Archive: August 13, 2026

Fevicol MR Turns Every Fix Into a Superpower, As It Joins Forces With Disney’s Marvel for a Spider-Man Edition

Fevicol MR Turns Every Fix Into a Superpower, As It Joins Forces With Disney's Marvel for a Spider-Man Edition

 

Fevicol MR, Pidilite’s household name in art and craft adhesives, is stepping into pop culture with a collaboration with Disney, opening with Marvel’s Spider-Man this month, in a campaign conceived and executed by Schbang. Built around the line “Fevicol ki Power ko banao apni Superpower,” the collaboration reframes Fevicol MR’s core promise, the everyday act of sticking, building and creating, as a kind of superpower in its own right: one that every child, and the parent handing them the bottle, already has.

At the centre of the launch is a new hero film that moves between two worlds, one imagined, one real. It opens with a young Spider-Man fan web-slinging through his own make-believe city, using his web to pull his mask toward him with ease. But when he aims it at a bottle of Fevicol MR, the bottle doesn’t budge, instead, he’s the one pulled toward it. The film snaps back into the real world, where his mother reminds him about an unfinished school project.

The reveal:  every kid has a superpower, and it isn’t the costume or the web, it’s his own creativity and the Fevicol MR in his hand. He goes on to build an entire
Spider-Man inspired city with it, turning a homework deadline into an act of imagination.

The collaboration shows up across India through outdoor, retail and experiential touchpoints. Striking billboards, including a large-format execution at Marol Naka in Mumbai, split the frame between two worlds, Spider-Man swinging down one side of the city skyline and the Fevicol MR bottle standing tall on the other, with the line “Pakde Rahega, Chhodega Nahi.” At Phoenix Marketcity Kurla, a craft table activation invited kids to build with Fevicol MR, with rewards for their creations.

The collaboration also plays out in cinemas and at point of sale through glass branding at retail counters, alongside limited edition Fevicol MR packs carrying
Spider-Man artwork. Kashyap Gala, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, Pidilite Industries Ltd., said, “At Fevicol MR, we are constantly looking for ways to connect with and engage our young consumers. Pop culture today plays a significant role in shaping newer generations, and we are tapping into that energy to create memorable experiences for our audience. And who better than Spider-Man? Through this collaboration, we aim to build a stronger emotional connection with young fans while continuing to deliver the trusted product performance that consumers have come to expect from Fevicol MR.”

Puru Agrawal, Creative Director, Schbang, said, “Spider-Man’s power comes from what he builds with his own hands, from his suit to his web shooters, and as
they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Fevicol MR has always played that same role for kids, quietly powering everything they build, fix and
create, the same bottle that gives shape to a child’s imagination today shaping how they’ll create tomorrow. That overlap is what shaped our strategy: instead of
placing Fevicol MR next to Spider-Man, we let the film show a child discovering that the creativity Spider-Man is built on is the same creativity Fevicol MR has always stood for. The collaboration works because the two ideas were never that far apart to begin with.”

 

Axtria to Build Industry’s Largest Pharma-Specific AI Engineering Team, Scaling to 1,000 by December 2026

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axtria Inc.,  a global leader in AI-first data analytics solutions for the life sciences industry, today announced plans to expand its Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization to 1,000 engineers by December 2026, creating the industry’s largest pharma-specific AI engineering team. The expansion represents one of Axtria’s largest investments in AI talent development to date and reflects growing customer demand for engineers who can deploy, scale, and operationalize enterprise AI across commercial, medical, and market access functions.

Axtria Logo

Launched approximately 12 months ago, Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineering model was built on a simple premise: the future of AI in life sciences will be determined not by who has access to the best models, but by who can successfully deploy AI into complex enterprise environments and deliver measurable business outcomes. Today, Axtria’s FDEs are embedded within leading life sciences organizations, deploying production-grade AI solutions across commercial and medical operations. Building on this momentum, Axtria is expanding the organization to 1,000 engineers by December 2026 through a combination of internal talent development and strategic hiring.

While life sciences organizations have invested heavily in modern data platforms and generative AI, many continue to face a shortage of specialized talent capable of deploying AI at enterprise scale. Technology providers often bring strong AI engineering capabilities but lack deep life sciences expertise, while in-house pharma teams understand the business but cannot always keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineering model bridges this gap by combining both disciplines into a single engineering organization that helps clients move from AI experimentation to enterprise-scale deployment.

Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineers are trained and certified across leading AI and cloud platforms, including Anthropic, AWS, Databricks, LangChain, Microsoft, and Snowflake. Through the Axtria Institute, the company is developing life sciences domain experts into certified AI engineers who deploy solutions across Industry leading platforms and Axtria’s proprietary platforms—including SalesIQ™, MarketingIQ™ and  DataMAx™, helping clients modernize data foundations, improve decision-making, and scale enterprise AI with strong governance and cost efficiency.

“The industry is moving beyond AI experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment, and success now depends on execution,” said Navi Chadha, CTO and Co-founder, Axtria. “Our Forward Deployed Engineers combine deep life sciences expertise with world-class AI engineering capabilities to help clients operationalize AI at scale. This expansion reflects both the demand we’re seeing from customers and our commitment to building the talent needed to power the next generation of AI-enabled life sciences organizations.”

“The most important investment we’re making is in people,” said Manish Mittal, Managing Principal and Country Head, Axtria. “Through the Axtria Institute, we’re enabling our own life sciences experts to become certified AI engineers while also attracting exceptional engineering talent from the market. This creates unique career opportunities and ensures our clients have access to specialists who understand both the science of AI and the realities of life sciences.

Learn more about Axtria’s Forward Deployed Engineering model or explore FDE careers.

About Axtria 

Axtria helps life sciences companies harness the potential of data science and software to improve patient outcomes by connecting the right therapies to the right patients at the right time. A leading global provider of award-winning cloud software and data analytics, Axtria delivers proven solutions that help pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics companies complete their journey from data to insights to action. As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, Axtria is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. For more information, visit www.axtria.com

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Axtria to Build Industry's Largest Pharma-Specific AI Engineering Team, Scaling to 1,000 by December 2026

DCW Limited Appoints Sudarshan Ganapathy as Chief Executive Officer

Elevation from COO brings leadership continuity as the Company enters its next phase of growth

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DCW Limited today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Mr. Sudarshan Ganapathy as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company, with effect from 13th August, 2026.

Mr. Ganapathy is being elevated from his current role as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Associated with DCW since 1990, he brings more than four decades of experience in the Indian chemical industry and a deep understanding of the Company’s businesses, operations and markets.

Deep Industry and DCW Experience

Mr. Ganapathy holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of Mumbai and an MMS in Marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai. Prior to joining DCW, he worked with Hoechst India Limited and Color-Chem Limited.

Since joining DCW as Regional Sales Manager in the PVC Division, he has held leadership responsibilities across strategy, manufacturing, business development, technology, marketing and market expansion, contributing to the Company’s evolution towards a more diversified and value-added product portfolio.

As CEO, Mr. Ganapathy will, inter alia, oversee the Company’s strategy, finance, marketing and operations, with responsibility for driving business performance and long-term growth. His appointment provides leadership continuity as DCW strengthens its Specialty Chemicals business, improves operating efficiency and builds on a stronger financial and manufacturing platform.

Management Commentary

Mr. Bakul Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, DCW Limited, said:

“Sudarshan has been closely involved in DCW’s development for more than three decades and understands our businesses, operations, customers and markets in depth. His appointment provides continuity in leadership while bringing our strategic, financial and operating priorities together under one experienced leader.”



Mr. Sudarshan Ganapathy, Chief Executive Officer, DCW Limited, said:

“I am grateful to the promoters and the Board for the trust they have placed in me. Having been part of DCW’s journey over the years, I have seen the strength of our businesses, people and capabilities. My focus will be on disciplined execution, strengthening Specialty Chemicals, improving operating efficiency and maintaining financial discipline as we build on the platform created for DCW’s next phase of growth.”

About DCW

DCW Limited stands as a stalwart in the Indian chemical industry, upholding a rich legacy since its foundation in 1939. The Company operates two major manufacturing facilities located in Dhrangadhra, Gujarat, and Sahupuram, Tamil Nadu. DCW’s portfolio is strategically segmented into Basic Chemicals (including Soda Ash, Caustic Soda, and PVC) and Specialty Chemicals (including Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) and Synthetic Iron Oxide Pigment (SIOP)). The Company serves a diverse clientele globally, with a major presence in the USA, Europe, Japan, and the Netherlands. DCW is focused on leveraging its integrated operations, R&D capabilities in Sahupuram, and strategic investments to drive sustainable growth and strengthen its position in the domestic and international markets.

Safe Harbour Statement

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations, and predictions may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied due to various factors, including variations in prices of raw materials and finished goods realization, changes in government regulation, tax regimes, economic developments, supply chain disruptions, and other incidental factors.

 For more information, please visit www.dcwltd.com

 

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DCW Limited Appoints Sudarshan Ganapathy as Chief Executive Officer

Why Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is Made for a Longer Stay 

Why Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is Made for a Longer Stay

 

There are places where the setting is part of the experience, and then there are places where it shapes the experience entirely. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island brings together expansive villas, exceptional dining, Ayurvedic wellness, marine discovery and conservation, all within a setting that makes it easy to slow down and stay awhile.

An Island Stay Designed Around Space and Privacy

The Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate offers families and groups the freedom of a private island home, with 80 metres of beachfront, four bedrooms, a 20-metre lap pool, rooftop terrace, open-air living pavilion, library and dedicated personal attendant. Beyond the estate, guests can choose between quiet days by the lagoon and experiences including dolphin cruises, sunset fishing, kayaking, eFoiling and the Baa Hi-Life cruise, which combines snorkelling, fishing and a sandbank picnic.

Where Ancient Wellness Traditions Meet Island Living

At AyurMa, meaning “Mother of Life” in Sanskrit, wellness goes beyond a spa treatment. The sanctuary brings together Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Wellness and Planetary Wellbeing, supported by Ayurvedic doctors, naturopaths and yoga therapists. Each journey begins with a complimentary consultation, allowing treatments and programmes to be tailored to individual needs. Traditional therapies include Abhyanga and Shirodhara, while Panchakarma offers an intensive Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation programme. Guests can also explore Yoga Therapy, developed with S-VYASA University, alongside AntiGravity Yoga, Aqua Float Yoga and the Yoga Energy Trail. Each evening, Rahumathuge Vaguthu, a sunset Earth Blessing, brings guests together in a joyful celebration of the Earth’s gifts through song, dance and moments of mindfulness.  

A Culinary Journey Across Cultures

Dining at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is as much a part of the island experience as the ocean itself. The resort’s restaurants take guests from the flavours of the Indian subcontinent to the Mediterranean and beyond, each with a distinct personality and setting. At Café Landaa, regional Indian and Asian dishes share the stage with theatrical teppanyaki, while Blu Beach Club brings Neapolitan pizzas and house-made gelato to the beach by day, followed by an intimate Italian-inspired dinner created with Michelin-distinguished Chef Nino Di Costanzo. Over the lagoon, Al Barakat offers a taste of Lebanon and Armenia through Chef Aline Kamakian’s soulful cooking, with generous mezze and recipes rooted in generations of family tradition. Then there is Fuego Grill, where fresh catches and premium meats are cooked over the fire and served by the sea. Together, the restaurants make a compelling case for arriving hungry and staying for another meal. 

Going Beneath the Surface of the Baa Atoll

The Marine Discovery Centre has supported coral regeneration, turtle rehabilitation and manta ray research for more than two decades, with an impact that extends well beyond the island. Today, more than 9,000 coral frames flourish across the atoll, while the government-licensed Turtle Rehabilitation Centre has rescued and rehabilitated more than 500 turtles. Through the innovative Flying Turtles project, turtles unable to return to the wild are provided safe, permanent homes at aquariums around the world.  To date, six turtles have been rehomed to overseas oceanariums and marine centres where they act as ambassadors for the plight of their species. The resort also hosts the Maldivian Manta Ray Project, the founding arm of The Manta Trust, which has identified the largest known manta ray population in the world. Guests can engage more closely through the Trainee Marine Biologist programme for teenagers aged 13 to 18, joining resident marine biologists for reef monitoring, biodiversity surveys and manta identification. 

Learning Directly From Those Who Have Reached the Top

From 20 July to 31 August 2026, Learn with Legends brings world-class athletes, explorers and conservationists to Landaa Giraavaru. Football sessions feature Fernando Llorente, Arne Friedrich, Casey Stoney, Steve Sidwell and Jill Scott, while Angela Lee Pucci and Bruno Pucci lead martial arts experiences. Young guests can also learn from explorers and conservationists including Ash Dykes, Craig Foster, Jennifer Adler, Ian Segebarth and Dr Phil Hosegood. It is an opportunity to learn directly from people who have reached the highest levels of their fields and to discover what it takes to get there.

 

Odisha’s World Skill Centre to support Tripura’s skill hub and employment ecosystem

Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: Odisha’s World Skill Centre (WSC), Bhubaneswar, is set to play a wider role in strengthening skill development and employment opportunities in Tripura, with the state seeking its expertise for a proposed World Skills Centre and Employability Hub in Agartala.

Odisha’s World Skill Centre to support Tripura’s skill hub and employment ecosystem

The collaboration is expected to strengthen Tripura’s skill development ecosystem, create new employment opportunities for young people and support the growth of industry-oriented training programmes.

The proposed skill hub will come up on 3.7 acres at Hapania Institutional Zone in Agartala, with a planned built-up area of around 3 lakh square feet. The centre is expected to provide advanced training across eight sectors, with courses designed to match industry demand and emerging workforce requirements.

Focus on skills and employment

The partnership comes at a time when demand is growing for skilled workers across emerging industries. By bringing industry-linked training closer to young people, the proposed hub aims to improve employability and create stronger pathways from education and training to jobs.

WSC, which has experience in developing advanced vocational training facilities, will provide technical and knowledge support to help shape the proposed centre.

The collaboration between Odisha and Tripura also reflects a broader effort to share successful models of skill development across states and build stronger connections between training institutions and industry.

Supporting entrepreneurship and startup growth

Beyond conventional employment, the proposed skill ecosystem could also create opportunities for entrepreneurship and startup growth. Industry-focused training can help young people develop practical skills that can be used not only to secure jobs but also to launch small businesses and service-based ventures.

The availability of trained manpower and specialised courses could further help attract businesses and encourage new enterprises in Tripura, creating a wider cycle of skills, employment and economic activity.

Partnership gains momentum

Tripura’s Directorate of Skill Development had signed an MoU with WSC, Bhubaneswar, on March 23, 2026. A subsequent work order was issued on May 16 for WSC to provide advisory support for an interim World Skills Centre at an existing facility in Bodhjungnagar, Agartala.

The interim centre is planned to offer training in beauty and wellness.

Building on this cooperation, Tripura has now proposed engaging WSC as the knowledge partner for the larger World Skills Centre and Employability Hub.

The initiative is expected to strengthen skill development in the state while opening new avenues for employment, entrepreneurship and startup growth, particularly among young people.

The Odisha-Tripura partnership could also serve as a model for wider inter-state cooperation in building industry-ready talent and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

307 students of Fashion, Industrial, Interior Design and Fine Arts secure placements at Chandigarh University

Designing students launch 7 startups in last 3 years

CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At present, designing is a rapidly growing sector whose demand is continuously rising in the national as well as the international market – whether it is fashion designing or interior designing, product and industrial designing, or painting and sculpture designing in fine arts. Keeping this growing need in mind, the University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University is making students capable professionals through creativity, innovation and industry-ready skills. Students of the University Institute of Design (UID) are showcasing their talent brilliantly in every field and achieving new milestones. In the last three years, 307 students of UID comprising of students belonging to Fashion, Industrial, Interior Design and Fine Arts field have secured placements in reputed fashion houses, production houses, brands and companies. At the same time, 317 students have also gained practical industry experience through internships.

Some of the students of Fashion, Design & Fine Arts, who received placement offers during campus placement at Chandigarh University

In the last three years, 108 students secured placements in the field of interior design. Students have received opportunities in reputed companies such as Livspace, Asian Paints, HomeLane, Daftar Decor and Kargason Brands Private Limited. 6 students have received highest package of 6 LPA by Livspace. Through project-based learning, students are given practical training in areas such as fundamentals, design principles, human comfort, ergonomics, colour theory, materials, space planning and 3D representation. As a result, students are building careers in fields including residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, retail, set, kitchen and lighting design, as well as 3D visualisation.

In the field of industrial design, the Department of Product and Industrial Design places special emphasis on preparing students in line with the changing needs of the industry. In the last three years, 40 students of Bachelor of Industrial Design secured placements, while 48 students completed internships in reputed institutions. Students have secured placements on the strength of their talent in top companies such as Social Hardware, Mercer, BYJU’S, Future Tech Design, Times Internet: The Economic Times, Future Tech Design, DataVinci, Capgemini, Dev Story, Cognizant and Fox My Box. During this period, the highest annual package of Rs 20 lakh reflects the professional capability of the students and their acceptance in the industry. Social Hardware offered an industrial design student the highest package of up to Rs 20 lakh per annum, while Mercer offered up to 12 LPA and BYJU’S and Future Tech Design provided packages of up to 7 LPA to students.

Chandigarh University is turning art into a career for fine arts students. The Department of Fine Arts has also given the creative industry a new generation of talented artists. With a balance of theory and practical learning, students get the opportunity to refine their creative expression in painting, sculpture, applied arts and other art mediums. In the last three years, 77 students secured placements in reputed creative art and design companies, design studios, film and music post-production houses and publishing houses, while 181 students completed internships and 14 students are currently pursuing higher education. During this period, the highest package of 7.2 LPA was offered by Pocket FM. Those providing placements to students include Renyour Creations Private Limited, Sunbase, Pocket FM, Chit1 Studio, Lenskart, Madari Studio, Rather Games, Rabab Studio and Good Luck Publishers.

Today, the University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University is not limited only to preparing designers but is preparing creative professionals and young entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the design industry through their imagination, technical skill and innovation.

Students have performed outstandingly in the field of fashion design. Along with placements, students are also launching their own brands. In the field of fashion design too, students of Chandigarh University have made an excellent display of their creativity and entrepreneurship. In the last three years, 62 students secured placements in reputed fashion brands, in which the highest package was 5.5 LPA. At the same time, in the last five years, 4 students have taken a step towards entrepreneurship by starting their own fashion labels.

Talented designers of the Department of Fashion of Chandigarh University are showcasing their art and design skills at Reliance Gas Lifestyle Retail Limited, Punjab; Vero Moda, Ludhiana; Arvind Fashions Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Ludhiana; Arvind Fashions Calvin Klein, Ludhiana; Arvind Fashion Private Limited, Rohtak; Guess Gauriks Lifestyle, Bengaluru; Sanghvi Beauty Technologies, Delhi; Tommy Hilfiger, Chandigarh; Arvind Lifestyle U.S. Polo, Noida; and DA Milano.

Through modern labs and studios, industry training, visits, expert talks, internships and live projects, students get the opportunity to learn in a real industry environment. State-of-the-art facilities for garment construction, pattern making, textile dyeing and printing inspire students towards new experimentation and innovation.

In the last five years, 5 students of fashion design and fine arts have established their own fashion brands and tattoo studios. Apart from this, two female students of interior design are successfully running their own startups.

Sharing information about the University Institute of Design on this occasion, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, said, “The University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University trains students in line with rapidly changing professional trends. While creating a unique balance between theory and practical learning, students are encouraged towards creativity along with innovation, so that they can mould their thinking and imagination in line with design, technical proficiency, practical experience and the needs of the industry. The University Institute of Design of Chandigarh University also encourages students to become entrepreneurs.”

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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307 students of Fashion, Industrial, Interior Design and Fine Arts secure placements at Chandigarh University

ADFW 2026 Unveils First Wave of Top Speakers, Bringing the World’s Capital Community to Abu Dhabi

  • The first wave includes senior UAE and Abu Dhabi government leaders alongside top global CEOs, chairpersons, founders, and institutional investors from industry giants such as Allianz SE, DBS Group, Franklin Templeton and Temasek Holdings

ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), hosted by ADGM, today announced the first cohort of leading speakers for its fifth edition, taking place from 7 – 10 December 2026 under the theme ‘The Capital Community, Powered by Partnerships.’

ADGM Logo

With just under five months to go until the event, ADFW has already attracted more than 200 confirmed top international speakers from government, financial services, investment, technology and innovation, as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for capital and investment.

H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “The exceptional early commitment from global financial leaders to ADFW 2026 reflects growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a trusted destination for capital, investment and long-term partnerships.

“The strength of ADFW lies not only in the conversations that happen here, but in what they lead to. By bringing together the world’s leading investors, policymakers and innovators, Abu Dhabi creates an environment where dialogue translates into investment and relationships become long-term partnerships. That is what distinguishes Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Capital.”

Government and Abu Dhabi representatives include H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE; H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, UAE; H.E. Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development and Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Salem Al Nuami, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Pension Fund; H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO, ALTÉRRA; H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO of Botim, Mohamed Abdelbary, GCEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of Alpha Dhabi, and Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad.

They will be joined by senior executives from many of the world’s largest financial institutions, including Oliver Bäte, Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO, Allianz SE; Tan Su Shan, CEO, DBS Group; Ron O’Hanley, Chairman & CEO of State Street; Bill Winters, CEO, Standard Chartered; Clare Woodman CBE, CEO, Intl, Morgan Stanley; Stefan Bollinger, CEO, Julius Baer; Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Executive Director and CEO, Temasek Holdings; Andreas Berger, Group CEO, Swiss Re; Charles R. Kaye, Chairman, Warburg Pincus; Hendrik du Toit, Founder and CEO, Ninety One; Tarek Sultan, Chairman, Agility; Steven Desmyter, President, Man Group;.

The programme will also feature leading voices from global asset management, alternatives, infrastructure, commodities and institutional investment, such as Jenny Johnson, CEO, Franklin Templeton; Katie Koch, President and CEO, TCW; Tobias C. Pross, CEO, Allianz Global Investors; Marc C. Ganzi, CEO, DigitalBridge; Dmitry Balyasny, Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Balyasny Asset Management; Mike Freno, Chairman, President and CEO, Barings; David Druley, CEO, Cambridge Associates; and Stefan Hoops, CEO of DWS.

Reflecting the growing connectivity between finance, technology and innovation, the programme will also feature leaders from the technology, digital assets and fintech ecosystem, including Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder of Social Capital; Richard Teng, CEO of Binance; JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation; Robert Smith, Founder & CEO of Vista Equity; Pascal Gauthier, Chairman and CEO, Ledger; Lily Liu, President, Solana Foundation; and Charles Cascarilla, Co-Founder and CEO, Paxos.

Building on the success of previous editions, ADFW 2026 will introduce an expanded programme designed to deepen senior engagement and deliver more focused outcomes. New additions include the inaugural editions of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit, the AIMA Global Hedge Fund Leaders Platform, The Hub71 Startups Campus, a Healthcare and BioTech Forum, as well as multiple Global Strategy Roundtables and expanded private forums. Across the week, ADFW 2026 is expected to stage more than 70 thematic events featuring over 800 speakers. The programme will be structured around four main thematic days covering Abu Dhabi’s economic strategy, global markets, asset management, fintech, digital assets, sustainable finance, and Islamic finance.

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ADFW 2026 Unveils First Wave of Top Speakers, Bringing the World's Capital Community to Abu Dhabi

Amsterdam House Duo ANOTR Announces Highly Anticipated India Debut With Standalone Stadium Show This November

Amsterdam House Duo ANOTR Announces Highly Anticipated India Debut  With Standalone Stadium Show This November

Aug 13: Amsterdam’s premier electronic music heavyweights, ANOTR, are officially set to make their highly anticipated debut in India this autumn. The acclaimed house music duo will take the stage on 14 November 2026 at the historic JLN Stadium in New Delhi, marking their very first standalone headline performance in the region.
 
Known for their infectious, high-energy performances, the duo will deliver a special extended set engineered around their signature groove-driven blend of house, disco, soul and deep underground rhythms.
 
Comprising producers Jesse van der Heijden and Oguzhan Guney, ANOTR has spent the last decade cementing their status among the global electronic music elite. Emerging from Amsterdam’s vibrant underground club scene, the duo has consistently championed artistic freedom and innovation through their internationally renowned NO ART movement and imprint label.
 
With a rapidly growing global following, ANOTR has already conquered the world’s biggest festival stages, including standout appearances at Tomorrowland, Coachella, DGTL, Awakenings and CircoLoco. Their upcoming Delhi performance marks a significant new chapter for the duo as they expand their footprint into Asia.

 
Mohit Bijlani, Founder, Team Innovation states, “ANOTR represents the new generation of electronic artists who are redefining live music through creativity and authenticity. The appetite for electronic music in India continues to grow exponentially and we’re committed to being at the forefront of that journey by curating experiences that push the culture forward.”
Karan Narang, Founder, Paradox states, “ANOTR’s first show in India is a moment we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Their approach to music, their energy on the dancefloor and the culture they’ve built around NO ART make them a natural fit for what we want to create with this show. Bringing them to Delhi for their first headliner performance gives us the opportunity to build something that feels as special as the artist and the moment itself. We’re excited to be part of this chapter and to bring ANOTR to India for the first time.” 
The monumental event is being produced through a massive industry collaboration between Team Innovation, Envision and Paradox, pooling together top-tier expertise across live entertainment, experiential design and cutting-edge cultural programming to bring this electronic milestone to life.
 
Tickets will be available exclusively via BookMyShow.

D2L Brightspace Approved Under AICTE’s NEAT 6.0 To Strengthen AI-Enhanced Digital Learning Across India’s Technical Institutions

All India Council for Technical Education empanels D2L to participate in the National Education Alliance for Technology 6.0 initiative

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — D2L, a global leader in learning innovation, has been empaneled under the All India Council for Technical Education’s (AICTE) National Education Alliance for Technology (NEAT) 6.0 initiative, strengthening its presence in India’s higher education ecosystem.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between D2L and AICTE-NEAT, marking a strategic partnership to deliver outcome-based, technology-enhanced education to technical institutions across India.

“For many years, choosing an institution was the biggest factor determining how successful your education would be in India,” said Vivek Iyer, Managing Director, India at D2L. “AICTE NEAT 6.0 is an opportunity to change this. Once AI-based learning becomes available to all affiliated institutions, whether located in Mumbai or elsewhere, talent can thrive regardless of location. The best part of this partnership isn’t the technology but rather making excellence truly attainable instead of merely aspirational.”

NEAT is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, implemented through AICTE to provide higher education institutions with access to curated, high‑impact EdTech solutions. NEAT 6.0 represents the next phase of this effort, focused on accelerating digital adoption and improving learning outcomes at scale. By being empaneled under NEAT 6.0, D2L Brightspace will be positioned as an approved Learning Management System (LMS) and a strategic digital learning platform to AICTE-affiliated institutions seeking to modernize and expand their digital learning environments.

Under NEAT 6.0, D2L Brightspace will be offered as a scalable digital learning platform to support institutions in transforming teaching and learning. Built for higher education, it enables personalized learning experiences, data‑driven insights and flexible course delivery at scale. Institutions will be able to adopt D2L Brightspace through the NEAT platform under standardized pricing, enabling faster and broader access to digital learning infrastructure.

“India’s education system is at an inflexion point,” said Vivek Iyer, Managing Director, India at D2L. “While traditional models have not always ensured equitable access, digital learning platforms like D2L Brightspace can help bridge this gap. Through NEAT 6.0, we aim to enable Indian institutions to deliver high‑quality learning at scale, improve outcomes and support workforce readiness.”

D2L Brightspace is built to help institutions meet the evolving demands of higher education. It combines intelligent course design tools, AI-enhanced personalized learning pathways, accessibility features for diverse learner needs and real-time data analytics. This will help faculty and administrators track student progress, making it well-suited to serve the scale and diversity of India’s technical education ecosystem.

About AICTE-NEAT

The National Education Alliance for Technology (NEAT) is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, implemented through AICTE. NEAT curates best-in-class EdTech solutions to improve learning outcomes in higher education, with a strong focus on ensuring equity, accessibility, and inclusion for learners across all regions of India.

About D2L   

D2L is transforming the way the world learns, helping learners achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with customers all over the world, D2L is on a mission to make learning more inspiring, engaging and human. Find out how D2L helps transform lives and delivers outstanding learning outcomes in K-12, higher education and businesses.

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© 2026 D2L Corporation.

The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, D2L India Pvt Ltd, D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda and D2L Sistemas de Aprendizaje Innovadores, S. D2 R.L de C.V., and H5P Group AS.

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D2L Brightspace Approved Under AICTE's NEAT 6.0 To Strengthen AI-Enhanced Digital Learning Across India's Technical Institutions

IBM Partners with OpenAI to Accelerate Secure AI Deployment for Enterprises Across Core Operations

  • Joint go-to-market partnership embeds OpenAI frontier models like GPT-5.6 and other products into IBM Consulting’s AI delivery platform and assets to help organizations modernize applications and strengthen security

     
  • Specialized IBM forward-deployed units trained through the OpenAI Partner Network will help organizations convert legacy workflows into AI-ready operations

     
  • IBM launches a dedicated OpenAI Practice with thousands of consultants and engineers trained on advanced OpenAI Partner Network certifications 

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI to help enterprises deliver business outcomes by deploying AI at scale across core business operations and complex workflows, while strengthening cyber defense and resilience through programs like OpenAI Daybreak. The partnership includes joint-go-to market initiatives and creating industry-specific solutions for financial services, government, telecommunications, and retail, as well as key enterprise domains such as finance, procurement, customer operations, and HR.

IBM Partners with OpenAI to Accelerate Secure AI Deployment for Enterprises Across Core Operations

The partnership embeds OpenAI frontier models like GPT-5.6 and products like Codex and ChatGPT Work into IBM Consulting Advantage, IBM’s AI platform for delivering consulting services to clients, combining AI agents, industry assets, and cybersecurity capabilities to help organizations securely deploy AI at scale, drive business outcomes, and create new commercial models.

IBM will bring forward-deployed units of highly specialized engineers and consultants trained through the OpenAI Partner Network to work directly with clients to accelerate AI implementation across complex business workflows and highly regulated environments. IBM will also launch a dedicated OpenAI Practice, with thousands of consultants and engineers obtaining expert-level certifications under the OpenAI Partner Network.

Together, IBM and OpenAI aim to help organizations tackle one of the biggest barriers to scaling AI – turning decades of fragmented processes, legacy systems, and operational complexity into AI-driven operations that can be deployed even more safely and securely.

The partnership will focus on three key areas: 

  • Transforming legacy operations into AI-ready workflows

    IBM will embed OpenAI frontier models like GPT-5.6 and products like Codex and ChatGPT Work into IBM Consulting Advantage, to help organizations integrate AI into daily processes with business context and redesign workflows across finance, procurement, customer operations, and HR. The capabilities within IBM Consulting Advantage can analyze operating procedures and workflows to identify inefficiencies and help teams automate and streamline work using AI.

     
  • Application modernization and product development

    The companies plan to help clients modernize legacy applications and accelerate software development by bringing together OpenAI Codex and ChatGPT Work with IBM’s industry, technology and domain expertise, including integration with IBM Consulting Advantage. The collaboration is designed to help organizations simplify engineering processes and speed the delivery of new digital products and services.

     
  • Cybersecurity and AI risk management

    IBM and OpenAI will expand their collaboration on cybersecurity following IBM’s participation in the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program by combining OpenAI frontier AI capabilities with IBM Autonomous Security — a multi-agent-powered service designed to deliver coordinated decision-making, response, and intelligence at machine speed. As AI-powered attacks grow more sophisticated, the partnership will help clients manage both cyber and AI model risk, including application-layer vulnerabilities, governance gaps, and operational risks that limits AI adoption.

“While enterprises are rapidly investing in AI, they are looking for practical ways to apply it across their core operations to deliver measurable business outcomes and create new commercial models,” said Andy Baldwin, Global Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting. “The challenge is not access to AI technologies — it’s integrating AI securely and at scale into complex enterprise environments and workflows. By embedding OpenAI’s technology with IBM Consulting’s AI assets, industry solutions, and cybersecurity capabilities, we can help clients accelerate secure, AI deployments at scale.”

“The organizations pulling ahead with AI are the ones turning it into a trusted part of how their business operates,” said Denise Dresser, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI. “IBM Consulting and OpenAI are helping organizations make that shift, combining deep transformation expertise to deploy AI that is secure, operational, and aligned with real business priorities.”

As part of the collaboration, IBM will join OpenAI’s Elite partner tier, reflecting the companies’ shared focus on delivering secure, enterprise-ready AI at scale. 

Statements regarding IBM’s and OpenAI’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact

Elizabeth.Brophy

elizabeth.brophy@ibm.com 

IBM Corporation logo.

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IBM Partners with OpenAI to Accelerate Secure AI Deployment for Enterprises Across Core Operations