Archives February 2026

Every February 22, Saudi Arabia marks Founding Day, a national celebration of the Kingdom’s origins in 1727. More than a remembrance, the day symbolizes a nation rooted in history and driven by ambition. It reflects how Saudi Arabia continues to redefine its identity and share it with the world through a compelling, future-focused narrative.

Media: The Voice of Modern Saudi Arabia

Media has long been a tool of nation-building. Today, it serves as a strategic bridge between Saudi Arabia and the world, showcasing its transformation, cultural richness, and global openness.

Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has reimagined its media strategy. It now speaks in multiple languages, uses immersive visuals, and reaches audiences across traditional and digital platforms. The goal is clear: to tell Saudi Arabia’s story in its own words and ensure it’s heard globally.

National Storytelling Through Global Platforms

Saudi Arabia now tells its story through experiences. Events like Riyadh Season, Winter at Tantora, and Formula 1 serve as real-time stages where the world watches a dynamic, modern Saudi Arabia unfold.

 It’s not just what is said. It’s how it’s shown. From fashion and art to production quality and digital interaction, the Kingdom’s storytelling is immersive and intentional. The message is powerful: Saudi Arabia is not only changing, it’s leading.

Tourism and Media: A Powerful Alliance

With over 30 million international visitors in 2025 and a goal of 150 million annually, Saudi tourism is booming. But it’s not growing alone. Media is its engine.

Campaigns highlighting the smart tourist journey, digital convenience, and diverse attractions have positioned the Kingdom as a destination where heritage meets innovation. Visitors come not only to witness but to deeply understand the culture, innovation, and transformation.

Destinations That Speak Volumes

From the ancient wonders of AlUla’s Hegra to the high-tech promise of NEOM’s The Line and Trojena, the Kingdom’s destinations are as diverse as its story.

Whether it’s the coastal charm of Jeddah, the cultural revival of Diriyah, or the natural magic of Abha, Tabuk, and Umluj, Saudi Arabia offers experiences that resonate far beyond its borders.

Smart Media Powered by Technology

Media in Saudi Arabia is not just reactive. It’s data-driven and proactive. With tools like AI, audience analytics, and global influencer marketing, storytelling is both strategic and emotional.

Thousands of digital moments, from the Boulevard Riyadh City buzz to hiking Jabal Al-Soudah, have become global impressions that reflect the Kingdom’s vibrancy.

Founding Day as a Global Media Moment

Founding Day has evolved into a worldwide storytelling event. It features documentaries, social media campaigns, cultural parades, and immersive shows.

These celebrations blend history with modernity, helping international audiences connect with the Kingdom’s deep roots and future-forward vision.

Insight from the Media Sector

W7Worldwide Strategic Communications Agency, conveyed its congratulations on Founding Day, noting that it represents the deep historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and continues to inspire a forward-looking journey of growth and prosperity. The agency emphasized that Saudi media has proven to be a vital partner in national development, playing a key role in shaping the Kingdom’s image and connecting its rich heritage with its ambitious future.

Through an integrated media approach — including press coverage, visual storytelling, creative content, and effective digital engagement — Saudi Arabia is presented as a dynamic and welcoming destination for living, investment, and visitation.

Telling the Story with Purpose and Clarity

Saudi Arabia leads the global dialogue with a confident and authentic voice. The Kingdom actively shapes its own narrative, anchored in deep heritage, fueled by ambition, and supported by a forward-thinking media strategy.

Founding Day embodies this vision. It highlights how a nation celebrates its legacy, defines its identity, and crafts a compelling future for generations to come.

Driver redesign led by Bootlin sees GPIO forwarder library and pinctrl driver merged into Linux 6.18 release. 

(Eindhoven, The Netherlands – Feb 23) AAEON’s UP brand, a leading provider of professional developer boards, is excited to announce that full Linux kernel support for its UP Squared series’ 40-pin I/O header has been officially merged into the Linux 6.18 release.

Following the brand’s 10-year anniversary last May, UP outlined its intention to complete the upstreaming of its DKMS drivers to the Linux mainline kernel. This objective was part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at providing users with a more streamlined route from concept to project deployment.

Upstream support is a goal that AAEON had been working towards for a number of years. However, coordinating the FPGA and Intel® SoCs on UP hardware has made mainline Linux support for the 40-pin header a challenge.

To resolve this issue and assist in pushing the project to completion, AAEON approached Bootlin, a leading embedded Linux and open-source development company. Bootlin’s embedded Linux development expertise was instrumental in resolving the pain points encountered during previous attempts to upstream support for its 40-pin header. By rewriting the pinctrl driver to remove Intel-specific code, adding a GPIO forwarder library, and extending the gpio-aggregator driver to create a reusable library, full upstream support was achieved. As a result, the UP Squared series’ 40-pin header now supports GPIO, I²C, UART, and SPI out-of-the-box on mainline Linux 6.18.

“This achievement is the result of a multi-year effort and close collaboration with Bootlin, and one that will provide a huge benefit to the entire UP community,” said Victor Lai, Managing Director of UP and AAEON Europe. “With upstream integration for our UP Squared series now established, we are already working hard to expand this support across our product family and help even more users transform their ideas into real-world successes.”

Kolkata, West Bengal, 23 Feb: In a significant step toward ensuring inclusive early childhood care, Mobile Creches, with the support of EFS Facilities Services, inaugurated a creche and childcare centre in a ragpickers’ colony in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is the first structured childcare facility of its kind in the community, created to support children of waste picker and informal worker families who often lack access to safe spaces, nutrition, and early learning opportunities.

The centre was formally inaugurated by Mr. Tariq Chauhan, Vice Chairman, EFS Facilities Services, in the presence of local leader and ward councillors, community members, caregivers, and representatives from Mobile Creches and SPAN.

The newly established centre will provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children, ensuring access to early childhood care, nutrition, health monitoring, and age-appropriate learning activities. By providing reliable childcare services within the community, the initiative will also enable parents—particularly mothers engaged in waste picking and other informal work—to pursue livelihoods while knowing their children are safe and cared for.

For families in the colony, the creche represents more than just a childcare facility—it is a lifeline. Rabia Bano a waste picker and mother of two, shared, “Earlier, I had to take my child along to work or leave them at home with older siblings. Now, I can work with peace of mind knowing my child is safe, learning, and getting nutritious meals.”

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Tariq Chauhan, Vice Chairman of EFS Facilities Services, reaffirmed EFS’s long-term commitment to inclusive growth and community upliftment. He thanked the Mobile Creches and SPAN teams for their dedication in bringing the initiative to life and expressed his intent to collaborate on future projects that create sustainable impact. “This first-of-its-kind creche in a ragpickers’ colony is a powerful example of what collective commitment can achieve. It has brought together local leaders, ward councillors, caregivers, families and children around a shared purpose. As a People-First organisation, EFS’s responsibility extends beyond the workplace. Through Abhaar, our worker welfare arm, we focus on dignity, care and overall wellbeing. With our presence across more than 200 cities in India and operations globally, we remain mindful of the role we can play in supporting the communities around us. Our commitment to this cause is thoughtful, steady and long-term.”

The creche will offer a safe and child-friendly environment where children receive early learning through play-based activities, along with nutrition support, growth monitoring, and regular health and hygiene practices. The centre will also engage closely with parents and the community to support children’s overall development and well-being.Mobile Creches has been working for over five decades to ensure that young children from underserved communities have access to quality childcare and early learning opportunities. The establishment of this centre in a ragpickers’ colony marks an important step in extending childcare services to some of the most vulnerable urban communities.

Feb 23: As organizations accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation, the real differentiator in 2026 will not be experimentation — but disciplined execution. Addressing this shift, Kellogg Executive Education introduces two high-impact programs designed to equip leaders with the capabilities to drive product growth and enterprise-wide AI strategy: the Post Graduate Certificate in Product Management (KLG PM) and AI Strategies and Applications for Leaders (KLG AIS).

Recent industry reports underscore the urgency. While AI adoption across India is widespread, governance and enterprise-level execution remain inconsistent. With organizations integrating AI tools rapidly, leaders who can bridge product leadership with structured AI strategy will define the next phase of competitive advantage.

1) Build Products That Scale

KLG PM – Post Graduate Certificate in Product Management

Why It Matters Now

India’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, but product success today is defined by measurable outcomes — revenue growth, adoption, and retention — not feature velocity. Modern product leaders are expected to connect customer insight, analytics, experimentation, and financial impact seamlessly.

What Leaders Build

End-to-End Product Ownership
Participants lead the full product lifecycle, from opportunity discovery and MVP development to launch and growth strategy.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making
The program integrates opportunity sizing, pricing strategy, and portfolio management with financial impact.

Designing for Adoption
Through UI/UX frameworks, experimentation, and prototyping, leaders learn to de-risk launches before scaling.

Fluency in Data and AI Tools
Participants leverage analytics and GenAI-enabled workflows, including tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Mixpanel, and Maze, to accelerate discovery and validation.

Executive-Ready Deliverables
The program culminates in stakeholder-ready roadmaps, go-to-market plans, metrics frameworks, and a capstone demonstrating measurable business value.

Who It Is For:
Mid- to senior-level professionals and cross-functional leaders from engineering, UX, marketing, and sales seeking outcome-driven product leadership.

Lead AI at the Enterprise Level

KLG AIS – AI Strategies and Applications for Leaders

Why It Matters Now

AI usage is accelerating across industries, yet few organizations have scaled it into enterprise-wide value creation. The challenge is no longer technological access — it is strategic prioritization, governance, and disciplined deployment.

What Leaders Build

Strategic AI Prioritization
Participants apply Kellogg frameworks such as AI Canvas 2.0, AI Radar 2.0, and AI Capability Maturity Models to assess readiness and value potential.

Operational AI Across the Value Chain
Leaders identify high-impact use cases across customer experience, operations, and support functions.

Responsible and Governed AI Leadership
Ethics, regulatory exposure, workforce impact, and governance are embedded into transformation planning.

Understanding GenAI and Agentic AI
Through faculty-led sessions, leaders gain clarity on AI agents, RAG-style architectures, and enterprise implications.

CEO-Ready Business Case
The capstone requires participants to craft a “Memo to the CEO,” outlining AI readiness, prioritized use cases, ROI logic, and a phased execution roadmap.

Who It Is For:
C-suite leaders, consultants, and functional heads across marketing, sales, and technology who require a strategy-first AI approach. No coding background required.

What This Signals for Leaders in 2026

As AI becomes embedded in everyday operations and organizations demand measurable returns, leadership advantage will come from disciplined execution. Professionals who can build scalable products with market impact — or lead AI transformation with governance, accountability, and clear ROI — will define the next era of growth.

Through KLG PM and KLG AIS, Kellogg Executive Education equips leaders not just to understand change, but to operationalize it — translating strategic intent into measurable outcomes aligned with where the market is heading.

Punjab, 23 Feb:  Ambuja Cements, the 9th largest building materials solutions provider globally and part of the diversified Adani Portfolio as part of its CSR initiatives, has transformed the life of Kuldeep Kaur, a member of Guru Teg Bahadur Self-Help Group (SHG) from Ghanaouli village in Ropar district, through its sustained livelihood support initiatives.

Kuldeep, who belonged to a financially vulnerable family, faced severe hardships after marriage. With her husband earning ₹7,000 per month as a labourer and her son suffering from serious health issues, the family struggled to meet basic needs. In 2005, she joined the SHG and in 2008 began knitting training with support from Ambuja Cements, marking a turning point in her journey.

Despite personal challenges, she steadily developed her skills and established her own income-generating activity in knitting. Her earnings enabled her to secure proper medical treatment for her son, build her own house and support her daughter’s education in the medical stream.

Recognising her dedication, Ambuja Cements encouraged her to become a knitting trainer. Since then, she has trained women across 20 villages, opened a wool shop and distributes knitting orders among SHG members. During peak season, she earns up to ₹80,000 per month. Her journey stands as a testament to the impact of women empowerment and sustainable livelihood initiatives supported by Ambuja Cements.

New Delhi, Feb 23:  The 4th edition of DEFSAT adopts the theme “Space at the Core of National Security,” as SIA-India announces its flagship DEFSAT 2026 Conference & Exposition, scheduled from 24th–26th February 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Now in its 4th edition, DEFSAT 2026 has become one of India’s most consequential defence-space dialogue platforms, bringing together senior military leaders, policymakers, technology partners and industry to shape how the nation prepares for future space-enabled security challenges. Building on the success of its first three editions, collectively drawing 500+ participants from 20+ countries, 80+ speakers and representation from 60+ organisations — DEFSAT 2026 is scheduled to take place 24–26 February 2026 in New Delhi, featuring a broad agenda spanning operational doctrine, industrial collaboration, technology resilience and geopolitical partnerships.

The backdrop for DEFSAT 2026 is India’s highest-ever defence budget of ₹7.85 lakh crore for FY 2026–27, marking a ~15% increase over the previous year’s estimates and underscoring the government’s commitment to military modernisation, sovereign capability and industrial self-reliance. Within this allocation, over ₹2.19 lakh crore has been earmarked for capital outlay, a near 22% jump aimed at next-generation platforms, advanced weapons, launch systems, and space-enabled technologies, while procurement from domestic defence industries has been prioritised with ₹1.39 lakh crore reserved for Indian suppliers. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) allocation has also risen to ₹29,100.25 crore, signalling continued emphasis on technology innovation.

The agenda for DEFSAT 2026 reflects this expansive landscape, with 13 thematic sessions that span from strategic doctrine and resilience to industrial cooperation and doctrine implementation.

Key confirmed and leading participants include Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai (Deputy Chief of Army Staff – Strategy), AVM Manu Midha (Director General, DSA), , Dr. Sanjay Bahl (Director General, CERT-In), and Dr. Vinayak Godse (CEO, DSCI). Top government and military leadership expected to be associated include the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, and senior tri-services leadership such as Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit (CISC) and other senior representatives from the armed forces, defence agencies, and national security institutions. 

From Dialogue to Doctrine: Strategic Defence Space Group

A major milestone at DEFSAT 2026 is the formalisation of the Strategic Defence Space Group (SSG), a high-level multi-stakeholder body to support India’s long-term military space preparedness. Shaped through prior roundtables and now operational under the leadership of Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd.) as Advisor to SIA-India and Chairman of its Defence Space Committee, the SSG brings together senior military, government, industry and academic stakeholders for structured policy coordination, capability road-mapping and doctrine development. It will also help shape scenarios for IndSpaceX 4.0, India’s first industry-led defence-space tabletop exercise.

The DEFSAT 2026 programme is supported by a broad range of strategic partners and institutions, demonstrating the cross-sectoral nature of defence-space readiness. Supporting organisations include NITI Aayog, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), CERT-IN, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), National Maritime Foundation, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Economic Council of India, the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), AIAICPS, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) serves as the knowledge partner, contributing strategic perspective alongside operational and policy insights.

DEFSAT 2026 will also feature a strong exhibition segment showcasing a cross-section of India’s and the global defence–space ecosystem. So far 22 Exhibitors include HEX20, Times Microwave, Glenair, ChipSpirit, Sky Serve, Tantrayut, Onnes Ruskiv, RDVW Satcom Solutions & Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Agmatel, Sanyark, Raamtel, Galaxeye, Spacelabs Analytics and Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., Geminus Space, Geospatial World, Aule Space, Ananth Technologies, Safran, Cosmoserve, XDLINX, and Elena Geo will represent capabilities spanning satellite communications, electronic and RF components, geospatial intelligence, analytics, avionics, ground systems, and advanced space technologies. Their presence underlines DEFSAT’s role not only as a dialogue platform but also as a marketplace of solutions supporting secure communications, situational awareness, and resilient space-enabled infrastructure.

DEFSAT 2026 also features strong private-sector involvement, with ICEYE as Platinum Sponsor and Ananth Technologies and Safran as Gold Sponsors, reflecting the ecosystem’s expanding role in defence-space development.

Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India, said: “Globally, more than 50 countries now operate military or dual-use satellites, and space has become central to deterrence and operational readiness. DEFSAT’s theme placing space at the core of national security reflects a shift from viewing space as an enabler to recognising it as a strategic security domain that requires doctrine, resilience and coordinated planning.”

Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, added “With India allocating a record ₹7.85 lakh crore to defence, over ₹2.19 lakh crore in capital modernisation, and nearly ₹1.39 lakh crore reserved for domestic industry, the signal is clear — India is investing in future-ready security. Space sits at the centre of this transformation. DEFSAT 2026 is where policy, military thinking and industry readiness come together to ensure space is not just used, but secured and integrated into national defence doctrine.”

DEFSAT continues to be the platform where strategy, technology and industrial readiness converge.

Mumbai, Feb 23: The construction of state-of-the-art heritage museum – being built in collaboration between the JSW Group and the Government of Assam – commenced in Guwahati today. 

The commencement of the construction was marked by the laying of the foundation stone by the Honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Mr. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group. 

The event was also attended by other distinguished dignitaries including Mrs. Savitri Jindal, Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Shri Bimal Borah, Minister for Cultural Affairs of Assam, and Mr. Richard Blurton, Museum Curator & Former Head of South and Southeast Asia at British Museum.

The museum – being built as a landmark cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Assam’s art, culture and heritage – is being developed at the Sericulture Farm, Khanapara, on a 45,000-square-foot site allotted by the Government of Assam. The construction of the museum is being fully funded by the JSW Group. Conceived as a world-class cultural destination, the museum will host national and international artefacts, travelling exhibitions and curated cultural showcases, enabling meaningful global cultural exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group, said,

“The ground-breaking of this museum marks the beginning of a deeply meaningful journey. At JSW, we believe cultural institutions play a vital role in shaping the society’s identity and inspiring future generations. This museum is our tribute to Assam’s extraordinary artistic and spiritual legacy, and our commitment to creating a world-class space that places Indian heritage at the heart of global cultural conversations.”

The museum will house modern conservation facilities, including advanced climate control and security systems, ensuring the long-term preservation of priceless artefacts. Conceived as a long-term partnership between the Government of Assam and the JSW Group, the museum aims to become a cultural landmark for the Northeast.

Among its highlights will be the inaugural exhibition of the Vrindavani Vastra, the celebrated 17th-century devotional textile woven under the spiritual guidance of Srimanta Sankardev. Regarded as one of Assam’s most significant surviving sacred textiles, the Vrindavani Vastra is composed of multiple woven silk panels depicting narrative scenes from the Bhagavata Purana, from the early life of Krishna in Vrindavan, including the Kaliyadamana and Vastraharana.

The museum underscores a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding of Assam’s cultural heritage and elevating its recognition at both national and international levels. The initiative reflects a collective effort to celebrate Assam’s artistic excellence while strengthening global cultural dialogue.

Bengaluru, Feb 23: Policybazaar’s PoSP arm, PBPartners, is enabling individuals across India to turn ambition into sustainable insurance careers. One such inspiring journey is that of Sharada Mundada from Bengaluru, a testament to three years of consistent growth, resilience, and determination.

She began her insurance journey with PBPartners, eventually evolving from a new advisor into a high-performing partner while building a solid presence in the industry.

Business Growth, Learning, and Recognition

Over the period of three years, Sharada has grown her business, supported by PBPartners’ integrated digital platform that streamlines product access, servicing, and renewals. She also participated in specialised training programs to strengthen her product understanding and business clarity. Her journey has been recognised through the PBP One loyalty program, where she redeemed multiple rewards and earned international travel opportunities to Dubai, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Building a Diverse and Trusted Insurance Portfolio

Sharada began her journey with a focus on health insurance and gradually expanded into multiple insurance segments. With access to a wide pool of insurers through PBPartners, she was able to offer tailored solutions to customers across categories, helping her strengthen client relationships while expanding her business reach. This flexibility enabled her to build credibility and position herself as a reliable insurance advisor.

Support and Future Outlook

Sharada describes her journey with PBPartners as both independent and well-supported. She shared, “The PBPartners team and my Relationship Manager have always provided dependable support while allowing me the independence to grow my business in my own way.”

With a strong foundation in place, she now looks forward to expanding her reach further and exploring new opportunities with PBPartners.