with emerging tools and platforms. As AI becomes more pervasive, Altman said, those who can integrate machine intelligence with human creativity and judgement will be best positioned to thrive, even as older models of career guidance lose relevance.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – In the wake of Budget 2026 and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s announcement of a National AI Council to accelerate mission-driven artificial intelligence deployment, EtonHouse International Education Group has collaborated with OpenAI to roll out ChatGPT Edu across its global education network, establishing a secure, enterprise-grade AI workspace designed to strengthen governance, operational excellence and institutional capability.
Students of EtonHouse using a computer
The implementation spans the Group’s schools and education brands, including EBridge Pre-School, an Anchor Operator, extending AI integration beyond classroom experimentation into enterprise-wide infrastructure supporting operations, marketing and admissions, finance, human resources, school administration and technology development.
While education was not named among the initial priority sectors identified under Singapore’s national AI strategy, EtonHouse views schools as foundational to building long-term AI capability and literacy across society.
Governance-led AI deployment
The rollout has been structured around enterprise governance principles. Access is managed through role-based access controls, single sign-on authentication and automated provisioning, ensuring that AI tools and information remain aligned to defined job responsibilities and permission boundaries.
ChatGPT Edu operates within a centrally managed internal workspace governed by consistent policies across the Group. External sharing and third-party integrations are enabled only where explicitly approved and aligned with business requirements, reinforcing a secure and compliant AI environment.
This governance-first approach reflects a deliberate shift from isolated experimentation to structured, scalable adoption.
From classroom innovation to enterprise infrastructure
EtonHouse previously developed Lumina, its proprietary AI-powered lesson planning platform. The deployment of ChatGPT Edu represents the next phase of integration, extending advanced artificial intelligence capabilities into enterprise functions.
Within the secure workspace, teams can upload documents for structured analysis, generate comparative reports, conduct scenario modelling and retrieve institutional knowledge more efficiently. Technology teams are also leveraging Codex, OpenAI’s agentic coding tool, to enhance development workflows, supporting code drafting, review and testing while maintaining human oversight and established engineering standards.
The Group is concurrently developing internal AI assistants and structured workflows within defined governance parameters to streamline routine processes and standardise how knowledge is accessed and applied across departments.
Augmentation, not replacement
EtonHouse emphasises that artificial intelligence is being implemented as an augmentation layer rather than a substitute for professional judgement.
“Artificial intelligence is not a shortcut or a replacement technology. It is a learning infrastructure,” said Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group. “We are developing tools that help students learn more confidently, support teachers to plan and differentiate more effectively, and equip HQ teams to serve schools faster and with higher quality. AI should amplify good practice, not replace it, so we are building the governance and capability to deploy it responsibly at scale.”
The rollout will be supported by structured staff training alongside OpenAI experts clear usage guidelines and ongoing oversight to ensure transparency, responsible usage and alignment with internal policies and regulatory obligations.
“As Singapore advances its national AI ambitions, many institutions are working to bridge the gap between rapidly advancing AI technologies and their ability to deploy them effectively and responsibly. EtonHouse’s rollout of ChatGPT Edu shows how forward-thinking education organisations can translate AI into practical, trusted enterprise-wide systems that empower teams today, while building confidence for the long-term.” added Oliver Jay, Managing Director, International at OpenAI.
Education’s role in Singapore’s AI future
Budget 2026 outlined the formation of a National AI Council to guide coordinated deployment across priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance and healthcare.
EtonHouse’s implementation reflects how education institutions can apply similar principles of governance, security and enterprise readiness, positioning schools not only as adopters of technology but as contributors to Singapore’s broader AI capability building.
With this move, EtonHouse signals a transition from exploratory AI usage to secure, scalable integration across its global network, reinforcing its commitment to innovation anchored in institutional discipline and responsible deployment.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About EtonHouse International Education Group
Founded in 1995 in Singapore, EtonHouse has grown into a global education group with more than 100 schools across eight countries. The Group offers a highly recognised international education pathway from infant care to high school, including the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, all designed to nurture inquiry, creativity, and intercultural understanding. Beyond schools, EtonHouse is deeply committed to community impact through teacher training, philanthropy, and purpose-driven educational initiatives.
Its commitment to excellence has earned the Group numerous accolades, including:
E-Bridge successfully earned multiple accolades for teaching excellence and innovation from the ECDA Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Development from 2019-2024.
E-Bridge Pre-School Bukit Panjang clinched the “Outstanding Centre for Teaching and Learning Award” in 2019.
E-Bridge educators were commended with “Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Award” in 2021.
Clinched “Promising Infant Educator Award & Early Childhood Innovation Award” in 2022.
E-Bridge Pre-School SengKang Square won the “Outstanding Centre for Teaching and Learning Award” in 2023.
Clinched the “Outstanding Centre for Teaching and Learning Award” for E-Bridge Pre-School Sengkang Square and “Outstanding Early Intervention Professional” in 2024.
EtonHouse International School Suzhou, an IB K-12 school, garnered recognition as one of China’s top international schools, according to a research firm based in Washington, DC.
In 2023, EtonHouse China won the ‘Forbes China Best International Education Group Award.’
In 2024, EtonHouse received the esteemed HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards, achieving Gold for “Best Bilingual Programme”, Silver for “Best Small School in Singapore” and clinched both Gold and Silver for “Principal of the Year (Kindergarten).
In 2025, EtonHouse launched two news campuses in Saudi Arabia, EtonHouse International Pre-School Granada and EtonHouse International School Granada while achieving 6 HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards in Singapore.
At EtonHouse, collaboration with governments is a cornerstone of its mission. The partnerships include:
Participation in Singapore’s Anchor Operator (AOP) Scheme, launching E-Bridge Pre-School in 2014 to deliver top-notch infant care and pre-school education for children aged 2 months to 6 years across a network of 31 centres.
The expansion of EtonHouse’s presence in Suzhou and Nanjing, China came at the invitation of the Jiangsu provincial government, reinforcing its commitment to global education.
Won an Economic Development Board tender in 2017 and introduced Middleton International School, offering an affordable schooling option for expatriate families.
In 2015, the EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) was established, dedicated to enhancing the lives of underserved children and youth through education.
The Eton Academy was launched in 2020, providing English, Maths, and Science academic programmes for Nursery 1 to Primary 6 in centres across the island. Building on this success, The Eton Academy expanded in 2025 with the introduction of Elevate After School Care, offering primary school children a holistic, well-rounded after-school experience that complements their academic development.
EtonHouse International Education Group remains unwavering in its commitment to shaping futures and making a meaningful impact on the world through education.
Stablecoin payments firm RedotPay is weighing a public listing in the United States that could raise as much as $1 billion, signalling growing investor appetite for crypto-linked financial infrastructure as digital dollar transactions gain traction across retail and cross-border commerce. People familiar with the matter indicate the company has begun exploratory discussions with advisers about a potential initial public offering, though timing and valuation remain subject to […]
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By Nantoo Banerjee The global AI impact summit 2026 in Delhi, last week, couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time when the world continues to be somewhat skeptical about adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its limitations and potential consequences. Thanks to the pioneering effort by firms such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and […]
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Tim Hortons® Singapore is pleased to announce that it has officially received Halal certification from the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) across all its existing restaurants islandwide. This significant milestone arrives at a momentous time, as the brand prepares to join the local community in celebrating the upcoming Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr festivities.
The attainment of the MUIS Halal mark, a global gold standard in Halal assurance, reaffirms Tim Hortons’ commitment to making its offering available to everyone. Since its debut in Singapore, the iconic Canadian coffee house has been a neighbourhood destination for all. With this certification, the brand’s full suite of signature coffee, iced beverages, sandwiches, and freshly baked treats is now accessible to the Muslim community, offering a new destination for family gatherings.
Fostering Connection in Singapore’s Multicultural Landscape
In Singapore’s unique multicultural landscape, dining is more than just a meal, it is a bridge between cultures. By securing official MUIS certification, Tim Hortons® strengthens its promise to provide a welcoming environment where every guest can gather with absolute peace of mind.
At Tim Hortons, we believe the best experiences are those that bring people together. Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr are seasons defined by reflection, gratitude, and the spirit of sharing. We are honoured to receive this certification at such a meaningful time, allowing Tims to be a part of our guests’ festive traditions. Whether it is a cozy spot for Iftar or sharing our signature treats during Eid visits, we are delighted to be a part of your celebrations.
Elevating the Festive Table: An Expanded Range of Offerings
With the MUIS Halal seal, guests can now explore the full breadth of the Tim Hortons® menu, featuring a diverse array of flavours suited for both daily indulgence and festive hosting:
Hearty Iftar Options: For those looking to break their fast with a satisfying meal, our Signature Grilled Sandwiches, including the fan-favourite Pesto Chicken and the iconic Montreal Beef Pastrami, provide a warm and wholesome option.
The Ultimate Festive Treats: Our world-famous Timbits® and handcrafted Assorted Donut boxes are the perfect addition to any festive spread. These bite-sized treats are
ideal for sharing during family gatherings and as gifts when visiting loved ones during communal Iftar gatherings and during the Hari Raya season.
Handcrafted Beverages: Guests can enjoy our 100% Premium Arabica coffee, including the legendary Maple Cinnamon Latte and the Montreal Latte, as well as our signature Frappe Iced Beverages (Iced Capps®) and a variety of espresso-based lattes and non- caffeinated refreshing drinks, all prepared under strict Halal-certified protocols.
Savory Selection: The menu also features a range of made-to-order sandwiches, bagels and bakes, offering a variety of fresh and flavourful choices for any time of day.
Uncompromising Standards of Quality and Integrity
The journey to MUIS Halal certification involved a comprehensive and rigorous audit of the entire Tim Hortons® operational ecosystem. This included a meticulous review of the supply chain, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen preparation processes. This achievement ensures that the high-quality standards Tim Hortons® is known for globally, are harmonized with the stringent religious and food safety requirements of MUIS.
A Commitment to Future Growth
As Tim Hortons® continues to expand its footprint across Singapore, where it currently operates 17 stores, this certification is a pillar for all future outlets. The brand looks forward to opening more doors across the island, ensuring that the “Tims” experience remains accessible to all Singaporeans.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Tim Hortons®
Tim Hortons® is one of the world’s renowned restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded in 1964, Tim Hortons® appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, teas, and our famous Iced Capp® Beverages), baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, breakfast snacking items, and other food products. Tim Hortons® has more than 6,000 restaurants around the world.
Tim Hortons in Singapore operates under the management of MGCA Cafe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese general trading and investment conglomerate”
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 […]
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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 […]
United States import tariffs have largely been paid by domestic businesses and households rather than foreign exporters, according to a growing body of economic research, sharpening debate in Washington over the long-term costs of trade protection. Studies by Federal Reserve economists and leading academic institutions show that the bulk of duties imposed during the trade disputes of the past decade were passed through to American importers in […]
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a high-profile artificial intelligence summit to project India as a pivotal force in the global AI race, even as logistical strains and policy gaps underscored the scale of the challenge ahead.
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.
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Mac users have long faced a stubborn reality: many of the world’s most popular games are built for Windows, leaving Apple Silicon machines underused in a global industry worth more than $180 billion. A new application from Mist Studio, called GameHub, is seeking to narrow that gap by combining several compatibility technologies into a single interface designed to make Windows titles playable on macOS with far less […]
Cucumber prices across Russia have climbed sharply, prompting public frustration and drawing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators as households grapple with food inflation during the conflict in Ukraine. Data published by the federal statistics agency show that the retail cost of cucumbers has risen markedly since the start of the year, outpacing overall food inflation. In several regions, consumers have reported prices doubling compared with the same […]
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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 […]
