Archives January 2026

New York, NY – Jan 29- The debate is over. CFOs aren’t asking whether to adopt AI in finance anymore. They’re asking why every solution forces them to choose between speed they can’t audit and control that doesn’t scale.

A new research study from Wakefield Research surveyed 100 CFOs at mid-market U.S. companies ($50M-$500M revenue). Between 60 and 77 percent already plan to adopt AI depending on the use case. But the findings reveal a massive trust gap blocking execution. Read the full report here: Finance AI Adoption Benchmarking Report.

The trust gap is real. 96% of CFOs say AI’s biggest benefit is freeing time for strategic work. But only 14% completely trust AI to deliver accurate accounting data on its own. And 97% say human oversight is critical. That’s not a contradiction – it’s CFOs defining the solution.

The findings reveal a market stuck between two broken models. AI copilots – whether standalone or embedded in legacy tools – still require accountants to review transaction by transaction, delivering single-digit productivity gains. AI agents – black-box LLM wrappers with finance branding – promise full automation but deliver unacceptable risk: no way to verify accuracy, no real audit trail, and low understanding of business context.

CFOs want neither babysitting nor black boxes. They want what they are calling “intelligent escalation” – AI that operates autonomously on routine transactions but knows when it’s encountering ambiguity and escalates with full context. One CFO put it simply: “We need an autopilot – fast, accurate and with the sound judgment of our most reliable accountant.”

The bottleneck isn’t AI intelligence – it’s AI judgment. As foundation models get smarter, the differentiator isn’t raw capability – it’s understanding business context, company policies, and when a decision requires human input. Speed and accuracy are table stakes. Judgment is what separates automation from intelligent escalation.

“We evaluated several AI solutions, and the difference was night and day,” said Dominic Rand, CFO of Kiva Brands. “Most tools either wanted full control with zero transparency, or they created more work for my team. What we needed was what Maximor delivered: AI that could handle the routine with speed and precision and knew exactly when to bring a human into the loop. That’s when automation becomes a partnership, not a risk.”

“When intelligence becomes commoditized, judgment becomes the competitive advantage,” said Ramnandan Krishnamurthy, co-founder and CEO of Maximor. “CFOs aren’t asking for smarter AI – they’re asking for AI that knows its limits. They need systems that are verifiable, operate autonomously when appropriate, and demonstrate judgment about when to act and when to escalate. That’s the shift we’re seeing in the market.”

The study makes clear what finance leaders demand: speed, verifiable accuracy, full audit trails, and intelligent escalation – AI that earns the right to operate autonomously by demonstrating judgment about when to act and when to ask.

CFOs have drawn the line: AI that can’t show its work and doesn’t know when to escalate is unacceptable in finance.

Mumbai, India, Jan 28:  Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PCs, laptops, and HiFi audio, unveils its flagship motherboard, the iGame X870E VULCAN OC, built on the AMD X870E platform for enthusiasts and extreme overclockers. Even prior to its official launch, the motherboard made global headlines by pushing the AMD Ryzen™ 7 9800X3D processor to an astounding 7335.48MHz, setting a new world record for this CPU.

Designed to unlock the full potential of AMD’s Ryzen 9000 X3D processors, the iGame X870E VULCAN OC combines high-end power delivery, advanced cooling, and gamer-focused tuning, reflecting COLORFUL’s commitment to performance, intelligent firmware optimization, and futuristic design.

Futuristic Design with Smart Display

The Vulcan series’ signature aesthetics are enhanced with deep-black multi-layer metal heatsinks for visual impact and thermal efficiency, while a fin-array cooling structure and full-coverage backplate ensure stability under sustained loads.

• Customizable iGame Smart LCD (268×800 pixels) for system monitoring and personalization

• Integrated iGame RGB lighting for a futuristic look

• Airflow-optimized layout for durability under extreme conditions

Extreme Power Delivery and Memory Support

Engineered for high-current workloads and overclocking:

• 18 + 2 + 2 phase power design with 110A DrMOS stages

• Dual 8-pin CPU power connectors for stable high-load operation

• 10-layer server-grade PCB with electroless silvering for clean signal transmission

• Dual-channel DDR5 memory support up to 10400MT/s with Intel XMP and AMD EXPO

Overclocking-Focused Features and Connectivity

The motherboard comes equipped with on-board controls and firmware tools for streamlined manual tuning and benchmarking:

• Shortcut buttons for rapid overclocking adjustments

• Debug LED for real-time system diagnostics

• Dual BIOS support with hardware switching

• BLCK external frequency adjustment

Expansion & Connectivity:

• 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16 slot

• 5 × M.2 slots, including 3 × PCIe 5.0

• 5GbE wired LAN & Wi-Fi 7 wireless module

Dedicated X3D Optimization for Gaming

The X3D AI Turbo tuning feature maximizes performance for AMD Ryzen X3D processors:

• One-Click Overclocking button on the rear I/O

• High Frame Rate Mode integrated into BIOS

• Automatic optimization of base clock and PBO

• Multiple manual profiles for performance/stability balance

The iGame X870E VULCAN OC sets a new benchmark in extreme overclocking and gaming motherboard design, combining futuristic aesthetics, advanced tuning, and next-generation connectivity for elite enthusiasts.

By:- Mr. Sidhartha Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS  Accessories Ltd.

“As the auto industry continues to evolve, the Union Budget 2026 comes at a crucial time, especially after a strong recovery driven by GST 2.0 reforms that have improved compliance and strengthe chandanbasumallik@gmail.com ned supply chains. Sustained focus on infrastructure development, support for domestic manufacturing and skill upgradation will be key to maintaining growth momentum across the auto and auto ancillary sector as volumes rebound across segments. The industry is also looking for continuity, along with a renewed push towards localization, innovation and ease of operations to enhance global competitiveness. A forward looking budget that supports manufacturing scale-up, road safety and policy stability will enable companies like ours to invest with confidence, create employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey as a global automotive manufacturing hub.”

NEW DELHI, India, Jan 28:  Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced that TruAlt Bioenergy Limited will use Honeywell’s Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) process technology to produce 80,000 tons per annum (TPA) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India. The agreement marks a major step towards establishing one of India’s first grassroots, dedicated SAF production facilities utilizing ethanol as a feedstock.

Honeywell UOP’s Ethanol-to-Jet technology enables producers to convert ethanol derived from renewable sources into SAF, offering a cost-effective pathway to reduce carbon emissions of air travel. The process is easily integrated into existing ethanol production infrastructure and can also produce renewable diesel, helping reduce carbon emissions in the road transport sector.

“Our proven Ethanol-to-Jet technology provides a cost-efficient pathway for SAF production and will help TruAlt Bioenergy advance its net-zero ambitions while creating value across the agricultural and energy ecosystems,” said Ranjit Kulkarni, VP & GM – Honeywell Process Technology, India. “This agreement marks another milestone in Honeywell’s journey to help India build self-reliance in sustainable fuel production.”

The collaboration underscores Honeywell’s alignment with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting domestic biofuel production. Once operational, the project will help reduce CO₂ emissions from the rapidly growing aviation sector while also contributing to higher farmer incomes through increased demand for bioethanol.

Vijay Nirani, Managing Director of TruAlt Bioenergy Limited, said, “Our agreement with Honeywell is a defining step in TruAlt’s journey to help build India’s sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem. By leveraging Honeywell technology, we aim to create a scalable, ethanol-based SAF pathway that connects India’s farmers directly to the global aviation decarbonization agenda. Through this project, we are strengthening our conviction that India’s energy transition must be rooted in domestic feedstocks, strong industrial capability and inclusive economic value creation without external dependence. Additionally, it leverages India’s unique geographic and demographic advantages to progressively position the country as a major global hub for sustainable aviation fuel production.”

Honeywell currently offers solutions across a range of feedstocks to meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels, including SAF. The company also offers modular renewable fuels technology that can be built off-site and quickly installed at refineries, lowering risk and accelerating start up compared to traditional methods.

New Delhi,  Jan 28: Global cloud communications platform Infobip, today announced a series of key leadership changes, effective 1 January 2026, supporting the company’s rapid growth and innovation agenda. These appointments promote experienced leaders from within the company, reflecting Infobip’s commitment to nurture internal talent and aligning leadership with strategic goals to deliver greater value to customers and partners.

Krešo Žmak has been appointed as Chief Innovation Officer a new position in which he will lead company-wide change initiatives ensuring that innovation efforts are tightly aligned with business goals. As AI is the driving force of innovation, a big focus will be on enabling and accelerating AI adoption across Infobip’s product portfolio and steering the organization’s broader transformation into an AI-first company.

Ante Pamuković has been named Chief Revenue Officer In his new role as CRO, Ante Pamuković is the strategic architect for revenue driving sustainable growth through global alignment, innovation, and operational excellence. One of the key priorities will be leveraging automation through AI and Go-To-Market strategies to enhance the value and experience delivered to Infobip’s customers worldwide.

In addition, Veselin Vuković is joining the Board of Directors as Chief Alliances Officer. Veselin, who joined Infobip in 2010, has been Chief Alliances Officer since January 2025 and now takes on responsibilities as new Board member overseeing Infobip’s business operations and is responsible for approving key governance, strategic, and operational decisions.

Furthermore, Igor Dvoršak has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing all VP General Managers to streamline organizational structure and enhancing regional coordination. Igor also takes responsibility for Strategy Development and Market Intelligence, enabling a more integrated approach to leveraging insights that drive operational excellence and support for regional teams.

Silvio Kutić, CEO and founder of Infobip, said:

 “By appointing these senior executives from within the company, we are strengthening our leadership framework to seize the opportunities ahead. Having grown with Infobip for many years, these leaders embody our company’s journey. This year, we celebrate our 20th anniversary, marking two decades of innovation and growth. To support our long-term strategy and maintain our lead, we must be prepared to continually restart and evolve, consistently adapting to the needs of our customers and the market.”

Goregaon West is fast consolidating its position as one of Mumbai’s most resilient and high-performing residential micro-markets, particularly in the luxury and premium housing segment. Backed by established social infrastructure, seamless connectivity to key business districts, and limited availability of new high-quality developments, the locality is witnessing sustained demand from both end-users and investors, resulting in steady price appreciation.

Industry trends indicate that luxury housing in Goregaon West is benefiting from a shift in buyer preferences toward well-located, execution-driven projects that offer long-term value rather than speculative gains. With supply remaining constrained and buyers closely tracking construction progress, projects that demonstrate timely execution are seeing faster absorption and quicker price movements.

A notable example of this market momentum is Ariha Group’s luxury residential project at Jawahar Nagar, Goregaon West, which has recently announced an upward revision in prices following an exceptional buyer response. Launched in October at ₹27,500 per sq. ft., the project has already seen prices appreciate to ₹36,000 per sq. ft., highlighting the strength of demand and the market’s willingness to reward quality developments.

The project’s strong performance is further reinforced by its construction progress, with the structure having breached the 7th slab ahead of schedule. This visible on-ground execution has played a key role in strengthening buyer confidence and accelerating decision-making in a market where delivery assurance has become a critical factor.

Commenting on the broader market and the project’s performance, Mr. Dhruman Shah, Promoter, Ariha Group said,

“Goregaon West continues to attract discerning homebuyers who are looking for a combination of location advantage, lifestyle quality, and assured execution. The response to our luxury project at Jawahar Nagar reflects this evolving mindset. The price appreciation we have witnessed is driven by genuine demand, limited supply of premium homes, and consistent construction progress, with the project already crossing the 7th slab ahead of timelines.”

Providing a strategic market perspective, Mr. Nihar Jayesh Thakkar, Founder, The Mandate House added,

“From a market standpoint, Goregaon West is clearly transitioning into a mature luxury residential zone. Buyers today closely monitor appreciation trends and construction milestones before committing. Ariha Group’s project is a strong example of how timely execution, limited inventory, and a clear luxury positioning translate into rapid value creation in this micro-market.”

To mark the project’s price appreciation and sustained demand, a premium celebratory initiative has also been introduced post the price revision. As part of this offering, a luxury Rolex watch is being extended as a special incentive on every booking, applicable on select limited inventories, reinforcing the project’s aspirational and elite positioning.

With prices already revised upward, limited availability, and construction progressing ahead of schedule, Ariha Group’s luxury development at Jawahar Nagar, Goregaon West stands as a compelling case study of how the Goregaon real estate market is rewarding well-executed luxury projects with strong and early appreciation.

New Delhi, Jan 28: TATA Starbucks today announced an enhancement to beverage customisation across its stores in India, empowering customers to enjoy their favourite flavoured hot or iced beverages with greater personalisation to choose their preferred level of sweetness with zero-sugar flavours such as Vanilla, Hazelnut and Caramel now also available with zero added sugar, customers can select from options including No Sugar, Less Sweet or Regular, rendering lesser calories beverages, across all Starbucks stores, mobile ordering and delivery platforms.

“India’s coffee culture has evolved significantly over the years, with consumers increasingly seeking more control over how their beverages are crafted,” said Sushant Dash, ceo, Tata Starbucks.

“Sweetness is a key part of that choice, and this enhancement allows customers to decide the level that works for them without altering the flavour profile they are familiar with also with a lower calorie beverage output. It preserves the Starbucks experience consumers expect, while offering greater flexibility at the point of order. Our focus remains on delivering consistency across stores and channels, strengthening our ability to serve a wider range of preferences at scale, while keeping the experience seamless for both customers and partners.”

As health and wellness continue to influence beverage choices, more consumers are paying closer attention to ingredients and calorie intake while still seeking flavour and indulgence. This shift is particularly visible at the start of the year, as resolutions and reset is taking precedence and people reassess everyday choices and routines. With this offering, Starbucks is enabling greater flexibility for customers with options that suit their tastes and daily preferences while upholding the quality, consistency and indulgence that define the signature Starbucks experience.

The customisation options are now available across Starbucks 506 stores in 81 cities, giving customers the ability to select their desired sweetness across beverages.

Las Vegas, USA Jan 28: Eastman IMPEX, a global leader in engineering goods and construction solutions, participated in World of Concrete 2026, one of the world’s premier exhibitions for the concrete and construction industry. The company showcased its advanced formwork, shoring, and scaffolding solutions at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from January 20–22, 2026, at South Hall, Booth S10655.

At the event, Eastman IMPEX presented its robust, performance-driven systems designed to address the evolving requirements of large-scale infrastructure, commercial, and industrial construction projects across global markets. The showcased solutions highlighted the company’s strong focus on safety, efficiency, durability, and adaptability across diverse construction environments.

World of Concrete 2026 brought together global construction leaders, engineers, contractors, and solution providers, offering Eastman IMPEX a strategic platform to strengthen international partnerships and engage with stakeholders from North America and other key global regions.

Commenting on the participation, Gaurav Singal, CEO, Eastman IMPEX, said,

“World of Concrete is a critical platform for engaging with the global construction ecosystem. Our participation reflected Eastman IMPEX’s commitment to delivering engineering solutions that are stronger from the ground up and built to perform across complex construction requirements. As infrastructure projects continue to scale globally, the need for reliable, safe, and high-performance formwork and scaffolding systems has never been greater, and we were proud to showcase solutions that address these needs head-on.”

He further added,

“The exhibition enabled us to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into market expectations, and demonstrate how Eastman IMPEX continues to innovate while maintaining the highest standards of quality and engineering excellence.”

Visitors to the Eastman IMPEX booth explored the company’s comprehensive product portfolio, interacted with technical experts, and gained insights into solutions designed to support faster project execution, enhanced site safety, and long-term structural integrity.

With a strong global presence and decades of engineering expertise, Eastman IMPEX continued to play a pivotal role in supporting construction projects across infrastructure, real estate, industrial, and urban development sectors worldwide.

Neal Thakker, Founder and CEO of Magma Group

“As India’s manufacturing base scales, the next phase has to be about building factories that are not just bigger, but cleaner and more resilient. From our experience on the ground, MSMEs are ready to invest in energy-efficient machinery, better materials, and circular processes if access to capital and policy support is predictable. Budget 2026 is a real opportunity to align sustainability with competitiveness by backing technology upgradation, green materials, and simpler compliance for manufacturers who want to modernise without losing margins.”

“Manufacturing growth today is less about announcing new schemes and more about improving execution at the factory level. MSMEs need easier access to working capital, faster GST processes, and incentives to adopt digital and energy-efficient systems that directly improve throughput. If Budget 2026 strengthens technology upgradation and supports sustainable manufacturing at scale, it will help factories become globally competitive while staying grounded in unit economics.”

 Tripat Girdhar, Founder of Arete Design Studio

“The 2026 Union Budget must approach the built environment as a long-term national asset, not a short-term fiscal lever. From a policy perspective, real estate needs stability, tax clarity, and predictable approval frameworks to unlock sustained housing-led growth and investor confidence. For developers, the focus should shift from volume-driven construction to performance-led development, where design efficiency, lifecycle cost, and operational sustainability define value. Architecture must be recognised as core infrastructure that directly impacts energy consumption, public health, and urban resilience. Budget incentives should reward climate-responsive design, passive strategies, and durable materials that reduce long-term maintenance and energy costs for both occupants and asset owners. Affordable housing policy must emphasise liveability, dignity, and long-term performance, not just unit counts. Urban planning, public spaces, and last-mile connectivity deserve stronger fiscal support. A design-led budget will help developers build smarter assets while enabling policymakers to create resilient, efficient, and people-centric cities.”

Ajay Rao, Founder & CEO, Emiza

“The upcoming Union Budget is an opportunity to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive logistics hub. Continued capex under PM Gati Shakti, across roads, rail, ports and integrated logistics parks, will be critical to reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency.

For 3PL players, policy support for technology adoption such as automation, AI and digital supply chains, along with incentives for green warehousing, can significantly enhance productivity and sustainability. Clarity on GST, especially input tax credit on construction, will unlock faster development of Grade A warehouses.

Easier access to long-term financing, focused support for MSMEs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and sustained investment in air cargo and cold-chain infrastructure will help build a resilient, future-ready logistics ecosystem aligned with the National Logistics Policy.” 

BITS Pilani WILP Launches Cutting-Edge Programmes in AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity to Empower Professionals and Entrepreneurs

BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) today announced the launch of specialized courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), and Cybersecurity. The new offerings underscore WILP’s commitment to advancing India’s digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem by equipping working professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations with future‑ready skills to meet the growing demand for advanced technology expertise across industries.

The 11‑month Post Graduate Certificate in AI & ML is designed for graduates in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering (B.Sc., B.Tech., and higher). The programme builds expertise in Generative AI, Agentic AI, MLOps for production-grade AI systems, and computer vision through a mix of core courses, electives, and a capstone project. Foundation modules in Python and Math are available for those who require additional preparation, ensuring accessibility for learners from diverse academic backgrounds.

The 12‑month Post Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity is open to candidates with a four‑year Integrated First Degree of BITS or its equivalent such as B.E., B.Tech., M.Sc., or MCA. It focusses on advanced skills in AI/ML for security, modern cryptography, ethical hacking, and compliance frameworks, with emphasis on programming, computer networks, operating systems, and databases. The curriculum combines core courses, electives, and applied projects to prepare professionals to safeguard digital infrastructure against evolving threats.

Commenting on the launch, Prof. G. Sundar, Director, BITS WILP said,

“At BITS WILP, our focus is on bridging the skill gap that industries face today. These new programmes in AIML, and Cybersecurity are not just about mastering advanced technologies, they are about preparing professionals to lead responsibly, apply knowledge in real-world contexts, and strengthen the digital resilience of organizations. By embedding experiential learning and industry alignment into the curriculum, we ensure that learners graduate ready to drive innovation and safeguard the future of India’s digital economy.”

Both programmes are designed for working professionals, offering flexible, industry‑aligned learning while continuing in their professions. Enrolment opens in January 2026, with the first batch commencing in April.