Archives March 2026

business

Embee Software Expands Cybersecurity Portfolio with Advanced Microsoft Security Stack and Zero Trust Frameworks

admin 0 Comment
Business Wire India

Embee Software, a leading digital transformation and managed services provider, today announced the expansion of its cybersecurity portfolio with advanced capabilities across the Microsoft security ecosystem and Zero Trust frameworks. This move is aimed at helping Indian enterprises strengthen cyber resilience while navigating evolving regulatory requirements, including the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework.

As organisations accelerate adoption of cloud, AI, and digital workplace technologies, security has become a critical foundation for sustainable growth. Embee’s expanded cybersecurity capabilities are designed to protect modern enterprise environments while enabling innovation at scale.

A Unified Approach to Security in a Digital-First Enterprise

Today’s enterprises operate across hybrid cloud environments, distributed workforces, and data-intensive applications. This has significantly increased the attack surface, making fragmented security approaches ineffective.

Embee’s enhanced portfolio is designed to address these challenges by bringing together identity-first security and Zero Trust frameworks, enabling organisations to enforce strict access controls and verify every request regardless of origin. It also incorporates advanced threat detection and response capabilities powered by Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel, helping organisations identify, investigate, and respond to threats more efficiently.

In addition, the portfolio strengthens data protection and regulatory compliance through Microsoft Purview, ensuring sensitive information is properly governed and secured. These capabilities are further supported by Embee’s Cyber Defence Center (CDC), which provides 24×7 monitoring, incident response, and proactive threat hunting.

This integrated approach allows organisations to shift from reactive security to proactive, intelligence-led defence.

Security as the Foundation for Cloud and AI Adoption

With enterprises increasingly investing in the Azure cloud, AI platforms, and Microsoft Copilot, the need for secure and governed environments has become essential.

Embee’s cybersecurity expansion aligns with its cloud transformation and managed Azure services, delivering secure, optimised environments. It integrates data and AI solutions, such as Microsoft Fabric and analytics platforms with governance. Modern workplace offerings like Microsoft 365 and Copilot enable secure collaboration. Business applications, including SAP and HRMS, incorporate embedded security and access controls. This supports resilient, compliant enterprise operations.

By embedding security across every layer of the digital stack, Embee enables organisations to innovate confidently without compromising risk or compliance.

Enabling Zero Trust for Modern Enterprises

At the core of this expansion is Embee’s focus on implementing Zero Trust architecture across enterprise environments.

It enables continuous verification of users, devices, and access requests, with granular access controls across cloud and on-premises systems, real-time visibility into threats and vulnerabilities, and automated response mechanisms to minimise risk effectively overall.

This approach ensures that security is not a checkpoint but a continuous and adaptive process.

Supporting DPDP Compliance and Data Governance

With the DPDP framework reshaping India’s data protection landscape, organisations are under increasing pressure to ensure compliance.

It enables discovery, identification, and classification of sensitive data, enforces access controls and audit trails, monitors data movement across environments, and aligns with regulatory expectations around privacy and protection, effectively and consistently across enterprise operations.

Leadership Perspective

Speaking on the announcement, Sudhir Kothari, CEO & MD, Embee Software, said:

“Enterprises today are not just adopting cloud and AI; they are building entirely new digital operating models. In this environment, security cannot be an afterthought. Our focus is to help organisations integrate security seamlessly across cloud, data, and workplace ecosystems so they can innovate with confidence while staying compliant and resilient.”

Cyber Defense Center at the Core

Embee’s 24×7 Cyber Defence Center remains central to its cybersecurity strategy, delivering continuous monitoring and incident response; faster threat detection and response; proactive threat hunting and red/blue teaming capabilities; reduced operational risk and downtime; and enhanced visibility into the overall enterprise security posture, supporting resilience and continuous improvement effectively.

Driving End-to-End Digital Transformation

With this expansion, Embee reinforces its position as a comprehensive digital transformation partner, combining expertise across cybersecurity, cloud, AI, modern workplace, and enterprise applications.

This integrated approach ensures that organisations can move forward with digital initiatives that are not only innovative but also secure, compliant, and scalable.

business

Paul John Launches Kaarigari, Moving Beyond Whisky into Culture

Neel Achary 0 Comment

Paul John Launches Kaarigari

Bengaluru, Mar 26: Kaarigari by Paul John Whisky made its debut in Bengaluru as an immersive, multi-sensory experience celebrating Indian craftsmanship. Held at The Humming Tree, the evening brought together whisky, music, poetry, and material artistry, designed as a curated journey where each element unfolded with intent.

 The opening walkthrough set this tone early, drawing parallels between intricate wooden artistry and whisky making, inviting guests to engage with material, process, and details. Guests were first introduced to Paul John’s Nirvana expression, followed by the ceremonial opening pour of the Brilliance expression by Mr. Heemanshu Ashar, Global Ambassador, marking the official beginning of the showcase.

 At the heart of the evening, poet and performer Priya Malik and sitar virtuoso Mehtaab Ali Niazi created magic in a way that didn’t feel performative, but immersive. It wasn’t about individual acts; it was about the connection, rhythm, pause, and emotion all working in sync. Easily one of the evening’s most compelling moments. Their performance unfolded alongside the pour of the PX expression, adding depth to the experience.

 As the evening progressed, a curated culinary spread inspired by regional Indian flavours complemented the narrative, while the Paul John Madeira expression marked the closing note, bringing the journey to a refined finish. Each whisky expression was introduced at a thoughtfully chosen moment, transforming the evening into a structured, story-led experience rather than a conventional tasting.

 “Kaarigari by Paul John visitor centre is a reflection of our deep-rooted belief in Indian craftsmanship. Through this initiative, we are proud to create a space where traditional art forms can be rediscovered, reimagined, and experienced by a wider audience in a meaningful way.” adds Mr Paul P John, Chairman of the award-winning Paul John Indian single malt whisky

 At its core, Kaarigari is a cultural platform that honours the time, patience, and skill behind every act of making. Rooted in the philosophy of Paul John Whisky, it celebrates craftsmanship across disciplines, bringing together artists, creators, and audiences through meaningful, immersive experiences. This Bengaluru edition marks the beginning of a larger, greater journey, with many more thoughtfully curated editions to follow. 

business

Dubai luxury property market brings developer sales of AED10.92 billion in March

Neel Achary 0 Comment

Keturah analysis shows developer transaction volume climbed 42% YoY with a week of the month remaining

Dubai, UAE, 26th March 2026:  Dubai’s luxury property market continues to show strong momentum, with developer sales of AED10.92 billion in March and a 42% year-on-year increase in transaction volume to 900 deals, with one week of the month remaining.

A market analysis from the Keturah luxury brand today shows that over the first 24 days of March, the AED20-50 million sector recorded 79 sales transactions worth AED2.36B, including six off-plan villas bought for between AED43-50 million.

Data from DXBinteract reveals that 16 sales transactions in the AED50-100 million bracket amounted to AED1.04 billion, and included nine off-plan apartments which were sold for between AED51-92 million. 

Dubai luxury property market brings developer sales of AED10.92 billion in March

“In the circumstances, these figures represent a powerful signal of confidence in Dubai’s premium real estate offering,” said Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand.

“We’re seeing sustained demand at the top end of the market, even during a period marked by regional geopolitical tension. In addition, real estate activity historically slows during Ramadan, and it’s significant that prime property in Dubai has continued to attract serious capital.” 

Talal says Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community under development at Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, is an example of the new generation of luxury Dubai developments built to withstand disruption, and maintain long-term investor confidence. 

“The current situation in the region is exactly the kind of short-term volatility we and other developers in Dubai are prepared for,” he says. “More and more projects are designed to hold their value in uncertain times. 

“One strategy is to keep supply low and focus on real health and wellbeing benefits. This is the kind of approach which gives developments natural strength during uncertain periods, and positions them well when conditions improve.” 

This month’s developer sales were topped by a AED422 million luxury apartment on the Jumeirah Peninsula, while transactions above AED100 million also included four plots at Umm Suqeim First which fetched between AED125-152 million.

In the AED10-20 million range, 150 sales worth AED1.99 billion included two off-plan villas each for over AED19 million, and three off-plan apartments between AED18-19 million.

The highest volume of activity came in the AED5-10 million sector, which saw 650 sales transactions valued at AED4.54 billion, including seven off-plan apartments each selling for over AED9 million. 

Added Talal: “When you study the data, as we have been doing since the start of the conflict, you see a continued flow of capital into high-value off-plan properties. This reflects a buyer profile that is typically long-term in outlook and less influenced by short-term factors. 

“These people are highly selective and strategic, and their continued activity at this time reinforces Dubai’s position as a global destination for premium real estate investment.”

technology

Wearable Tech Is Rewriting the Rules of Travel, and Helping Tourists Stay Off Their Phones

Neel Achary 0 Comment

Mar 26: You can tell the future of travel is arriving not by what people are holding, but by what they’re wearing. Glasses that whisper cultural cues, watches that navigate through haptics, earbuds that quietly translate conversations: the screen is disappearing, but the tech is more present than ever.

Wearables are changing the rules of travel, allowing tourists to translate foreign languages and navigate foreign cities, all without touching their phone. The building blocks are already here: smart glasses that recognize landmarks, earbuds that translate conversations in real time and digital wallets that handle everything from boarding passes to shopping. But these tools don’t yet work together as one system.

“The ‘silos’ between services remain the biggest hurdle,” said IEEE Member Man Zhang. 

Breaking those silos, Zhang said, requires breakthroughs in application programming interfaces integration, user data privacy protocols and, most importantly, creating AI agents that are 100% reliable. 

“We are probably five to 10 years away from this being a mainstream, trustworthy reality,” she noted.

The Missing Pieces: Power, Integration, Trust

 Tourists have relied on digital technology to ease the burdens of travel for years. Map apps in your smartphone can help you navigate a city and use public transportation. Translation apps can handle menus and basic conversations. Contactless payments now work in most major cities.  

As IEEE Member Ning Hu points out, the experience is still fragmented. Wearables do some of these things, but they all require connection to a smartphone, and most of them still require specific apps to run the device.

Real-time translation suffers from noticeable latency and struggles with accents and contextual nuances. Contactless payment systems are widely adopted but remain fragmented across regions. GPS is strong outdoors, but indoor navigation and contextual guidance still lag significantly. Safety tools exist, but they are not well integrated or predictive.

“The missing pieces extend beyond technology itself,” Hu said. “We need interoperability and trust. Universal standards are essential, and travelers must have confidence that these systems won’t fail at critical moments. This requires addressing cross-regional compliance and data privacy concerns.”

For wearables to become as dependable as a passport or wallet, Hu argues that five breakthroughs are key: week-long battery life, robust offline capability, contextual AI that understands when and how to interrupt, an international privacy and identity framework and devices durable enough to survive water, drops and temperature extremes.

Zhang sets an even higher standard for reliability. 

“We trust our passports and wallets because they are simple and don’t fail,” she said. “If your digital passport app has a bug at border control, or your payment system fails in a taxi, the technology becomes a liability, not a help. This level of trust requires AI that is not just ‘mostly right’ but ‘never wrong’ in critical situations.”

While it may not always be seamless, wearables are already on the market and are being used by travelers. 

 “We are already there. The technology is available to anyone, but it is not yet widely adopted,” said IEEE Life Fellow Stu Lipoff, who uses smart glasses connected to his phone when he travels. 

He already relies on voice commands to get directions and translate foreign text. He can ask, “What am I looking at?” through the camera and call for emergency help. The catch, he says, is that “the applications are not seamless and you need to learn to use them.”

Augmented Reality and Haptics: Information Without the Screen

 Where many experts see the biggest change is in how information reaches travelers’ senses.

“Haptics enables sensory substitution and liberation, freeing individual senses from dedicated tasks so they can be redirected to richer experiences,” said Hu. Instead of staring at a map, a traveler could feel a vibration pattern that signals a left or right turn. Eyes stay on the street, ears stay with companions and devices will tell people how to navigate through discreet signals they can feel.

Zhang imagines systems that help blind travelers with a combination of camera, AI and haptics, maybe in a wrist band, to signal turns or obstacles. For deaf travelers, AR glasses could provide real-time, live captioning of a tour guide’s speech.

In Brazil, lEEE Senior Member Cristiane Pimentel points to immersive projects that let blind visitors feel and hear the Iguazu Falls through sound and vibration. She expects wearables to become more aesthetically pleasing, more resilient to heat and humidity and eventually replace printed guides and even some physical information displays at tourist sites.

What Should Never Be Automated Away

 Despite their optimism, the experts draw a line on what travel tech should not replace.

“Technology should never replace the unfiltered, spontaneous sensory experience of tasting local food,” said Zhang, describing the experience of sitting in a Hanoi market with a bowl of phở as irreplaceable. 

The future these experts describe is not one of flashy gadgets for their own sake, but of quieter, more ambient tools. If they’re right, the most advanced travel tech will be the gear you barely notice, because you’re too busy paying attention to the place you came to see.

news

Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi for World Public Summit

Neel Achary 0 Comment

New Delhi, March 26: The World Public Summit: India has officially commenced in New Delhi under the theme “A New World: India in the Architecture of a Shared Future,” positioning India at the forefront of shaping a more inclusive and cooperative global order. Held at the Hyatt Regency from March 23 to 26, the summit convenes a diverse coalition of global leaders, policymakers, scholars, business executives, and civil society representatives.

Jointly organized by the World Peoples Assembly and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the summit serves as the opening chapter of a broader international initiative that will unfold across multiple regions in 2026, including the Arab World, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. With its leadership in multilateral platforms and its 2026 BRICS presidency, India is increasingly seen as a bridge between regions, economies, and cultures making it a natural setting for a dialogue centered on unity, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi for World Public Summit

The summit features an impressive roster of participants, including Sameep Shastri, Deputy Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sergey Cheryomin, Minister of the Moscow Government; Raksha Khadse, India’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs; Oleg Skripochka, renowned cosmonaut and Hero of the Russian Federation; and media entrepreneur Parul Mahajan, alongside diplomats, cultural leaders, and international experts from across sectors.

Across four days, the summit explores a wide-ranging agenda focused on building a shared future grounded in trust and common values. Core themes include the role of cultural and spiritual heritage in uniting societies, the emergence of conscious and values-driven leadership, and the intersection of tradition and innovation in modern development. 

Opening day sessions set a strong intellectual and strategic tone. A featured seminar, “Media and Shared Values: Shaping a Common Future,” examined the media’s responsibility in fostering understanding and strengthening global dialogue. 

Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi for World Public Summit

 

This was followed by a high-level convening of the Scientific and Expert Council of the World Peoples Assembly, focused on articulating a framework of shared values for humanity’s future.

The program includes a dynamic mix of plenary sessions, panel discussions, and international roundtables addressing topics such as cultural diplomacy, youth engagement, women’s leadership, family as a pillar of societal well-being, and the future of global cooperation even extending to space as a shared frontier for humankind.

Highlight sessions include “India: Unity in Diversity – Values That Unite,” “Peace through Culture,” and “Culture of Trust: Building an Economy Based on Values,” each designed to move beyond theory toward actionable ideas and collaborative solutions. Additional discussions highlight the influence of media in shaping global narratives, the importance of ethical and partnership-based economic models, and the expanding role of public diplomacy in bridging divides.

Svetlana Smirnova, Chairman of the General Council of the World Peoples Assembly, underscored the summit’s broader significance, stating: “A new world is emerging, one defined by dialogue, trust, and shared values and this summit reflects that transformation in action.”

As the first in a global series, the World Public Summit: India not only reinforces India’s leadership on the world stage but also advances the mission of the World Peoples Assembly to build a more connected, cooperative, and values-driven world through dialogue and shared purpose.- 

Business News For Profit
business

Invivoscribe® Expands IVDR Portfolio with IdentiClone® Dx IGH Assay Certification

admin 0 Comment
Business Wire India

Invivoscribe, a global leader in precision diagnostics and measurable residual disease (MRD) testing, is proud to announce that its IdentiClone Dx IGH Assay has received In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) 2017/746 Class C certification in the European Union (EU). Commercial availability of the IVDR-certified assay is anticipated by early April 2026.

 

The IVDR replaces the former In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (IVDD), introducing significantly more stringent requirements for clinical evidence, performance evaluation, traceability, and post-market surveillance. Under IVDR, in vitro diagnostic devices are classified according to risk from Class A (lowest risk) to Class D (highest risk). Class C devices, such as IdentiClone Dx IGH, are considered high-risk tests that play a critical role in disease diagnosis and patient management.

 

 

BSI (Netherlands), an EU-designated Notified Body, granted CE certification for the IdentiClone Dx IGH Assay following an independent conformity assessment under the IVDR. This approval marks Invivoscribe’s second successful IVDR certification, underscoring the company’s proven regulatory expertise and long-standing commitment to quality, compliance, and patient safety.

 

 

“Achieving IVDR certification for the IdentiClone Dx IGH Assay is a significant milestone for Invivoscribe and reflects decades of regulatory rigor, scientific excellence, and dedication to international standards,” said Jason Gerhold, Vice President of Global Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical Affairs at Invivoscribe. “This certification demonstrates our ability to meet the most stringent regulatory requirements and positions us to continue supporting laboratories and clinicians across the EU with high-quality, compliant diagnostic solutions.”

 

 

The IdentiClone Dx IGH Assay is a PCR-based in vitro diagnostic device designed for the capillary electrophoresis-based detection of clonality in immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangements from peripheral blood specimens. The assay now includes integrated analysis software that automates data processing and interpretation, providing standardized, objective results with transparent reporting and full traceability. It serves as an adjunctive tool in the evaluation of patients suspected of having B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, in which abnormal proliferation of a single B-cell clone produces a population of cells with identical (clonal) IGH gene rearrangements, a defining molecular hallmark of B-cell malignancies.

 

 

About Invivoscribe

 

 

Invivoscribe is a global, vertically integrated biotechnology company dedicated to Improving Lives with Precision Diagnostics®. For more than thirty years, Invivoscribe has advanced the quality of healthcare worldwide by delivering high-quality, standardized reagents, diagnostic assays, and bioinformatics solutions that support precision medicine. The company has a proven track record of partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations to support clinical trial testing through its global laboratory network in the United States, Germany, Japan, and China, as well as to develop and commercialize companion diagnostics, leveraging deep expertise in regulatory strategy and laboratory services. By offering both distributable diagnostic kits and clinical testing services through its globally located clinical laboratory subsidiaries, LabPMM®, Invivoscribe is an ideal partner across the full diagnostic lifecycle – from development and clinical trials through regulatory submission and commercialization.

 

 

For more information, please visit www.invivoscribe.com, contactinquiry@invivoscribe.com, or follow Invivoscribe on LinkedIn.

 

 

 

 

 

business

Rethinking Home Value: How Residential Space Economics Are Evolving

Neel Achary 0 Comment

Rethinking Home Value: How Residential Space Economics Are Evolving

Residential space has never been just about shelter. It reflects how people live, work, and assign value to their surroundings. Over the past decade, the economics of residential space has shifted in ways that are both subtle and dramatic. From changing work patterns to rising land costs and evolving lifestyle expectations, the idea of what makes a home valuable is being redefined.

More Than Square Footage

Traditionally, the value of a home was closely tied to its size and location. Larger homes in desirable neighborhoods commanded higher prices, and buyers often prioritized square footage above all else. That model is now evolving.

Today, how space is used matters as much as how much of it exists. A well-designed 900-square-foot apartment with smart storage, natural light, and flexible layouts can outperform a poorly planned 1,500-square-foot unit. Buyers and renters are paying more attention to functionality, not just scale.

This shift has introduced a new layer to housing economics: efficiency. Developers are now investing in design innovations that maximize utility per square foot, which directly impacts pricing strategies and long-term value.

The Remote Work Effect

One of the biggest drivers of change has been remote and hybrid work. Homes are no longer just living spaces. They double as offices, classrooms, and even wellness zones.

This has led to increased demand for:

  • Dedicated workspaces or adaptable rooms

  • Soundproofing and privacy features

  • Access to natural light and ventilation

As a result, properties that can accommodate these needs are seeing higher demand and, in many cases, higher valuations. Suburban and peri-urban areas have also gained popularity as people move away from dense city centers in search of more usable space.

Storage as a Value Driver

Another overlooked but increasingly important factor is storage. Built-in storage solutions, modular furniture, and optimized layouts are becoming major selling points.

Buyers are recognizing that clutter-free living improves quality of life. This has pushed developers to rethink how storage is integrated into homes rather than treated as an afterthought.

In fact, thoughtful storage solutions can significantly influence property worth. Studies and market observations show that well-designed storage can enhance both perceived and actual value. A deeper look into this trend can be found in this analysis on Residential Property Valuations, which highlights how customized storage impacts financial outcomes in housing markets.

Urban Density vs. Livability

Cities continue to grow, but space within them is becoming more constrained and expensive. This creates a tension between density and livability.

Micro-apartments and compact housing units are becoming more common in high-demand urban areas. While these units offer affordability and central locations, they also challenge traditional expectations of comfort.

To balance this, developers are investing in shared amenities:

  • Co-working spaces

  • Rooftop gardens

  • Fitness centers

  • Community lounges

These shared environments effectively extend personal living space beyond the walls of individual units, reshaping how value is calculated.

Technology and Smart Living

Technology is also reshaping residential economics. Smart home features are no longer luxury add-ons. They are increasingly expected.

Features like:

  • Automated lighting and climate control

  • Security systems

  • Energy-efficient appliances

not only improve convenience but also reduce long-term costs. This makes properties more attractive to buyers who are thinking beyond the initial purchase price.

Energy efficiency, in particular, is becoming a key economic factor. Homes that reduce utility costs can command higher prices and attract environmentally conscious buyers.

Changing Buyer Priorities

Modern buyers are more informed and more selective. They are not just buying a property. They are investing in a lifestyle.

Key priorities now include:

  • Flexibility of space

  • Sustainability

  • Connectivity (both digital and physical)

  • Community and surroundings

This shift is influencing how properties are marketed, designed, and priced. Developers who understand these preferences are better positioned to succeed in a competitive market.

The Investment Perspective

From an investment standpoint, residential real estate is also evolving. Investors are looking beyond traditional metrics like location and rental yield.

They are increasingly considering:

  • Adaptability of the space

  • Long-term usability

  • Potential for customization

Properties that can evolve with changing needs tend to hold value better over time. This makes design and functionality critical components of investment decisions.

Looking Ahead

The economics of residential space will continue to change as lifestyles evolve. Urbanization, technology, and demographic shifts will keep influencing how homes are designed and valued.

What remains clear is that space is no longer just a physical measure. It is an experience. And in today’s market, experiences drive value.

Understanding these changes is essential for buyers, developers, and investors alike. Those who adapt to this new reality will not only make better decisions but also unlock new opportunities in an increasingly complex housing landscape.

business

Official Launch of DEFIS–ICRISAT–FOFIFA Partnership Marks New Step in Food Security for Southern Madagascar

Neel Achary 0 Comment

Launched in March 2026, this partnership unites science, innovation, and local expertise to strengthen food systems, improve livelihoods, and scale climate-resilient solutions across southern Madagascar.

 

Madagascar

Madagascar has taken a significant step toward strengthening food security and climate resilience in its southern regions following the official launch of a strategic partnership between the Programme de Développement de Filières Inclusives (DEFIS), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and the Centre National de Recherche Appliquée au Développement Rural (FOFIFA).

The collaboration comes at a critical time for the ‘Grand South’, the nation’s most climate-vulnerable and food-insecure areas, where communities continue to face persistent drought and declining soil productivity.

These challenges have placed immense pressure on farming systems and livelihoods, making the need for practical, science-driven solutions more urgent than ever.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, applauded the partnership and underscored its significance, emphasizing the need for collaborative, science-driven approaches to address the nation’s climate challenges and improve livelihoods across its vulnerable regions.

“This partnership reflects a shift from isolated interventions to integrated, country-led solutions.
“It builds on ICRISAT’s proud legacy of impact in Africa working alongside partners to leverage frontier science and local knowledge to strengthen food systems that can endure climate stress and deliver lasting impact” said Dr. Pathak.

At the heart of this initiative is a focus on promoting climate-resilient crops such as pearl millet, sorghum, and groundnut.

These crops are well-suited to the region’s harsh conditions and offer a pathway to improved food and nutrition security for vulnerable households.

The partnership aims to also strengthen agricultural production systems by expanding access to improved seeds, promoting better farming practices, and building the capacity of farmers and local institutions.

It also places strong emphasis on value addition and market access to ensure that farmers not only produce more but also earn more.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative in Africa, Dr. Rebbie Harawa, Director of the Africa Program at ICRISAT, noted,

“This partnership is about putting farmers at the center of innovation through knoweldge exchange. ​
“Through strengthening seed systems, improving technologies, and building local capacity, we are creating opportunities for communities to become more resilient and economically empowered” said Dr. Harawa.

Over the next 30 months, the initiative is expected to directly benefit 32,000 farmers, support the cultivation of 5,000 hectares using improved seed, and facilitate the dissemination of 25 improved crop varieties.

Seed production efforts are projected to yield 40 tons of seed, with the potential to produce up to 400 tons of grain.

The program will also support the establishment of community seed banks, strengthen local agribusiness opportunities, and improve access to certified seeds, ensuring that farmers have reliable and sustainable inputs for future seasons.

The launch brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, technical services, farmer organizations, and development partners.

A field visit held on 19 March allowed participants to interact directly with farmers, observe demonstration plots, and witness early results from the technologies being introduced.

Business News For Profit
business

Visa to Bring Privacy-Preserving Payments to Canton Network

admin 0 Comment
Business Wire India

Visa (NYSE:V), a global leader in digital payments, today announced it will join the Canton Network as the first major global payments company to serve as a Super Validator, to help extend privacy‑preserving blockchain infrastructure to banks and financial institutions around the world. Visa will be one of 40 Super Validators on Canton.

 

That move goes straight to a core challenge for financial institutions: the same transparency that gives blockchains their appeal can clash with privacy expectations financial institutions operate under. Canton Network, a blockchain built for regulated finance, has privacy built in from the beginning, so organizations can use shared infrastructure without exposing sensitive information.

 

 

As a Super Validator, Visa will help clients who choose to run and secure operations on the Canton Network, applying the same trusted and reliable standards it uses to operate critical payment systems today. Institutions can experiment with and scale stablecoin payments, settlement and treasury use cases without changing how they already manage risk, compliance and operations.

 

 

“Many banks see the lack of privacy as a dealbreaker for moving meaningful activity onchain,” said Rubail Birwadker, Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships, Visa. “By operating as a Super Validator on Canton Network, we’re bringing Visa-grade trust, governance and operational rigor that define Visa’s global network to privacy‑preserving blockchain infrastructure, so regulated FIs can bring payments onchain without having to rethink how they operate.”

 

 

Today, Canton has gained wide adoption across capital markets, powering the issuance and trading of tokenized financial assets. With Visa joining, Canton will now connect capital markets with payments and bring onchain payments directly into the Canton ecosystem.

 

 

About the Canton Network

 

 

Many financial institutions have avoided public blockchains because anyone can see transaction details, raising concerns about transparency, data leaks, and compliance.

 

 

Canton’s configurable privacy model is designed for real-world use cases – banks can’t run payroll if salaries are public and trading firms can’t reveal every position and trade without hurting price discovery. Canton combines strong privacy with the ability to connect different applications and assets on the same network. Institutions can adopt blockchain without compromising confidentiality or control.

 

 

“Canton was built to meet the requirements of regulated finance from day one,” said Eric Saraniecki, Head of Network Strategy for Digital Asset, co-creator of Canton. “Visa’s participation as a Super Validator reinforces that this technology has matured beyond experimentation and into production‑ready infrastructure. Bringing payments onchain, alongside assets, unlocks the next phase of financial markets, where transactions can move with the speed of blockchain while remaining private, secure, and compliant.”

 

 

Visa’s Broader Stablecoin Strategy

 

 

Visa’s participation builds on its existing digital asset and stablecoin work, including:

 

 

  • stablecoin settlement, which has reached an annualized run rate of $4.6 billion globally
  • stablecoin‑linked cards, with more than 130 programs across more than 50 countries
  • a specialized Stablecoins Advisory Practice by Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), advising clients ranging from financial institutions to fintechs on stablecoin strategy and onchain capabilities. VCA can help clients assess how participation in Canton Network and other initiatives align with their objectives.

 

With Visa now spanning both the payments and governance layer on Canton, financial institutions can explore this network through a partner they already know and trust, without having to overhaul existing operations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

Q: What is the Canton Network?
Canton is a public, permissionless blockchain network designed to meet the stringent requirements of regulated financial institutions, enabling privacy‑preserving transactions on shared infrastructure with institutional‑grade governance.

 

 

Q: Why is a privacy-preserving blockchain necessary?
Many financial institutions have been cautious about public blockchains due to privacy, compliance, and governance concerns. Banks can’t run payroll if salaries are public, and trading firms can’t transact if positions, collateral, or margin movements are visible. As a privacy-enabled but public blockchain network, Canton allows assets like these to move freely without exposing confidential data.

 

 

Q: What is a super validator and why is that important?
On blockchains, validators help verify transactions and maintain network integrity. On Canton Network, a Super Validator is a selective role reserved for highly trusted institutions that help steward core network infrastructure and contribute value to the Canton ecosystem through increased network activity.

 

 

Q: What is Visa’s role as a Super Validator?
As a Super Validator, with voting powers to shape the future of Canton’s network decisions, Visa will help decide critical payment infrastructure, enabling banks and financial institutions to adopt blockchain at scale.

 

 

Q: Why now?
Visa’s participation helps banks use blockchain without exposing sensitive financial data. That will help transform blockchain technology to real‑world, institutional use.

 

 

Q: Who benefits?
Banks, large enterprises, and regulated financial institutions exploring blockchain‑based payment, settlement, and treasury use cases that require privacy, security, and compliance.

 

 

Q: What’s next?
Visa will work with institutions to bring Canton into production where it complements existing payment, settlement, and treasury strategies, drawing on Visa’s experience operating across applications, infrastructure, and multiple blockchain networks. Visa remains chain‑agnostic across networks aligned with its payments‑first, institutional approach. Organizations interested in understanding and assessing potential areas of relevance with their crypto and stablecoins strategies can reach out to an advisor within the VCA Stablecoins Advisory Practice by emailing VCA@visa.com.

 

 

About Visa

 

 

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

 

 

About Canton Network

 

 

The Canton Network is the only public, permissionless blockchain purpose-built for institutional finance–uniquely combining privacy, compliance, and scalability. Governed by the Canton Foundation with participation from leading global financial institutions, Canton enables real-time, secure synchronization and settlement across multiple asset classes on a shared, interoperable infrastructure. The open-sourced network is powered by its native token, Canton Coin, and supports decentralized governance and collaborative application development. It’s the proven link between the promise of blockchain and the power of global finance, making finance flow the way it should. Learn more at: canton.network.

 

 

 

 

 

business

Dominican Republic Drives Modernization of Electronic Passports Under the Leadership of the Thales – MIDAS Consortium

admin 0 Comment
Business Wire India

 

  • The General Directorate of Passports, together with the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, are leading the transformation of the country’s passport issuance system with a new, secure, efficient document aligned with international standards.
  • In 2025, the Thales-MIDAS consortium was awarded the contract to develop, issue, and personalize a modern, secure, and highly reliable travel document for Dominican citizens, incorporating additional cybersecurity measures.

 

The Presidency of the Dominican Republic, through the General Directorate of Passports, issued the country’s first electronic passport as part of its strategy to modernize and strengthen national security.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260324368065/en/

 

 

Passport of the Dominican Republic

Passport of the Dominican Republic

 

 

The new document was developed in partnership with Thales, world leader in advanced technologies for the Defense, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, and Digital sectors, and Midas Dominicana, a Dominican business group specializing in the comprehensive management of technology projects in the region. Together, both companies will guarantee the delivery of a passport that is more secure, reliable, and compliant with international standards.

 

The project introduces and personalizes the country’s electronic passports, using advanced technologies to ensure the authenticity and protection of each document, while strengthening the national identity system and improving the security and efficiency of travel. This relies on a combination of physical and digital security features, including a polycarbonate data page with an embedded electronic chip. Acting as a digital safe, the chip securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photo, and can be electronically verified at every step of the passenger journey.

 

 

By combining advanced security features, this new generation of documents first and foremost protects each individual’s identity. For citizens, it means greater peace of mind, faster and more accurate biometric checks, and a smoother experience when traveling.

 

 

Alongside the document itself, Thales will bring extra cybersecurity services ensuring that citizens’ data is protected. Indeed, Thales’ advanced ‘detect & respond’ solution will continuously monitor potential cyber threats across the data centres involved in the project, providing an additional layer of resilience and trust.

 

 

“In today’s digital world, identity is much more than a credential; it is the key to accessing essential services securely and efficiently. We are proud to support the Dominican Republic in this step toward digital modernization, offering trusted identity solutions that combine cutting-edge biometric technology with the highest security standards. With this implementation, we are helping to build a strong, sustainable, and globally interoperable identity ecosystem that promotes public trust, drives inclusion, and optimizes services for all Dominican citizens,” said Nathalie Gosset, Vice President Identity and Biometrics at Thales.

 

 

“We are honored to contribute our local expertise to this flagship project, which provides Dominican citizens with one of the most advanced and secure travel documents in the world. Working alongside Thales, we are ensuring that the new e-passport combines cutting-edge technology with robust personal data protection. This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovative and reliable digital solutions for the Dominican Republic,”said Luis Marrero, Vice President of Operations at Midas Dominicana.

 

 

About Thales

 

 

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

 

 

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.

 

 

Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.