Archives January 2026

Karnataka, Jan 16: Carlsberg India, a subsidiary of the globally renowned Danish brewer with a 178-year legacy, announced the inauguration of a new can line at its Mysuru brewery. This milestone reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Karnataka, following its ₹350 crore expansion pledge made at Invest Karnataka 2025 to further expand the Mysuru facility.

The new can line has been established with an investment of ₹100 crore and offers a production capacity of 22,000 cans per hour (CPH). The addition significantly enhances the brewery’s ability to meet growing consumer demand and forms an integral part of Carlsberg India’s broader expansion strategy across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Government of Karnataka, said,

“We appreciate Carlsberg India’s continued investments of INR 350 crore in Karnataka, particularly in Mysuru, and their impactful work that contributes positively to society. These efforts reflect the company’s strong confidence in the state’s industrial ecosystem. We encourage more companies to step forward with increased local investments and job creation, especially in Mysuru, to support inclusive and sustainable regional development.”

Commenting on the development, Mr. Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India, said,

“Our continued investment in Karnataka underscores our long-term commitment to the state. Through this expansion, we aim to sustainably produce international-quality beers for consumers, contribute to state excise revenues, and generate additional direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local community.”

Located in Nanjangud taluk, the Mysuru brewery is spread across 28 acres and manufactures Carlsberg and Tuborg brands. The facility reflects Carlsberg India’s strong focus on responsible and sustainable brewing practices. It operates biomass boilers using husk and biogas as fuel. Additionally, 85% of the brewery’s power requirements are met through solar energy.

Carlsberg India is also actively engaged in water sustainability initiatives in Karnataka, working in partnership with WaterAid and local communities to promote responsible water stewardship.

AI comes of age: Deloitte’s 17th Annual Tech Trends report reveals how leading organizations are scaling AI for outcomes and impact

Mumbai, Jan 16: The technology landscape has fundamentally shifted, and with it comes a massive opportunity. AI is challenging boards, leaders and the workforce to rethink how they operate, compete and create value — and the organizations bold enough to rebuild rather than just enhance will define the next decade.

“We are seeing that most technology trends today are pivoting decisively toward AI, and the shift is no longer about experimentation or isolated use cases. What stands out in this year’s Deloitte Tech Trends report is how AI is becoming a catalyst for rethinking how organizations are designed, governed, and scaled end to end. For India, this moment is especially relevant. Our enterprises operate at unmatched scale and diversity, which makes incremental change insufficient. The real opportunity lies in rebuilding core processes, infrastructure, and talent models so human and digital capabilities can work together seamlessly. Organizations that take this systems-level view of AI will be better positioned to drive resilience, productivity, and long-term value in an increasingly complex environment,” said Deepa Seshadri, Partner and CIO Program Leader, Deloitte India.

Enterprises are also faced with a variety of challenges, including economic uncertainty, policy shifts, and more, making it more important than ever to invest in strategic, scalable and transformational innovation. However, the complexity of creating an interconnected organization can be daunting and knowing where to invest can be difficult to pinpoint.

Ultimately, the gap between experimentation and impact is where competitive advantage is won or lost. Those who bridge it now are better positioned to shape their industries.

“The pace of technology change can be overwhelming. Deloitte’s Tech Trends report aims to cut through hype to provide clarity and confidence about the business and mission impact expected over the next 18 to 24 months, with breadcrumbs to the real investments leaders can make today. While AI remains central, other advances — like human + machine dynamics, underlying infrastructure choices and the next wave of cyber — demand attention. Leaders can’t afford inertia; ‘Tech Trends’ highlights real ways to forge new futures across industries worldwide,” said Bill Briggs, chief technology officer, Deloitte.

Kelly Raskovich, Emerging Technology Leader and Tech Trends Executive Editor, Deloitte, further added,

“For 17 years, ‘Tech Trends’ has tracked emerging technologies poised to reshape business. This year is different. Innovation is compounding. Forces aren’t simply additive, but multiplicative. Better technology enables more applications. More applications generate more data. More data attracts more investment. More investment builds better infrastructure. Each improvement simultaneously accelerates all the others. We’re seeing the S-curves compress in real time, and the distance between emerging and mainstream is collapsing. That’s the reality technology leaders are navigating.”

The report identifies five interconnected forces reshaping enterprise technology. Each represents a shift from last year’s experimentation phase to this year’s scaling imperative:

AI-enabled robots: Intelligent robots enter human spaces as AI moves from screens to streets

As AI is integrated directly into physical forms, real world autonomous devices with unprecedented capability may soon navigate human spaces.  AI will likely transition robots from niche, pre-programmed, task-specific tools to adaptive systems that can actively observe, decide, act, learn and adapt in dynamic settings. Success requires collaboration between hardware providers, regulatory bodies, and enterprises to turn these systems into reimagined work, not just next-gen tools.

AI agents: To give an AI agent a performance review, you’ll have to rewrite the standards

Despite enthusiasm for AI agents that can autonomously make decisions and complete tasks, many organizations are hitting a wall: only 11% have successfully deployed these systems in production. The challenge isn’t technology, it’s that enterprises are trying to automate existing processes designed for humans rather than redesigning them for AI-first operations. Leading organizations are reimagining what work means, based on the recognition that AI agents and human workers have different skill sets. Leaders are already beginning to develop hybrid human-digital workforces and investing to shepherd the massive change as teams and orgs increasingly are a mix of human and machine. Getting this balance right requires not just investing in learning, culture and growth for the human workforce, but also setting the foundation for the HR equivalent for advanced agents, robots and more.

AI infrastructure: AI sparked an infrastructure reckoning, now enterprises must build something new

While AI processing costs have plummeted, some organizations are seeing massive monthly bills. The culprit? Usage is growing far faster than costs are falling, and systems are built on top of aging infrastructure made for a different world. Organizations are hitting a tipping point where cloud services become cost-prohibitive for high-volume workloads. Leading organizations are implementing three-tier hybrid architectures: cloud for elasticity, on-premises for consistency, and edge for immediacy. In some cases, purpose-built AI data centers can be deployed faster than existing infrastructure can be retrofitted.

IT operating model: From architecture to delivery, AI flips the script on modern tech operations

AI is rewiring the ways IT organizations operate. What started out as a tool in the hands of the IT function is now reshaping it, and the familiar incremental pace of change is a thing of the past. A tech operation driven by AI can be leaner, faster and more adaptive, but for that to happen, tech leaders will need to pave the way with refreshed approaches to organization and culture. Leading organizations are anchoring AI initiatives to measurable business outcomes, designing modular architectures for flexibility, and redefining talent strategies around human-machine collaboration. Done right, these teams are the lighthouse that guides enterprise-wide transformation.

AI’s cyber paradox: AI introduces new security vulnerabilities, but it’s at the core of a proactive approach to emerging risks

AI is completely changing enterprise cybersecurity: The same technology that can deliver competitive advantage and new business opportunities is also introducing new cyber vulnerabilities and widening attack surfaces. Shadow AI deployments, adversarial attacks, and intrinsic system weaknesses are expanding attack surfaces. But the opportunity is using AI defensively, including red teaming with AI agents, adversarial training, and automated threat detection operating at machine speed. By adopting an “AI for cyber” and “cyber for AI” approach with security blueprints at its core, cyber leaders can proactively address emerging risks and drive tangible business outcomes.

Signals: The future is calling: Beyond the five major trends, Deloitte’s report identifies eight emerging technology signals (or technology patterns) that forward-thinking leaders should monitor, including brain-inspired neuromorphic chips, edge AI applications, biometric authentication advances, how AI agents are reshaping privacy concerns, and generative engine optimization.

The 17th annual “Deloitte Tech Trends Report” tracks the important changes business and technology leaders can use to find opportunities for growth, innovation and market disruption

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Jan 16: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, has signed a land sale agreement with Danube Properties for the development of a major residential and mixed-use project within KEZAD Town Centre, a strategically located district forming part of KEZAD Abu Dhabi.

The transaction covers approximately one million square metres of freehold land and is valued at around AED 840 million. It represents the second land sale completed within the KEZAD Town Centre masterplan, following the earlier landmark transaction conducted with Mira Developments last October.

The agreement supports AD Ports Group’s land monetisation strategy and the phased acceleration of the Town Centre development, which spans a total area of approximately 16 square kilometres. The project is designed to establish a vibrant, well-connected residential and lifestyle destination within close proximity to KEZAD’s industrial and business clusters, supporting long-term growth and workforce sustainability.

The proceeds from the transaction will be collected over a period of four years, with a 10% downpayment, and will support the Group’s efforts to continue to deleverage its Balance Sheet, enhancing its liquidity position and financial flexibility.

The agreement further demonstrates the sustained value appreciation of KEZAD Town Centre land, underpinned by strong market demand.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “Our land sale agreement with Danube Properties marks another significant milestone in the development of KEZAD Town Centre and underscores the strength of our long-term master planning approach. Achieving a higher land value in this second transaction reflects growing market confidence in the Town Centre vision and its role in creating integrated, liveable communities that support Abu Dhabi’s economic growth, in line with the wise vision of our leadership.”

He added: “By accelerating land monetisation and attracting established developers with strong delivery track records, we are unlocking hidden value from our landbank in Abu Dhabi, while ensuring that development remains fully aligned with infrastructure readiness, planning standards, and the evolving needs of our communities.”

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group, said: “We are proud to partner with AD Ports Group on this important development within KEZAD Town Centre. The location, scale, and long-term vision of the project align strongly with our commitment to delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use communities. This agreement provides a solid foundation for a development that will meet market demand and contribute meaningfully to the growth of this emerging destination.”

Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group, is one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers and the pioneer of the region’s groundbreaking 1% payment plan. Established by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, the company has launched 40 projects to date, with 20 successfully delivered and the remainder in advanced stages of construction.

Known for offering fully furnished apartments complemented by more than 40 lifestyle amenities, Danube Properties has earned a strong reputation for delivering projects ahead of schedule, backed by exceptional build quality and customer trust. With innovation, accessibility, and reliability at its core, the company continues to redefine modern urban living across the region.

The KEZAD Town Centre development is planned as a multi-phase district combining residential, commercial, and lifestyle components, supported by primary infrastructure, utilities, and connectivity delivered in line with approved masterplans. The project is expected to play a central role in shaping a new urban destination adjacent to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest economic and industrial hubs.

Guwahati, Jan  16: The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 will confer its Lifetime Achievement Honour on veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria (also known as Bishnu Kharghariya), in recognition of his extraordinary and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. Instituted as an annual honour, the award celebrates artists whose body of work has significantly shaped cinematic culture and inspired generations.

Announcing the honour, Festival Director Monita Borgohain said,

“Bishnu Kharghoria’s contribution to Indian cinema especially to Assamese films is profound and timeless. His performances reflect rare integrity, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. We are honoured to celebrate a life dedicated to cinema.”

The second edition of GAFF, organised by Trending Now Media, with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, will be held from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati.

A towering presence in Indian and particularly Assamese cinema, Bishnu Kharghoria is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation. Bishnu Kharghoria began his film career with Bristi in 1974 and went on to build an illustrious career spanning several decades. He delivered numerous memorable performances in landmark films such as Kollol (1978), Firingoti (1992), Xagoroloi Bohudoor (1995), Pokhi (1998), among many others that shaped Assamese and Indian cinema. His exceptional talent has been nationally and internationally recognised- he received the National Film Award (Special Mention) for Xagoroloi Bohudoor in 1995 and again for Baandhon in 2012. In addition, he won the Best Actor Award at the Singapore International Film Festival in 1996 for Xagoroloi Bohudoor, reaffirming his stature as one of India’s most respected veteran actors.

The Lifetime Achievement Honour will be presented during GAFF 2026 as a tribute to Bishnu Kharghoria’s remarkable journey and his invaluable contribution to the evolution of Indian cinema.

Stashfin, India’s leading digital lending and full-stack financial services platform, has announced the appointment of Abhishek Gupta as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In his new role, Abhishek will lead the company’s end-to-end technology strategy and execution, cloud infrastructure, data and AI capabilities, cybersecurity, and product-led innovation, as Stashfin accelerates its next phase of scale and transformation.

Abhishek brings with him several years of experience in building and scaling large, consumer-facing technology platforms across high-growth digital businesses. Prior to joining Stashfin, he also held senior technology leadership roles including Vice President at Zupee, CTO at Creditas Solutions, Associate Director of Technology at the ibibo Group, and Manager – Technology at Times Internet. His career spans building resilient platforms, driving AI adoption, and leading high-performing engineering organisations at scale. His mandate includes advancing cloud-native architecture, strengthening platform reliability, improving performance, and driving cost efficiency across the technology stack, ensuring that Stashfin’s systems scale seamlessly with growing customer and transaction volumes.

A central pillar of his role is leading AI-led transformation across engineering, product and business operations. Under his leadership, AI is being embedded deeply into how products are built and how teams operate, moving beyond experimentation to deliver measurable, real-world impact. This includes AI-assisted and automated code generation, reviews, and quality checks to improve developer productivity and accelerate time-to-market; automated CRM and customer communication workflows that enable intelligent routing, personalised engagement, and faster issue resolution; and AI-powered collections and operations enablement, where data-driven insights optimise outreach timing, channels, and customer interactions.

Commenting on his appointment, Abhishek Gupta, Chief Technology Officer, Stashfin, said,

 “At Stashfin, the focus is on leveraging advanced technology at scale securely alongside the business while improving efficiency and customer experience. We are investing in cloud-native systems, strong data foundations, and applied AI across engineering and operations, from AI-assisted development and automated CRM workflows to intelligent operations such as smart collections. By combining AI-led innovation with a security-first approach, we aim to accelerate time-to-market, reduce manual effort, and deliver reliable, trusted, and personalized digital experiences at scale.”

Tushar Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Stashfin, further highlighted, 

“As Stashfin continues to grow, technology, data, and AI are central to how we scale responsibly and sustainably. Abhishek brings a strong combination of platform thinking, execution excellence, and AI-first leadership. His experience in building large, resilient digital systems will be critical as we strengthen our technology foundations, accelerate innovation, and deliver long-term value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Abhishek’s role and focus also spans across application security, cloud security, data protection, and governance, ensuring that Stashfin’s technology platforms remain secure, compliant, and resilient as the business grows. In parallel, he also works closely with product, business, and operations leaders to drive product-led innovation, aligning technology execution directly with business outcomes. By building strong data foundations and scalable AI, enabling faster decision-making and consistent customer experiences at scale.

“The future of advertising is not just about reaching more people. It is about reaching the right people with messages that truly resonate. By combining AI capabilities with deep customer insights basis trillions of shopping, browsing and streaming signals, Amazon Ads helps brands move from simply sharing campaign messaging to engaging in meaningful conversations and reach audiences wherever they spend time, across the Amazon store plus thousands of apps and websites,” says Girish Prabhu, Head and Vice President, Amazon Ads India. 

Leeford Ortho Repositions Orthopedic Support as a Lifestyle Choice with ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ Campaign Featuring Tiger Shroff

Leeford Ortho has launched its high-energy ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ campaign, transforming orthopedic support from a medical necessity into an aspirational lifestyle enabler. The initiative features action superstar Tiger Shroff and actor Varun Sharma across three hero films that celebrate continuous momentum for ambitious, fitness-driven consumers.

The campaign signals a fundamental shift in the way orthopedic care is perceived. Instead of focusing solely on treatment and recovery, Leeford Ortho positions fitness as a way of life, appealing to consumers who view staying active, ambitious, and ahead as an integral part of their daily routine. This strategic repositioning moves the category away from its conventional, medicalized perception, making daily health and pain management seamlessly integrated into everyday living.

Schbang led Leeford’s complete communication journey, defining brand positioning, creative expression, and the memorable tagline “Fit Raho, Hit Raho”, capturing the spirit of continuous activity. The three films, produced by Hogarth, leverage situations authentic to both Tiger Shroff and Varun Sharma, ensuring strong product recall while maintaining high relatability with mass audiences.

What sets this strategy apart is its focus on lifestyle over ailment. The campaign speaks to consumers who treat fitness as an identity rather than an occasional activity, while Leeford Ortho’s fast-acting relief supports their active routines. By making orthopedic support easy to use and integrate into daily life, the brand positions itself as a catalyst for sustained movement rather than a temporary solution.

The campaign also balances Leeford’s strong healthcare legacy with a youth-relevant, energetic voice, connecting with modern, fitness-conscious audiences. It demonstrates that effective brand repositioning happens when product benefits align with how consumers actually want to live.

Sidhant Gupta, Director, Leeford Healthcare Ltd., said:

“With ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’, we target people who see fitness as a way of life, not just a solution. Schbang helped us translate that vision into a campaign that feels energetic, relatable, and true to who our consumers are today.”

Hariharan Subramanian, Creative Director, Schbang, added:

“Leeford gave us a unique opportunity—not just to shape the brand’s voice in advertising, but to break the category out of its clinical mould. Instead of sounding medicinal, we chose to speak to people before they became patients, connecting with them in their everyday lives.”

Through ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’, Leeford Ortho establishes itself as a brand that understands modern fitness culture, proving that orthopedic care can be both effective and aspirational, enabling consumers to maintain momentum, confidence, and an active lifestyle.