Archives February 2026

Film actors Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra interact with the media in Kolkata during the special trailer screening of their upcoming film ASSI

Kolkata, Feb 07: Actors Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra arrived in Kolkata today to attend a special media preview of the trailer of their upcoming film ASSI.

The closed-door trailer screening was held at SSR Globe Cinema, where journalists from Kolkata were invited for an exclusive viewing.

Following the screening, the film’s team engaged in an in-depth interaction with the media at Polo Floatel Hotel.

On this occasion, the makers described ASSI as a film that goes beyond being just an issue-based story. It is an experience that continues to resonate with the audience even after the film ends. A fast-paced investigative thriller that unfolds with strong dramatic elements, ASSI keeps viewers engaged till the very end—without preaching, but by posing powerful questions.

Speaking about their respective roles and the film’s sensitive treatment, Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra emphasized that ASSI does not sensationalize incidents. Instead, it explores society, mindsets, and the psychological impact such events leave on people’s lives. The film draws its strength from its compelling characters, courtroom drama, and gripping narrative pace.

The title ASSI is derived from the harsh reality of approximately 80 assault-related FIRs registered in the country every day, giving the film a deep and urgent relevance to contemporary times.

ASSI, releasing on 20 February, has been deliberately scheduled for a February release to reach college and university youth and to initiate an important conversation among them. As the film’s team stated, this is not just a film to be watched—it is a film to be shared, discussed, and reflected upon.

The film ASSI will release in cinemas across the country on 20 February.

Evolution shifts focus to “Platformization,” rewarding technical expertise and service-led growth

Mumbai, India, Feb 7 — Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the next generation of its NextWave Partner Program, fundamentally redefining partner profitability for the AI era. As the industry moves toward AI-driven security, NextWave moves beyond transactional volume to reward partners who deliver platform-centric security outcomes.

The evolved program enables the entire partner ecosystem to move away from the ‘point-product’ trap. By focusing on platformization, Palo Alto Networks enables partners to integrate their customers’ security stacks across the network, cloud, and SOC—reducing complexity while increasing high-margin, partner-led service opportunities.

Available to partners now, the new NextWave Partner Program is built on direct feedback from the global partner community, focusing on three transformative benefits:

Enhancing Partner Margins: Streamlined rebates focus on Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Next-Generation Security (NGS) and platformization to reward technical expertise and maximize profitability.
Accelerating Deal Velocity: Enhanced Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) and new automated deal registrations, combined with improved service delivery tools, to reduce friction and speed up time to close.
Reinvesting For Growth: A new Partner Development Fund (PDF) reinvests earned rebates directly into partner-led demand generation, training, and solution development to drive differentiation and accelerate joint customer success.

With Tailored Paths for Every Partner:

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): Predictable, tiered pricing to build high-margin managed services to ensure accelerated outcomes.
Distributors: Enhanced capabilities, governance and support for Distributor Managed Partner growth.
Global System Integrators (GSIs): A “Global Path” rewarding multi-theater influence and strategic consulting with a white glove experience, coming later this year.
Authorized Services (ASC & APS): Real-time deployment assistance to ensure “first-time-right” customer implementations.

Simone Gammeri, Chief Partnerships Officer, Palo Alto Networks

“Our partner ecosystem is more critical than ever in addressing the demand for AI-driven security platforms. Unlike transactional programs, the NextWave Partner Program rewards ‘platformization’ over transactions, so we are empowering our partners to dismantle the complexity that leaves customers vulnerable. This program isn’t just about selling software; it’s about ensuring customers achieve total, AI-driven resilience with a single, unified defense.”

Hugues Foulon, CEO, Orange Cyberdefense

“The NextWave Partner Program serves as a catalyst for deeper strategic collaboration and trust between Palo Alto Networks and Orange Cyberdefense. By increasing transparency, especially around team incentives, we are able to align our efforts more closely, foster co-innovation, and tailor Palo Alto Networks’ solutions to better safeguard our joint customers against evolving cyber threats.”

Jaipur, Feb 6: Luxury fashion is undergoing a powerful transformation. Where understated elegance once defined sophistication, 2026 marks a shift toward bold expression, individuality, and confident presence.

For much of the past decade, quiet luxury—characterized by clean lines, muted palettes, and restrained branding—dominated the fashion landscape. Today, consumers are increasingly dressing for self-expression rather than validation, using clothing to reflect mindset, energy, and identity. Modern luxury is no longer about blending in; it is about being unmistakably oneself.

Pleyne: Jaipur’s Bold Statement in Contemporary Luxury
Jaipur-born luxury label Pleyne is at the forefront of this evolution. Combining the city’s rich heritage and craftsmanship with a global outlook, Pleyne emphasizes statement silhouettes, confident detailing, and intentional boldness.

“Quiet luxury had its moment, but fashion is ultimately about expression,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne. “People today want to be seen for who they are. Their clothes should support that confidence, not suppress it.”

According to Sogani, bold fashion is not synonymous with chaos. “Loud fashion means dressing with clarity. When you are secure in your identity, your style naturally carries a presence,” he explains.

Heritage Meets Modernity
Jaipur’s artistic legacy inspires Pleyne’s philosophy, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, global influences. “Jaipur teaches you that craftsmanship and confidence can coexist,” says Sogani. “We respect where we come from, but we design for where the world is going.”

Luxury as Empowerment
As minimalism-driven uniformity gives way to individuality, fashion is becoming a tool for personal empowerment. Statement dressing today emphasizes attitude over trends, and authenticity has become the ultimate marker of sophistication.

“The future of luxury is personal,” Sogani adds. “People are not looking for approval anymore. They are looking for authenticity, and fashion plays a powerful role in that journey.”

In 2026, luxury is no longer measured by how quietly it speaks, but by how confidently it shows up. With brands like Pleyne leading the way, the modern fashion landscape celebrates individuality as the new sophistication.

Luxury in Indian interiors is undergoing a transformative shift. No longer defined by extravagance or sheer brightness, modern luxury is now about control, mood, and experience—led by a thoughtful approach to lighting.

Layered lighting, the strategic combination of ambient, task, and accent illumination, is redefining how Indian homes are designed and experienced. This approach allows spaces to adapt seamlessly throughout the day, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.

“Today’s homeowner is far more design aware,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil. “They do not want lighting that simply fills a room. They want lighting that responds to time of day, to function, and to emotion. That ability to control the atmosphere is what defines modern luxury.”

Lighting as Architecture, Not an Add-On
Modern interiors now integrate decorative lighting into the very architecture of the home. Statement pendants, sculptural chandeliers, and refined wall fixtures are planned alongside layouts and finishes, anchoring zones over dining areas, double-height living rooms, and corridors. The result is fewer, more considered focal points supported by subtle secondary layers that enhance comfort without overwhelming the space.

Room-by-Room Adaptability
Layered lighting offers tailored solutions across the home:

• Living areas mix ambient ceiling lights, accent wall fixtures, and task lighting for reading or work.

• Bedrooms use warm wall lights, bedside pendants, and indirect illumination to promote rest.

• Transitional spaces like hallways and entrances employ light to create rhythm and anticipation.

This intentional approach reflects a larger trend toward thoughtful living, where every element in the home serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.

A Smarter, More Thoughtful Future
As Indian homes evolve, lighting will remain central to how spaces are experienced. Luxury today is not about excess; it is about clarity, restraint, and the power to create atmosphere on one’s own terms. Layered lighting offers homeowners this power, enabling them to shape their environment with subtlety and ease.

“In many ways, lighting sets the emotional foundation of a home,” adds Jain. “When it is done right, you may not notice it immediately, but you feel the difference every day.”

Mr.  Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist, Bank of Baroda

“The policy has left repo rate unchanged as expected and hence the markets have been quite unaffected. Quite expectedly too there have been no forecasts made on GDP and inflation next year as the new series are expected this month. Interestingly, while there is assurance on liquidity supply by RBI, no measures have been announced which means that they will be announced on need based.

Again, in line with the push given by the Budget to MSMEs, the RBI has increased the limit for collateral-free loans to Rs 20 lakh. Hence there seems to be steady follow up action to the Budget announcements.

We may expect that the rate cycle has ended and 5.25% repo rate would stand for some time before any action is taken, which is more likely in upward direction if inflation turns out to be higher in future. “

 Shishir Baijal, International Partner, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.

“The RBI’s decision to hold rates steady, reflects a cautious and stability focused stance in a volatile global environment. As the economic growth outlook remains stable and maintain momentum, we can expect this overall growth to have a positive impact on the real estate sector. The pause underscores the central bank’s priority on managing currency pressures and external risks.

For the real estate sector, the repo rate continues to remain at its lowest level in the post-pandemic period. While a further reduction in rates would have provided an added boost to homebuyer sentiment, particularly in the affordable housing segment, we expect banks to pass on a greater share of the existing rate benefits to consumers in the coming months. A stable interest rate environment offers much-needed predictability, supporting informed decision-making for both homebuyers and developers. In addition to the rate actions, the central bank has also eased the rules for bank lending to REITs which is a positive step considering it will ease their credit access and facilitate access to lower cost funds.”

New Delhi, Feb 6: IndiaMART, India’s largest online B2B marketplace, has been honoured with three prestigious awards at the 16th IAMAI India Digital Awards 2026, highlighting its leadership in AI, performance marketing, and data-driven innovation.

The company won Gold awards for AI Innovation of the Year and Best Execution of Performance Campaigns, and a Silver award for Data Science Technology of the Year, reinforcing its commitment to building a scalable, technology-led, and trusted digital commerce ecosystem for Indian businesses.

Award Highlights:

• Gold – AI Innovation of the Year (VANI):
  IndiaMART’s in-house voice AI system, VANI, autonomously handles buyer calls for intent validation and lead approval. Capable of multilingual conversations and contextual intelligence, VANI automates nearly 80% of buyer voice validations, transforming a traditionally human-dependent process into a scalable, AI-first operation.

• Gold – Best Execution of Performance Campaigns (Creator Affiliate Program):
  The Creator Affiliate Program drives B2B commerce through affiliates and influencers, onboarding 10,000+ industry-specific creators. With automation-first onboarding, transparent processes, and performance-driven incentives, the program establishes a robust ecosystem aligned with IndiaMART’s B2B core.

• Silver – Data Science Technology of the Year (Real-Time Price Exchange):
  IndiaMART’s Real-Time Price Exchange leverages AI and ML to provide transparent and contextual B2B price intelligence. By analyzing unstructured buyer–seller interactions across voice, chat, and enquiries, the system delivers market-relevant price ranges, addressing inefficiencies in India’s fragmented B2B sector.

This recognition marks a significant milestone in IndiaMART’s journey, emphasizing its focus on AI-led innovation, performance-driven growth, and data science excellence in building a resilient, future-ready marketplace for MSMEs and large enterprises across India.

Mr. Vinod Francis, Chief Financial Officer, South Indian Bank, on the recent RBI MPC announcement:

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance reflects confidence in a benign inflation outlook and resilient economic growth. The upward revision in FY26 GDP growth, along with the RBI’s assessment that system-level parameters for banks remain sound, reinforces confidence in the sector’s ability to support sustained economic expansion. For banks, a stable rate environment enables effective transmission of policy measures, disciplined balance sheet management, and calibrated credit growth across key segments.

The continued focus on data-driven policymaking, supported by the upcoming new GDP and inflation series, further enhances predictability for lenders. At the same time, initiatives such as the proposed guidelines for Kisan Credit Cards and the ongoing emphasis on MSME and rural credit align well with our strong presence in these segments, positioning the Bank to deepen credit penetration while maintaining asset quality and capital strength.”

New Delhi, Feb 6: Amity School of Business (ASB), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, successfully hosted the 4th Edition of the International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Development (ICESBD’26). The conference centered on the theme: “Evolving Enterprises: Navigating GIG Innovation, Green Operations and Digital Relationship”, bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss innovative and sustainable business practices.

Conference Highlights:

• Keynote Addresses:

  • Ms. Simin Askari, Chief Human Resource Officer, DS Group, emphasized the importance of sustainability, gig economy recognition, and digital transformation in today’s evolving business landscape.

  • Ms. Saranya Pradhan, Head – Sustainability and Corporate Communication, McCain Foods, highlighted how sustainable practices, gig innovation, and digital relationships drive growth, customer loyalty, and long-term value creation.

  • Mr. Santosh Sharma, Founder & CEO, Book My Jet, underlined how eco-friendly operations and leveraging global freelance talent foster innovation, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer engagement.

  • Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, AUUP, stressed the synergy between entrepreneurship and sustainability as a key driver for economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.

• Panel Discussions & Workshops:

  • Panel discussion on “Sustainable Innovation in the Gig Economy: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges”.

  • Paper presentations covering topics such as gig economy entrepreneurship, circular business models, digital relationship management, and resilience in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

  • Research paper development workshop on crafting high-quality submissions for Scopus-indexed journals.

• NEXT GEN – INNOVATE EXPO 2026:

  • The conference featured an exhibition of 29 start-ups and businesses founded by young entrepreneurs, showcasing sustainable, digital, and disruptive innovations.

Dr. Sujata Khandai, Director – ASB, said,

“Entrepreneurs are increasingly integrating eco-friendly products, renewable energy, and ethical supply chains into their business models. ICESBD’26 provides a platform for thought leaders and innovators to share insights, inspire students, and explore transformative strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship.”

ICESBD’26 reinforced Amity University’s commitment to nurturing future-ready entrepreneurs, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation as cornerstones for the next generation of business leaders.

Dubstep launches ‘Love on Loop’ Campaign and Limited-Edition ‘Buzz X12 – Love Edition’ Wireless Earbuds Exclusively on Instamart for Valentine’s Day

Feb 06: This Valentine’s Day, Dubstep, the fast-fashion consumer tech brand from the Nu Republic Universe, has rolled out its seasonal Valentine’s Day campaign ‘Love on Loop’, built around impulse-led gifting, music, and quick-commerce behaviour. The campaign coincides with the launch of the Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition, available exclusively on Instamart.

Designed to reflect how young consumers increasingly shop for occasions, Love on Loop targets last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers who prioritise speed, experience, and emotional value over advance planning. By leveraging Instamart’s quick-delivery ecosystem, the campaign positions spontaneity not as a compromise, but as a feature of modern gifting.

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing eligible Dubstep® products on Instamart during the campaign period stand a chance to win curated Valentine’s rewards. Nine winners will receive dinner vouchers worth INR 3,000 each, while one grand prize winner will win air tickets for two to Goa, along with a chance to meet actor Abhay Deol, subject to availability and scheduling.

Commenting on the campaign, Ujjwal Sarin, Founder, Nu Republic Universe, said,

“Valentine’s Day is about moments, not planning weeks in advance. With Love on Loop, we wanted to blend instant access with real emotion. Dubstep® is built for spontaneity — loud, expressive, and ready when you are. Partnering with Instamart lets us deliver that vibe in minutes.”

As part of the Valentine’s Day collection, Dubstep® has introduced the Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds in a bold, passion-red finish with metallic accents, created exclusively for the season. These earbuds are powered by Bluetooth v5.4 and tuned with X-Bass® technology to deliver deep bass and clear vocals. Equipped with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the earbuds ensure clearer calls even in noisy surroundings. With up to 60 hours of total playtime, intuitive touch controls, and a comfortable all-day fit, the Buzz X12 is designed for both everyday listening and Valentine’s gifting.

The Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition will be available exclusively on Instamart at an offer price of INR 599 for a limited period, giving consumers across India a quick and convenient way to celebrate Valentine’s Day through expressive audio gifting.