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  • AI Summit India Underscores AI’s Expanding Role in Education

    By Neeraj Kansal, Founder & CEO, Crack Academy

    As India hosts the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Artificial Intelligence is firmly shifting from concept to classroom reality. The gathering of global leaders and policymakers highlights AI’s growing role in driving innovation, access and scale across education.

    AI-powered tools such as adaptive learning, real-time translation and personalised mentorship are helping students learn at their own pace, regardless of location. For learners in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, this marks a meaningful step towards reducing geographical barriers to quality education.

    At the same time, effective implementation remains key. AI is most impactful when it supports educators, strengthens learning outcomes and complements human mentorship rather than replacing it.

    The summit reflects India’s broader shift from adopting technology to building indigenous AI capabilities. Focus on language AI, local innovation and digital infrastructure signals new opportunities for EdTech platforms to create scalable and affordable learning solutions.

    At Crack Academy, AI is enabling more personalised preparation, smarter mentorship and wider access to competitive-exam education, helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.

    Even as technology advances, education remains human-centric. The future will be hybrid combining intelligent tools with mentorship where critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence gain importance.

    The AI Impact Summit signals intent. With thoughtful adoption, AI can expand access, improve employability and create equitable learning opportunities at scale. India now moves from momentum to execution.

  • AAEON Announces the de next-RAP8-EZBOX, the World’s Smallest, Lightest 13th Gen Intel Core-powered Embedded System

    Designed for deployment in space-constrained industrial robotic solutions, the de next-RAP8-EZBOX packs 13th Gen Intel Core processing into a system measuring just 95.5mm x 69.5mm x 42.5mm.

    (Taipei, Taiwan – Feb 24) Edge computing leader AAEON (Stock Code: 6579) announced another breakthrough with the release of the de next-RAP8-EZBOX, the world’s smallest embedded PC powered by 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors.

    Measuring just 95.5mm x 69.5mm x 42.5mm with a heatsink, and 95.5mm x 69.5mm x 45.4mm with an active cooler, the de next-RAP8-EZBOX is designed for deployment in space-constrained autonomous systems or as the central controller within industrial robots.

    The system comes with the 10-core, 12-thread Intel® Core™ i7-1365UE processor (formerly Raptor Lake), Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics, and 16GB of soldered LPDDR5x system memory. Despite its small size and relatively high processing capabilities, the de next-RAP8-EZBOX provides a range of I/Os designed to connect and coordinate with various robotics subsystems. For example, the system comes with two LAN ports, one for GbE and one for 2.5GbE speed, joined by two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Rounding off its physical interfaces is an HDMI 1.2a port. Meanwhile, the de next-RAP8-EZBOX’s storage comes via an M.2 2280 M-Key slot.

    The de next-RAP8-EZBOX is available with both fan-assisted and passive heatsink cooling options, making it possible to integrate the system into fully sealed enclosures without the risk of overheating. Moreover, the system’s 15W performance hybrid architecture CPU and LPDDR5x system memory both minimize heat output and energy draw, preventing excessive thermal buildup during extended periods of operation.

    Despite it being a new release, the product has already seen a great deal of attention, winning a Taiwan Excellence Award for its innovative design and market potential, particularly with respect to its potential use in space-constrained autonomous systems or as a central controller within industrial robots.

    The system offers broad compatibility with operating systems, including Windows® 10 and Ubuntu 22.04.3 (Kernel 6.2).

  • IndiGo Announces ‘Splash into Savings’ Sale on Domestic and International Flights

    Feb 24: IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched its limited-period sale, ‘Splash into Savings’, enabling customers to plan ahead and travel more affordably on select domestic and international routes. The sale will be open for bookings from 24 February to 27 February 2026, for travel from 3 March to 30 September 2026. The offer is valid on bookings made at least seven days prior to departure and is applicable on non-stop and connecting flights across all booking channels.

    As part of the ‘Splash into Savings’ sale, customers can book all-inclusive one-way domestic fares starting at ₹1,999 and international fares starting at ₹4,699. IndiGoStretch fares, offering added comfort on select domestic routes, are also available from ₹9,999.

    In addition to special fares, IndiGo is offering attractive discounts on select ancillary services during the sale period. Customers can enjoy up to 70% off on select 6E Add-ons, including Fast Forward services, up to 50% off on pre-paid excess baggage, and up to 15% off on standard seat selection across select domestic and international sectors. Emergency XL (extra legroom) seats are also available starting at ₹500 on select domestic routes. Further, infants aged 0–24 months can travel for just ₹1 on domestic sectors, when bookings are made through IndiGo’s direct channels.

    Bookings can be made conveniently through the IndiGo website, mobile app, AI-powered assistant 6ESkai, via IndiGo WhatsApp at +91 70651 45858, or through select travel partner websites and apps.

  • SITL 2026 Strengthens European Focus as International Exhibitor Presence Accelerates

    March 31–April 2, 2026 | Paris Nord Villepinte – Hall

    Feb 24: SITL 2026, one of Europe’s leading gatherings for transport and logistics professionals, returns this year with a reinforced European outlook and a notable increase in international participation. Under the theme “New territories to conquer,” the exhibition will provide decision‑makers with actionable insights and operational solutions as the continent navigates a pivotal moment for supply chain resilience and competitiveness. This year, international exhibitors represent 30% of the show floor, up from 25% in 2025, with 83% coming from Europe. Strong contingents from Germany (24 exhibitors), Spain (15), Italy (12), Belgium (11), the Netherlands (8), and Switzerland (5) underscore the growing need for coordinated European approaches to logistics transformation. Europe’s Logistics Outlook: A Sector Under Pressure European freight transport accounts for nearly 1,870 billion tonne‑kilometres, with a modest +1% to +3% recovery forecast across segments in 2025–2026. However, companies continue to face intense structural pressures:

    • 400,000+ driver vacancies across Europe
    • Escalating operational and compliance costs
    • Rapid regulatory evolution and customs complexity
    • Accelerated sustainability and emissions requirements
    • These conditions are reshaping priorities across the continent, pushing logistics players to strengthen resilience, sovereignty, and interoperability. Europe Day: Turning Strategic Challenges into Practical Action Held on Tuesday, March 31, Europe Day will serve as the strategic anchor of SITL 2026. The half‑day program links EU‑level issues with on‑the‑ground execution, offering practical guidance for operators, exporters, carriers, ports, and corridor authorities. Program Highlights“Make Europe Compete Again!” 2:00–2:45 p.m. A debate on Europe’s competitiveness in a market increasingly dominated by non‑European players.
    • “Compete globally, act locally: can it work for logistics?” 3:00–3:45 p.m. A discussion on the operational impact of TEN‑T corridors and the scale needed to boost performance.
    • “Exporting today: time to relearn the basics?” 4:00–4:45 p.m. A practical exploration of customs fundamentals at a time of rising regulatory complexity.
    • Paolo Rangoni, Logistics Director at COOP ALLEANZA 3.0, will speak during Europe Day. “Europe does not lack strengths — it lacks integration, speed, and discipline in execution. Making logistics a strategic capability is essential to regain competitiveness, resilience, and industrial sovereignty.” A Broader European Ecosystem on Display Throughout Hall 7, exhibitors will present solutions in automation, intralogistics, supply chain security, export support, and performance & compliance optimization. Confirmed international exhibitors include: Autoritat Portuària de Barcelona, GEBHARDT Fördertechnik GmbH, Troax Group AB, EP Equipment Europe, GAMMA WOPLA SA, PERIPASS, AR Racking S.A, ULMA Manutención S.Coop., CABKA Group GmbH, System Logistics, FS Logistix S.p.A, and PORTES BISBAL S.L. List as of 11 February 2026.Practical InformationOpening Hours:March 31: 09:00–20:00
    • April 1: 09:00–19:00
    • April 2: 09:00–17:00

    Venue: Paris Nord Villepinte – Hall 7, ZAC Paris Nord 2, 93420 Villepinte, France

  • Mumbai Gets Its Newest Pharmacy Destination: Medicine Walla Opens Doors in Mira Road

    Mumbai Gets Its Newest Pharmacy Destination: Medicine Walla Opens Doors in Mira Road

    MUMBAI, Feb 23: The healthcare retail scene in Mumbai’s northern suburbs has a powerful new player. Medicine Walla, a community pharmacy built around the belief that quality healthcare should be accessible and affordable, has officially launched its first outlet at Mira Road, Mumbai. With trained pharmacy staff, free home delivery across the vicinity, WhatsApp and call-based ordering for customers across Mumbai, and an offer of up to 20% off on all purchases, Medicine Walla is redefining what a neighbourhood pharmacy can do.

    The Mira Road outlet stocks a wide range of prescription medicines, OTC products, health supplements, personal care essentials, and wellness products – all under one roof. Licensed pharmacists are on hand to guide every purchase, ensuring each visit is a trusted healthcare experience. And for those who can’t make it to the store, Medicine Walla goes the extra mile: customers anywhere in Mumbai can simply send their prescription over WhatsApp or place an order via a quick call, and get their medicines delivered right to their door.

    Suraj Punjabi, Co-Founder, Medicine Walla

    “This launch is a dream come true. We started Medicine Walla because every person deserves quality medicines at fair prices. Mira Road is a vibrant, growing community and we couldn’t be more thrilled to serve the people here. And with our WhatsApp and call ordering, we’re not just a Mira Road pharmacy – we’re ready to serve all of Mumbai today. More outlets across the city are already in the pipeline, and this is just the beginning.”

    Whether you walk in, call in, or WhatsApp your prescription, Medicine Walla has you covered. With an ambitious expansion roadmap and a city-wide delivery vision already in motion, this is one pharmacy brand that Mumbai will be hearing a lot more about. Residents can visit the Mira Road store and enjoy the discounts, or reach out via WhatsApp or phone to get their medicines delivered, anywhere in the city.

  • Mitsubishi Electric India hosts 6th ME Cup, Sona College of Technology emerges winner among 35 selected teams

    Pune, 21st February, 2026: Mitsubishi Electric India, a global leader in Electric & Electronic Equipment, announced the winners of the 6th Mitsubishi Electric Cup on Saturday, 21st February 2026. The two-day National Level Automation Competition, returning after a five-year gap post Covid, saw 35 teams compete on the theme ‘Automating the World through Digital Innovation’. Organised annually, the competition challenges engineering students to design, build, and demonstrate innovative working models using Mitsubishi Electric factory automation technologies.

    The virtual registration for the 6th Mitsubishi Electric Cup began in July 2025 and received 288 proposals from 140 institutions across 19 states and 2 Union Territories. Participating teams were mentored by Mitsubishi Electric India’s technical team and provided with essential Factory Automation products such as PLCs, HMIs, Servo Motors, VFDs, and CNCs to develop smart manufacturing solutions.

    “The Mitsubishi Electric Cup’s core vision is to cultivate future-ready engineers who can innovate, automate, and contribute to a technologically advanced and sustainable world. The idea is to strengthen students’ innovative consciousness, cooperative spirit, and engineering practice abilities by encouraging hands on technological and automation-based projects,” said Mr. Atsushi Takase, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Electric India, speaking of the 2026 edition. “Response for the event was very positive, and quality of received proposals were in various domains such as IoT, Energy efficient automation, Smart manufacturing solutions, AgriTech, and Application-specific industry problems that are suitable for a host of industries, besides accruing social benefits like energy management and reusable waste management,” he added.

    The competition featured innovative project models addressing areas such as building automation, industrial manufacturing processes, and societal challenges. Team “Nexus AI” from Sona College of Technology, Tamil Nadu, won the 6th Mitsubishi Electric Cup, receiving Rs. 1,00,000 and a Winner Trophy. “Recycron” from MKSSS Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune secured second place with Rs. 75,000 and a Runner-up Trophy, while Team “Pegasus” from COEP Technological University, Pune secured third place, receiving Rs. 50,000 and a Trophy. The ‘Most Popular Team’ award went to Team “Trisense Innovators” from Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT-WPU, Pune. The top 15 teams received appreciation prizes of Rs. 10,000 each along with certificates. The winning team will represent Mitsubishi Electric India at the global MECA competition. All participating teams received participation certificates.

    Teams were evaluated on two key parameters: System Design (innovation, implementation, safety, and digitalisation concepts) and Overall Presentation (system demo, presentation skills, and FA knowledge). Teams were required to design and build complete working models aligned to the competition theme, ‘Automating the World through Digital Innovation’ using Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation products, based on the e-F@ctory concept, while demonstrating strong product and application understanding. The participating teams had to independently design and produce a complete set of devices/models using Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation products. The control system was to be built based on the-F@ctory concept.

    “The 2025-26 Mitsubishi Electric Cup centred on the theme ‘Automating the World through Digital Innovation’, which directly mirrors the current transformation underway in global and Indian manufacturing. The competition’s focus areas highlight several critical industrial challenges that companies are actively trying to solve today,” said Dr. S. Sriram, Director & Head, Factory Automation & Industrial Division (FAID), Mitsubishi Electric India. He referred to the students receiving hands on training and mentorship from Mitsubishi engineers, strengthening their practical understanding of automation technologies. “Through this platform, students were exposed to modern Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0 environments. By building complete working models, students learned how advanced technologies interact in real factory ecosystems, fostering industry ready skills. Mitsubishi Electric is not only helping a world of industries, but also a world of societies to apply automation for the greater benefit,” he emphasized.

    “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Team Nexus AI from Sona College of Technology, for emerging as the winners of the 6th Edition of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup. I would also like to commend all participating teams for demonstrating exceptional technical capability, creativity, and innovative thinking throughout the competition. Mitsubishi Electric India is proud to engage with young talent and academic institutions across the country, fostering the development of innovative automation solutions that have the potential to create meaningful societal impact. Through platforms like the Mitsubishi Electric Cup, we aim to empower young minds to transform ideas into practical solutions, while gaining valuable mentorship from experienced professionals in the field of Factory Automation,” said Mr. Atsushi Takase, summing up the proceedings of the 6th edition of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

    Competitions like the ME Cup support India’s national skill development initiatives and contribute to building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving industrial and technological growth. Mitsubishi Electric India will continue to inspire young innovators to push boundaries, excel in advanced technologies, and strengthen India’s position on the global innovation landscape.

  • Yellow Capital Launches TradePoint to Streamline Token Distribution for Web3 Projects

    LONDON – Feb 23:: Yellow Capital, a leading market-making firm with a venture arm focused on supporting Web3 projects, today announced the launch of TradePoint, a proprietary platform for token distribution, CEX visibility, and algorithmic liquidation.

    The platform addresses persistent challenges faced by projects for token distribution through unlocks, airdrops, or treasury sales. Manual selling can trigger sharp price declines, while working with traditional market makers may require giving up custody and accepting opaque processes. These approaches frequently result in wider spreads and damaged market confidence.

    TradePoint provides an alternative through programmatic distribution connected directly to trading algorithms. The platform monitors real-time market conditions and releases tokens only when sufficient buying activity is present. This non-custodial approach allows projects to maintain control of their assets while executing distributions that align with natural market demand. 

    The TradePoint platform provides full execution visibility and automated settlement infrastructure, enabling projects to track every token movement in real time. It replaces manual selling with algorithmic liquidation that responds to live market conditions, distributing tokens efficiently to minimize price impact.

    “We built TradePoint because the existing options for token distribution were fundamentally broken,” said Diego Martin, CEO of Yellow Capital. “Projects need no more choosing between crashing their own market or handing over custody to opaque intermediaries. TradePoint gives them a third option – an algorithmic distribution that works with market conditions. The vision is to empower projects with the infrastructure they need to manage token supply efficiently.”

    This launch is part of Yellow Capital’s broader offering to support Web3 projects across their full lifecycle. The firm provides liquidity solutions across more than 140 centralized exchanges, combining market-making services with treasury management and strategic advisory. TradePoint completes this offering by addressing the final critical challenge, managing token supply during distribution events.

  • Listing Note – Under the Stars with Stories That Stay With You at Infiniti Mall

    Mumbai, Feb 23:  Infiniti Mall, Mumbai’s premium destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, welcomes the arrival of spring with a soulful celebration of cinema through its open air movie nights at the Malad location. Curated around love stories that are intense, musical, and deeply personal, the March screenings bring together films that have resonated with audiences for their honesty, passion, and unforgettable soundtracks.

    From the playful, ever evolving romance of Hum Tum, where chance encounters and sharp witted banter slowly give way to a mature and heartfelt connection, the lineup journeys into the liberating and deeply introspective world of Highway, a story that finds intimacy and self discovery in the most unexpected of circumstances. The emotional tempo then rises with the raw, soaring intensity of Rockstar, a tale of ambition, longing, and a love so powerful it fuels both brilliance and heartbreak. The series gently settles into the tender, music laced nostalgia of Meri Pyaari Bindu, a reflective ode to first love and unfinished stories, where memories unfold like old melodies that never truly fade. Together, these films create an emotional arc that feels vibrant, passionate, intimate, and achingly real.

    Each screening carries its own emotional rhythm, from playful romance to intense longing, creating a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and expansive under the open sky.

    INFINITI MALL, MALAD

    DATE

    MOVIE

    TIME

    7th March

    Hum Tum

    7 pm

    14th March

    Highway

    7 pm

    21st March

    Rockstar

    7 pm

    28th March

    Meri Pyaari Bindu

    7 pm

    Get ready to relive the music, memories, and magic of these beloved films beneath the stars at Infiniti Mall this March.

  • AlUla Skies Festival Returns 17–26 April 2026: A 10-Day Celebration of Balloons, Stars and Spectacle in AlUla

    From sunrise balloon ascents over ancient desert landscapes to moonlit cinema beneath some of the clearest skies in the region, the AlUla Skies Festival is set to transform the heavens into a stage from 17 April to 26 April 2026.

    Recognised as Saudi Arabia’s—and the Gulf’s—first officially certified International Dark Sky Park, AlUla offers a rare celestial canvas protected from light pollution. For adventurers, culture seekers and stargazers alike, the 2026 edition promises perspective as grand as its landscapes.

    SKYRISE: Mass Morning Hot Air Balloon Flights

    One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, SKYRISE, will see 30 hot air balloons ascend together in a breathtaking coordinated display. Ten balloons will accommodate paying guests, who will be collected from 4- and 5-star hotels in AlUla and transported to the launch site before dawn.

    The flight path offers panoramic views over the UNESCO-listed Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first World Heritage Site. From intricate Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs to sweeping desert valleys, the experience delivers unmatched photographic opportunities before guests are returned to their hotels.

    Hot Air Balloon Glow Show

    17 & 18 April | 24 & 25 April 2026

    As daylight fades, the sky transforms into a luminous theatre. The Glow Shows combine music, acrobatics, projection mapping and choreographed light displays with up to 12 illuminated hot air balloons firing their burners in synchronised rhythm. The result is a dramatic spectacle of light, sound and fire set against AlUla’s iconic desert backdrops.

    VOX Moonlight at Maraya

    Cinema meets desert magic at VOX Moonlight Cinema, hosted at the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya. Guests can enjoy the latest film releases under open skies, surrounded by panoramic desert views.

    Classic VOX favourites—popcorn, sliders, soft drinks and slushes—are available, while those seeking an elevated culinary experience can dine at Maraya Social by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton.

    Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experience

    17–26 April 2026

    For visitors seeking a shorter yet equally thrilling experience, tethered balloon rides at Al Manshiyah Plaza will lift guests up to 50 metres into the air, offering panoramic views of AlUla’s dramatic sandstone formations and oasis landscapes.

    House of Constellations

    17 April – 02 May 2026

    Returning to AlUla Old Town, the House of Constellations blends astronomy with storytelling heritage. This immersive activation features:

    • Interactive installations
    • A 360° planetarium with specially narrated content
    • Telescope observations from Old Town Fort
    • Guided celestial storytelling sessions led by Rawis

    Anchored in AlUla’s historic amphitheatre, the experience bridges science and culture under pristine night skies.

    Festival Concert: Nancy Ajram Live at Thanaya

    23 April 2026

    Arabic pop icon Nancy Ajram will headline a major festival concert at Thanaya. With 11 studio albums, multiple chart-topping hits and over 4 billion YouTube views, Ajram is widely recognised as one of the most influential female artists in the Arab world. A three-time World Music Award winner, she has helped elevate Arabic pop to global audiences and continues to shape the region’s contemporary music landscape.

    About AlUla

    Located approximately 1,100 km from Riyadh in north-west Saudi Arabia, AlUla spans 22,561 km² of extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.

    Its highlights include:

    • Hegra – Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Dadan – Capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms
    • Jabal Ikmah – Home to thousands of inscriptions and rock art carvings
    • AlUla Old Town – A labyrinth of over 900 mudbrick homes dating back to the 12th century
    • Hijaz Railway – A key chapter in regional history

    With towering sandstone mountains, lush oasis valleys and archaeological treasures spanning millennia—including Nabataean and Roman eras—AlUla is fast becoming one of the Middle East’s most compelling cultural destinations.

  • RAKEZ and EPDA partner to streamline environmental approvals for key industrial sectors

    Ras Al Khaimah, 23 February 2026: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) to establish a structured and efficient approval framework for new industrial activities across priority sectors in the emirate.

    

    The MoU was signed by Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, and H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, Acting Director General of EPDA. The agreement introduces a streamlined verification and environmental approval process covering the cement, chemical, and general industrial sectors. The framework has been developed in close alignment with RAKEZ’s HSE Department to ensure seamless coordination between regulatory and operational functions. The collaboration aims to enhance regulatory clarity, accelerate licensing procedures, and ensure full compliance with environmental standards while supporting sustainable industrial growth in Ras Al Khaimah.

    Under the new framework, industrial companies will benefit from a faster and more streamlined environmental approval process, making it easier to move projects forward with greater clarity and efficiency. The MoU also ensures coordinated handling of expansion and modification requests, with clear guidance on environmental requirements from the outset. This structured approach enhances transparency for investors, and strengthens collaboration between EPDA and RAKEZ HSE to support sustainable industrial growth.

    Beyond approvals, the partnership enables enhanced knowledge sharing, technical alignment, and joint training initiatives between EPDA and RAKEZ’s HSE teams to further strengthen environmental governance and promote best practices across the industrial ecosystem.

    Commenting on the partnership, Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, said, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility. By aligning processes and enhancing coordination with EPDA, we are creating a more predictable and efficient framework that benefits investors while upholding the highest environmental standards.”

    H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, Acting Director General of EPDA, added: “This Memorandum of Understanding with RAKEZ represents a significant step forward in our shared vision of integrating world-class environmental stewardship with streamlined industrial development. By establishing clear, time-bound approval frameworks, we are not only enhancing regulatory clarity for investors in the cement, chemical, and industrial sectors but also reinforcing our commitment to protecting Ras Al Khaimah’s environment. This collaboration ensures that as we facilitate faster business setup and expansion, we do so with the highest standards of compliance and technical oversight, ultimately fostering a sustainable and competitive industrial ecosystem for the emirate.”

    RAKEZ is home to nearly 40,000 companies across diverse sectors and continues to strengthen its ecosystem through strategic partnerships that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory clarity, and long-term sustainability.