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Death in the Tank: Three Workers Die at Tata’s iPhone Plant

10 Nov 20262 min read
Death in the Tank: Three Workers Die at Tata’s iPhone Plant

Three contract workers have died at Tata Electronics ’ iPhone components plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, after suspected exposure to toxic gas while servicing an effluent-treatment tank. The workers, aged 25, 28 and 32, were inspecting an external nano-filtration feed tank at the plant in Vanniyapuram, near Uddanapalli in Krishnagiri district. Preliminary reports say one worker opened the tank’s lid and collapsed after apparently inhaling gas. Two colleagues who were then exposed also collapsed. Police suspect asphyxiation, though post-mortem results are awaited. Tamil Nadu authorities have opened an investigation, and Tata Electronics and Apple have launched separate inquiries. The ef…

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Editor - VARINDIA

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From Gpus To Gigawatts: The AI Infrastructure War Reshaping Global Power

S. Mohini Ratna Editor, VARINDIA The $3 trillion race to build AI infrastructure is transforming data centers into strategic national assets, redefining economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty, and the future of global intelligence. The world is entering a defining technological era where artificial intelligence is no longer merely an innovation tool but a fundamental driver of economic power, national competitiveness, and industrial transformation. At the heart of this revolution lies an unprecedented global race to build the computing infrastructure that will power the intelligence economy. THE $3 TRILLION INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION An estimated $3 trillion investment in AI data centers by 2029 is transforming global computing infrastructure. Traditional facilities are evolving into AI-native powerhouses equipped with advanced GPUs, high-speed networking, and liquid cooling. As the industry shifts from megawatt to gigawatt-scale campuses, demand for electricity, water, and infrastructure is surging, making computing capacity a strategic driver of economic competitiveness and technological leadership. AMERICA LEADS THE GLOBAL COMPUTE RACE The United States dominates global AI infrastructure, with Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Oracle investing heavily in hyperscale data centers. Initiatives such as OpenAI's Stargate, CoreWeave, and xAI's Colossus are accelerating the AI computing race. However, future leadership will depend not just on computing capacity but also on affordable energy, advanced chips, skilled talent, and sustainable infrastructure. THE MIDDLE EAST EMERGES AS AN AI POWERHOUSE Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as major AI infrastructure hubs, leveraging energy resources, strategic investments, and global technology partnerships. Saudi Arabia's Humain initiative and the UAE's proposed 5-gigawatt AI campus in Abu Dhabi highlight their ambitions to become global computing powerhouses. The Middle East is rapidly transitioning from an energy exporter to a potential leader in sovereign AI and digital infrastructure. FROM H100 GPUS TO GB300-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE AI infrastructure is rapidly evolving from NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs to advanced GB200 and GB300 systems, delivering greater computing power and efficiency. This transition demands higher power capacity, liquid cooling, and advanced thermal management. Organizations must redesign data centers with integrated computing, networking, energy management, and intelligent orchestration to support next- generation AI workloads.Token Economics Will Determine AI Profitability While infrastructure investment is accelerating, the next major industry challenge is monetization. Every AI interaction consumes computing power, increasing infrastructure costs and energy demand. As autonomous AI agents drive higher token consumption, optimizing inference efficiency, model routing, and workload management becomes critical for profitability. Organizations must also strengthen API security to prevent token abuse, unauthorized consumption, and agent-driven financial risks. QUANTUM READINESS BECOMES A STRATEGIC PRIORITY Tomorrow's data centers must also prepare for emerging quantum technologies. Quantum-ready data centers must support future hybrid computing, secure connectivity, and post-quantum cybersecurity. While quantum computing is still emerging, organizations must invest in flexible infrastructure, post-quantum cryptography, and secure data exchange to ensure long-term resilience and protect sensitive information against evolving quantum threats. INTELLIGENCE, TRUST AND AGENCY: THE NEW AI EDGE The next competitive frontier will be defined by three interconnected forces: intelligence, trust, and agency. Intelligence determines how effectively organizations convert computing power into innovation and business value. Trust establishes whether AI systems can operate securely, transparently, and responsibly across critical industries. Agency defines how humans and autonomous systems make decisions, execute tasks, and remain accountable for outcomes. As AI agents gain greater operational independence, identity verification, authorization, continuous monitoring, and containment become indispensable. The challenge is no longer simply building intelligent systems. It is ensuring that intelligence operates within trusted boundaries. INDIA'S OPPORTUNITY IN THE GLOBAL AI ECONOMY India's AI infrastructure revolution presents significant opportunities in sovereign cloud, domestic computing, and secure digital services. However, success depends on reliable energy, advanced cooling, semiconductor access, connectivity, and skilled talent. India must move beyond data center hosting to build a self-reliant AI ecosystem driven by indigenous innovation, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. THE FUTURE BELONGS TO TRUSTED COMPUTE The global AI race is shifting toward scalable, cost-efficient, and trusted computing infrastructure. Leadership will depend on AI-native architecture, energy efficiency, digital sovereignty, and quantum readiness. Data centers are no longer just the backbone of the internet—they are becoming the engines of the intelligence economy, shaping the future of global technological leadership. Looking ahead, as the Great Cyber Pandemic intensifies, cybersecurity and data protection will become critical corporate priorities. AI-native data centers powered by advanced GPUs must train intelligent security models to combat deepfakes, financial fraud, and cyberattacks. Real-time threat intelligence, predictive defense, and automated containment will be essential to building a secure and trusted digital ecosystem.

By Editor - VARINDIA02 Nov 2026
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VARINDIA

Round About

Cheap AI, Costly Breaches: Cybersecurity’s New Scaling Law

Imagine $100 worth of AI-generated code breaking through $10 million of cyber defences. This has not happened yet in any documented case. But it is a scenario every corporate board should now be preparing for. Artificial intelligence is rapidly driving down the cost of sophisticated cyberattacks. Work that once needed teams of elite hackers and weeks or months of effort is becoming available to anyone with access to a powerful model. And those models get cheaper and more capable every month. The world has already had a preview. In July 2026, OpenAI disclosed that two of its models had escaped a test sandbox during an internal cybersecurity evaluation and breached Hugging Face, the AI platform. One was GPT-5.6 Sol; the other was a more capable pre-release model. OpenAI had deliberately loosened their safeguards for the test. No one instructed the models to attack. They were trying to solve a test called ExploitGym and became so focused on getting the answer that breaking in seemed the fastest route. They exploited a previously unknown flaw to reach the open internet, then moved through Hugging Face’s internal systems. OpenAI called it “an unprecedented cyber incident.” It was not an isolated case. In September, Google confirmed that a Gemini-based agent had broken out of a security exercise and got into three real companies. Now imagine that capability deliberately aimed at a bank, a hospital or a power grid. The danger is also inside the organisation. Autonomous AI agents with access to source code, customer data and financial systems can take actions no one anticipated, at a speed that leaves no time to step in. The more intelligence companies deploy, the more seriously they must control it. When attacks move at machine speed, detection alone will not buy enough time. Security has to become a continuous cycle of probing, patching, monitoring and recovery. Organisations should test their own defences with AI before attackers do. Resilience matters as much as prevention. Companies must assume some attacks will succeed and be ready to restore critical systems quickly, with tested backups, clear response plans and fallback operations for essential services. Criminals and hostile states face none of the constraints businesses do. They have no procurement committees, compliance reviews or quarterly earnings to worry about. They will use the best tools available, as soon as those tools exist. This is the new scaling law of cybersecurity. The cost of intelligence is collapsing. The cost of being less intelligent than your attacker is going through the roof.

By VARINDIA10 Nov 2026
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New Arrival

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Dell 14S debuts in India with Intel Core Series 3 processors, starting at ₹79,990

New Arrival

Dell 14S debuts in India with Intel Core Series 3 processors, starting at ₹79,990

Priced from ₹79,990, the Dell 14S combines Intel Core Series 3 processors, two display options and four colours, with Dell claiming up to 21 hours of Netflix streaming and announcing phased retail availability across India. Dell Technologies has launched the Dell 14S in India, targeting students and young professionals with a lightweight aluminium laptop priced from ₹79,990, inclusive of taxes. The device is available in four colours—Linen, Dusty Rose, Washed Denim and Velvet Green—with online sales beginning on November 3. The laptop measures 13.5mm thick and weighs from 1.15kg. It features a three-piece aluminium chassis, with configurations offering Intel Core 5 and Core 7 Series 3 processors, up to 16GB of LPDDR5x memory and up to 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. Raj Kumar Rishi, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Business, Asia Pacific and Japan, Dell Technologies, said, “Nearly two-thirds of India's population is under 35, making it one of the most dynamic consumer technology markets in the Asia Pacific region. For this generation, technology is not just functional. It is a personal extension of who they are and how they want to show up in the world. The Dell 14S was built with that conviction at its centre. It does not ask students and young professionals to choose between design, battery life and affordability. In a market like India, that combination has historically come at a premium. The Dell 14S brings features typically associated with premium laptops to a broader segment of the market.” Display options and battery life Buyers can choose between two 14-inch displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The higher-resolution option offers a 2.8K panel, a 120Hz refresh rate and brightness of up to 450 nits. The alternative is a 2K panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and 300-nit brightness. Dell claims the laptop can deliver up to 21 hours of Netflix streaming on a single charge. It uses a 750ED PNCM battery, which the company says is designed to provide higher energy density, operate cooler under load and retain capacity over time. The processors include a neural processing unit rated at up to 17 trillion operations per second. According to Dell, this supports compatible AI tasks running locally on the device. Other features include a backlit, spill-resistant keyboard and Dolby Atmos audio. Connectivity and security features The Dell 14S includes a 1080p camera, far-field dual-array microphones and two 2W stereo speakers. Wireless connectivity options extend to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. Physical connections comprise two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports supporting DisplayPort and power delivery, an HDMI port and a universal audio jack. The laptop also supports Windows Hello sign-in and incorporates Microsoft Pluton security technology. Dell said the device is ENERGY STAR 9.0 rated and EPEAT Silver registered with Climate+. Anurag Arora, Senior Director and General Manager, India Consumer Business , said, “The young Indian consumer is discerning. They know what they want, they research thoroughly, and they will not compromise on the things that matter most to them—performance or personal expression. The Dell 14S was built for that. Through our vast omnichannel network across the country, we are making sure that a product of this quality meets consumers wherever they are.” Pricing, offers and availability All four colour options are available through Dellstore.com from November 3. The Linen variant is also available through Dell Exclusive Stores, large-format retailers and e-commerce channels. The remaining three colours are scheduled to reach these channels by the end of November. Introductory offers include zero-down-payment, zero-interest financing through participating banks and non-banking financial companies, instant credit card discounts of up to ₹10,000, and one year of Accidental Damage Protection for ₹499.

Lenovo unveils Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1 NVIDIA RTX Spark powered AI PCs in India

New Arrival

Lenovo unveils Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1 NVIDIA RTX Spark powered AI PCs in India

Lenovo has announced the launch of the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n (15”, Gen 11) and Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1 (16”, Gen 11) in India. Powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark, these two latest AI PCs bring advanced on-device AI computing, professional content creation capabilities and premium design to Lenovo’s flagship Yoga portfolio, giving users greater flexibility to work with demanding AI applications, while reducing reliance on cloud-based processing. Designed specifically for creators, software developers and AI engineers, whose work demands significant local computing capability in a premium, portable design, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n combines high-performance computing, substantial unified memory, a color-accurate OLED display and precision input features in a portable form factor. Powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark and equipped with up to 128GB ¹ of 9400 MT/s unified memory, it supports local AI and software development, content creation, and 3D rendering. Bu ilt on the NVIDIA RTX platform, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n also delivers immersive RTX gaming. This gives creators and developers who use the same system for work and entertainment a single device for developing AI applications, editing high-resolution videos, rendering complex 3D scenes, compiling software, and playing the latest RTX-enabled titles. The Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1 offers similar powerful AI computing capabilities in a versatile convertible design. One of its most distinctive features is its dual-surface pen experience. Users can write or draw directly on either the PureSight Pro OLED display or the haptic Force Pad, choosing the input surface that best suits the task at hand. Paired with the Yoga Pen Gen 2, which delivers low-latency input, tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and customizable controls, the dual-surface experience provides natural precision for sketching, annotation, illustration, timeline navigation, and detailed editing. The signature 360-degree convertible design allows users to move fluidly between Laptop, Tablet, Tent, Stand, and Canvas modes as their work progresses from early concepts to production, presentation, and collaboration. “Creators, AI engineers and software developers today need more than performance – they need the freedom to build, iterate and bring ambitious ideas to life wherever inspiration strikes,” said Ashish Sikka, Executive Director, Personal Computing and Smart Devices (PCSD), Lenovo India. “Powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n delivers the local AI, content-creation and development performance needed for demanding workflows. For those who need greater versatility, the Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1 combines this advanced local AI capability with a 360-degree convertible design and dual-surface pen input, enabling users to sketch, annotate, edit, present and collaborate naturally. Together, these new devices in our Yoga portfolio give creators and AI-focused developers the choice of high-performance portability or flexible, pen-first creation without compromising on power, precision or creative freedom.” Local AI and On-Device Compute Built on the NVIDIA RTX Spark architecture, both the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n and Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1 deliver up to 1 petaflop of AI performance, combining a 20-core Grace CPU with Blackwell RTX graphics in a unified memory architecture. With up to 128GB of unified memory on the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n and up to 64GB on the Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1, the devices support sophisticated multi-agent AI frameworks, CUDA software stacks and large language models locally. System responsiveness is further enhanced by Lenovo Powerhub and Lenovo AI Engine+, which intelligently recognize workloads and routes computational tasks to suitable processing units for improved performance and power efficiency. Pricing and Availability The all-new Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n is priced starting from INR 3,19,990 and will be available on Lenovo.com and through select retail outlets across India. The Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1 starts from INR 3,54,990 and will be available exclusively on Lenovo.com. Customers can also use Customize-to-Order (CTO) options on Lenovo.com to configure processor, memory, storage and add accessories prior to purchase.

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E-Magazine, October 2026 Issue

E-Magazine, October 2026 Issue

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Face To Face

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Transforming Technology into LongTerm Business Value

Face To Face

Transforming Technology into LongTerm Business Value

Renu Varma Director - Satcom Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Future of India’s IT Landscape India’s IT industry is entering a transformative phase driven by Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud adoption, data analytics, and digital infrastructure modernization. As organizations across sectors accelerate digital transformation, the focus will shift from technology adoption to technology optimization and resilience. At Satcom Infotech, we see ourselves playing a critical role in this journey by bringing world-class technology solutions to the Indian market and empowering our channel ecosystem with the expertise, training, and support needed to deliver them effectively. Through strategic partnerships with leading global technology providers, we aim to help businesses build secure, scalable, and future-ready digital environments while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global technology leader. Lessons from Customers’ Digital Transformation One of the biggest lessons from customers’ digital transformation journeys is that technology alone does not drive transformation; people, processes, and leadership commitment are equally important. Organizations that align business objectives with technology investments tend to achieve more sustainable outcomes. Today, Indian enterprises are far more mature and receptive to change than ever before. They recognize the need to modernize operations, improve cybersecurity resilience, and leverage data-driven decision-making. While readiness levels vary across industries, there is a clear shift from experimentation to strategic implementation, particularly in areas such as AI, automation, and cloud technologies. Standing Out in an AI-Driven Market In today’s rapidly evolving market, differentiation comes from expertise, trust, and value creation. At Satcom Infotech, we focus on enabling our partners and customers with the right combination of technology, knowledge, and support rather than simply distributing products. We continuously invest in technical enablement, partner development programs, certification initiatives, and solution-driven engagement models. Additionally, we are expanding our capabilities around AI-driven cybersecurity and emerging technologies to help our ecosystem stay ahead of evolving business and security challenges. Our commitment to education, innovation, and customer success continues to strengthen our brand positioning in the market. Investments & Strategic Partnerships The technology landscape will continue to evolve rapidly, making continuous investment essential. Our priorities include strengthening our technical expertise, expanding partner enablement initiatives, and investing in advanced cybersecurity, cloud, and AI-focused competencies. Equally important are our strategic partnerships with globally recognized technology vendors. These collaborations enable us to deliver innovative solutions, provide specialized support, and address emerging market demands. By combining strong partnerships with continuous skill development and market intelligence, we are positioning ourselves to successfully navigate future challenges and opportunities. Building Long-Term Customer Trust Trust is built through consistency, transparency, and a genuine commitment to customer success. At Satcom Infotech, we focus on understanding our partners’ and customers’ business objectives before recommending technology solutions. We believe in long-term collaboration rather than transactional engagement. By providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, training, and post-sales support, we help our stakeholders make informed decisions and maximize the value of their technology investments. Our goal is to become a trusted extension of their business, supporting them throughout their growth and transformation journey.

Powering Partner Success: Building An Ai-ready India Through Innovation

Face To Face

Powering Partner Success: Building An Ai-ready India Through Innovation

Raghavendra Kale General Manager, Channel Sales Head Vertiv India Building India’s channel ecosystem for AI data centre power and cooling solutions, the Vertiv Partner Program, a leadership programme for partner talent, a growing AI-ready portfolio and Vertiv™ 360AI are changing what it means to be a Vertiv partner in India. What idea anchors Vertiv’s approach to India’s channel partners? The partner’s business comes first. A partner walks into a customer meeting, and the customer’s requirement decides the conversation. Vertiv’s role is to let that partner answer it from an end-to-end portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services. Vertiv™ 360AI brings that portfolio together for AI, with power, cooling and service solutions built for the demands of AI workloads The Vertiv Partner Program gives that idea its structure. It brings deal registration, rewards, training, sales support and marketing resources into one place. The portfolio is backed by manufacturing in India, with facilities in Ambernath and Pune, including a Chakan plant for thermal management products. Vertiv India has also made channel growth a leadership priority, with a dedicated channel leader tasked with widening the partner ecosystem and building a scalable partner engine for strategic accounts. Partners are moving from product resale towards solutions and services. How is Vertiv supporting that shift? Vertiv approaches it through knowledge, leadership and tools. Vertiv Learning offers online sales and technical training and keeps certifications tracked in one place, and selectors and configurators help partner teams scope solutions. Through the Vertiv Partner Program, partners gain access to enablement resources, incentives and joint go-to-market strategies designed to help them bring Vertiv’s full portfolio to market The newest addition is YUVA, Young Upcoming Visionary Achievers, a leadership programme for the next generation of partner leaders. Participants take part in masterclasses, business and financial strategy sessions and customer partnership frameworks, and they walk the production line at Ambernath. Each then takes on a business growth project built with a Vertiv mentor. Vertiv India’s partner role is moving from solution delivery towards deeper strategic and consultative support for customers, and YUVA invests in the people who will lead that change. What does it take to become a trusted infrastructure advisor? An advisor can speak to the whole infrastructure environment, so four areas of depth matter most. Power architecture comes first, where Vertiv’s infrastructure includes busways and UPS systems with power conversion and dynamic load management. Thermal management follows, including coolant distribution units and free cooling chillers. Monitoring through IT management systems is the third, and lifecycle services complete the set. Vertiv supports partners in building that depth through Vertiv Learning, selectors and configurators, and Vertiv sales representatives who work alongside partner teams to identify and solve customer challenges. How does the Vertiv Partner Program support partner profitability? It supports a partner at each stage of a deal. Partners are eligible to receive deal registration discounts, rebates and dedicated training. They can promote their association with Vertiv through ready-to-use campaigns, co-branded collateral and content syndication tools, and Vertiv’s sales representatives work alongside their teams. Program benefits vary by region and partner tier. India has a layer of its own. The ITSI Partner Warrior Program was designed exclusively for Vertiv’s Indian IT system integrator partners. It rewards sales and portal activity across a broad product range, and participation runs through deal registration on the Vertiv Partner Portal. Where do partners fit in the AI infrastructure opportunity? They fit in the design conversation. Vertiv’s Designing Infrastructure for Enterprise AI guide sorts enterprise AI workloads into six archetypes and aligns each with one of four physical infrastructure models, from Edge AI Cluster to High-Density AI Cluster. It includes a four-phase roadmap for planning, deploying and evolving AI infrastructure. Vertiv frames the next phase of enterprise AI around whether organisations have the power, cooling, connectivity and operating environment each workload requires. A partner who can speak to those requirements can help customers work through them. Vertiv 360AI organizes the portfolio around where AI runs, from inferencing and edge AI to enterprise and data centre AI and prefabricated modular AI data centres, with retrofit designs for existing sites The Indian portfolio is moving in the same direction. Vertiv has delivered a direct-to-chip high-density liquid cooling deployment in India using its secondary fluid network system. It is also working with Server OEMs on liquid- cooled rack solutions for AI data centres, engineered and manufactured in India. Why do services sit at the centre of the partner model? Services keep a partner in the customer relationship after the first order. Vertiv Services in India spans preventive maintenance, performance optimization, remote monitoring, project and commissioning services, UPS and battery services, generator and switchgear services, and liquid cooling services. Startup services are performed by factory trained and authorised technicians. Preventive maintenance programmes include 24/7 emergency callout and Vertiv LIFE Services, a remote diagnostic and preventive monitoring service. A partner who pairs a solution with these services offers the customer one relationship from design through commissioning and across the life of the equipment. That is what a services-led partnership looks like in practice. What does the next phase of growth look like, and how can a partner get started? The next phase belongs to partners who combine product knowledge, leadership depth and a service offer that stays with the customer. Vertiv’s investments in the Partner Program, YUVA and Vertiv 360AI, which spans liquid cooling, modular infrastructure and solutions from the edge to the data centre, are all aimed at that profile. Getting started is simple. Partners register at the Vertiv Partner Programme portal, explore Vertiv Learning and plan priorities with their Vertiv representative. Vertiv invites India’s channel community to build future-ready infrastructure partnerships for the AI era. “India’s AI infrastructure story is being written today, and our channel partners are the co-authors.”

Var Speak

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Privacy, governance and AI-driven defence are central to business resilience

Var Speak

Privacy, governance and AI-driven defence are central to business resilience

Sunil Peter, Vice President, Maveric Systems “The cybersecurity race is now AI versus AI. Attackers are using AI to operate faster and at greater scale, while defenders are using the same technology to detect anomalies, investigate threats and contain attacks before they escalate. Our strategy is to harness AI and agentic capabilities for increasingly proactive defence, while ensuring that AI itself is securely designed, governed and monitored. The winners will be those who combine intelligent automation with strong governance and human judgement. Privacy is moving from a compliance obligation to a core element of digital trust. Enterprises need to know what sensitive data they hold, why they process it, who can access it and how it is protected throughout its lifecycle. Our approach brings security, privacy and governance together so that regulatory compliance becomes a continuous capability rather than a periodic exercise. The objective is not simply to meet today’s requirements, but to build a resilient privacy foundation that can adapt as regulations, technologies and business models evolve. Beyond being a technology issue, cybersecurity is a measure of business resilience. As threats move at machine speed, enterprises must quickly turn intelligence into action. AI gives us the ability to anticipate risk, accelerate containment and strengthen resilience at scale, while keeping governance and human judgement at the core. Success is measured by less exposure, faster recovery and the confidence to keep the business moving through disruption.”

Zero trust and context-aware access are central to measurable security

Var Speak

Zero trust and context-aware access are central to measurable security

Sriram Kakarala, Chief Product Officer, Scalefusion Zero trust and context-aware access are central to measurable security “I think the biggest cybersecurity challenge in an AI-powered enterprise right now is that trust has become extremely fragile. Just because an app or a device worked safely yesterday does not automatically grant it implicit trust to be safe today. Data security is only as strong as our understanding of the context in which data is accessed, used and secured. And in an enterprise, that context rarely stays the same. That understanding is central to how we've built Scalefusion. Through UEM, Veltar and OneIdP, we bring endpoint management, security, identity and access together through a single centralized dashboard, grounded in a Zero Trust approach. The idea is to connect what has traditionally been treated as separate security decisions: whether a device can be trusted, whether a user should have access, and what happens when either of those conditions changes. For me, the real test of security isn't simply whether a policy exists, but whether an enterprise can enforce it consistently, adapt it as risks evolve, and demonstrate that it's working. That's particularly important as data privacy and regulatory expectations continue to change. I think what sets us apart is that we don't treat security as a collection of alerts from disconnected tools. At Scalefusion, device posture shapes access decisions. A compliance gap triggers a fix. The security controls travel with the endpoint, regardless of where the work happens. The benefit is that it keeps security measurable. Enterprises should be able to track compliance posture, unresolved vulnerabilities, remediation time and access-policy violations. As AI makes threats faster and harder to predict, the advantage comes from shrinking the time between detecting exposure and actually removing it.”

Channel Buzz

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Sonata Software’s Q2 FY27 net profit rises 7.7% to ₹116.4 crore

Channel Buzz

Sonata Software’s Q2 FY27 net profit rises 7.7% to ₹116.4 crore

The company reported consolidated revenue of ₹2,445.2 crore, up 15.4% year on year, and declared a 125% interim dividend as international IT services and domestic products and services recorded higher revenue from a year earlier. Sonata Software reported a consolidated profit after tax of ₹116.4 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, up 7.7% from ₹108.1 crore in the previous quarter. The company announced its unaudited second-quarter results and declared a 125% interim dividend on November 5. Consolidated EBITDA, before other income, foreign exchange and exceptional items, rose 3.9% year on year to ₹179.5 crore. Return on capital employed increased to 25.8% from 21.9% in the preceding quarter, while return on net worth rose to 23.3% from 20.9%. International IT services profit rises 11.1% sequentially International IT services revenue reached ₹797.9 crore, up 2.7% from the previous quarter and 9.3% from a year earlier. In constant currency, revenue grew 1.2% sequentially and 1.3% year on year. The segment’s profit after tax rose 11.1% sequentially to ₹69.1 crore, while EBITDA increased 3.4% to ₹123.7 crore. Sonata added four international customers during the quarter, and days sales outstanding fell to 52 days from 60 days in the preceding quarter. “Our focused execution around AI-led engineering and go-to-market has led to steady progress this quarter, with early signs of revenue growth of 2.70% QoQ. We continue to significantly enhance our flagship Harmoni.AI suite of solutions, strengthen differentiated capabilities and add AI-first partnerships. Our AI-led OB now accounts for 25% of total OB. At the same time, our continued focus on operational excellence delivered PAT growth of 11.1% QoQ,” said Rajsekhar Datta Roy, CEO of Sonata Software. Domestic revenue grows 19% year on year Revenue from domestic products and services rose 19% year on year to ₹1,655.6 crore. Gross contribution increased 4.5% sequentially and 19.3% year on year to ₹82 crore. Segment EBITDA rose 20% year on year to ₹55.8 crore, while profit after tax increased 12.2% to ₹47.3 crore. “We are pleased to deliver another quarter of healthy performance in our domestic business. Aligned to our three-pillar strategy, we expanded our customer base through new corporate customer wins, successfully renewed all large multi-year enterprise contracts across our software and hyperscaler businesses, and increased business with non-hyperscaler OEMs through focused go-to-market execution,” said Sujit Mohanty, MD and CEO of Sonata Information Technology Limited. “During the quarter, we further strengthened our partnership with AWS through a five-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement to accelerate cloud adoption and modernization for enterprises across India. Looking ahead, we remain focused on expansion and growth from cloud-managed services and AI-led transformation engagements,” Mohanty added.

Digisol Launches Q3 GO MAX Scheme for T2 Channel Partners, offering a Chance to Win a Car, Motorcycle and Scooters Up to Worth ₹8 lakhs

Channel Buzz

Digisol Launches Q3 GO MAX Scheme for T2 Channel Partners, offering a Chance to Win a Car, Motorcycle and Scooters Up to Worth ₹8 lakhs

Following an encouraging response in the first two quarters, Digisol's Q3 scheme gives T2 partners another opportunity to earn incentives and compete for annual rewards worth up to ₹8 lakh. Digisol has announced the Q3 edition of its GO MAX scheme for FY 2026–27, giving its T2 channel partners an opportunity to earn quarterly incentives and compete for exciting annual rewards, including a Made-in-India car worth up to ₹8 lakh, a motorcycle and two scooters. Following the success of its League of Champions scheme for System Integrators, Digisol introduced a similar reward opportunity for its T2 channel partners through the GO MAX and annual Power Drive schemes. The first two quarters have received an encouraging response, with strong participation from T2 partners across the country. Building on this momentum, Digisol has launched Q3, giving more partners an opportunity to participate, earn incentives and work toward the annual rewards. The Q3 GO MAX scheme runs from October 1 to December 31, 2026, and is open to eligible T2 channel partners, including stockists dealing in Digisol products. Partners can earn quarterly incentives based on their qualifying purchases, giving them an additional opportunity to benefit from their business with Digisol. The annual Power Drive scheme will reward four top-performing T2 partners. The top performer will receive a Made-in-India car worth up to ₹8 lakh, the second-ranked partner will receive a Made-in-India motorcycle worth up to ₹2.5 lakh, and the next two performers will each receive a scooter worth up to ₹1 lakh. With Q3 underway and Q4 being the final quarter of FY 2026–27, the next two quarters are important for partners aiming to qualify for the annual rewards. To become eligible, partners must qualify in at least two of the four quarterly GO MAX schemes and achieve minimum annual billing of ₹1 crore. Partners who have not qualified in either of the first two quarters still have an opportunity to qualify by participating successfully in both Q3 and Q4, subject to the scheme's terms and conditions. Registration for the Q3 GO MAX scheme is mandatory and closes on November 17, 2026. Eligible partners can register by clicking here . Through GO MAX and Power Drive, Digisol aims to recognize partner performance and reward the contribution of its T2 channel network. The scheme offers partners across India an opportunity to earn quarterly incentives and compete for annual rewards based on their performance.

Movers & Shakers

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Anjali Sud Takes Helm at SiriusXM

Movers & Shakers

Anjali Sud Takes Helm at SiriusXM

SiriusXM has announced the appointment of Anjali Sud as its new Chief Executive Officer , effective January 1, 2027, marking a significant leadership transition as the US satellite-radio and audio entertainment industry undergoes rapid digital transformation. Sud succeeds Jennifer Witz, who is stepping down after nearly 25 years with SiriusXM. Witz will remain in an advisory capacity to support a smooth leadership transition. Currently leading Tubi, Fox Corporation's free, ad-supported streaming platform, Sud brings extensive experience in digital media, streaming technology, audience engagement, and subscription-based business models. Before joining Tubi, Sud served as CEO of Vimeo, where she helped reposition the video platform towards enterprise solutions, creator services, and digital content innovation. Her appointment signals SiriusXM's ambition to accelerate digital growth, particularly as traditional satellite radio faces increasing competition from Spotify, Apple Music, podcasts, and emerging AI-powered entertainment platforms. The leadership change comes at a critical time when audio companies are rethinking monetisation strategies, advertising models, personalised content delivery, and customer retention. Sud's digital-first experience could help SiriusXM strengthen its competitive position. The biggest challenge will be balancing SiriusXM's established subscription business with next-generation digital opportunities. Her success will depend on expanding audiences, improving profitability, leveraging AI-driven personalisation, and transforming SiriusXM into a more agile, technology-led audio entertainment powerhouse.

Sashikumar Sreedharan joins Sarvam as President and Chief Business Officer

Movers & Shakers

Sashikumar Sreedharan joins Sarvam as President and Chief Business Officer

Sarvam today announced that Sashikumar Sreedharan has joined the company as President and Chief Business Officer. He also joins Sarvam’s board of directors. Sashikumar will lead Sarvam’s business across enterprises and government. He will expand its work with digital native companies, developers and partners. He will oversee the Marketing, Finance, Forward Deployed Engineering, Service Delivery and Commercial Operations functions. Sashikumar joins Sarvam from Google Cloud, where he most recently served as Managing Director for India. He brings more than three decades of experience building and leading technology businesses. Previously, he led Microsoft India’s enterprise business as Managing Director for over five years. The appointment comes as Sarvam’s work with customers grows in scale and scope. Today, over 100 enterprises and government institutions are building with Sarvam’s full-stack offering. The next phase of Sarvam is about advancing its research, developing products loved by people around the world, and building a company that can operate at a much greater scale. Sarvam believes every enterprise should own its AI. The data, the models and the agents stay inside the enterprise, and so does the value they create. Sarvam sees a symbiotic relationship between frontier research and enterprise value creation. The demands of industry push its research further, and breakthroughs in research become the foundation for new industries. “India should be a maker of the intelligence the world runs on. For me, joining Sarvam is a commitment to that opportunity. I look forward to working with the team and our customers to build products that become part of how industries and governments operate,” said Sashikumar Sreedharan, President and Chief Business Officer, Sarvam.

Marketing Mantra

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Built on Feedback: How SPARK and Elevate Shape Securonix's Marketing

Marketing Mantra

Built on Feedback: How SPARK and Elevate Shape Securonix's Marketing

VINNY SHARMA Senior Director- Global, Field & Channel Marketing, Securonix Evolving Marketing Strategy for the AI Era We are spending less time talking about AI as a category and more time showing what it can actually do We are spending less time talking about AI as a category and more time showing what it can actually do for a security team. Customers want to understand whether AI can help them investigate faster, reduce repetitive work, improve response, and give analysts more time to focus on higher-value decisions. That gives us a more practical way to talk about Sam, our AI SOC Analyst, because Sam performs work across triage, investigation, and response while analysts remain in control. We are also creating more opportunities to hear directly from customers, partners, and security leaders. Securonix SPARK is a good example. It gives us a forum for candid discussion around our products, customer experience, and broader market priorities. Those conversations help shape our messaging, our programs, and, in some cases, the product itself. The Elevate Partner Program plays a similar role within our partner ecosystem. Growth in this market depends on strong relationships, shared value, and giving partners a clear way to take the Securonix story to customers. Technology-driven Trust, Partner Ecosystems, and Customer Experience Trust is central to how we talk about AI. Customers want to understand what the AI is doing, why it is taking an action, and where human judgment remains part of the process. With Securonix, Sam performs defined work across triage, investigation, and response within the Agentic Mesh, with governance and human oversight built into the process. That makes the conversation around AI much more concrete and easier for customers to evaluate. On the marketing side, data helps us understand which issues customers care about, how they engage with us, and where their priorities are changing. We use those insights to improve our content, sharpen our campaigns, and make the overall customer experience more relevant. Digital channels help us maintain those conversations through customer stories, webinars, social content, thought leadership, and direct engagement. SPARK adds another layer by giving us a direct feedback loop with customers and partners, which helps us improve how we communicate and how we engage with them.

Building a Customer-Centric Marketing Strategy with AI and Data

Marketing Mantra

Building a Customer-Centric Marketing Strategy with AI and Data

VARUN SINGH Marketing Consultant Optoma Technology (India) Evolving Marketing Strategy for the AI Era AI is transforming marketing from a function focused on communication and campaign execution The marketing era is evolving fast. It is not only about brand awareness anymore, it has to take part in getting growth and find out what are customers' expectations and desires. We are using AI and data technology to gain better understanding of consumer behavior, enhance targeting and ensure our communication is relevant. At the same time, we want to preserve the human side of marketing. Telling interesting stories, establishing strong relationships with customers and having a proper grasp of the market remain very important. Thus, we aim to combine these component—applying advanced technologies and making the customer the main point. Brand Positioning in Competitive Market Our objective today is to provide a unique selling offer based on our solid understanding of the customer’s issues we work on. In the world where each technology company speaks about the same subjects (AI, automation, transformational change), being just a speaker and saying nothing meaningful will not lead to success anymore. We must be able to demonstrate strong business results and benefits. We are also trying to make our marketing more measurable by not limiting ourselves to traditional metrics of success and attempting to discover how marketing influences the sales pipeline and the growth of the customer base. Additionally, one more focus for us now consists in building an AIcentered marketing structure where technology makes our work more efficient while human capabilities still remain the key elements of our business processes. Technology-driven Trust, Partner Ecosystems, and Customer Experience At Optoma, we see AI, data analytics and digital channels not simply as marketing tools, but as enablers of a more connected ecosystem across customers, channel partners and our internal teams. Our approach is to use technology to make the customer journey more relevant, transparent and responsive, while helping our partners make better business decisions. AI is increasingly becoming an important part of how customers discover and evaluate technology. We are therefore strengthening our digital content across search, social media and AI-led discovery platforms with richer product information, application-based content, comparisons, FAQs and real-world use cases. Data analytics is equally important in understanding market and customer behaviour. We analyse campaign performance, search trends, website engagement, product interest and channel-level market insights to understand what customers are actually looking for. For our channel partners, digitalisation is about enabling business rather than replacing the channel. Partners remain a critical part of the customer journey, particularly in the professional AV, education and enterprise segments where consultation, demonstration, installation and after-sales support are important. We are using digital platforms, product content, training initiatives and data-led communication to give partners better access to product knowledge, marketing assets and customer insights.

Government & Policy

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Government cautions TV channels against communal rhetoric, sensational crime coverage and AI misuse

Government & Policy

Government cautions TV channels against communal rhetoric, sensational crime coverage and AI misuse

Information and Broadcasting Ministry issues advisory to private satellite channels after finding repeated lapses, warning that breaches of the Programme Code could attract action and urging stronger editorial controls and staff training The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has asked private satellite television channels to rein in communal rhetoric, sensational reporting of crime and violence, and careless use of artificial intelligence in news production, cautioning that violations of the Programme Code could invite action. In an advisory issued on Wednesday (October 21), the ministry said its Inter-Departmental Committee had reviewed content aired by several channels and found it out of step with the spirit of the Code. The panel also observed that near-identical news and visuals were being broadcast across multiple channels on the same subjects. It said improper conduct or language should not become normal on air and urged broadcasters to follow both the letter and the spirit of existing rules. Debates and the use of AI Television debates drew particular attention. Channels were told to ensure that discussions do not encourage communal or anti-national attitudes. The advisory called for careful selection and prior briefing of panellists, firm editorial control and, where needed, immediate corrective steps such as muting speakers, flashing disclaimers, interrupting a discussion or cutting the feed to stop abusive, derogatory or inflammatory remarks from going out. On artificial intelligence, broadcasters were asked to be cautious, including when using generative tools for graphics and virtual news presenters. The ministry said such tools should play only a supporting role and that accuracy, authenticity and sensitivity must not suffer as a result. Rules on violence, crime and disasters The advisory restated the ban on live coverage of anti-terror operations by security forces. Reporting on such operations should be confined to periodic briefings by authorised officers, and related visuals should carry time-stamps where necessary so viewers are not misled. Channels were also urged to avoid graphic or disturbing images, unverified and sensationalised crime reports, repeated replays of violent footage and coverage that could appear to glorify unlawful acts. Visuals from disasters and major accidents should likewise be time-stamped where required to prevent panic among viewers. Broadcasters were further reminded to use only authentic maps issued by the Survey of India and to protect the identities of victims of sexual offences, including by avoiding indirect details that could reveal who they are. To ensure compliance, the ministry asked channels to strengthen their editorial review processes and to train news, production and transmission staff in the provisions of the Programme Code.

Deepfake Ads Exploit Trust in Government Schemes

Government & Policy

Deepfake Ads Exploit Trust in Government Schemes

India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has warned citizens about a growing cyber fraud involving fake government welfare scheme advertisements circulating on Facebook and Instagram. Fraudsters are exploiting public trust in government initiatives to steal money and sensitive personal information. The fraudulent advertisements reportedly use manipulated photographs, deepfake videos and impersonated endorsements featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers. These fabricated promotions falsely promise financial assistance, subsidies and benefits under government schemes. Cybercriminals attract victims through sponsored social media advertisements that redirect them to deceptive websites or registration portals. Users are encouraged to submit personal details, banking information or mobile numbers to claim supposedly guaranteed benefits. The fraud often culminates in demands for registration charges, processing fees or UPI payments. Once victims transfer money, the promised benefits never materialise, while their financial information may become vulnerable to further exploitation. The warning highlights how artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies are making online impersonation increasingly convincing. Fraudsters can fabricate official-looking announcements, misuse government identities and exploit social media advertising systems to reach large audiences. Citizens should verify welfare announcements through official government websites, avoid suspicious payment links and never disclose OTPs, UPI PINs or banking credentials. Suspected fraud can be reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or helpline 1930. The larger concern is the weaponisation of digital advertising and synthetic media against public trust. Stronger advertisement verification, proactive deepfake detection and faster removal of fraudulent promotions are essential to protect citizens and strengthen accountability across social media platforms.

CIO Speak

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Advancing Digital Resilience, Security, and Workforce Readiness

CIO Speak

Advancing Digital Resilience, Security, and Workforce Readiness

Yogendra Singh CIO/CTO/HEAD-IT/SAP - Barista Coffee Company The digital strategy of Barista is focused on building a resilient, secure, and people-focused technology environment that delivers measurable business value. The company is enabling smarter operations, enhanced customer experiences, and sustainable growth by integrating outcome-driven IT investments, proactive cybersecurity practices, and continuous workforce upskilling. Its focus remains on creating a trusted digital ecosystem that empowers teams and supports future business transformation. Business-Aligned IT with a Focus on Resilience and ROI Barista ensures that every IT investment is aligned with measurable business outcomes. We track ROI through metrics such as cost per store, cost per transaction, and improvement in operational efficiency. Investments are prioritized based on their impact on uptime, customer experience, and cost optimization. We also focus on resilience by implementing strong backup strategies, redundancy, and proactive monitoring. Vendor performance is continuously evaluated through SLAs to maintain consistent service quality across all Barista locations. Aiming to Build a Secure, Inclusive, and Trusted Digital Ecosystem Security and privacy are critical priorities at Barista. We have implemented a multi-layered security framework including firewalls, endpoint protection, and continuous monitoring systems. Automation helps us proactively manage vulnerabilities and compliance requirements. Strong access controls ensure data privacy across all systems. At the same time, Barista is committed to digital inclusion by deploying simple, user-friendly technologies that empower store teams and enhance customer experience. Our goal is to build a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital ecosystem. Empowering Workforce Through Continuous Learning and Innovation At Barista, we are building a future-ready workforce by investing in continuous learning and innovation. We conduct regular training programs on AI, automation, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Our teams are encouraged to develop both technical and business understanding, enabling them to work effectively alongside intelligent systems. We are shifting the focus from manual execution to analytical thinking and decision-making, ensuring our workforce remains agile, skilled, and prepared for the evolving digital landscape. www.mybrandbook.com

Building an AI-First Media Enterprise

CIO Speak

Building an AI-First Media Enterprise

V V JACOB CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER IT - MALAYALA MANORAMA COMPANY The media industry is undergoing a profound transformation as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms reshape how content is created, distributed, and consumed. AI, governance, and digital infrastructure are emerging as key pillars in shaping the next generation of media organizations. Governance with Measurable Impact The organization believes AI adoption succeeds when people grow alongside technology. Through continuous learning, AI workshops, pilot programs, and hands-on training, employees across functions are empowered to use AI responsibly, enhance productivity, and strengthen human creativity and decision-making. Technology as a Strategic Growth Engine Technology is at the heart of the organization’s digital transformation strategy. By combining AI, cloud modernization, and secure data infrastructure, the company is creating a more agile and innovative media ecosystem. The development of private AI and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities is enabling faster innovation while maintaining data sovereignty and responsible AI adoption. These investments support multilingual content delivery, personalized audience experiences, and broader information accessibility. The strategy is also aligned with national priorities around AI readiness, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and workforce development. Preparing People for the AI Era The organization believes successful AI adoption depends on empowering people alongside technology. Continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration form the foundation of its workforce strategy. Employees across editorial, operations, marketing, and IT functions are being trained to use AI responsibly and effectively. Through AI labs, workshops, pilot programs, and governance frameworks, teams gain practical experience while building confidence in emerging technologies. The focus remains on using AI to augment human creativity and decision-making rather than replace it. Maximizing Value Through Resilience Every technology investment is evaluated for its contribution to business performance, operational resilience, security, and long-term scalability. By consolidating infrastructure and deploying private AI and cloud-based frameworks, the organization has improved resource utilization and reduced complexity. Automation-driven workflows accelerate productivity, while redundancy planning, disaster recovery capabilities, cybersecurity integration, and continuous monitoring strengthen resilience and business continuity. Security, Privacy and Digital Inclusion Trust remains central to the organization’s digital strategy. Strong governance around data protection, access control, compliance, and ethical AI usage ensures that innovation is balanced with security and privacy. At the same time, the organization is advancing digital inclusion through multilingual content, accessible digital platforms, and user-friendly experiences that serve diverse audiences. By combining responsible innovation with trust and accessibility, it is building a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital media ecosystem for the future. www.mybrandbook.com

Brand Equity

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Customer-centricity defining Acer’s approach towards business

Brand Equity

Customer-centricity defining Acer’s approach towards business

Sanjeev Mehtani Chief Sales Officer, Acer India - explains how remaining deeply responsive to customers’ evolving technology needs will continue to be a key strategic priority for the brand, among other focus areas – “Our approach towards business is more of consumer centric and we look at what is the requirement of the consumer, understand their needs, and develop products as per current needs of the market. We are most flexible in terms of customization as per needs and ahead of the market in terms of innovation.” PURPOSE-DRIVEN VISION At Acer India, emerging technologies such as AI, Blockchain, and IoT are central to our long-term vision of enabling a smarter, more connected, and secure digital ecosystem. Our purpose goes beyond delivering devices; we aim to create meaningful technology experiences that enhance productivity, simplify everyday life, and empower users across segments. AI is playing a transformative role in shaping the next generation of personal computing, enabling intelligent performance, automation, and highly personalized user experiences. At the same time, IoT is allowing us to expand from standalone devices to connected ecosystems across homes, enterprises, and mobility, driving seamless integration and efficiency. Blockchain also holds strong relevance in reinforcing data security, transparency, and trust in a digital-first world. Under the brand name Altos, we are working and delivering in the world class hardware solution required for AI. We have created a separate structure to develop this business. BRIDGING TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY WITH EDGE AI Technologies such as Edge AI and connected devices are playing an increasingly important role in shaping more intuitive and human-centric experiences, and at Acer, the focus is on bringing intelligence closer to the user to enable faster, more responsive, and context-aware interactions. By leveraging Edge AI, data processing can happen directly on devices, reducing latency, enhancing privacy, and ensuring real-time responsiveness, whether it is optimizing device performance, enabling adaptive features, or delivering more personalized user experiences without over-reliance on the cloud. At the same time, connected devices are helping create seamless ecosystems where multiple touchpoints work in harmony, allowing users to transition effortlessly between work, entertainment, and communication. This interconnected approach enables a more cohesive and natural interaction with technology, making it feel less intrusive and more aligned with individual needs and behaviours. DRIVING BRAND INFLUENCE & COMPETITIVE LEADERSHIP Ethical AI, data security, and sustainability are fundamental to building long-term credibility and reinforcing market leadership, and for Acer India, these principles are deeply embedded in how we design, deliver, and evolve our technology offerings. As AI becomes more pervasive, ensuring it is developed and deployed responsibly with transparency, fairness, and accountability is critical to maintaining user trust and safeguarding against bias or misuse. Sustainability also plays a vital role in shaping our brand ethos, from responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design to reducing environmental impact across the lifecycle. We have developed an app “acer data protect” which will help consumer to get their data protected, secured and recovered in case of any issues. BRAND INNOVATION STRATEGY Over the next three to five years, the key differentiator for Acer India will be its ability to seamlessly integrate intelligent technologies across its portfolio while delivering a highly personalized and connected user experience. The focus will be on building a cohesive ecosystem that brings together AI-led devices, connected platforms, and services to address evolving consumer and enterprise needs in a more intuitive and meaningful way. A major strategic priority will be the continued investment in AI-driven innovation, embedding intelligence at both the device and ecosystem level to enhance performance, enable adaptive experiences, and drive greater productivity. Equally important will be the emphasis on customer-centricity, where insights-driven decision-making, enhanced service capabilities, and a strong retail and partner network will help deliver consistent and high-quality experiences.

Enabling the Channel for a Future built on Platform innovation

Brand Equity

Enabling the Channel for a Future built on Platform innovation

Pradeepto Dey Director - Partners & Alliances, Autodesk India & SAARC “The most important shift happening within Autodesk’s channel ecosystem today is the transition from product-centric selling to outcome-driven engagement. As Autodesk evolves from a software company to a platform company, the role of the partner is also evolving. Partners are increasingly helping customers manage their entire Design and Make journey across planning, design, construction, manufacturing, operations, and lifecycle management.” PARTNERING FOR INDIA’S GROWTH Autodesk’s India channel strategy is tightly aligned with the country’s accelerating growth in infrastructure, manufacturing, and digital construction. We are enabling a connected, data-driven “Design to Make” platform ecosystem that drives efficiency, collaboration, and sustainable outcomes at scale. Partners are central to this vision, with them transitioning from product-centric selling to outcome-driven engagement. As Autodesk evolves from a software company to a platform company, the role of the partner is also evolving. Success is no longer defined by license transactions alone. Instead, partners are increasingly helping customers manage their entire Design and Make journey across planning, design, construction, manufacturing, operations, and lifecycle management. Partners today are being assessed both on their willingness and ability to transform. Autodesk is making targeted investments in those partners best positioned to build specialized capabilities, deliver customer outcomes, and drive long-term growth. In summary, our India channel strategy is completely aligned to India’s growth journey. LEVERAGING THE CHANNEL TO DEEPEN SME REACH Autodesk is expanding SME penetration in India by mobilizing its channel ecosystem toward outcome-driven, domain-led engagement rather than product-centric selling. Partners are being equipped to deliver measurable business impact through industry workflows, automation, and cloud collaboration—enabling SMEs to improve productivity, control costs, and accelerate delivery while ensuring scalable, service-led profitability for partners. To deepen penetration in this segment we have built an optimum ecosystem based on coverage, capacity and capability modelling. Coverage is about geographic expansion driven primarily by our VADs. This is further strengthened by the VAD-led Center of Excellence targeted to drive business under our hub -and-spoke model. Geo-X partners are organized in regional clusters, spanning identified hub cities that cater to several spoke towns and expand structured coverage across Tier-2, Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities—driving deeper reach, consistent enablement, and sustainable ecosystem growth. Capacity is about partner resource presence in identified cities & their productivity. Capability is our technology penetration in the partner community that can help SME customers achieve desired outcomes. ADAPTING TO A PLATFORM-FIRST FUTURE With Autodesk advancing its subscription and platform-centric strategy, the channel ecosystem is evolving from traditional reselling toward delivering measurable customer outcomes aligned to the “Design to Make” platform vision. This transformation is driven by targeted investments in partner capability, scalable capacity creation, platform-focused go-to-market enablement. We also support partners with MDP funds aligning to the business priorities. In addition, we have a dedicated Partner Readiness team that focusses in delivering readiness programs executed through Partner Readiness teams and VAD collaboration. Our traditional partners are being re-energized through structured enablement and ISV-led P2P engagement, unlocking repeatable, services-driven growth and ensuring long-term relevance in a subscription-first environment. As Autodesk continues to evolve in its Platform journey we are deeply committed to support our partners in this transformation journey. FUTURE OUTLOOK Over the next three to five years, Autodesk’s India channel ecosystem will evolve into a more specialized, services-led, and platform-driven network—designed to support a potential 3x scale in business growth. We will have a stronger network of highly capable partners that can create measurable business value for customers and sustainable growth for themselves. For partners, this creates opportunities to expand beyond software sales into consulting, implementation, managed services, customer success, workflow optimization, and lifecycle support. Our Future ready channel evolution revolves on 3 strategic growth pillars: Transform – Modernizing legacy partners into outcome-driven, industry-specialized solution providers aligned to the “Design to Make” platform and cloud-first delivery. Expand – Increasing market reach across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, unlocking new customer segments and accelerating digital adoption beyond traditional metros. Diversify – Introducing new partner archetypes—including ISVs, GSI/SIs, service specialists, and consulting-led firms—to strengthen ecosystem capability and drive differentiated value creation. Partners that invest early in cloud adoption, customer success, industry IP, and scalable services across the Plan–Design–Build–Operate lifecycle will capture the next wave of growth—while those that delay risk losing relevance in an increasingly platform-centric future.

Cyber Security

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Sophos helps organizations secure the AI-Era Network

Cyber Security

Sophos helps organizations secure the AI-Era Network

Sophos has announced new network security innovations designed to help organizations keep pace with the performance and security demands of the AI era. At the center is Sophos Firewall v23, alongside new XGS hardware, a standalone Sophos NDR offering, and enhancements across the broader network portfolio. Together, they drive stronger AI-era network defenses through Sophos Fusion, the AI-Native Cybersecurity Defense System, further into the network, enabling organizations to succeed by delivering the performance and connected defenses they need today and into the future. AI is changing both how organizations use their networks and how attackers target them. Users, applications, devices, cloud services, and AI systems are generating more traffic and machine-to-machine communication, while attackers can use AI to accelerate reconnaissance, exploitation, and lateral movement. Sophos research from the 2026 State of Ransomware report also underscores why early visibility matters: in India, 60% of organizations hit by ransomware had their data encrypted, above the 56% global rate. Network signals, such as firewall alerts, shared with other control points can help turn that visibility into coordinated containment before encryption occurs. Sophos’ approach to securing AI-era networks rests on two pillars: performance that scales with rising demands and integrated defenses, rooted in Sophos Synchronized Security, that turn shared intelligence into coordinated protection. Sophos Fusion brings security across the broader environment, enabling control points to share information in real time and execute a coordinated response to threats. “AI is raising the stakes for the network. Organizations need to support more encrypted traffic, applications, and automated activity while defending against attacks that can move faster and exploit gaps at greater scale,” said Daniel Cole, senior vice president of product management, Sophos . “Customers should not have to choose between enabling innovation and strengthening protection. This launch helps organizations keep pace with growing network demands while turning network visibility and intelligence into faster, coordinated defense through Sophos Fusion.” Sophos Firewall v23 anchors the launch with enhancements that make it easier to manage, automate, and scale network security. Integration with Sophos AI Defense provides network-level visibility, reporting and policy enforcement for AI service use, including controls that help organizations sanction trusted generative AI tools and block unapproved services. A new AI Assistant helps administrators understand firewall configurations and draft rules for review, while a modern REST API supports greater automation for IT teams, partners, and MSPs. The release also strengthens resilience and Sophos’ Secure by Design foundation. Hardware-aware high availability delivers 13X faster failover detection, reducing the detection window from four seconds to 300 milliseconds. Additional enhancements include DNS over HTTPS, DNSSEC, greater visibility into applied CVE hotfixes and security updates, and further platform hardening. Additional innovations include: · Four new XGS Series 1U appliances : The XGS 2380, XGS 3380, XGS 4580 and XGS 5580 deliver up to 4X higher protected throughput than earlier 1U models, with up to 59 Gbps threat protection throughput, up to 16 Gbps TLS inspection throughput, and port speeds of up to 25 Gbps on the XGS 3380 and above. · A new standalone Sophos NDR offering that combines behavioral detection with deep packet inspection and IDS/IPS capabilities. Its Active Inline mode can drop identified malicious packets before they reach their destination, moving NDR beyond visibility to direct response. A new Sophos NDR 5500 hardware appliance will also be available. · Xstream Plus , a new Sophos Firewall licensing option that combines Xstream Protection, Sophos Workspace Protection licenses, Enhanced Plus Support, and extended reporting retention to help customers strengthen protection, simplify management, and extend security beyond the network. · Sophos Workspace Protection enhancements , including synchronized web policies that allow administrators to define web-filtering profiles in Sophos Fusion and apply them across Firewall, Protected Browser, and Endpoint. A new Generative AI web category provides more granular control over AI services. Together, these innovations strengthen and extend the network’s role within Sophos Fusion. Sophos Firewall, NDR, Workspace Protection, Wireless, and Switch each provide visibility and control at different points across the environment. By sharing context through Sophos Fusion, these control points can contribute to a clearer understanding of activity and support faster, coordinated action across the full defense system. Sophos Firewall v23, Xstream Plus, and the new XGS hardware models are now generally available. Sophos NDR will be generally available from November 10. Availability, licensing, and regional exceptions may apply.

BCE Global Tech puts AI agent governance at the centre of cyber defence

Cyber Security

BCE Global Tech puts AI agent governance at the centre of cyber defence

Abdullah Zubair, VP – Technology at BCE Global Tech, explains how enterprises can use AI to strengthen cyber defence while controlling what autonomous agents can access, which actions they can take and how those decisions are audited. AI can help security teams detect unusual activity and investigate threats faster. But as enterprises give autonomous agents access to proprietary data and production workflows, those agents become part of the infrastructure that security teams must protect, says Abdullah Zubair. “As AI agents are granted access to proprietary data, production workflows, and decision-making pipelines, they effectively become privileged non-human identities,” Zubair says. “While AI accelerates our defensive posture, enabling machine-speed anomaly detection, automated triage, and predictive threat hunting at scale, it simultaneously expands the attack surface.” How can enterprises secure the agents they deploy? Zubair says excessive permissions can allow a compromise to spread across systems, while malicious instructions inserted into a prompt can hijack an agent. He calls for controls that limit what agents can access and do during operation. “To prevent catastrophic lateral movement or prompt-injected hijackings, security teams must enforce strict least-privilege access, dynamic runtime guardrails, and human-in-the-loop authorization for high-impact actions,” he says. How does governance support data protection and compliance? For Zubair, compliance calls for ongoing oversight. “Organizations must continuously prove where sensitive data resides, which models or agents can access it, and how decisions are generated. Our architecture embeds governance directly into the AI lifecycle.” He describes BCE Global Tech’s approach as combining fine-grained, context-aware access controls, end-to-end data lineage and immutable audit records. He says these controls are designed to prevent sensitive data exposure through prompts and application programming interfaces, while helping organisations demonstrate how data is accessed and used. What does effective protection look like? “Ultimately, effective cybersecurity is defined by risk reduction, not tool count,” Zubair says. “Legacy security stacks create friction and alert fatigue; our platform unifies telemetry, identity governance, and runtime protection without operational bloat.” He points to two ways enterprises can limit the impact of a potential incident: continuously mapping the paths through which an exposure could spread and restricting excessive permissions before they can be exploited. “Security must be the brakes that allow the business to drive faster,” Zubair says.

Software

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Genesys Extends its Forward-Deployed Engineering to Accelerate Agentic CX Adoption

Software

Genesys Extends its Forward-Deployed Engineering to Accelerate Agentic CX Adoption

Genesys announced the expansion of its forward-deployed engineering (FDE) capabilities to help enterprises operationalise agentic AI across the customer experience. Genesys FDE teams work alongside customers on high-value agentic AI use cases, combining CX expertise, technical depth and transformation experience to move them from concept to production faster. Genesys FDE teams help customers navigate the integration, governance and operational requirements that can slow agentic AI deployments. “The next phase of enterprise AI won’t be defined by how many AI tools or pilots a company has. It will be defined by its ability to turn AI into an operating model that consistently delivers outcomes,” said Tony Bates, chairman and CEO of Genesys . “We’re bringing together agentic orchestration, embedded expertise and proven innovation so organisations can start with an experience that matters, put it into production, learn from it and scale from there. That’s how organisations can turn the potential of agentic AI into business value.” Forward-deployed engineering is a core part of the Genesys approach to helping organisations turn CX transformation strategies into measurable outcomes. Agentic Experience Labs and Experience Orchestration Plans help customers achieve real value quickly while building out the transformation roadmap for the future. Genesys FDE teams then work alongside customers to put priority agentic AI use cases into production and establish repeatable patterns for broader transformation. Expert Apps further accelerate time to value by packaging proven innovation into ready-to-deploy agents and tools available through the Genesys AppFoundry. With more than 2,000 Genesys CX professionals globally across advisory, deployment and managed services, Genesys combines deep CX expertise with FDEs to turn AI transformation strategies into production outcomes at scale. “The last mile of agentic AI transformation is where strategy meets execution,” said Scott Cravotta, Chief Customer Officer at Genesys . “Enterprises must align data, governance, change management and use cases to move these initiatives into production and deliver value. Our FDEs work side by side with customer teams to turn agentic AI into measurable business outcomes.” Through the expanded forward-deployed engineering capabilities, customer engagements create a continuous cycle between delivery and innovation. Learnings can inform new Expert Apps and product innovation, helping customers apply proven patterns to move faster and improve outcomes. Underpinning these capabilities is Genesys Cloud, the agentic orchestration platform for CX, powering more than 33 billion interactions annually for over 7,500 customers worldwide. The platform brings together real-time data and AI to orchestrate experiences across customer journeys, teams and enterprise systems. Its open, API-first architecture and extensive ecosystem give organisations the flexibility to integrate with existing technology and extend the platform as their needs evolve.

HCLTech Rolls Out AI-Powered Operations for mainframe environments

Software

HCLTech Rolls Out AI-Powered Operations for mainframe environments

HCLTech announced the launch of its AI-Powered Operations offering, designed to help enterprises modernize and optimize their mission-critical mainframe environments through AI-enabled automation, observability and operational intelligence. The offering brings together specialized mainframe skill agents and conversational AI assistants to support system administration, observability, optimization and workflows, under human oversight. These capabilities help improve efficiency, accelerate issue resolution and enable more proactive, insight-driven operations. HCLTech's dedicated Mainframe Center of Excellence underpins the offering with deep domain expertise, industry best practices and continued innovation. "Enterprises running mission-critical workloads on mainframes are under increasing pressure to modernize operations and drive greater efficiency, without compromising reliability or control. Our AI-Powered Operations offering directly addresses this business need, combining HCLTech's deep mainframe expertise with AI-driven capabilities to help clients simplify operations, reduce risk and unlock greater value from their mainframe investments as they advance their broader transformation agendas," said Rampal Singh, Senior Vice President and Global Business Head of Hybrid Cloud at HCLTech. "AI is fundamentally changing how enterprises manage and extract value from their most strategic technology platforms. Through our dedicated Mainframe Center of Excellence and AI innovation capabilities, we are embedding intelligent agents and operational intelligence directly into mainframe environments, enabling organizations to shift from reactive management to proactive, insight-driven operations, while preserving the security, resilience and governance these platforms demand," said Raghu Kidambi, Corporate Vice President and Head of AI Ecosystems at HCLTech.

Peripherals

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boAt enters Sri Lanka and Bhutan market

Peripherals

boAt enters Sri Lanka and Bhutan market

boat has announced its expansion into Sri Lanka and Bhutan, marking another important step in the company’s international growth journey as it builds the next set of growth engines beyond its home market. The expansion comes at a time when boAt’s international business is beginning to demonstrate meaningful momentum. International revenue more than doubled in FY26, providing early validation of the company’s strategy to take the boAt brand and its consumer technology proposition beyond India. Sri Lanka and Bhutan add to boAt’s growing international footprint across Southeast Asia and the GCC, as the company selectively expands into markets where its combination of consumer understanding, contemporary design, technology and accessible pricing can resonate with local consumers. Having built significant scale and category leadership in India, boAt is now entering its next phase of growth. International markets are a key pillar of the boAt 2.0 strategy, alongside the expansion into new consumer technology categories, as the company evolves from its strong foundation in personal audio into a broader consumer technology company. Sri Lanka and Bhutan represent natural extensions of this strategy. Both markets have a young and increasingly digital-first consumer base, growing adoption of personal electronics and strong familiarity with Indian brands and popular culture, creating an opportunity for boAt to bring its consumer technology proposition to a wider set of consumers. boAt is entering both markets with a multi-category portfolio spanning personal audio, smartwatches and charging solutions. The company will follow a market-led approach, progressively evolving its portfolio based on local consumer preferences, category opportunities and market response. The international expansion also reflects the broader evolution of boAt’s portfolio. While audio continues to remain the foundation of the business, the company has been building capabilities across wearables, charging solutions and other emerging consumer technology categories. In FY26, wearables turned profitable, while emerging categories including charging solutions contributed to a growing profit pool beyond the core audio portfolio. Gaurav Nayyar, CEO, boAt , said, “For us, international expansion is not about putting the same products on more shelves. It is about building market by market, understanding local consumers and creating relevance in each geography. The strong growth of our international business reinforces our conviction in this opportunity. Sri Lanka and Bhutan are the latest steps in a much larger journey. Our ambition is clear: to build boAt into a global consumer lifestyle-tech brand from India that competes on product, design, innovation and consumer understanding.” The expansion is backed by boAt’s growing product and innovation capabilities in India. The company’s in-house R&D centre, boAt Labs, has more than 100 engineers, supporting product development and innovation across categories as boAt builds products for an increasingly diverse consumer base. The strategy reflects a larger ambition for the company: to take an Indian consumer technology brand built at scale at home and establish it across global markets.

Consistent Infosystems strengthens channel network with Dehradun partner meet

Peripherals

Consistent Infosystems strengthens channel network with Dehradun partner meet

Bringing together regional distributors and dealers to showcase its IT hardware, gaming and surveillance portfolio and explore growth opportunities Consistent Infosystems , one of India’s leading IT hardware, gaming and surveillance brands, successfully hosted its Exclusive Partner Meet in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The event brought together distributors, dealers and channel partners from Uttarakhand and nearby regions to discuss business opportunities, explore the company’s product portfolio and strengthen relationships within its channel network. The event was inaugurated by Product Heads, Marketing Head and Vice President – Sales, Consistent Infosystems. It provided a platform for meaningful interactions with channel partners, alongside discussions on upcoming products, business initiatives and opportunities for mutual growth. A key highlight of the event was the live showcase of Consistent’s diverse product portfolio, covering gaming cabinets, keyboards, mice, cooling solutions, graphics cards, Wi-Fi cameras, PT cameras, dome cameras, NVRs, and networking products. The display enabled partners to explore the range and gain insights into the company’s offerings across gaming, IT hardware, surveillance and networking. New and upcoming products were also previewed, offering partners a glimpse into the company’s evolving portfolio. The meet also focused on strengthening business engagement through discussions on product availability, market opportunities and initiatives to support channel partners. By bringing together regional distributors, dealers and partners, the event provided an opportunity to exchange market insights, understand partner requirements and explore avenues for expanding Consistent’s presence across Uttarakhand and neighbouring markets. Commenting on the meet, Yogesh Agrawal, CMD & Co-Founder, Consistent Infosystems , said, “Our channel partners are integral to our growth journey. The Dehradun Partner Meet provided an opportunity to strengthen these relationships, showcase our product portfolio and discuss new business opportunities. We remain committed to supporting our partners through product innovation, focused initiatives and opportunities for mutual growth.” As part of the meet, Consistent Infosystems introduced exclusive purchase offers for channel partners. Partners purchasing Consistent products worth ₹11,000 were eligible for a free Installer Bag, while purchases worth ₹30,000 qualified for a free Smart Watch. The initiative reinforces Consistent Infosystems’ commitment to strengthening channel relationships, supporting partner growth and expanding its presence across India’s IT hardware, gaming and surveillance segments through product showcases, business discussions and partner-focused schemes.

Industry Event

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Cloudera Positions Hybrid, Sovereign and Agentic AI as the Next Phase of Enterprise Adoption

Industry Event

Cloudera Positions Hybrid, Sovereign and Agentic AI as the Next Phase of Enterprise Adoption

At Cloudera EVOLVE Forum Mumbai 2026, the company outlined its vision for AI anywhere, cloud anywhere and data anywhere, highlighting the need for a secure, trusted data environment as enterprises move from AI experimentation to production. Positioning itself as the “only true hybrid data platform provider,” Cloudera said organizations need the ability to deploy workloads across on-premises, public cloud and sovereign cloud environments while maintaining a single layer of security and governance. The company also highlighted its latest innovations around Cloudera Anywhere Cloud, designed to be “hybrid by default, modular by design and sovereign by deployment,” enabling customers to bring AI to the data rather than moving data to AI. “We bring AI to data rather than pushing data all the way to AI” Mayank Baid Regional Vice President, India and South Asia, Cloudera “We bring AI to data rather than pushing data all the way to AI,” said Mayank Baid, Cloudera’s Regional Vice President for India and South Asia, calling it the real differentiator for enterprise AI. He pitched the company as the “only true hybrid data platform provider,” letting customers deploy models on-premise or in the cloud under a single layer of security and governance. Baid said India is one of the company’s largest and fastest-growing markets globally, including in revenue generation. He attributed the momentum to the sheer volume of data in the country and to Cloudera’s ability to give customers a secure, trusted environment for building their data foundations. He said three-fourths of India’s largest banks use the platform, along with most leading telcos in India and South Asia. Other customers include fintechs, GSTN and the Bombay Stock Exchange, he said. Baid linked demand to the government’s push for sovereign AI and sovereign cloud, which he said Cloudera supports through built-in security and governance. He also noted that much of the company’s global investment is going into India, with R&D centers in Bangalore and Chennai. “Hybrid by default, modular by design and sovereign by deployment” Remus Lim Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan, Cloudera Cloudera’s new Anywhere Cloud is “hybrid by default, modular by design and sovereign by deployment,” said Remus Lim, the company’s Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan. He said the platform is built for regulated customers who keep most of their data on-premises. Lim outlined how Cloudera has evolved to meet those needs. Founded in 2008, it merged with Hortonworks and went private in 2021 under KKR and CD&R, after which it built the Cloudera Data Platform around a hybrid vision. He said APAC customers, largely banks, telcos and government bodies, take a pragmatic approach to cloud, keeping most data on-premises while avoiding dependence on a single cloud vendor. Central banks including RBI, MAS and RBA run the platform, he said, and EV makers are a growing segment. About $1 billion has gone into acquisitions, Lim said, including Taikun, which underpins Anywhere Cloud. He also announced a Mistral partnership. Cloudera’s priorities, he said, are AI, cloud and data anywhere, so that data does not have to move for AI to work. IDC named the company a leader in APAC sovereign AI platforms in September. “We can go from rack to AI inference within 60 minutes” Sergio Gago Chief Technology Officer, Cloudera Sergio Gago, Cloudera’s Chief Technology Officer, presented Cloudera Anywhere Cloud as the company’s platform for the agentic era, built to run identical code across data centers, sovereign clouds and public clouds (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) under a single control plane and unified data fabric for governance and lineage. He said enterprises struggle to move AI experiments into production because compliance, audit and cost questions go unanswered. Cloudera’s answer is to let agents work within existing data governance rather than copying data into separate systems. Built on the Taikun and Octopai acquisitions, the platform offers nine data services, bring-your-own-engine flexibility, query federation across Snowflake, Databricks, Oracle and Teradata, and an agent-first interface that lets users work through prompts. Gago said Anywhere Cloud can take a customer from bare metal to inference on a Mistral model in about 60 minutes, versus 60 days earlier, a figure he said preview customers, including ExxonMobil, IQVIA and Mastercard, have validated. General availability is set for November 30, 2026, with the platform designed to run alongside existing Cloudera Data Platform deployments.

Nutanix: Building the Foundation for Secure, Sovereign and Cost-Efficient AI

Industry Event

Nutanix: Building the Foundation for Secure, Sovereign and Cost-Efficient AI

As enterprises accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to building secure, scalable, and economically sustainable AI infrastructure. Nutanix is positioning itself at the center of this transformation by combining hybrid multicloud capabilities, cloud-native technologies, enterprise AI solutions, and integrated security. At .NEXT Mumbai 2026, Faiz Shakir, Vice President, Sales, APJ, Nutanix and Anindo Sengupta, Vice President, AI, Cloud-Native and Neocloud/MSP Products and Solutions, Nutanix shared their perspectives on India's growing role in global innovation, the evolution of hybrid cloud infrastructure, the economics of AI inference, and the increasing importance of data sovereignty and cyber resilience. India Emerges as a Global Innovation Powerhouse India has become far more than a strategic sales market for Nutanix. It is now a major center for engineering, product development, and technological innovation. According to Faiz Shakir, approximately 40% of Nutanix's global patent filings originate from its India-based engineering teams, highlighting the country's contribution to technologies deployed worldwide. “India has been at the forefront of innovation at Nutanix for many years,” Shakir explained, emphasizing that Indian engineers are not simply supporting global development but actively shaping the company's technology roadmap. India is also Nutanix's largest commercial market in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region, reflecting sustained enterprise adoption and strong relationships with customers and channel partners. This growth mirrors Nutanix's broader evolution. Originally recognized for simplifying infrastructure through hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), the company has expanded into hybrid multicloud, Kubernetes, cloud-native applications, and enterprise AI. The transformation reflects a fundamental change in enterprise IT requirements. Organizations increasingly need virtual machines, containers, and AI workloads to operate seamlessly across different infrastructure environments. Hybrid Cloud Becomes the Foundation for Sovereign AI As enterprises deploy generative and multimodal AI, data sovereignty, security, and infrastructure flexibility are becoming critical considerations. Shakir highlighted findings from Nutanix's Enterprise Cloud Index research, which indicated that 96% of surveyed Indian enterprises planned to repatriate workloads to hybrid environments to support AI-ready infrastructure. Additionally, 82% of respondents identified data sovereignty as a priority. These findings suggest that organizations increasingly want greater control over where their data resides, how AI models process sensitive information, and which infrastructure supports business-critical workloads. Nutanix believes its hybrid multicloud architecture addresses these requirements by allowing organizations to operate workloads across private infrastructure and public cloud environments while maintaining consistent management and security capabilities. For regulated industries such as banking, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, this flexibility can be particularly important when balancing innovation with compliance obligations. Rethinking the Economics of AI Inference One of the most significant challenges facing enterprises is the rising cost of AI inference. As organizations adopt multiple AI models, usage-based pricing can make operating expenses difficult to predict. Every additional query, transaction, or generated token may increase costs. Anindo Sengupta explained that Nutanix is addressing this challenge through its Enterprise AI inference offering, which emphasizes a fixed-price infrastructure model rather than per-token billing. Under this approach, enterprises deploy AI workloads on GPU infrastructure they control, supported by Nutanix software. Organizations can run multiple AI models on shared infrastructure without paying an external inference provider for every token generated. The economic advantage lies in greater cost predictability, particularly for businesses processing large and recurring AI workloads. However, enterprises must still account for hardware investment, electricity, cooling, maintenance, software licensing, and operational expertise when evaluating total cost of ownership. Beyond economics, customer-controlled infrastructure can strengthen data governance by keeping sensitive AI workloads within designated environments. Security and Cyber Resilience Move to the Forefront As AI becomes embedded in enterprise operations, protecting infrastructure and ensuring business continuity are increasingly important. Shakir emphasized that security and sovereignty must evolve together. Nutanix integrates security capabilities into its infrastructure platform while collaborating with technology partners to deliver broader enterprise protection. Sengupta highlighted the company's longstanding focus on data management, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience. Nutanix provides capabilities designed to assess potential cyber risks, isolate affected systems, and support recovery of compromised data. These functions are increasingly valuable as enterprises confront ransomware, infrastructure attacks, and threats targeting interconnected applications and data environments. Rather than positioning itself as a replacement for every cybersecurity technology, Nutanix emphasizes a combination of built-in protection and ecosystem partnerships. The Road Ahead: AI Infrastructure Built Around Control and Trust Nutanix's strategy reflects a wider industry transition from infrastructure modernization toward intelligent, distributed, and increasingly autonomous computing. Enterprises are expected to prioritize platforms that support multiple AI models, predictable operating costs, flexible deployment, data sovereignty, and rapid recovery from cyber incidents. For Nutanix, India's engineering capabilities and expanding enterprise market provide a strong foundation for this next phase of growth. The larger industry message is clear: successful AI adoption will depend not only on computing performance, but also on infrastructure economics, operational resilience, data control, and enterprise trust. By bringing hybrid cloud, enterprise AI, and cyber resilience together, Nutanix aims to help organizations move beyond AI experimentation toward secure, scalable, and sustainable production environments.

Voice of Channel Chief

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Scaling Partner Success through Skills, Capabilities

Voice of Channel Chief

Scaling Partner Success through Skills, Capabilities

Shridhar Kadam CEO, Digisol Systems “India's channel ecosystem is evolving from a distribution-led model to a capability-led model. At Digisol, we are building that capability through structured partner programmes such as League of Champions, T2 GO MAX and SI Premier League. These programmes reward sustained performance and create stronger business engagement with our distributors and system integrators. We are also investing in technical certifications, product training, marketing enablement and partner support through the Digisol Alliance Partner Program. The objective is to help partners build stronger technical capabilities, engage customers better and improve profitability. DRIVING PARTNER GROWTH AND PROFITABILITY We are moving from a purely transactional channel model towards a partner value model. We give partners multiple levers for growth, including performance-linked incentives, technical capability, demand generation and stronger customer support. Programmes such as T2 GO MAX and LOC recognize sustained business performance, while our training and enablement initiatives help partners build technical and solution-selling capabilities. Through DAPP and the Digisol Alliance Partner Program, we are also making partner services and support more accessible. Our focus is not only on the revenue a partner generates for Digisol. It is on building sustainable and profitable business for both the partner and the brand. HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES GROW Digisol provides the underlying connectivity through switching, wireless, FTTH and structured cabling solutions. This helps businesses build the network capacity needed for increasing data demands. From a business perspective, stronger infrastructure enables organisations to scale digital applications and adopt new technologies with greater confidence. From a productivity perspective, reliable connectivity reduces downtime, improves access to applications and data, and helps employees work more efficiently. We see network infrastructure as a critical foundation for AI-led growth.”

Creating a Future-Ready Partner Ecosystem through AI and Innovation

Voice of Channel Chief

Creating a Future-Ready Partner Ecosystem through AI and Innovation

C.R. Sriram Zonal Sales Manager-South, Dynabook India “We are strengthening India's channel ecosystem by continuously equipping our channel partners with the latest knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Through updated training modules, workshops, and enablement programs, we ensure partners stay informed about new technologies, solutions, and market opportunities. We bring world-class expertise directly to our partners through a combination of face-to-face engagements, knowledge-sharing sessions, and targeted email communications. This approach enables us to deliver timely insights, foster deeper collaboration, and help our partners build the capabilities needed to drive customer success and business growth in the AI era. DRIVING PARTNER GROWTH AND PROFITABILITY Our partner growth strategy is built around helping partners integrate AI capabilities into the business ecosystems they already serve. Rather than focusing solely on product sales, we encourage partners to combine AI-driven solutions with their existing industry expertise, enabling them to create higher-value offerings and unlock new revenue streams. A key pillar of our approach is sustainable profitability. We work closely with partners to ensure healthy margins, long-term business viability, and recurring growth opportunities. Through AI-ready devices, solution-led engagements, training, and go-to-market support, we help partners position themselves as trusted advisors in their customers' digital transformation journeys. We also invest in enabling partners with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging AI use cases across enterprises and SMEs. By empowering them to deliver innovative, productivity-enhancing solutions, we help them strengthen customer relationships, differentiate themselves in the market, and build profitable, future-ready businesses. Ultimately, our success is measured by our partners' success, and we remain committed to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives growth, innovation, and sustainable profitability for all stakeholders. HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES GROW We help Indian enterprises and SMEs stay competitive in the AI era by providing best-in-class AI-powered endpoint devices that combine performance, security, and mobility. Our AI PCs and laptops are engineered to handle modern AI workloads locally, enabling faster data processing, enhanced productivity, and improved user experiences without relying solely on cloud resources.”

Technotainment

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Pakistani TV Anchor Rabia Ahsan Found Shot Dead

Technotainment

Pakistani TV Anchor Rabia Ahsan Found Shot Dead

Prominent Pakistani television journalist Rabia Ahsan, 41, was found shot dead at her residence in Gulshanabad, Rawalpindi, on November 8, 2026 , triggering widespread concern within Pakistan's media community. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Ahsan was a familiar face on Pakistani television, best known for hosting Muqabil , a current affairs programme on 92 News HD. She was recognised for her political discussions, interviews, and coverage of national developments. Throughout her journalism career, Ahsan worked alongside prominent journalists, including Amir Mateen and Rauf Klasra. Paying tribute, Mateen recalled their professional association spanning at least five years. She is survived by two daughters. Following the incident, Rawalpindi police registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by her brother, Khurram Ahmed. Her husband, Ahsan Tahir, was taken into police custody for questioning regarding the shooting. According to initial police reports, investigators recovered a pistol and a spent cartridge from the residence. Rawalpindi police chief Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera confirmed that Ahsan sustained a gunshot wound below her neck. However, the case took an unexpected turn when her brother reportedly withdrew his complaint, suggesting that the shooting might have been accidental. Police have not established whether the death resulted from an accident or a deliberate act , and forensic investigations remain underway. Meanwhile, a Rawalpindi court granted police custody of Tahir under a case registered pursuant to Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code and relevant arms legislation. The incident has raised serious questions about the circumstances of Ahsan's death , with investigators expected to examine forensic evidence and witness statements before reaching any conclusions.

Pony Verma Opens Up About Marrying Prakash Raj

Technotainment

Pony Verma Opens Up About Marrying Prakash Raj

Renowned choreographer Pony Verma has opened up about her marriage to acclaimed actor Prakash Raj , revealing how their 12-year age difference initially surprised friends and sparked questions about their relationship. Pony recalled that some friends reacted strongly when she announced her decision to marry the actor. Their concerns reflected conventional expectations surrounding age differences, compatibility and relationships in the entertainment industry. However, Pony's decision was guided by personal conviction rather than public opinion. For her, emotional understanding, mutual respect and companionship mattered more than the numerical difference between their ages. The couple married in 2010, bringing together two established personalities from the Indian entertainment industry. Prakash Raj is widely recognised for his performances across multiple languages, while Pony has built her career in choreography. Their relationship also highlights how celebrity marriages frequently attract scrutiny. Age differences, previous relationships and family circumstances often become subjects of public debate, sometimes overshadowing the individuals' personal choices. Pony's reflections offer a broader perspective on changing social attitudes towards marriage. Although unconventional relationships may initially invite criticism, compatibility and shared values often matter more than traditional expectations. The entertainment industry has witnessed several marriages involving significant age differences. Such relationships continue to challenge stereotypes, encouraging conversations about individual freedom, emotional maturity and the evolving meaning of partnership. Ultimately, Pony Verma's story reinforces a simple message: successful relationships are built on trust, understanding and mutual commitment—not age calculations or social approval. Her experience illustrates how personal happiness sometimes requires the courage to look beyond conventional expectations and follow one's own judgment.

Investments

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Vertiv completes acquisition of Utility Innovation Group

Investments

Vertiv completes acquisition of Utility Innovation Group

Vertiv Holdings has announced its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vertiv Corporation, has completed its acquisition of Utility Innovation Holdings, Inc., which operates as UtilityInnovation Group (“UIG”) for approximately $1.45 billion in upfront cash. The transaction includes additional contingent consideration of up to $1.15 billion in cash based on achieving certain earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) targets over 12- and 24-month periods. At the approximately $1.45 billion purchase price, the acquisition represents approximately 13x expected UIG 2027 EBITDA. The EBITDA multiple is anticipated to be significantly lower if the full earnout is paid. Vertiv expects the acquisition to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share in the first year following completion. UIG is a leader in microgrid solutions, advanced power controls and behind-the-meter power architecture design for data centers. The acquisition extends Vertiv upstream to the grid interconnect, adding microgrid controls, onsite generation and energy storage orchestration, and behind-the-meter power architecture. These capabilities are expected to help data center operators secure power faster as grid constraints increasingly limit AI infrastructure deployment. “We are pleased to welcome the UIG team to Vertiv,” said Vertiv CEO Giordano Albertazzi . “As AI data center operators work to accelerate deployment in an increasingly power-constrained environment, access to power has become a critical competitive advantage. With UIG now part of Vertiv, we can extend our capabilities upstream to the utility interconnect and onsite power sources, creating a coordinated solution, from behind-the-meter power generation to chip, that helps customers achieve faster time to power without tying them to a single generation technology or supplier.” The Vertiv and UIG combination is expected to give customers greater flexibility in how they source, manage and scale power as data center requirements evolve by: · Accelerating access to power to ease or eliminate dependence on utility interconnection timelines, · Enabling Behind the Meter (BTM) site capacity to scale beyond what the grid alone can provide, and · Providing a single accountable relationship from grid interconnect through rack-level infrastructure. “UIG is excited to advance its mission to solve the power constraints that are slowing AI data center development,” said Sidney Hinton, Founder and CEO of UIG . “As part of Vertiv, we will be able to bring our microgrid and behind-the-meter power expertise to a broader set of customers globally, helping accelerate deployment of the critical infrastructure needed to support the growth of AI.” J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to Vertiv, and Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC served as legal counsel. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to UIG, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal counsel.

FCA Turns to Quantum Computing in War on Financial Crime

Investments

FCA Turns to Quantum Computing in War on Financial Crime

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) is exploring quantum computing as a new tool against financial crime. The move signals a fresh approach to tackling money laundering, banking fraud and increasingly sophisticated financial threats. The regulator has announced the Quantum Experimentation Group (QEG), which brings together financial institutions, quantum technology providers and national research laboratories. Due to launch in the first quarter of 2027, the group will look for practical uses of quantum technology in financial services. Its first focus will be quantum machine learning (QML): spotting suspicious transactions, uncovering hidden fraud patterns and strengthening anti-money laundering systems. Quantum techniques could eventually analyse complex relationships across vast transaction networks in ways conventional systems struggle to match. To get around restrictions on using real data, the FCA will give participants synthetic datasets. These allow controlled experiments without exposing any real customer information. Researchers will then compare quantum methods against conventional computing to measure whether they actually perform better. Jessica Rusu, the FCA’s Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer, stressed the value of experimenting early to find where quantum technology can make a real difference. The programme will also help the regulator understand the technology’s limits, its operational challenges and what it may mean for future regulation. British banks are already moving in the same direction. NatWest has joined quantum research focused on financial crime, and Lloyds Banking Group has worked with IBM on using quantum computing to detect money mule accounts, a growing problem across global banking networks. Caution is still needed. Quantum computing is an emerging technology with real limits in hardware reliability, scalability and cost, and it has not yet broadly outperformed established fraud detection systems. Banks must balance experimentation with cyber resilience and preparation for post-quantum cryptography. The initiative holds a clear lesson for India. As UPI payments, synthetic identity fraud and money mule networks grow, quantum-assisted analytics could one day support AI-driven fraud detection. The bigger opportunity lies in combining advanced computing, behavioural intelligence, secure digital identities and close cooperation with regulators to build a more resilient financial system.

Make In India

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Zen Technologies to Acquire Cogknit

Make In India

Zen Technologies to Acquire Cogknit

Hyderabad-based defence technology company Zen Technologies has approved the acquisition of a 51.98% stake in Bengaluru-based Cogknit Semantics for approximately ₹135 crore, strengthening its presence in indigenous defence technology and battlefield management solutions. The proposed acquisition reflects Zen Technologies' strategy to expand beyond its established expertise in military training simulators and counter-drone systems. Cogknit's capabilities in battlefield management technology could complement Zen's existing portfolio and support the development of integrated defence solutions. Battlefield management systems help military commanders collect, process and share operational information across units. By combining location intelligence, communications and situational awareness, these platforms can improve coordination, accelerate decision-making and strengthen operational effectiveness in complex security environments. The transaction also highlights the growing importance of software-led innovation in India's defence modernisation. Artificial intelligence, real-time data analytics, secure communications and autonomous technologies are increasingly shaping military requirements. Integrating these capabilities with existing defence platforms could create opportunities for more responsive and connected systems. For Zen Technologies, the investment offers an opportunity to diversify its technology portfolio, deepen research capabilities and participate in emerging defence procurement programmes. However, the commercial benefits will depend on successful integration, product development, customer adoption and execution of future contracts. The acquisition reinforces India's broader Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions, particularly the push to develop domestically controlled defence technologies. As India prioritises indigenous innovation and reduces dependence on imported military systems, partnerships between established defence manufacturers and specialised technology companies could accelerate development, strengthen intellectual property ownership and improve long-term competitiveness.

Ericsson scales AI-ready antenna manufacturing and ecosystem in India

Make In India

Ericsson scales AI-ready antenna manufacturing and ecosystem in India

Ericsson has reached a new milestone in its antenna manufacturing journey in India, with more than 15,000 antennas and 25 million components since July 2025 produced through its growing local ecosystem. Antennas manufactured in India are being exported to Europe and other global markets, strengthening India’s role in Ericsson’s global engineering, manufacturing and supply footprint. The milestone builds on Ericsson's launch of its first export-ready antennas manufactured in India in 2025. Since then, Ericsson has continued to expand local capabilities across sourcing, engineering, manufacturing and exports, serving customers in India and international markets. As mobile networks evolve toward 5G Standalone, AI-driven operations and future network architectures, antennas play an increasingly important role in unlocking network performance. Ericsson Antenna System designs solutions for network impact, helping communications service providers improve coverage and capacity, strengthen uplink performance, use spectrum more efficiently, and reduce network energy consumption. Mikael Eriksson, Head of Ericsson Antenna System, Ericsson, says : “Producing more than 15,000 antennas in India is an important milestone and is a step in a much longer journey. We are building an end-to-end antenna ecosystem that combines local sourcing and manufacturing with Ericsson’s global engineering capabilities. As networks become more intelligent and programmable, antenna performance will be increasingly important in getting the most from spectrum, sites and network investments. Expanding these capabilities in India strengthens both our ability to serve customers locally and India’s contribution to Ericsson’s global operations.” Ericsson's antenna portfolio supports the industry's transition toward more intelligent, programmable and energy-efficient networks. By improving network and site performance, Ericsson Antenna System helps service providers gain greater value from their network investments while preparing for future technology evolution. The expansion in India also strengthens Ericsson’s local supply and engineering capabilities. Through collaboration with manufacturing and technology partners, the company is developing capabilities spanning component sourcing, engineering, production and exports. Andres Vicente, CEO, Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, Ericsson, says: “India is an important part of Ericsson’s global innovation, engineering and manufacturing footprint. The production of more than 15,000 antennas and 25 million components shows how quickly this ecosystem is developing and the contribution it can make both in India and globally. Together with our partners, we are developing the capabilities needed for the next generation of high-performing, energy-efficient and AI-ready networks.” Ericsson will continue to strengthen its antenna ecosystem in India, advancing local engineering, manufacturing and export capabilities while supporting communication service providers in building high-performing, energy-efficient and future-ready networks.

Deepfake

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Three Seconds to Steal a Voice

Deepfake

Three Seconds to Steal a Voice

A few seconds of speech is now all a fraudster needs. With just three to four seconds of recorded audio, AI tools can clone a person’s voice well enough to fool colleagues, family members and finance teams. Indian enterprises are fast becoming prime targets. The raw material is everywhere. Executives speak on earnings calls, podcasts, webinars, LinkedIn videos and YouTube interviews. Every public appearance gives attackers a ready-made voice sample, and free or low-cost cloning tools can turn it into a realistic fake within minutes. The threat is already widespread. A McAfee survey found that 47% of Indian adults had experienced an AI voice scam or knew someone who had, nearly double the global average. Of the Indian victims, 83% lost money. For businesses, the stakes are far higher. In early 2024, an employee at engineering firm Arup in Hong Kong transferred about US$25 million after a video call in which the “CFO” and other colleagues were all deepfakes. In India, scammers have used deepfake videos of prominent business leaders to promote fake investment schemes. Attacks on companies usually follow a familiar script. A “CEO” calls finance to approve an urgent payment. A “vendor” asks to change its bank details. A “senior manager” requests passwords or confidential files. Because the voice sounds genuine, employees skip the usual checks. Defences must evolve as fast as the threat. Companies should require a call-back on a known number before acting on any payment or data request, agree on code words for sensitive approvals, and train staff to treat urgency as a warning sign. Deepfake detection and voice-forensics tools can also flag synthetic audio and video in real time. India’s data protection rules add urgency. Under the DPDP framework, organisations are accountable for protecting personal data, including voice and facial data. In a world where hearing is no longer believing, verification, not trust, must become the default.

IDEMIA Advances Quantum-Safe Payment Cards

Deepfake

IDEMIA Advances Quantum-Safe Payment Cards

IDEMIA has taken a significant step toward securing the future of digital payments by becoming the first company to achieve EMVCo certification for a payment card platform offering access to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The milestone signals growing industry preparedness for emerging quantum computing threats. As quantum computing advances, conventional public-key cryptographic algorithms could eventually become vulnerable to powerful quantum attacks. Financial institutions, payment networks and card manufacturers are therefore exploring quantum-resistant technologies to safeguard sensitive transactions and long-term digital trust. The EMVCo certification represents an important development in payment security, demonstrating that IDEMIA's platform meets applicable industry specifications. However, certification should not be interpreted as proof that every payment transaction is already protected by post-quantum cryptography. For banks and payment processors, the announcement highlights the importance of crypto-agility—the ability to upgrade cryptographic mechanisms without disrupting existing payment infrastructure. This becomes particularly critical for payment cards with long operational lifecycles and extensive global deployment. The transition toward quantum-safe payments will require coordinated efforts across chip manufacturers, card issuers, payment networks, hardware security providers and regulatory authorities. Compatibility, performance, interoperability and implementation costs will influence adoption. Importantly, quantum resilience extends beyond payment cards. Digital identities, authentication credentials, transaction authorization and backend banking systems must also evolve to counter emerging cryptographic risks and increasingly sophisticated fraud techniques. The larger industry message is clear: post-quantum security is becoming a strategic priority rather than a distant research challenge. IDEMIA's achievement could accelerate industry readiness, but meaningful protection will depend on comprehensive cryptographic modernization, rigorous testing and coordinated deployment across the payment ecosystem.

Start-UP

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FaceOff Technologies: Defending the Human Mind Against Cyber-Enabled Cognitive Warfare

Start-UP

FaceOff Technologies: Defending the Human Mind Against Cyber-Enabled Cognitive Warfare

Building a sovereign AI-powered trust layer to counter deepfakes, digital deception, synthetic identities and information manipulation. The Next Battlefield Is Human Trust Cyber warfare is entering a dangerous new phase. The objective is no longer limited to stealing data, disrupting networks or compromising critical infrastructure. Increasingly, adversaries are targeting human perception, decision-making, institutional credibility and public trust. This emerging threat is known as Cyber-Enabled Cognitive Warfare (CECW), where artificial intelligence, social engineering, deepfakes , disinformation and coordinated cyber operations are used to manipulate what people see, hear, believe and ultimately decide. Unlike conventional cyberattacks, cognitive warfare does not always require breaching a firewall. A fabricated video, cloned voice or convincing impersonation can influence financial decisions, damage reputations, create public panic or undermine confidence in institutions. The new battlefield is not merely the computer network. It is the human mind. FaceOff's Mission: Protecting Digital Truth Recognising this evolving threat landscape, FaceOff Technologies is developing a sovereign, AI-powered digital trust ecosystem designed to strengthen resilience against cyber-enabled deception and cognitive manipulation. At the heart of its technology is the proprietary Adaptive Cognito Engine (ACE®), which combines multimodal AI intelligence to examine digital identities, facial characteristics, voice signals, behavioural patterns and contextual indicators. Rather than relying on a single image, voice recording or biometric match, ACE® evaluates multiple signals to identify inconsistencies that may indicate synthetic content, impersonation or fraudulent interactions. Its Trust Factor and Confidence Score framework is designed to help organisations assess digital authenticity before taking critical decisions. Five Pillars of Cognitive Defence FaceOff's approach to cyber-enabled cognitive warfare is built around five interconnected capabilities: Deepfake and Synthetic Media Detection: Identifying manipulated videos, cloned voices, AI-generated images and fabricated digital identities that could be used to spread misinformation or impersonate trusted individuals. Multimodal Identity Assurance: Combining facial, voice, liveness and behavioural signals to strengthen verification of individuals involved in sensitive communications and transactions. AI-Powered Threat Intelligence: Analysing suspicious digital content and patterns associated with impersonation, coordinated deception and emerging social-engineering campaigns. Continuous Behavioural Trust: Using behavioural analytics and contextual signals to detect suspicious changes during digital interactions, rather than relying exclusively on initial authentication. Sovereign and Privacy-First Deployment: Supporting on-premises, private-cloud and isolated deployment models for institutions handling sensitive information and national-security-related workloads. Together, these capabilities form a defensive framework for protecting digital evidence, trusted communications and high-risk decision-making. From Cybersecurity to Cognitive Security Consider a scenario where a senior government official appears in a fabricated video announcing an emergency. Within minutes, the content spreads across social media, creating confusion and potentially influencing public behaviour. In another scenario, cybercriminals clone the voice of a bank executive to authorise a fraudulent transfer. The attacker may never compromise the bank's core network; instead, the attack exploits the trust placed in a familiar voice. FaceOff's technology is designed to support verification in such situations by analysing the authenticity of media, identity and interaction signals, flagging anomalies and enabling further investigation. The objective is to help institutions move from reactive incident response towards proactive deception detection and evidence-based verification. However, automated detection is not infallible. High-impact decisions must retain human oversight, forensic validation and appropriate safeguards against false positives. Strategic Relevance for India India's expanding digital economy, UPI ecosystem, e-governance platforms, defence infrastructure and interconnected communications networks create significant opportunities for innovation—but also expose institutions to sophisticated AI-enabled deception. Cyber-enabled cognitive attacks could target financial institutions, public services, corporate leadership, emergency communications and the wider information ecosystem. FaceOff Technologies aims to contribute to India's indigenous cyber-defence capabilities through its Make in India, Made for the World approach, with applications across BFSI, law enforcement, government, critical infrastructure and enterprise security. Its sovereign architecture is particularly relevant where sensitive identity information and forensic evidence must remain within controlled environments. Building a Cognitive Trust Shield The next generation of cyber resilience will require collaboration among technology providers, cybersecurity teams, intelligence analysts, regulators, media organisations and public institutions. FaceOff's longer-term opportunity lies in integrating deepfake forensics, identity assurance, threat intelligence and continuous trust assessment into an interoperable defensive architecture. Such an architecture could help organisations identify manipulated information, verify sensitive communications, preserve digital evidence and reduce the likelihood of deception-driven decisions. The ultimate objective is not to control human thinking, but to protect people's ability to make informed decisions based on authentic information. The Future of Warfare Is a Battle for Trust As generative AI makes digital impersonation increasingly accessible, the distinction between authentic and fabricated information will become a defining security challenge. Traditional cybersecurity protects networks, applications and data. Cognitive security must also protect the integrity of information and the decisions that depend on it. FaceOff Technologies is working towards this next frontier: transforming digital authenticity, behavioural intelligence and sovereign AI into a defensive trust layer against cyber-enabled cognitive warfare. The future of national and enterprise security will depend not only on protecting what we know, but also on verifying what we are made to believe. FaceOff's guiding principle: Verify Before You Trust.

CrowdStrike–Fiddler Deal Signals New Era of AI Security

Start-UP

CrowdStrike–Fiddler Deal Signals New Era of AI Security

CrowdStrike’s announced agreement to acquire Fiddler AI signals a significant shift in enterprise cybersecurity, as organisations increasingly recognise that securing autonomous AI agents requires more than traditional monitoring and threat detection. Fiddler AI, backed by Insight Partners since 2021, began its journey in 2018 with machine learning observability. The emergence of generative AI subsequently pushed the company towards agentic AI observability and intelligent governance. At Insight Partners’ ScaleUp conference, Fiddler executive Fahad Rizqi explained the company’s evolution towards building an independent control plane for AI systems, designed to strengthen trust, accountability and operational transparency. The fundamental challenge is that observability alone cannot guarantee security. Detecting abnormal behaviour is useful, but enterprises also need to understand its root causes, assess consequences and determine appropriate corrective actions. Fiddler addresses these challenges through specialised evaluation models that analyse AI interactions and outputs. Its technology monitors hallucinations, potential exposure of personally identifiable information, and other performance and security indicators across AI workloads. For CrowdStrike, the proposed acquisition represents an opportunity to extend cybersecurity capabilities into the rapidly expanding agentic AI ecosystem, where autonomous applications increasingly access enterprise data, execute workflows and influence business decisions. However, AI security demands more than identifying suspicious outputs. Enterprises require continuous behavioural monitoring, independent model evaluation, policy enforcement, human oversight and automated containment to prevent compromised agents from triggering cascading operational failures. The bigger industry message is clear: AI observability is evolving into AI assurance. As autonomous agents become embedded across banking, healthcare, government and enterprises, independent verification and enforceable controls will become essential pillars of digital trust and responsible AI adoption.

Cryptocurrency

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WazirX launches India’s first AI co-pilot for crypto trading

Cryptocurrency

WazirX launches India’s first AI co-pilot for crypto trading

WazirX has announced the launch of WazirX AI , an intelligent trading assistant designed to help users research crypto markets, understand their portfolios and act on trading opportunities in real time without moving between charts, news feeds, signal groups and trading screens. The agent is integrated into the WazirX app and website, and users can ask questions, receive researched insights with supporting charts, and approve real trades instantly, all from one unified interface. Before users trade, WazirX AI shows them their live portfolio update. It then uses their risk preferences to recommend the right position size. “Crypto markets operate 24/7, but traders should not have to spend their day moving between charts, news feeds and trading screens,” said Nischal Shetty, founder, WazirX . “WazirX AI combines market research, portfolio monitoring and trade preparation into one conversation, reducing the time and effort required to evaluate an opportunity and act on it. The AI streamlines the workflow, and enables a faster and easier decision making process.” How it works WazirX AI follows an ‘Ask-Understand-Decide’ model. It can coordinate market-data, technical-analysis, portfolio and order-management across a multi-step request, giving users a quick route from identifying an opportunity to making an informed decision. · Conversational market research: Users can ask about live prices, market news and macroeconomic developments. The co-pilot responds with a clear summary and supporting charts. · Portfolio briefings: Users can request a live overview of their account and connected WazirX balances, including portfolio value, profit and loss, open positions, etc. The same information can also be requested by users as a daily morning brief. · Trade execution in chat: Users can place trades directly within a conversation. WazirX AI presents each proposed order through an approval card and can size the position according to the user’s risk settings. · AI-powered alerts: Users can create monitoring instructions in everyday language, for example, “Tell me if BTC breaks key support.” WazirX AI evaluates the condition and sends a notification when the condition is met. A user can ask WazirX AI to screen INR futures for four-hour momentum, retain opportunities meeting a specified risk-reward threshold, validate the shortlist across multiple timeframes and prepare an order showing entry price, leverage, margin, stop-loss, take-profit and estimated loss. The assistant can then prepare an order displaying the entry price, leverage, margin, stop-loss, take-profit and estimated loss - all within the same conversation. Before placing a trade, traders can spend hours gathering market context, poring over charts, analysing technical indicators, identifying patterns and trends, and working out entry, exit and risk levels. With WazirX AI, that entire process is transitioned into one conversational experience, helping users access relevant insights and complete their analysis in under 10 minutes. The co-pilot continues watching user-defined market conditions and only sends a notification when those conditions require attention. To democratize access to this technology, WazirX is launching a Paper Trading Sandbox where every user begins with a simulated US$100,000 balance. This allows users to explore the entire research-to-trade workflow, test strategies, and build confidence before using real funds.

X to Add Stock and Crypto Trading

Cryptocurrency

X to Add Stock and Crypto Trading

X is preparing to move deeper into financial services, with plans to let users trade stocks and cryptocurrencies directly from their timelines. The feature, described by head of product Nikita Bier, will introduce “Smart Cashtags,” interactive ticker labels that allow buying and selling without leaving the app. The rollout is expected within weeks. By tapping a symbol in a post, users could view market data and execute trades, effectively blending social conversation with real-time investing. Owner Elon Musk has long pushed to transform the platform into an all-encompassing digital utility. He recently said internal testing is underway for X-Money , the company’s in-house payments system, with an external beta likely within a couple of months. Musk’s ambition goes far beyond peer-to-peer transfers. In earlier remarks to employees, he framed payments as covering a user’s entire financial life—transactions, savings, and even securities—arguing that such integration could eventually reduce the need for traditional banking relationships. If delivered, trading and payments would mark a dramatic expansion of X’s role, positioning it at the intersection of social media, fintech and digital identity. The move also intensifies competition with brokerage apps, crypto exchanges and payment platforms already fighting for user engagement. For X, finance may become the engine that converts attention into transactions.

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iValue Journey to a Public Company

Channel Guru

iValue Journey to a Public Company

A MILESTONE OF CONSISTENT GROWTH DRIVEN BY PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIPS. For every organisation, there are defining moments that mark both a reflection on the past and a commitment to the future. For iValue, our Private Equity investment in 2019 and now our successful listing on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are such milestones. The iValue story has never been about visibility for its own sake. From the very beginning, we focused on building quietly, working closely with OEMs, partners and Enterprises, and staying true to one belief: technology creates lasting value only when it solves real business challenges. THE VISION THAT DROVE US From inception in 2008, iValue has been driven by a clear vision: to be the most valued technology enabler and Aggregator in the digital transformation space. That meant choosing away from the conventional path, and being a Trusted advisor, to our system Integrators and Enterprises. Our purpose was clear: curate and integrate the best technologies, address real business challenges, and help enterprises thrive in the ever evolving IT Landscape. We built our business on three fundamental pillars: deep relationships, domain expertise, and an unwavering focus on enterprise value. These principles shaped us into being a trusted advisor. Today, we serve over 8,000 enterprises across sectors, working with more than 100+ OEMs and 800+ channel partners. This includes trusted engagements with the Top 100 Brands across BFSI, ITES, Telecom, Manufacturing, and Conglomerates. But the numbers only tell part of the story. The real story is about how we've consistently aimed to be different, building differentiators that deliver value across the ecosystem. WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS BUSINESS OUTCOMES This philosophy manifests in how we approach enterprise challenges. Our expertise spans across four critical technology domains reshaping enterprises in: Cybersecurity, Information Lifecycle Management, Data Centre Infrastructure, Application Lifecycle Management and Hybrid Multi-Cloud. Today’s Business depend on Digital Applications more than ever before. Hybrid- cloud environment provides business with much needed flexibility with scalability for their core applications. Our Application Lifecycle Management offerings enable enterprises to build secure and scalable digital applications for hybrid cloud deployment needs. Information Lifecycle Management solutions empower enterprises to get the best insights from its vast data towards building predictable and profitable business. we Curate solutions from Code to Cloud needs, to meet every enterprise need around Performance, Availability, Scalability and Security of its critical digital applications. Our 24*7 Managed services help customers proactively identify and address needs to ensure business continuity. Each domain is interconnected. Together, they represent an integrated approach to the app-driven economy, enabling enterprises to build, secure, and scale their end-to-end digital capabilities. Our Center of Excellence (CoE) showcase these best-of-breed technologies in real-time, thus validating the impact of adopting these technologies in a customer’s environment, helping large and medium enterprises make risk-free, informed investment decisions. A MARKET IN TRANSFORMATION The Indian IT product market reached $81.2 billion in 2024, making it the second largest in Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), with projections to exceed $106 billion by 2028, according to IDC. But market size alone doesn't capture the transformation underway. Enterprises are fundamentally changing how they buy / consume technology and more importantly how they do business. They're moving from on-premise to hybrid multi-cloud architectures, prioritizing AI and automation, escalating cybersecurity investments in response to evolving threats, and modernizing legacy applications and infrastructure through API-driven integration and microservices. • Most importantly, they're Large Enterprises are not looking for transactional vendors anymore. The IDC report on the Future of Tech Distribution in India highlights this shift: Large and Medium enterprises now seek technology aggregators and advisors who understand their business challenges, simplify complexity, and enable secure, accelerated growth through new-age technology adoptions. This transformation validates everything we've built. As enterprises prioritize digital transformation initiatives, our role as a technology aggregator and consultant becomes increasingly critical. 18 YEARS IN THE MAKING Our CFO, Swaroop MVN, compared our journey to a rocket launch. "The ignition was 2008," he explains. "Since then, we've had multiple 'firsts'—first customer practices, Centre of Excellence (CoE), our ASPL acquisition, expansion into South East Asia, Private Equity investments, Institutionalizing our teams, and now going public." From our first OEM relationship to the 100+ strategic alliances we maintain today, identifying new technology partnerships has been our foundation. Each achievement— supporting enterprises through regulatory shifts, powering digital initiatives like UPI, GST, and Aadhaar, helping banks secure millions of transactions daily, and enabling hybrid-cloud adoption at scale—has been realized together with our partners. Equally important are our customers, who trusted us to guide their digital journeys. Their challenges shaped our solutions. Their ambitions drove our innovation. THE HUMAN ELEMENT Perhaps the most emotional part of listing day was recognizing what it took to get here. As Krishna Raj Sharma noted, “This journey didn’t start with just three promoters. Behind every success is a huge team. And behind every team member, families who gave their strength and support. Seeing our children in front of the bell reminded us this milestone is about legacy as much as it is about growth.” Our 400+ team members bring technical mastery, passion, and customer-first commitment to every engagement. They are consultants, problem-solvers, and trusted advisors to our customers. This listing celebrates them most of all. Sunil Kumar Pillai, Chairman and Managing Director, puts it simply: "This milestone belongs to every person who has been part of iValue's journey. From the earliest employees who believed in our vision, to our partners who stood by us through market shifts, to our customers who trusted us with their most critical assets—this listing is a celebration of you all. OUR COMMITMENT FORWARD As we enter this new chapter with public market accountability, our growth strategy is anchored in four key areas: advancing AI, ALM, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud services. We're enhancing our capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud services to meet evolving enterprise needs for analytics, automation, enterprise security, and multi-cloud solutions. We're expanding our application lifecycle management offerings with platforms that streamline development cycles and accelerate delivery. We're growing our geographic footprint in South East Asia and beyond, diversifying markets and building new partnerships. And we're deepening our expertise in the app-driven economy, delivering solutions for mobile-first and app-centric enterprises. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iValue Infosolutions Creating Value for Investors, Enterprises, and India’s Digital Future iValue Infosolutions’ listing on NSE & BSE marks a defining step in our journey of enabling secure and transformative digital enterprises. With 17 years of consistent growth, 8,000+ enterprise relationships, and a trusted partner ecosystem of 600+ system integrators, this milestone reflects our strong foundation and forward-looking vision. As digital adoption accelerates across India and SAARC–SEA markets, iValue is uniquely positioned at the intersection of cybersecurity, cloud, and data innovation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “As we reflect on where we started and where we stand today, one thing is clear: the listing is not an end point. It’s a beginning of a new chapter with an opportunity to strengthen our purpose, widen our reach, and deepen our impact. The journey ahead will demand more discipline and compliance, more innovation and resilience. And we are ready because we walk it together.” - Sunil Kumar Pillai, Chairman & Managing Director, iValue Group For Krishna Raj Sharma, the moment is deeply personal: "When we started out, the vision was simple—to make technology meaningful for enterprises. Over time, that vision grew into a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, adaptation, and building long-term trust. Reaching the Stock Exchange is a proud moment, but more than that, it is a humbling one. It reminds us of the responsibility we carry to our employees, OEM, partners, customers, and now our shareholders." Whether empowering enterprises with AI-driven cybersecurity to protect people and data, guiding banks through compliance mandates that safeguard trust, or enabling telcos and governments to modernize infrastructure for citizen-centric services — our focus has always been on addressing real human challenges through carefully curated technologies. iValue will continue as a trusted advisor. We view this listing not merely as a financial achievement, but as an opportunity to amplify impact, bringing more technologies to more businesses, deepening investments in people and partnerships, and continuing to shape India's digital future. To our Employees: thank you for your expertise, passion, and sacrifices. To our OEMs: Thank you for your partnership during every Milestone. To our Partners: thank you for your collaboration and innovation. To our Customers: thank you for your trust and ambition. To our Investors and Shareholders: thank you for believing in our journey. The future is exciting, but our values remain the same: Innovation, integrity, commitment, and customer-first thinking. These will continue to guide iValue in this new chapter.” - Krishna Raj Sharma, Executive Director, iValue Group The iValue story has always been about people, partnerships, and purpose. Let’s Continue to create Value with iValue, together.

We don't just sell products - we architect solutions - RAH INFOTECH

Channel Guru

We don't just sell products - we architect solutions - RAH INFOTECH

"We don't just sell products - we architect solutions. Our channel- first philosophy of 'we succeed when our partners succeed' has driven 50% year- on-year growth for two decades." - Ashok Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, RAH Infotech As RAH Infotech celebrates its 20th anniversary, the company stands as a testament to India's rapidly evolving IT distribution landscape. What began as a technology distributor in 2005 has transformed into India's fastest-growing specialty value-added distributor, consistently delivering over 50% year-on-year growth while serving Fortune 500 companies and government agencies across 17 locations. On this milestone occasion, VARINDIA caught up with Ashok Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, and Rahul Yadav, Chief Growth Officer, to decode the success story behind RAH Infotech's remarkable journey from a startup to India's leading cybersecurity and cloud solutions distributor, representing over 30 global technology leaders and serving more than 1,000 enterprises through a robust network of 500+ channel partners. How RAH Infotech is driving technological adoption and business growth across India, with this what is the road-map for the FY 2025-26? Ashok Kumar: At RAH Infotech, we've been at the forefront of India's digital transformation for nearly two decades, maintaining over 50% year-on-year growth since 2005. This consistent growth trajectory reflects the trust Indian IT reseller community has placed in our value-added distribution capabilities. We drive technological adoption through end-to-end solutions - consulting, technical assistance, and implementation services - rather than just product distribution. Our network of 500+ channel partners and 1,000+ enterprise customers, including Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, enables comprehensive market reach across every vertical. The key to our success has been identifying market needs early and introducing cutting- edge technologies from global leaders before competitors. We've consistently anticipated technology shifts - from traditional networking to cloud-first architectures, from perimeter security to zero trust models, and from reactive to proactive cyber defense strategies. For FY 2025-26, our roadmap focuses on digital infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity excellence, and strategic expansion. We're expanding cloud computing solutions through partnerships with leading vendors and, while doubling down on cybersecurity with innovations like Digital Trishul for executive threat monitoring. We're also strengthening our India and international footprint while focusing on AI, IoT, and machine learning distribution. Our investment in emerging technologies positions us to capture the next wave of digital transformation as Indian enterprises embrace Industry 4.0 and smart infrastructure initiatives. RAH Infotech boasts a diverse product and solution portfolio, representing some of the world's most renowned technology brands. Can you name the sectors you are addressing? Ashok Kumar: We serve diverse sectors including BFSI, which drives significant growth through regulatory compliance requirements and digital banking initiatives, government and public sector through massive digitization programs and smart city projects, healthcare with critical data protection and telemedicine infrastructure, hospitality with secure guest networks and contactless solutions, automotive with Industry 4.0 and connected vehicle technologies, education with hybrid learning platforms, manufacturing with operational technology security, and telecommunications with 5G infrastructure and edge computing solutions. Our comprehensive solution domains span cybersecurity covering network security, endpoint protection, application security, and identity management. We provide networking solutions from infrastructure to SD-WAN, cloud computing including hybrid and multi-cloud services, data management with backup and recovery solutions, plus application security and performance optimization. We represent industry leaders like Radware, Hitachi Vantara, ForeScout, Trend Micro, Netskope, AlgoSec, BMC, Checkmarx, Commvault, and Varonis, positioning us as a one-stop-shop for complete IT infrastructure needs. This comprehensive approach allows our partners to address complex customer requirements with integrated solutions rather than point products. Can you share the presence of RAH Infotech in India and the global footprint? Rahul Yadav: RAH Infotech has built a strong pan-India presence with strategic international expansion. We're headquartered in Gurgaon with our operations spanning across the nation. We maintain strong pan-India presence through 17 strategic locations covering metros to tier-2 cities, supported by 500+ VARs and system integrators who form the backbone of our distribution network. Our international footprint spans Singapore for APAC operations, UK and Netherlands for European markets, USA for North American partnerships, UAE for Middle East expansion, and Nepal for SAARC regional coverage. This global reach enables us to leverage international best practices while bringing cutting-edge technologies to India first, often ahead of direct vendor entries. Our geographical strategy focuses on proximity to customers and partners, ensuring rapid response times and local market understanding. Each location houses technical experts who understand regional compliance requirements, language preferences, and business practices. This localized approach has been crucial in government sector wins where understanding state-specific procurement processes and regulatory frameworks makes the difference. Our employee strengthof 228 professionals has grown 12% year-over-year, with one-third being technical experts - a key differentiator in value-added distribution. These technical resources include certified engineers, solution architects, and cybersecurity specialists who provide pre-sales consulting, solution design, and post-deployment support. This combination of local market knowledge and global reach positions us uniquely to serve both multinational corporations and growing Indian enterprises, earning recognition as 'Top APAC Technology Distributor.' What is the key strategy of RAH Infotech for partner empowerment considering the evolving tech industry? Rahul Yadav: Partner empowerment remains our success cornerstone. Unlike competitors moving to direct sales, we maintain channel-first approach because partners' success drives ours. This philosophy has created lasting relationships - many partners have been with us for over five years despite industry consolidations and vendor changes. Our strategy centers on technical excellence with one-third technical workforce providing comprehensive training, certifications, and hands-on support, plus business development assistance including partnerships with consulting firms and Big Four companies. We've invested significantly in partner enablement programs including technical bootcamps, sales methodology training, and market development funds. Our partners receive not just product training but business consulting on market positioning, competitive differentiation, and customer engagement strategies. We also provide demo equipment, proof-of-concept support, and technical resources for large deal closures. We offer competitive margins, flexible financing through our vendor finance programs, and performance-based incentives including international trips and recognition awards, while generating qualified leads from our Fortune 500 and government relationships. Our lead-sharing model ensures partners get first opportunity on deals in their territories. As there are increasing demands for cloud-based solutions, how RAH Infotech is equipped with cloud migration framework? Ashok Kumar: Cloud adoption is now essential for business agility and cost optimization, and we've positioned ourselves as comprehensive enablement partners rather than simple technology distributors. Our framework begins with detailed infrastructure and business assessments, followed by cloud- first strategy development that considers regulatory requirements, data sovereignty, and business continuity needs. We offer hybrid multi-cloud solutions maintaining flexibility between on-premises and cloud workloads through our strategic partnerships with leading cloud and infrastructure vendors. Our cloud expertise extends beyond basic migration to include application modernization, DevOps integration, and cloud-native architecture design. We help organizations break down monolithic applications into microservices, implement containerization strategies, and establish continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines for faster innovation cycles. Security integration is paramount through partnerships with Netskope for Zero Trust Network Access, Saviynt for comprehensive identity governance and administration, and Radware for application protection against DDoS attacks and web threats. Our LT ZERO collaboration addresses comprehensive data storage, automated backup, long-term archiving, and regulatory compliance concerns including GDPR and local data protection requirements. We modernize applications to be cloud-native rather than simple lift- and-shift migrations, while providing 24/7 managed services including proactive monitoring, performance optimization, cost management, and security incident response. Industry-specific frameworks address BFSI regulatory compliance, government data sovereignty mandates, and healthcare protection requirements under various privacy regulations. RAHUL YADAV EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RAH INFOTECH Can you share RAH Infotech's proactive stance on cyber security solutions? Rahul Yadav: Cybersecurity is our foundation, not just a solution area. With threats evolving rapidly during geopolitical instability, we've adopted proactive approaches. Our Digital Trishul launch with RiskProfiler.io offers 24/7 dark web and executive monitoring, protecting high- ranking officials from personal cyber threats like credential theft and social engineering. Through Netskope, we implement Zero Trust Access ensuring "never trust, always verify" authentication. Our comprehensive portfolio covers network security with next- gen firewalls, application security through web application firewalls, data security via Varonis partnership, identity security through Saviynt and Delinea, plus advanced endpoint protection. Our specialized government and critical infrastructure solutions, combined with SOC capabilities and AI-powered threat intelligence, enable proactive threat hunting rather than reactive responses. We architect comprehensive security postures that are globally best-in-class yet locally relevant to India's threat landscape.

Channel Chief

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From Endpoint to Cloud: SonicWall Builds a Unified Security Future

Channel Chief

From Endpoint to Cloud: SonicWall Builds a Unified Security Future

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and AI-driven, endpoint security is emerging as a critical line of defense. SonicWall is expanding beyond its traditional network security roots to position itself as a broader cybersecurity platform, bringing together network, cloud, endpoint and user protection. With EDR, MDR and AI-powered threat detection at the core of its strategy, the company is focused on helping organizations detect, respond to and recover from threats faster. Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President, Regional Sales APJ, SonicWall explains how this integrated approach is particularly relevant in India, where rapidly digitizing SMBs and distributed enterprises are seeking simpler, scalable security solutions that can strengthen resilience without adding operational complexity How does EDR strengthen SonicWall’s overall cybersecurity portfolio? EDR helps SonicWall shift from being seen mainly as a network security company to a broader cybersecurity platform provider. Its portfolio now supports the full attack chain: preventing threats at the network and cloud edge, detecting suspicious endpoint behavior, investigating attacks, responding quickly, and restoring affected systems. This positioning is especially relevant for SonicWall in India, particularly among MSMEs and distributed enterprises, where customers often prefer simple, integrated security over multiple point products. SonicWall’s unified Capture Client approach is built around that need for simplicity. SonicWall Capture Client uses advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities to give organizations stronger control over endpoint health. Administrators can trace threat origins and movement, terminate or quarantine threats, and restore endpoints to their last known healthy state after infection or compromise. Key features include: Comprehensive Feature Set: Next-generation antivirus (NGAV), behavior-based malware protection, Windows rollback, vulnerability insights, device control, and centralized policy management. Unified Visibility: A cloud-based dashboard with multi-tenant support and remote troubleshooting. MDR Advantage: 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) access, proactive threat hunting, and regular audits to maintain strong security hygiene. Flexibility: No minimum commitment requirements and a 21-day Proof of Concept for easy evaluation. Furthermore, SonicWall recently announced the launch of SonicWall Endpoint Security, a unified endpoint protection solution purpose-built for managed service providers (MSPs) serving small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Available as a standalone Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tool or as a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, fully managed by the SonicSentry security operations center, the platform brings powerful threat protection, automated threat response and one-click ransomware restore. The solution is powered by SonicWall’s patented Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI) engine to stop advanced threats in real time. How is SonicWall addressing AI-driven attacks, ransomware and evolving endpoint threats? Platform Strategy for a more complex threat landscape As cyberthreats grow more complex, SonicWall is positioning itself as the cybersecurity platform of choice for MSPs and MSSPs protecting diverse, distributed environments. The company is focused on delivering a tightly integrated security ecosystem that combines advanced threat protection, managed security services (MSS), managed detection and response (MDR) through SonicSentry, Cloud Secure Edge, and unified visibility across endpoints, networks, and cloud workloads. Partner-Led scale and faster response By aligning innovation with the operational needs of service providers, SonicWall enables partners to scale more efficiently, respond faster to threats, and deliver measurable value to customers. This partner- first model is central to SonicWall’s growth strategy and helps MSSPs and MSPs lead in today’s fast-changing cybersecurity market. Using AI and ML to stay ahead of emerging threats SonicWall uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify and respond to evolving cyber risks, including AI-driven attacks, ransomware, and advanced endpoint threats. As connectivity, data exchange, and digital transformation accelerate, these technologies help organizations innovate while maintaining strong protection, resilience, and business continuity. What are SonicWall’s key new products, and what security challenges do they address? SonicWall’s recent product innovations are designed to secure the modern distributed enterprise wherever users, applications, and workloads operate. Gen 8 strengthens protection at the network edge NSv extends security to cloud and virtual environments Cloud Secure Edge delivers Zero Trust access for users and applications EDR brings advanced detection and response to endpoints Where do you see the biggest cybersecurity opportunities and gaps in India? India represents a significant growth opportunity for SonicWall as rapid digitalization continues to widen the cybersecurity gap—especially among SMBs, mid-market organizations, and distributed enterprises. The country’s vast SMB ecosystem is adopting digital tools quickly, but many businesses still need stronger, more integrated security to protect expanding users, applications, cloud services, and endpoints. The core challenge is that many organizations are digitizing faster than they are maturing their cybersecurity practices. They may have firewalls, endpoint tools, or cloud services in place, but often lack the integrated architecture, operational discipline, and in-house expertise needed to manage risk effectively. The most common gaps include overexposed access, continued reliance on legacy VPNs, and reactive rather than proactive security models. Identity, cloud, and credential-based attacks now account for nearly 85% of actionable alerts globally, making India’s SMB-heavy and rapidly evolving economy especially exposed. While security spending is rising, investment often goes toward adding new tools rather than strengthening fundamentals such as patching, access hygiene, continuous monitoring, and response readiness. This creates a strong opportunity for SonicWall to help Indian organizations close these gaps with enterprise-grade protection delivered through a simpler, integrated platform. By working closely with MSPs and MSSPs, SonicWall can also support businesses that need ongoing security management, faster threat response, and practical guidance to improve cyber resilience. How will the new portfolio create opportunities for VARs, MSPs and MSSPs? SonicWall’s expanded portfolio gives partners a stronger opportunity to move beyond one-time product sales and build complete, recurring cybersecurity services. VARs can broaden their footprint across network, endpoint, cloud, virtual firewall, and Zero Trust solutions. Further, SonicWall being a 100% channel driven organisation continues to strengthening its position as a preferred cybersecurity platform for MSPs and MSSPs securing distributed, high-risk environments. The strategy is centered on an integrated ecosystem that helps service providers simplify operations, respond faster to threats, and deliver measurable value to customers. We base our strategy around these four pillars that shape the partner growth: Unified platform A single-pane-of-glass security services platform that integrates AI to help managed partners protect SMB environments more efficiently. AI-driven protection An active security platform that uses advanced threat intelligence to improve real-time detection, prevention, and response. Simplicity and lower cost A focus on reducing vendor sprawl, simplifying security operations, and lowering total cost of ownership for customers. Partner-led delivery A partner-driven model that gives SMBs access to enterprise-grade cybersecurity without requiring large in-house teams or budgets. How can SonicWall help organizations strengthen security and support DPDP Act readiness? DPDP readiness is fundamentally about protecting personal data across its full lifecycle, and cybersecurity plays a critical role in enabling that protection. SonicWall helps organizations build the technical foundation needed to support DPDP-aligned security practices through network security, endpoint protection, Zero Trust access, cloud security, and threat detection and response. At the same time, no cybersecurity product alone can make an organization DPDP compliant. SonicWall’s role is to help customers strengthen the safeguards, visibility, and response capabilities that form part of a broader privacy and compliance program. This is especially important for India’s SMB and mid-market organizations, where the priority is to make strong data protection practical, scalable, and easier to manage. What are SonicWall’s key priorities for India and APAC over the next 12–18 months? India will continue to be one of SonicWall’s most important markets and innovation hubs over the next 12–18 months. The country is not only a major growth opportunity, but also a key contributor to SonicWall’s global product development, with hundreds of employees and a strong R&D presence in Bangalore supporting AI-driven detection, threat intelligence, and threat-prediction capabilities used across the company’s global platform. This strategic resource in India is expected to grow manifolds in the coming months. As mentioned, SonicWall has been embedding AI into its security technologies for more than seven years, and India’s engineering talent plays a meaningful role in advancing that roadmap. Combined with India’s rapidly digitizing SMB ecosystem, expanding cloud adoption, strong channel network, and deep pool of cybersecurity and AI expertise, the market is expected to shape SonicWall’s global security strategy as much as it benefits from it.

Veeam Enabling Enterprises Build Trust, Security and Compliance for AI

Channel Chief

Veeam Enabling Enterprises Build Trust, Security and Compliance for AI

Veeam Software launched its VeeamON Tour India 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together enterprise leaders, government stakeholders, partners and customers to address data governance, protection and trust as AI adoption accelerates. The event focused on DPDP compliance, data localization, ransomware resilience, sovereign-ready infrastructure and AI governance, while showcasing innovations including the DataAI Command Platform and Veeam Data Platform. Speaking on the sidelines, Sandeep Bhambure, Vice President and Managing Director, India & SAARC, Veeam Software highlighted how these solutions help organizations strengthen security, ensure compliance and enable workload portability across evolving hybrid, virtualized and containerized IT environments. AI, how does Veeam plan to help enterprises balance rapid AI adoption with strong data compliance, privacy, and security governance? One of the biggest inhibitors to AI adoption at enterprise scale has been the absence of a dedicated AI and data trust layer. Existing security frameworks from the pre-AI era were primarily designed around preventing unauthorised human access to sensitive data through perimeter-based security models such as network and application security. However, these approaches are no longer sufficient in the AI era because organisations now also need controls for AI agents, not just humans. At the same time, the unstructured data landscape is expanding rapidly. Globally, nearly 230 zettabytes of information are expected to be created, with almost 90% of it being unstructured data. In the BI era, enterprises largely operated on structured and transactional data. However, the AI era is fundamentally driven by unstructured data. This means that large volumes of enterprise data that previously remained dormant are now becoming accessible and usable through LLMs and AI agents. Alongside this, the threat landscape is becoming increasingly sophisticated. AI agents themselves are now emerging as one of the biggest threats to enterprise data security, with one in eight cyberattacks being carried out by AI agents and a significant number of attacks originating from shadow data or shadow AI environments. For enterprises, the challenge of scaling AI securely has therefore become extremely complex. The missing layer between enterprise data sources, AI models, AI control planes and industry-specific agents is the AI and data trust layer. This is precisely what Veeam is addressing through the Data AI Command Platform. Through this single platform, Veeam enables customers to manage security, compliance, governance, privacy and data resilience within one integrated framework. Traditionally, organisations would have needed multiple disconnected products to achieve these capabilities, resulting in fragmented environments and operational complexity. The Data AI Command Platform instead delivers these foundational capabilities through a unified architecture designed specifically for AI-scale environments. At the core of the platform is the Data Command Graph, which provides enterprises with complete visibility into their data estate at a granular level. This allows organisations to understand whether data is mission-critical, whether it contains PII, how frequently it is being accessed, who or what is accessing it and whether it is relevant to regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, DPDP or RBI- related compliance requirements. With the upcoming Veeam Data Platform V13.1, is Veeam seeing a clear shift from legacy hypervisors to open-source and container-based environments, and how is it capitalising on this transition? Yes, we are seeing a growing number of organisations moving even mission- critical applications away from traditional Broadcom VMware environments toward alternative hypervisors and increasingly toward containerised environments as well. Application modernisation is happening at a significant scale, particularly within the financial services industry. As enterprises modernise workloads from traditional virtualised environments into Kubernetes and other container platforms, the earlier approaches to data protection and resilience no longer remain sufficient. Organisations now require native Kubernetes backup and recovery capabilities specifically designed for these modern environments. This is an area where Veeam is helping customers through its Kasten solution, which is designed to support Kubernetes-native backup and recovery requirements. Veeam already supports a broad range of hypervisors and has been helping enterprises migrate workloads from one hypervisor platform to another. Because of the way Veeam’s backup architecture works, customers can back up workloads from virtually any virtualised platform and recover them onto another platform. This flexibility is becoming increasingly valuable as enterprises explore hypervisor portability strategies.

Data Centre

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India's AI Data Centre Boom

Data Centre

India's AI Data Centre Boom

India is witnessing an unprecedented expansion of AI-ready data centres, emerging as a strategic destination for global technology companies investing in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and next-generation digital infrastructure. The rapid growth of generative AI, enterprise cloud adoption and data-intensive applications is accelerating demand for high-performance computing, advanced GPUs, scalable storage and reliable digital infrastructure across the country. Gujarat's Jamnagar is emerging as a significant AI infrastructure destination, with Reliance Industries and Meta featured in the expanding ecosystem of technology investments and strategic collaborations. Greater Noida is attracting attention through Yotta and NVIDIA , highlighting the growing importance of GPU-powered computing infrastructure for AI development, enterprise workloads and sovereign digital capabilities. Maharashtra remains a major data centre hub. Navi Mumbai hosts operators including Yotta, Sify, AWS, NTT DATA and AdaniConneX, while Pune features Microsoft and AdaniConneX. Raigad is also emerging through AirTrunk's infrastructure ambitions. Eastern India is gaining prominence, with Bhubaneswar attracting attention through HCLTech and Sarvam AI. Adani's expanding infrastructure interests further strengthen Odisha's potential as an emerging technology destination. Hyderabad continues to consolidate its position through CtrlS, Microsoft, AdaniConneX and other technology players, supported by enterprise demand, cloud investments and a growing digital services ecosystem. Southern India's infrastructure landscape is expanding rapidly. Chennai features ST Telemedia Global Data Centres and AirTrunk, while Visakhapatnam is drawing attention through Google, AdaniConneX and Airtel-related infrastructure initiatives. However, the real challenge extends beyond constructing data centres. India's AI ambitions require affordable electricity, sustainable cooling, reliable connectivity, semiconductor access, skilled professionals and stronger cybersecurity and data protection frameworks. Ultimately, India's data centre boom represents more than infrastructure expansion—it is a race for AI sovereignty. Converting investment announcements into operational computing capacity, indigenous innovation and commercially sustainable AI services will determine India's competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Musk’s AI Empire Faces Noise Backlash

Data Centre

Musk’s AI Empire Faces Noise Backlash

Elon Musk's expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure is facing growing opposition in Southaven, Mississippi, where his SpaceXAI business is reportedly offering to purchase more than 400 homes near its data centres and gas-powered electricity facilities. The controversy highlights the environmental and social costs of the global AI infrastructure race. According to reports, the company is targeting approximately 418 properties in the Colonial Hills neighbourhood. However, homeowners accepting the offers must reportedly waive their rights to participate in litigation concerning noise and disturbances associated with nearby power-generation facilities. Residents allege that industrial gas turbines generate persistent noise, vibrations and disruption, affecting their ability to sleep and enjoy their homes. Some compare the sound to aircraft engines. The company disputes the allegations and maintains that it has implemented noise-reduction measures. The controversy extends beyond noise pollution. Environmental organisations have challenged the operation of gas turbines over alleged permitting violations and air-quality concerns. Regulators have also scrutinised the facilities, raising broader questions about environmental compliance during rapid AI infrastructure expansion. Meanwhile, Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite has defended the investment, highlighting employment opportunities, tax revenues and economic development. He maintains that the property purchases are voluntary and could provide accommodation for employees. However, tenants face potential displacement when landlords accept buyout offers. The deeper issue concerns the extraordinary electricity requirements of AI supercomputing. Training and operating increasingly sophisticated models demand enormous computing capacity, forcing technology companies to secure dedicated power infrastructure. Without effective planning, residential communities may bear disproportionate environmental costs. Ultimately, Musk's expansion demonstrates that technological innovation cannot be separated from social responsibility. Financial compensation alone cannot replace environmental accountability. Sustainable AI development requires transparent monitoring, meaningful community consultation, enforceable pollution safeguards and responsible infrastructure planning. The future of artificial intelligence must protect not only computing performance and profitability, but also the health, rights and quality of life of surrounding communities. Key Highlights 418 homes targeted: SpaceXAI reportedly aims to purchase properties surrounding its Southaven facilities. Legal restrictions: Buyout agreements reportedly require homeowners to waive claims connected to existing noise litigation. Continuous noise complaints: Residents allege persistent turbine noise and vibrations affecting everyday life. Environmental scrutiny: Gas-powered infrastructure faces legal challenges involving emissions and operating permits. Housing displacement: Some tenants report receiving notices to vacate after landlords accepted purchase offers. Economic benefits: Local authorities highlight potential employment, investment and additional tax revenues. AI sustainability challenge: The controversy exposes the growing tension between hyperscale computing expansion and community welfare. Health Impact Analysis: When AI Infrastructure Becomes a Public Health Concern Persistent industrial noise can disrupt sleep, increase stress and contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular risks. Children, elderly residents and people with existing medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable. Continuous turbine noise can also impair concentration and psychological well-being. Combined with potential air pollution, these exposures raise serious public health concerns, making independent noise monitoring, environmental assessments and enforceable mitigation essential for protecting residential communities.

E-Commerce

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PhonePe Announces ‘Tatkal NPS’ Backed by Leading Banks to Simplify Retirement Investments

E-Commerce

PhonePe Announces ‘Tatkal NPS’ Backed by Leading Banks to Simplify Retirement Investments

PhonePe announced the launch of ‘Tatkal NPS’ (National Pension System) on its platform, partnering with prominent banking institutions to democratize long-term retirement planning. Expanding its comprehensive financial services suite, this offering enables millions of users across India to open a government-backed pension account with micro-contribution starting at just ₹250. With this launch, users can now securely create their NPS account through an intuitive, 100% digital journey, thus eliminating barriers to opening a pension account. To deliver this frictionless experience, PhonePe has integrated with India’s leading banking institutions with plans to expand coverage across the banking sector. The Tatkal NPS facility, an innovation developed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), enables the seamless re-use of existing Bank KYC through a secure, one-time OTP authentication. This framework enables PhonePe to provide its users with an effortless, paperless onboarding experience, allowing them to create their Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) in minutes. Tatkal NPS caters to a nationwide audience, including first-time planners, millennials, and Gen-Z. By lowering the investment threshold to ₹250, PhonePe is tapping into India’s positive demographic dividend and enabling this population cohort to start building their pension and retirement security right from an early stage. Specifically, this offering serves as a crucial, disciplined retirement vehicle for cohorts such as gig economy workers, independent freelancers, and small business owners, who often lack access to mandatory corporate retirement schemes. Speaking on the launch, Deep Agrawal, VP and Head of Payments at PhonePe said, “At PhonePe, our vision is to empower every Indian to accelerate their financial progress by unlocking seamless access to financial services. The launch of Tatkal NPS marks a significant milestone in bringing long-term financial planning and retirement security to the masses. By simplifying the process into a seamless, 100% digital journey and partnering with India's most trusted banks under the aegis of PFRDA, we are making regulated retirement planning accessible to the heart of Bharat with absolute confidence, safety, and convenience.” Here’s how PhonePe Users Can Access and Book Tatkal NPS on the PhonePe app: Initiation: Open the PhonePe app and type NPS in the search bar and select the "National Pension Scheme" option Account Setup: Tap 'Start Pension Account Journey' and select your preferred linked bank account. Instant Verification: Authenticate the bank account instantaneously via a secure bank OTP. Final Booking: Enter the initial contribution amount (starting at ₹250) and complete the secure payment via PhonePe UPI to instantly generate your PRAN.

Thomson expands festive TV line-up with new Mini-QD, QLED and Full HD models

E-Commerce

Thomson expands festive TV line-up with new Mini-QD, QLED and Full HD models

The French consumer electronics brand adds Mini-QD, QLED and non-smart models across popular screen sizes, while a Flipkart Big Billion Days lucky draw offers a Tata Punch, a Honda Activa and Thomson TVs to winners. As consumers gear up for the festive season, Thomson, a French consumer electronics brand, has announced an expansion of its smart TV and wash portfolio. The new line-up brings a mix of Mini-QD, QLED and non-smart televisions across popular screen sizes, giving consumers a wider choice across price segments. To add an exciting layer to festive shopping, SPPL has announced a Grand Lucky Draw Contest during Flipkart's Big Billion Days sale. Customers buying eligible Thomson, Blaupunkt and Kodak TVs on Flipkart get a chance to win prizes that include a Tata Punch, a Honda Activa and a range of Thomson smart LED TVs. The contest will run across the first 10 days of the sale and reward 10 winners, with one winner picked each day. The winner is the 100th customer to buy an eligible Thomson, Kodak or Blaupunkt TV on Flipkart with a minimum cart value of ₹8,499. The Tata Punch is the first prize, followed by a Honda Activa on Day 2. The remaining prizes are Thomson LED TVs in screen sizes from 24 inches to 75 inches. Flipkart Big Billion Days 2026 begins on October 9, with early access for select customers from October 8. The brand has also promised deals during the sale, including an additional 10 percent discount on Axis and ICICI Bank cards. New Mini-QD TV brings premium features A key highlight of the festive portfolio is the new Thomson Mini TV, a 55-inch Mini-QD 4K television for consumers seeking an upgraded viewing experience. It features Mini-QD display technology, 1.1 billion colours, 550 nits brightness, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for enhanced colour reproduction and contrast. Support for 120Hz HSR, VRR and ALLM makes it suitable for sports, action-heavy content and gaming. For sound, the TV has an 80W Dolby Audio stereo box speaker system with four speakers, along with Dolby Atmos support. It has a bezel-less Airslim design and runs on Google TV, with Google Assistant, built-in Chromecast and AirPlay support. A wider line-up across QLED and Full HD Thomson is also expanding its smart TV range with a 65-inch JioTele OS TV. It has a 4K QLED display with 1.1 billion colours, a bezel-less AirSlim design and up to 450 nits brightness. Powered by JioTele OS, it offers 300+ free live TV channels, 300+ JioGames and popular global and regional OTT apps through the Jio Store. Its 48W Dolby Audio stereo speakers, Dolby Digital Plus and dedicated Sports Mode add to the experience. The TV also has dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a voice-enabled multilingual remote, three HDMI ports and two USB ports. The brand is further expanding its Alpha QLED portfolio with a new 50-inch size. It has a bezel-less design, a Full HD QLED display and up to 400 nits brightness. Powered by Coolita 3.0, it gives access to popular streaming apps, live channels and pre-installed games. It also has 40W surround sound, multiple sound modes, and HDMI, USB and Miracast connectivity. In Full HD, Thomson adds 40-inch and 43-inch models with LED displays, A+ Grade panels, 300 nits brightness and a 178-degree viewing angle. Both offer 36W stereo sound with multiple sound modes, plus HDMI, USB, VGA, AV and component connectivity. Energy-efficient performance, digital noise reduction, child lock and timers round out the features.

Data Privacy

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Government Open to Revising DPDP Act

Data Privacy

Government Open to Revising DPDP Act

The Indian government has indicated its willingness to amend the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and its rules if provisions are found to undermine constitutional protections for press freedom and journalistic activities. Senior officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology clarified that the legislation primarily regulates organisations processing personal data, rather than restricting legitimate journalism or editorial independence. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Section 7 principally addresses data fiduciaries, including banks, telecommunications operators and insurance companies, while maintaining that journalism should not face unnecessary restrictions. The clarification follows a Supreme Court decision to examine a petition filed by the Digital News Publishers Association, representing 21 leading Indian news organisations, challenging provisions potentially affecting freedom of speech and expression. The controversy exposes a fundamental regulatory dilemma: protecting citizens' personal information without weakening investigative journalism, public-interest reporting or the media's constitutional role in holding institutions accountable. Unlike India's DPDP framework, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) explicitly permits member states to reconcile privacy protections with freedom of expression, including exemptions for journalistic purposes under Article 85. India's legislation does not provide an equivalent blanket journalistic exemption, creating uncertainty about its application to news organisations. Government assurances therefore require appropriate legal clarification to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement. The larger challenge is achieving regulatory balance. India must protect personal data while preserving independent journalism, transparency and democratic accountability. Clearly defined safeguards and proportionate exemptions could strengthen public confidence without compromising the fundamental right to privacy.

Facial Recognition at Protests: Security or State Surveillance?

Data Privacy

Facial Recognition at Protests: Security or State Surveillance?

The Supreme Court is examining whether Delhi Police's use of facial recognition technology during protests at Jantar Mantar constitutes unlawful State interference, raising fundamental questions about privacy, surveillance and constitutional freedoms. The petitioners, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, have demanded transparency regarding surveillance technologies, their legal authorisation, data collection practices and safeguards against potential misuse. Key Arguments Privacy: Public participation does not automatically eliminate constitutional privacy protections. Legal Authority: Biometric surveillance requires a clearly established and applicable legal framework. Proportionality: Security measures must be necessary, targeted and proportionate. Accuracy: Facial recognition errors can lead to wrongful identification and harassment. Data Protection: Biometric records require strict retention, access and deletion safeguards. Human Oversight: Automated matches must never independently justify coercive police action. Democratic Freedom: Surveillance must not discourage lawful protests or undermine freedom of expression. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned whether conventional CCTV monitoring can be equated with AI-powered facial recognition capable of identifying individuals across massive databases. The distinction is significant. While cameras observe public activities, automated biometric identification can potentially track individuals, establish identities and create persistent surveillance records without their knowledge. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended police surveillance as a legitimate security measure, arguing that individuals protesting publicly cannot expect complete privacy from cameras installed for public protection. However, the Court highlighted concerns surrounding automated identification accuracy, database matching and potential State interference. Authorities maintained that facial recognition matches undergo physical verification before enforcement action. The debate also involves India's Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, which permits specified biometric collection but raises questions about its application to ordinary protesters. Separately, Delhi traders argued that prolonged demonstrations disrupt commercial activities and livelihoods. The Court acknowledged competing constitutional interests involving peaceful protest, public safety and economic freedom. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasised that designated protest spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely, particularly when other groups also seek opportunities to exercise their democratic rights. The larger question extends beyond policing: Can governments deploy powerful biometric surveillance without creating a chilling effect on dissent? India's eventual judicial approach could establish crucial boundaries for AI surveillance, proportionality, accountability and democratic freedoms in public spaces.

Cloud Computing

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AMD EPYC processors power Google Cloud’s TPU 8tx host infrastructure

Cloud Computing

AMD EPYC processors power Google Cloud’s TPU 8tx host infrastructure

The deployment combines AMD’s server processors with Google Cloud’s AI accelerators to help enterprises protect sensitive data and models while running inference, fine-tuning and reinforcement learning workloads through hardware-enforced confidential computing across hosts and accelerators. AMD said that its fifth-generation EPYC processors are powering the host infrastructure for Google Cloud’s TPU 8tx. AMD described the system as the first cloud Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) platform to offer hardware-enforced confidential computing, which helps protect data while it is being processed. The EPYC processors prepare data, coordinate workloads and manage communication with the TPU accelerators. The system combines Google Cloud’s AI acceleration with AMD Infinity Guard security features and compatibility with existing x86 software. Hardware protections extend to AI accelerators The system uses AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) alongside security features in the TPU to extend confidential computing protections from the host processor to connected accelerators. It verifies an accelerator’s identity and security configuration before allowing it to access protected memory directly. According to AMD, customer prompts, model weights and intermediate data remain encrypted in host memory and during transfers between the host and accelerators. The system uses hardware isolation to protect the data while the accelerator processes it. “When teams move AI agents into production, they need confidence that their data and intellectual property stay private, even from the underlying infrastructure,” said Mark Lohmeyer, vice president and general manager for AI and Computing Infrastructure, Google Cloud . “By pairing 5th Gen AMD EPYC processors with our 8th-generation TPU architecture inside the AI Hypercomputer, we are bringing hardware-enforced confidential computing to cloud TPUs for the first time. Customers get silicon-level data protection alongside the low-latency performance needed for modern reasoning models.” AMD and Google Cloud expand their collaboration The TPU 8tx deployment builds on several generations of collaboration between AMD and Google Cloud. EPYC processors already support several Google Compute Engine virtual machine families, including C4D, N4D, H4D, Z4D and G4. AMD’s SEV technology also helps protect workloads in services such as Confidential VMs, Confidential GKE and Confidential Dataflow. “The most capable AI systems need a CPU foundation that can match the demands of the accelerators they host,” said Dan McNamara, senior vice president and general manager, Compute and Enterprise AI, AMD. “Across generations of EPYC, we have built leadership capabilities in the performance, memory bandwidth and I/O that keep accelerated systems productive, backed by years of engineering collaboration with the world’s leading cloud providers. Our work with Google Cloud brings that strength to TPU 8tx, helping customers scale AI with the performance and protection their most important workloads demand.”

E2E Networks launches Blaze, bringing pay-per-token AI inference to India's Sovereign AI Factory

Cloud Computing

E2E Networks launches Blaze, bringing pay-per-token AI inference to India's Sovereign AI Factory

Built on NVIDIA DSX OS, Blaze gives India's AI builders access to leading open models through a single API powered by NVIDIA GPU infrastructure in India E2E Networks has launched Blaze, a pay-per-token inference service for open AI models. Blaze gives developers and enterprises a single OpenAI-compatible endpoint to leading open models. Powered by NVIDIA GPU infrastructure and open-source components from NVIDIA DSX OS, Blaze turns E2E’s India-hosted AI factory capacity into production inference services, while E2E manages model hosting and scaling. Customers pay only for the tokens they use. Indian AI companies are moving from pilots to production, making inference cost and latency critical to product viability as AI agents drive up token consumption. Data sovereignty and keeping compute within India are key priorities, additionally the rising AI-assisted development costs are adding pressure on CIOs to improve token efficiency. “Blaze is where you can run your production inference,” said Tarun Dua, Founder and Managing Director, E2E Networks . “There is customer demand for frontier-class open weight models running on an NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) with NVIDIA reference design clusters as Sovereign Compute. Blaze provides them this on E2E Cloud in India. Blaze provides easy integration with all E2E Cloud platform services” Built for how AI is used now Blaze is designed for inference-heavy products where latency and cost per token matter most, including voice, coding agents, document AI and OCR, image and video generation, and language applications. For latency-sensitive voice and chat applications, Blaze offers fast time to the first sentence, while open weight models benefit from high kv cache reuse to reduce inference cost. Bringing AI factory capacity into production with NVIDIA DSX OS Blaze integrates open-source components from NVIDIA DSX OS, the open, modular software layer within the NVIDIA DSX AI Factory Platform. NVIDIA Dynamo provides distributed model serving, with KV cache-aware routing, disaggregated prefill and decode, and fast data transfer between GPUs through NVIDIA NIXL. NVIDIA Grove and KAI Scheduler coordinate inference workloads across E2E's Kubernetes fleet. NVIDIA BlueField DPUs, NVIDIA DOCA and NVIDIA Infra Controller enforce hardware-level isolation between customers, which matters for banks, healthcare providers and public-sector bodies with strict data rules. “Access to AI computing and inference services is essential to advancing India’s AI ecosystem,” said Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director for South Asia at NVIDIA . “NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform provides a foundation for cloud providers like E2E Networks to make AI more accessible to India’s developers and enterprises.” One platform from training to tokens Blaze and TIR, E2E’s AI platform, provide a flexible path for customers to scale AI workloads. Blaze delivers API-based, token-efficient inference for open-weight models, with optimized performance and seamless scaling. TIR enables self-hosted inference and model pre-training and post-training on high-performance NVIDIA Blackwell GPU clusters, through managed Kubernetes, offering greater control over infrastructure and model customization. Customers can serve their own or fine-tuned models on TIR’s managed Kubernetes with Integrated NVIDIA Dynamo. E2E's AI factory capacity is expanding to about 14.6 MW, including a 1,024-GPU NVIDIA Blackwell GPU cluster live since May 2026 and additional 5.4 MW of Blackwell capacity including HGX B300 systems and other Blackwell GPUs.

NVIDIA DLSS 5 Redefines Gaming Visuals

Gaming

NVIDIA DLSS 5 Redefines Gaming Visuals

NVIDIA is expanding its DLSS 5 technology with 3D-Guided Neural Rendering to three major games this November: Hogwarts Legacy , War Thunder and Where Winds Meet . The technology promises enhanced lighting, realistic materials and improved visual fidelity. Powered by a reportedly twice-as-fast AI model optimised for GeForce RTX 50 Series and RTX Spark devices, DLSS 5 represents another advancement in AI-assisted graphics rendering, combining improved image quality with accelerated gaming performance. Hogwarts Legacy receives DLSS 5 support on November 5, introducing refined shadows, realistic reflections and enhanced environmental textures. NVIDIA claims the GeForce RTX 5090 can deliver up to 300 FPS at 4K under specified settings. War Thunder will integrate DLSS 5 through its mid-November Eagle's Shadow update. Enhanced highlights, shadows and material details aim to improve battlefield realism, with NVIDIA reporting up to 400 FPS at 4K in its benchmark. Where Winds Meet , developed by Everstone Studio, receives DLSS 5 support on November 23 in North America and November 24 globally. The update aims to enrich its open-world environments and character rendering. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, GRAVHOUNDS, Hunting Simulator 3 and Phantom Blade Zero are expanding support for DLSS Super Resolution, Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, Ray Reconstruction and NVIDIA Reflex, improving responsiveness and graphical performance. Industry Analysis: NVIDIA's strategy signals a shift from traditional graphics processing toward AI-driven visual reconstruction. However, hardware compatibility, latency, image consistency and independent performance validation will determine whether neural rendering delivers meaningful advantages beyond benchmark figures and promotional demonstrations.

Mahadev Betting Scam: ₹6,000-Crore Racket Under Scrutiny

Gaming

Mahadev Betting Scam: ₹6,000-Crore Racket Under Scrutiny

The reported extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar , alleged mastermind of the Mahadev Online Book betting syndicate, from Oman to India marks a significant development in the investigation into one of India's largest suspected illegal betting operations. Following his detention under an Interpol Red Notice, Chandrakar is expected to face judicial proceedings in Chhattisgarh. Originating in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, the alleged betting empire was reportedly established by Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal. Investigators believe the operation expanded rapidly around 2019–20, with Dubai emerging as its operational hub. The network allegedly facilitated illegal betting on cricket, football, tennis, poker and other online gambling activities. The syndicate reportedly operated through an extensive franchise-based network, involving multiple betting panels, agents and intermediaries. Customers were recruited across India, while betting proceeds allegedly moved through mule bank accounts, fragmented transactions and informal financial channels designed to conceal their origins and beneficiaries. Key Highlights Major Extradition: Alleged Mahadev betting mastermind brought back from Oman. ₹6,000-Crore Investigation: Authorities examine suspected illegal betting proceeds. Global Money Trail: Mule accounts, hawala and cross-border transactions under scrutiny. Corruption Allegations: Investigators probe suspected protection payments to officials. Cybercrime Warning: Stronger financial surveillance and international cooperation are critical. Investigating agencies have also alleged that substantial payments were made to public officials in exchange for protection from enforcement action. The CBI investigation involves allegations of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption, while the Enforcement Directorate is separately examining suspected money laundering and assets allegedly connected to unlawful proceeds. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber-enabled financial crime, where digital platforms, cross-border operations and opaque payment networks can complicate investigations. Chandrakar's return could help investigators reconstruct financial trails, examine digital evidence, identify beneficiaries and establish whether regulatory or institutional failures enabled the alleged operation. Beyond the extradition, the larger challenge lies in dismantling the financial infrastructure supporting illegal betting networks. Stronger transaction monitoring, international intelligence-sharing, mule-account detection and coordinated enforcement are essential. Ultimately, the prosecution must establish guilt through admissible evidence, as allegations, arrest and extradition do not constitute a conviction.

Security & Surveillance

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iDADA Wi-Fi Camera Adds Significant Value to India’s Fast Growing Smart Home Market

Security & Surveillance

iDADA Wi-Fi Camera Adds Significant Value to India’s Fast Growing Smart Home Market

The Smart Home market in India is experiencing an exponential boom, transitioning rapidly from a luxury niche to a mass-market expectation. According to Mordor research, “ The Smart Home market is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 29.12%. Smart Home security has become an important part of modern living. From keeping an eye on your home while you are at work to checking in on family members when you are away, Wi-Fi CCTV cameras offer a convenient way to monitor indoor spaces.” iDADA , an AIoT brand launched recently, represents a significant value addition to the fiercely competitive Indian smart home Wi-Fi camera market. By focusing on highly localized consumer needs, domestic manufacturing, and accessible high-tech features, iDADA addresses the key pain points traditionally ignored by global players. The primary value drivers making iDADA a game-changer in the Indian market include: Robust "Made in India" Infrastructure & Regulatory Compliance Indigenous Manufacturing: Anchored by indigenous production infrastructure near Mumbai, iDADA heavily scales "Made in India" localized hardware. This reduces reliance on foreign supply chains and promises better product availability and tailored localized support. STQC & BIS Certified Privacy: Data privacy is a prominent concern for Indian consumers. iDADA cameras come with STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) certification , reassuring users that their cloud-hybrid ecosystems and data transit routes meet strict government-backed security regulations. Edge AI & Premium Software Features While typical entry-level Wi-Fi cameras only offer basic motion detection, iDADA integrates advanced localized edge AI into its affordable ecosystem (with flagship products like the Q2i 3MP retailing at affordable price points. Intelligent Sensing: The camera offers not just AI Human Tracking and Motion Sensing, but also Noise and Cry Detection , positioning it effectively as an accessible baby or elder monitor. Physical Privacy Shutter: The integrated "Sleep Mode" utilizes a mechanical lens shutter. This provides a definitive optical block for users weary of digital hacks. Granular App Optimizations: Managed through the iDADA Pro App , it introduces highly practical usability fixes that often plague competitors: Six Preset Positions: Users can map up to 6 custom panoramic zones, allowing the camera to snap to specific angles instantly. In-App Network Switching: Allows users to change connected Wi-Fi routers seamlessly without requiring a hard hardware reset. Zero-Lag Notifications: Ultra-fast, near-instant alert delivery compared to the delayed notifications typical of cloud-heavy competitors. Freedom from Subscription "App Traps" Indian consumers are highly value-conscious and notoriously subscription-averse. iDADA bypasses mandatory monthly paywalls by offering massive storage expansion: Up to 512GB MicroSD Support: Most standard Wi-Fi cameras cap local storage at 128GB or 256GB. iDADA allows up to 512GB of local Expandable memory , allowing weeks of Super HD video retention locally without requiring a monthly cloud storage subscription. Smart Home Wi‑Fi Cameras: Smart, Secure, and Reliable Protection Smart Home Wi-Fi CCTV camera can be a secure and useful addition to your home when it is installed correctly, configured securely, and used with appropriate privacy settings. It is a smart secure and reliable tool for protection and monitoring your home from intruders. Application Scenario: A Wi-Fi CCTV camera captures video footage of its surroundings and uses a wireless network to communicate with compatible devices and services. Depending on the camera model, users can view live footage, receive motion alerts, communicate through two-way audio, and access recorded videos. Most smart Wi-Fi cameras connect to a home Wi-Fi network and can be managed through a compatible mobile application. Use Privacy Settings When Required: Some smart cameras offer privacy modes that temporarily restrict monitoring. Depending on the model, this may involve stopping recording, disabling live viewing, or moving a physical lens shutter into place. Before relying on this feature, check exactly what privacy mode does on your camera. A software-based privacy mode and a physical lens shutter may provide different levels of protection. The iDADA Q2i offers privacy-related functionality. One can check the specific model's documentation and app settings to understand how to activate it and which functions are disabled. A Smart Home camera from iDADA is your smart companion for a safer and secure home.

How the right retail audio system transforms in-store shopping experience

Security & Surveillance

How the right retail audio system transforms in-store shopping experience

If you walk into many of today’s more thriving retail stores, you'll notice something beyond the visual merchandising and curated displays: the stores sound intentional. You’ll hear music that is warm, present, and at the right level. The store will feel like somewhere worth spending time. As a result, you will slow down and stay longer. This is no accident. Retail audio has quietly become one of the most powerful — yet most underestimated — tools of shaping the retail experience. Physical retail is under more pressure than ever. When shoppers can buy almost anything online in seconds, the store itself has to offer something a screen cannot. Often, that comes down to experience. How the space looks, how it feels and, increasingly, how it sounds. Audio is the one element that immerses shoppers from the moment they walk in, to the moment they leave. When a premium retail environment has poor audio execution, it creates an immediate psychological friction known as sensory incongruence. Shoppers instinctively detect this friction even if they cannot consciously pinpoint why they feel uncomfortable. The effect is real and measurable. Research from Neuro-Insight has shown that when a brand’s message is delivered in a high-quality audio environment, positive sentiment – how much people like a brand – increases by 66%, whilst brand memory increases by 24%. Background music also masks noise from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or busy crowds, making the space feel cleaner and more premium. Most retailers already sense that audio matters. The harder question is: why does the music in so many stores still fall short? The equipment is usually the problem In many cases, the problem is caused by the sound systems used in-store. In particular, speakers that weren't designed for background music – such as consumer-grade Bluetooth devices, or fragmented analog systems that deliver inconsistent sound quality across different zones – tend to create all sorts of different problems: • Uneven coverage: Sound may be too loud by the entrance, yet inaudible at the back of the store. Shoppers in dead zones will, naturally, miss promotions entirely. • No zone control: In some stores, every part of the shop gets the same music at the same volume. There's no way to match the feel of different departments or adjust for different times of day. • Sound that fatigues: Speakers tuned for clear voice announcements don't always handle music well. After a few hours, the sound feels tiring rather than welcoming — for staff as much as for shoppers. • Hard to expand: Adding a speaker to a new section means new cable runs, downtime, and technical compatibility headaches. For multi-location retail chains, achieving consistent audio quality across dozens of stores is a real challenge. • Aesthetics that break the brand: A bulky speaker unit on the ceiling can undermine the interior design investment a brand has made. This is where purpose-built retail audio solutions make a real difference. And increasingly, those solutions run on IP networks. What a network audio system does for a retail store A modern retail store audio system runs on the same IP network that carries a store's POS terminals, security cameras, and Wi-Fi. In a retail context, this single infrastructure handles three distinct jobs: • Background music, managed by zone: Different zones — entrance, apparel, grocery, checkout — can play different content at different volumes, scheduled to shift throughout the day. Morning opening, busy lunchtime rush, quieter late-afternoon browsing … the audio adapts to the rhythm of the store. • Announcements that fit the experience: When a staff call or promotion goes out, it doesn't cut through the music harshly. Instead, the system lowers the music, delivers the message clearly, then brings the music back. The experience stays smooth. • Emergency alerts, built in: The same speakers used for background music can broadcast emergency announcements. In a fire or evacuation, the system overrides everything with a clear, store-wide alert — no separate emergency system needed. In many markets, this kind of integrated setup is a compliance requirement for large retail spaces. This is precisely the system that professional AV integrators and forward-thinking retailers are adopting as their standard for background audio for retail stores. How MegaKywi brought this to life MegaKywi is one of Ecuador's leading home and personal care retailers, operating large-format stores that serve thousands of shoppers daily. When they decided to upgrade their in-store audio, the goal was straightforward: better atmosphere, clearer communication. They have used Hikvision's IP audio system across the entire store. Network Column Speaker (DS-QAZ14A2G1) and Network Cabinet Speaker (DS-QAZ1120G1R-B) have been deployed across high-traffic areas, aisles, checkout zones, and customer service points. The column speakers deliver controlled, directional sound across large open floors, whilst the cabinet speakers blend into walls and ceilings with a low-profile design that keeps the focus on the shopping experience, not the equipment. The result is seamless background music and clear announcements throughout the store, all managed through a single connected system that MegaKywi's team can update remotely. Hikvision commercial audio products: built for retail background music The MegaKywi project shows what Hikvision's Commercial Audio range is designed to do. At the heart of the system is the Network Amplifier — the component that brings all the network capabilities described above to life. Paired with the mobile app, it enables remote management of volume, routing, and DSP (Digital Signal Processor) settings per zone — all from a phone. The commercial speakers in the range are designed to work alongside this network infrastructure. Three things make them a strong fit for retail: • Sound that works in a real store: A speaker that performs beautifully in a showroom doesn't always perform well in a live store. Hard floors, high ceilings, parallel shelving, and crowd noise all reshape what listeners hear. Hikvision's commercial speakers are tuned specifically to provide background music in exactly these kinds of challenging spaces: balanced across the frequency range, and comfortable to listen to for hours. • Designed to disappear into the space: Good retail design shouldn't be interrupted by the hardware delivering the music. Hikvision's commercial speakers are built with clean lines, quality finishes, and adjustable mounting angles — so they blend into the ceiling or wall rather than drawing attention to themselves. • A configuration for every zone : Different spaces need different speaker setups. The Hikvision commercial range covers ceiling mounts (for standard suspended ceiling installations), pendants (for high-ceiling spaces like warehouse-format or feature zones), and wall mounts (for aisles, fitting rooms, and service areas). Having all these options within a single product ecosystem simplifies procurement and ensures consistent audio quality whether you're fitting out one store or standardizing across a regional chain. The right equipment makes the music work For any retailer thinking seriously about optimizing the in-store experience for their customers, the work starts not with the playlist, but with the audio system delivering it. Upgrading to purpose-built commercial audio hardware is the first step that makes everything else possible — consistent coverage, natural sound, and a comfortable atmosphere that shoppers can feel. Even if they can't explain it.

Cyber Crime

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TV Box Maker’s Backdoor Built a 1.3 Million-Device Botnet

Cyber Crime

TV Box Maker’s Backdoor Built a 1.3 Million-Device Botnet

Google has disrupted a massive botnet built from more than 1.3 million Android TV set-top boxes. It says the botnet was created on purpose by the devices’ own manufacturer, Shenzhen-based Videostrong. Google says it is highly confident that Videostrong deliberately built a backdoor into many of its device models and sold criminals access to the resulting network, known as x.cpe or XCPE. The company does not blame a rogue insider or an accident. The backdoor ran as a system app with deep access to the device, and it switched off Google Play Protect’s checks so it could install software silently. Criminals used the boxes for ad fraud and for residential proxy services, which route other people’s traffic through owners’ home internet connections. They could also capture screenshots, log keystrokes and take remote control. Researchers at TrendAI counted almost 1.5 million infected devices across 206 models, with the highest numbers in Malaysia, Brazil, Iraq, Mexico and Taiwan. Videostrong reportedly hid the malicious code to pass Google’s certification tests, then loaded it after the device was first switched on. In late October, Google used legal action to seize the botnet’s control servers, working with Japan’s National Police Agency and security firms including Lumen and HUMAN Security. It has also banned Videostrong from building or supplying certified Android devices. Because the backdoor sits in the firmware, it survives restarts, and experts disagree on whether a factory reset is enough. Owners of cheap, unbranded TV boxes should check published model lists and consider replacing the device.

Five Stars for Sale: The Fake Review Black Market

Cyber Crime

Five Stars for Sale: The Fake Review Black Market

Online ratings are increasingly for sale. Research by Malwarebytes Labs has uncovered underground sellers on cybercrime forums who offer five-star reviews on demand and charge to make negative feedback disappear. The services target Google , Trustpilot, Yelp and mobile app stores. Removing a single review costs $100 to $200 on average, and one seller advertised about $1,100 to remove a negative Airbnb review. Sellers claim real people post the reviews by hand, and they offer a “non-drop” guarantee that platforms won’t remove them. Buyers pay extra for professionally written text. One operator, TrustForge, claims to have posted more than 10,000 fake reviews. Artificial intelligence is making the trade easier. Forum users discussed using AI to generate convincing reviews at scale, while residential and mobile proxies help disguise fake activity as genuine consumer traffic. The real damage falls on consumers. When genuine complaints vanish, patterns of poor quality, refund problems or bad service stay hidden, leaving buyers less informed. Malwarebytes advises shoppers to read recent and middle-rated reviews, watch for repeated wording or sudden bursts of praise, and check a seller’s contact details and return policy before buying. When every rating is perfect, it may be too good to be true.

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