Archives February 2026

Bengaluru, Feb 24: Assetz, one of Bengaluru’s leading real estate developers, announces the launch of Assetz Mizumi Reserve, an expansive luxury residential development off Hosur Main Road, South-East Bengaluru. This launch unveils the first chapter of a micropolis, currently set across approximately 25 acres and comprising 10 towers, two clubhouses and a dedicated 2-acre expanse exclusively for leisure and amenities, complemented by a vibrant sports district featuring 12+ outdoor sports. Conceived under a broader master vision, this inaugural phase lays the foundation, with subsequent stages with expanded master plans to be potentially implemented over time, shaping an expansive, integrated residential ecosystem centred on complete living, where nature, connectivity and everyday convenience come together seamlessly. 

Strategically located off HSR Layout, Assetz Mizumi Reserve enjoys connectivity to key city hubs, including Electronic City, Koramangala and HSR Layout. Major employment centres across the Marathahalli–Outer Ring Road IT belt, which houses a significant share of Bengaluru’s IT and GCC workforce, are all within a comfortable 20-minute drive, making everyday commutes effortless. The neighbourhood is equally well-supported by reputed educational institutions, leading healthcare facilities and popular lifestyle destinations, most within a 15-minute drive. With proximity to Kudlu Gate and Hosa Road Metro stations, and arterial roads such as Hosur Road and Outer Ring Road, the project offers a rare combination of serene living and strong urban connectivity. 

The name Mizumi, meaning “lake” in Japanese, reflects the project’s defining identity — life beside two serene water bodies and expansive green landscapes. The concept of a “Reserve” signifies not just protected natural surroundings but a conscious reservation of space, openness and lifestyle. Envisioned as “The Have-It-All Habitat”, Mizumi Reserve represents a world where architecture, leisure, sustainability and connectivity co-exist in thoughtful harmony. 

Structured as a multi-phase development, Assetz Mizumi Reserve is envisioned as a self-sustained micropolis of scale, thoughtfully designed to evolve into a world of its own. This current launch on February 28 and March 1 relates to Phase 1, comprising 5 towers (3 dedicated to 3 BHK residences and 2 to 4 BHK residences), offering 704 premium apartments. The project features exclusively 3 and 4 BHK luxury apartments, with super built-up areas ranging from 1,901 sq. ft. to 2,477 sq. ft. These homes are designed for seamless indoor–outdoor living, highlighted by expansive luxury terrace balconies measuring up to 16’4” x 10’4”. With ~77% open space, verdant landscaping and life beside two natural lakes, the development places nature at the centre of everyday life. 

Each phase boasts clubhouses and indoor amenities of ~63,000 sq. ft. along with over 30 curated amenities, including temperature-controlled swimming pools, padel and pickleball courts, tennis courts, multipurpose court, a bowling alley, squash and badminton courts, box cricket, amphitheatre, banquet hall, workstations (indoor and outdoor), library provisions, kids’ play areas, pets’ park and more. 

Sustainability is integrated into the project’s design. Assetz Mizumi Reserve features rainwater harvesting, deep recharge pits, water reuse systems, dual plumbing, energy-efficient lighting, solar power generation and an organic waste converter, enabling zero waste to landfill. Designed according to sun path analysis and enhanced with significant green cover, the development is planned to maintain lower internal temperatures compared to the surrounding cityscape. 

Akshay Dewani, CEO, Assetz, said, “With Assetz Mizumi Reserve, our focus was on crafting a design-forward residential experience where every detail reflects intention and refinement. The architecture draws from timeless material palettes, including real stone cladding and grey brick façades that lend depth and character to the elevations. Inside the homes, large terrace balconies extend the living spaces outward, while wooden finish flooring in bedrooms, large-format wooden finish UPVC windows and premium sanitaryware aim to elevate comfort and performance. From the arrival experience to the interior finishes, every specification has been intended to deliver a contemporary standard of luxury.” 

Sunil Pareek, Executive Director, Assetz, added: “At Assetz, our vision has always been to create human-centric ecosystems that anticipate the way people want to live tomorrow. With over 50 projects, more than 50 million sq. ft. developed and ongoing, we continue to scale responsibly while staying design-led and sustainability-focused. Assetz Mizumi Reserve will reflect this philosophy at a broader framework, aiming to integrate township living, new-age amenities, expansive open spaces and sustainability features into a thoughtfully master-planned micropolis.”

Hyderabad, India, Feb 24: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Ltd. (“BCSSL” or “the Company”) , a BSE-listed diversified technology and infrastructure solutions company, announced that its Board of Directors has approved a definitive agreement framework to acquire 100% of Global Impex Inc. (“GIX”) from ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. (“ConnectM”; OTC: CNTM), a U.S. based modern energy economy company.

The board reviewed the proposal and discussed its merits. The acquisition aims to develop a scalable, technology-driven “Blue Energy” platform under BCSSL, offering clean energy solutions for data centers, industrial sectors, mobility, electric vehicles, energy storage, software, and data services to support energy transition needs in India and globally.

Transaction Overview

Global Impex Inc houses ConnectM’s India-focused operating assets and platforms, including electric mobility solutions, rooftop solar and clean energy businesses (CER and CER Rooftop), distributed microgrids, Geo Impex infrastructure assets, and related operating companies. Global Impex Inc also holds exclusive India licenses for select proprietary technologies developed by ConnectM and its wholly owned subsidiary, Keen Labs.

The acquisition will be implemented through an all-equity share swap, subject to completion of due diligence, execution of definitive agreements, and receipt of applicable corporate, regulatory, and shareholder approvals as required under applicable laws.

Strategic Rationale

The proposed acquisition is aligned with BCSSL’s long-term portfolio strategy and SPV-based value creation model, as outlined in the Company’s Investor Memorandum (January 2026). Key strategic objectives include:

• Consolidation of operating clean energy, mobility, and distributed infrastructure assets
• under the dedicated “Blue Energy” vertical
• Integration of advanced technologies in virtual power plants (VPPs), battery systems, smart mobility, and AI-driven energy management from ConnectM and Keen Labs
• Leveraging BCSSL’s government and enterprise relationships, including PSU’s and
• telecom sector clients to accelerate deployment.
• BCSSL can leverage the intangible and tangible assets in their upcoming AI enabled data center projects. Also, both intangible and tangible assets shall be useful in its business expansion and company net worth.
• Creation of a scalable, asset-backed, and IP-led energy platform capable of attracting long-term institutional capital

For ConnectM, the transaction enables structural simplification, enhanced focus on U.S. and international markets, and continued participation in India’s growth through equity ownership and technology licensing partnerships.

Statements from the Leadership:

Mr. Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chairman & CEO, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., said: “This strategic partnership with Blue Cloud Softech marks a pivotal step in ConnectM’s evolution as a global modern energy platform. By transitioning our India operations and technology licenses to BCSSL, we are de-risking cross-border execution while retaining meaningful participation in India’s energy transition. This transaction enables us to sharpen our focus on high-growth U.S. opportunities and strengthens long-term value creation for our shareholders.”

Mr. Janaki Yarlagadda, Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Ltd., said: “The acquisition of Global Impex from ConnectM represents a strategically important milestone in BCSSL’s growth journey. GIX brings high-quality clean energy and mobility assets and valuable technology capabilities that significantly strengthen our Blue Energy platform. Integrated with our digital infrastructure and healthcare verticals, this positions BCSSL to build a diversified, technology-led franchise.”

Future Growth Platform

Post-completion, BCSSL intends to consolidate the acquired assets and related technologies into a focused Blue Energy vertical and, where appropriate, special purpose vehicles (SPVs). This structure is expected to support:

•    Targeted capital raising from infrastructure and climate-tech investors

•    Expansion of EV, microgrid, storage, and VPP deployments across India

Potential strategic partnerships and international capital market initiatives over the medium to long term

Next Steps

BCSSL and ConnectM will undertake comprehensive financial, legal, tax, technical, and regulatory due diligence, finalize transaction documentation, and seek all required approvals from shareholders, stock exchanges, and regulatory authorities including SEBI, RBI, and all applicable foreign exchange regulations. The Company will make further disclosures in accordance with applicable regulations as and when material milestones are achieved.

New development taking its cue from the world’s longest-lived communities

Dubai, UAE, Feb 24: Scientific research launched just over 20 years ago to find the places where people live longest, identified five ‘blue zones’ where nature played a fundamental role, and healthy behaviour was built into daily life.

American writer, explorer and National Geographic Fellow, Dan Buettner, first coined the term ‘blue zones’ after an expedition in 2000 to investigate historic longevity associated with the remote Japanese islands of Okinawa.

With a team of scientists, he then set out to discover other communities where people not only lived longer, but also enjoyed a high quality of life in their old age. 

Ultimately, Sardinia, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Icaria in Greece, and Loma Linda, California joined the list of five ‘blue zones’, and Buettner used the term to found an organisation to create healthy communities across the United States. 

The concept is a major influence behind a first of its kind development in Dubai which Talal M.Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, believes will shape luxury community design across the Gulf region and beyond.

Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community at Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, the first project of its kind in the Gulf, is under development at a moment when Dubai is making nature and human wellbeing central to how it builds its future.

Launched at the recent World Governments Summit, Dubai Municipality’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap includes a portfolio of projects valued at more than AED4 billion, showing Dubai as a leading global sustainable city that harnesses nature to enhance human wellbeing.

Over the next five years, this will plant 1.5 million trees, create 120 new parks across nearly 3 million square metres, and weave more than 200 sports and recreational spaces into green networks across the city.

“It’s a masterful plan, which showcases the ingenuity and innovation which has made Dubai one of the world’s best cities in which to live and work,” said Talal. “This inspires us to create communities offering a new quality of life, where nature and its impact on people’s health is an intrinsic element of design.”

Keturah Reserve, itself a veritable explosion of green, is built around the idea that three environmental inputs – air, water, and light – are the foundations of human health. Air purification systems remove not just dust particles but chemical compounds and pathogens that conventional buildings leave untouched. Water infrastructure is treated with similar precision.

The community’s lighting adjusts throughout the day to mirror natural daylight, supporting the body’s sleep and wake cycles in ways that standard artificial lighting cannot. Landscaping is just as deliberate, with centuries-old olive trees, thousands of mature trees sourced from Thailand, and green corridors and Japanese-inspired dry gardens built into public spaces.

For families there are safe play areas, educational programming spaces, a creche and educational daycare centre. Summer camps, Montessori classes, and a Bio Living Farm, all designed to encourage outdoor activity and learning for children of all ages.

“The commercial case is well established, with wellness-centric properties in Dubai commanding price premiums of up to 15%, while branded residences with strong lifestyle credentials are securing premiums of 15% to 25%,” says Talal.

“Developments that successfully integrate green infrastructure, walkable streets, and community-focused amenities are expected to outperform the wider market. It’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing as health and longevity move from personal aspiration to primary purchasing criterion for luxury buyers.”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb 24: Censys, the authority for internet intelligence and insights, has appointed Meriam ElOuazzani as its first dedicated Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region. In her new role, Meriam will lead the company’s end-to-end regional growth strategy, including revenue expansion, partnerships, and ecosystem building, as well as establishing the organization’s position as thedefault external attack surface intelligence layer for organizations across the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Meriam ElOuazzani as Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. This deepens our investment in a region where Censys has established strong momentum and is strategically positioned for accelerated growth,” said Sarah Ashburn, Chief Revenue Officer at Censys. “Meriam’s proven track record of scaling cybersecurity markets across META, combined with her deep regional insight, makes her the right leader to grow our market presence and meet rising demand for trusted internet intelligence.”

With over two decades of extensive experience in cybersecurity and enterprise technology, Meriam ElOuzzani has consistentlybuiltand scaled markets across the region, assembling the teams, channel ecosystems, and marketing blueprints.Her career trajectory reflects her strong regional leadership through her roles as Senior Regional Director at SentinelOne, where she established the regional go-to-market operation andmultiple leadership roles at VMware across MENA,strengthening the channel, security, and distribution networks to accelerate growth.She has also led the Regional Product Sales for Mobility across the Middle East at Cisco Systems. At Censys, Meriam will focus on expanding strategic partnerships across government and enterprises, including channels, MSSP, and hyperscaler alliances, to scale efficiently across diverse markets.

“The META region is at an inflection point in cybersecurity maturity. Across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, governments and commercial organizations are moving beyond perimeter defense and demanding real-time threat detection and operational visibility into their digital footprint,” said Meriam ElOuazzani, VP META, Censys. “Over the past two decades in this region, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right intelligence transforms the security operations entirely. Censys’sinternet intelligence platform equips security teams with authoritative, real-time insight into exposure and adversary activity, replacing assumptions with actionable confidence. My mission is to establish Censys as a trusted partner across META, enabling the shift from reactive defense to proactive intelligence.”

Censyshelps security teams identify exposures, monitor changes, and detect threats before they are exploited by continuously mapping internet-facing assets, services, and critical infrastructure. Its platform enables governments and enterprises to make confident decisions by delivering accurate, comprehensive insights into their digital footprint.

Recognized for pioneering internet-scale attack surface mapping and advancing ICS/OT threat intelligence, Censys has earned industry acclaim and built strong partnerships across the cybersecurity ecosystem globally. In the Middle East, Censys has already partnered with Rilian Technologies to bring its internet intelligence and ICS/OT capabilities to sovereign nations and critical infrastructure. With this new appointment, the company is further reinforcing its commitment to supporting national cybersecurity priorities and driving long-term regional growth.

As part of the regional expansion plans, Censys has also appointedRajaee Al-Dalgamounias Regional Sales Lead (META) and Ahmed Ehlayel as Solutions Engineer at Censysto strengthen the regional team under Meriam’s leadership.

Feb 24: In a landmark move for India’s footwear industry, Meerut-headquartered inclusive footwear startup House of Avi has onboarded Guinness World Record holder Tanya Herbert as its Brand Ambassador. In 2022, Herbert was included in the Guinness Book World Records for having the largest feet on a living person (female). The collaboration marks a pivotal milestone for House of Avi, which has built its reputation and identity around curating the world’s largest standard footwear size range – from 4 to 20 (US size) – as part of its regular inventory.

While major global brands typically cap women’s footwear production at US size 10 to 12, and most Indian manufacturers rarely exceed size 14, House of Avi is offering a wide variety of women’s and unisex footwear up to size 20, making them the undisputed world’s largest shoes’ manufacturer. As their Brand Ambassador, Herbert will be actively participating and contributing towards House of Avi’s digital and social media campaigns, strategic marketing and publicity efforts, and propel awareness initiatives tailored to connect the brand with individuals worldwide who struggle to find footwear accommodating their size.

41-year-old Tanya Herbert, who lives in Houston, Texas, USA, used to struggle, for the most part of her life, when she tried finding feminine footwear options in large sizes. Her right foot measures 33.1 cm (13.03 inches) and her left foot 32.5 cm (12.79 inches), corresponding to US women’s shoe size 18. That changed after she wore House of Avi shoes for the first time in 2024; and today, House of Avi has become a regular part of her everyday life, as Herbert continues to advocate publicly for body positivity and inclusivity in footwear and fashion. 

Expressing her enthusiasm on joining House of Avi as brand ambassador, Tanya Herbert said,

“I strongly believe that style should be inclusive, and House of Avi is actually making that happen. For decades, I was forced to compromise – often wearing men’s shoes because nothing else fit. House of Avi helped me flip that script. They approached me not as an exception or afterthought, but as someone they were already building for. That difference matters. I am truly excited to officially partner with Avi and his team, and look forward to working together to meaningfully grow a brand that genuinely understands the importance of inclusivity, and is committed to serving those with plus-size feet – who have been, for long, overlooked by mainstream footwear brands”.

People with large-sized feet, who have been traditionally left out by mass-market and premium brands alike, find it extremely challenging to find proportionate, size-appropriate footwear. House of Avi’s approach not only bridges this gap, but also challenges the industry norm of treating larger sizes as rare, custom requests. Instead, the brand integrates large-sized footwear into its core manufacturing, while ensuring style, craftsmanship, and durability remain consistent across its entire size range.

Avi Kumar, Founder and CEO, House of Avi commented,

“Our collaboration with Tanya marks a symbolic and strategic alignment – the woman with world’s largest feet meeting the world’s most ambitious extra-large footwear maker. At House of Avi, we have always believed that inclusivity isn’t a trend or a checklist – it’s a responsibility. Tanya’s journey powerfully represents the very reason we exist. Every woman deserves access to fashion that fits her body, her identity and her aspirations; and we are here to make that a reality. As we move ahead to cater to more of the underserved and ‘forgotten’ demographics who historically lacked representation in footwear design, joining forces with Tanya Herbert shall not only enhance our brand credibility and visibility, but also help us reach the right audiences, reinforcing that an Indian brand can lead the conversation on inclusive footwear globally”.

Founded in 2019, House of Avi was born out of founder Avi Kumar’s personal struggle to find well-fitted shoes while living in Australia. What began as a personal frustration later evolved into a mission-driven enterprise: to end “footwear exile” — the exclusion faced by millions worldwide with larger builds, and all whose feet sizes fall outside of conventional production size limits.

The startup sells its products majorly through its own website, and has gained substantial organic traction over the years, with growing demand witnessed pan-India, as well as from international markets such as Australia, US, UK, Germany, France, and many others. Among House of Avi’s most popular, standout offerings is ‘Avircazz’ – the brand’s modern re-interpretation of the traditional Spanish Avarca sandals, wherein by “Indianizing” the Menorcan silhouette, they have created the country’s first-of-its-kind hybrid footwear: delivering the structure of a closed shoe with the breathability of a sandal.

Notably, every pair of House of Avi footwear is designed for long-term durability and comfort using high-quality materials, and handcrafted by Indian artisans, positioning the brand as a “Make in India” success story. With strong in-house manufacturing capability, a lean business model, and association with an influencer like Tanya Herbert championing inclusivity, House of Avi is well positioned for major expansion and growth in the years to come. As Avi himself puts it, “With an Indian soul, wide sole, House of Avi is now ready to take on a global role.”

Mumbai, Feb 24: HGS Interactive, a global digital marketing agency and part of leading intelligent experience company Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), has announced that it has secured the social media mandate for Rallis India.

Rallis India, a subsidiary of Tata Chemicals, is a leading player in the Indian agri-input industry with a strong presence in crop protection, seeds, and plant growth nutrients. As part of the engagement, HGS Interactive will strategically manage and elevate the brand’s social media presence by designing and delivering compelling content, targeted campaigns, and integrated communication strategies.

Dr. Arpita Pattanaik, Business Analyst and Corporate Communications at Rallis India, said,

“Our digital marketing vision has been to build deeper engagement with farmers and stakeholders, while positioning Rallis as an innovative and trusted partner in Indian agriculture. With HGS Interactive’s expertise in social media and digital storytelling, we’ve been able to bring this vision to life and create meaningful impact across platforms.”

Sachin Karweer, Business Head at HGS Interactive, added,

 “We are excited to partner with Rallis India in elevating its digital presence. Our role has been to craft creative campaigns, leverage data-driven insights, and drive impactful engagement across platforms – helping the brand connect more effectively with its diverse audience in the agri space.”

Delhi-NCR, Feb 24: XLRI Delhi-NCR, a premier management institution recognised for academic excellence, industry engagement, and policy-focused research successfully concluded VerteX 2026, its flagship CXO Conclave, at the campus. Organised by the Student’s Team of Xplore: CXO Club, the summit centred around the theme ‘The Five-Year Mosaic (2020–2025)’ and brought together senior industry leaders to reflect on systemic leadership, defining decisions, technological transitions, and structural market shifts that have reshaped organisations over the past five years. Designed to bridge academic theory with organisational realities, the conclave created a platform for examining real-world decision-making in high-stakes environments.

The two-day conclave was structured around a grand inauguration, flagship panel discussions, a fireside conversation, CXO podcast sessions, and student interaction forums. The inaugural address by Dr. Munish Thakur, Dean (Academics), XLRI Delhi-NCR, set the thematic tone by underscoring that crises do not merely create challenges but reveal the calibre of leadership. The address emphasised the responsibility of leaders to create coherence amid uncertainty, safeguard human values in an increasingly AI-led landscape, and navigate shifting power dynamics toward society, consumers, and regulators.

Speaking on the successful conclusion of VerteX 2026, Dr. Munish Thakur, Dean (Academics), XLRI Delhi-NCR, said, “The last five years have reminded us that leadership is not tested in stability, but in disruption. Crises strip away titles and reveal character. In an AI-driven and rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, responsible leadership must be anchored in inner conviction, ethical clarity, and human presence. Technology may accelerate decisions, but it cannot replace presence based leadership that inspires trust, resilience, and collective progress.”

A key highlight of VerteX 2026 was the participation of distinguished leaders from diverse industries, representing organisations such as PwC, Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd., Accenture Strategy, Tata Play, GMR Group, Metro Telworks Group, Jio BP, Nxtra Data Ltd., Everest Group, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. The sessions explored the operational and strategic trade-offs emerging from the global crises of 2020–21, highlighting the need for organisations to demonstrate agility and resilience in an uncertain world. Speakers reflected on how accelerated digital and AI adoption have reshaped corporate priorities, bringing renewed focus to financial discipline, operational adaptability, and human-centred leadership.

The conclave featured four flagship discussions: “When the Music Changed,” moderated by Prof. Sanchayan Nath; a fireside chat titled “Conducting in Real Time”; “When the Decision Couldn’t Be Replayed,” moderated by Prof. Malvika Chhatwani; and “Who Sets the Tempo Now?” moderated by Prof. Narsimhan Rajkumar. Leaders including Lalit Mohan (Partner, PwC), Suresh Goel (CEO, Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd.), Param Puneet Singh (Partner & MD, Accenture Strategy), Sambasivan G (CFO, Tata Play), Subir Hazra (Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, GMR Group), Bhavik Shah (Group CFO, Metro Telworks), Satyaki Mukherjee (Chief Digital Officer, Jio BP), Deepesh Sirohia (CFO, Nxtra Data Ltd.), Yugal Joshi (Partner, Everest Group), and Priya Sharma (CFO, Cambridge University Press & Assessment) shared insights on navigating irreversible decisions, managing extreme uncertainty, and building psychologically safe environments that foster innovation.

Leaders discussed navigating irreversible decisions amid incomplete information, stressing the importance of emotional composure, psychological safety, and judgment rooted in experience. Conversations further examined the intersections of healthcare, supply chains, consulting, and AI-enabled systems, while analysing shifting power dynamics among consumers, platforms, and regulators. The exchange also contrasted the agility of startups with the structured governance of legacy institutions. The conclave was live-streamed on the official Xplore YouTube channel, extending its reach beyond the campus and engaging a wider audience.