‍New York, NY, Jan 7: Akur8, the next-generation insurance pricing and reserving solution built on transparent machine learning, announced today the acquisition of Matrisk, an AI-driven platform that transforms unstructured regulatory filings from publicly available sources into searchable, on-demand market insights. The addition of Matrisk brings regulatory and market insights into Akur8’s offering, giving actuaries richer context for pricing decisions and deeper visibility into market activity, regulatory developments, and emerging industry dynamics. The acquisition also expands Akur8’s AI capabilities within its pricing solution by adding deep expertise in large language models (LLMs) and unstructured data processing, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver advanced AI features across its pricing product suite.

A Unified Platform for Pricing, Market Intelligence, and Filing Strategy

The integration of Matrisk’s capabilities into Akur8 will enable insurers to:

• Leverage AI to search and analyze Property & Casualty (P&C) rate and rule filings, supported by structured variables, tables, rules, and citations
• Benchmark rating strategies and factor selections using insights derived from publicly available filings
• Incorporate regulatory and market insights into Akur8’s existing suite of tools including rate repositories, demand modeling, and financial forecasting
• Track market developments and rate evolution across states, perils, lines, and territories
• Anticipate regulatory objections using structured and source traceable insights derived directly from filings
• Accelerate pricing and filing cycles by pairing transparent model build with real time market intelligence and regulatory insight
• Support informed pricing decisions with additional insight into market and regulatory conditions
• Help regulators and consumer advocates better evaluate increasingly complex rate filings

Together, these capabilities will be delivered as Akur8 Discover, a new offering within Akur8’s pricing platform. By combining Akur8’s transparent machine learning with Matrisk’s LLM-based techniques for extracting and structuring insights from publicly available filings, the unified platform will further enhance Akur8’s ability to operationalize unstructured data and bring more powerful AI capabilities into day-to-day pricing workflows.

Samuel Falmagne, CEO, Akur8

“Akur8 has always focused on helping insurers build better pricing models faster, with full transparency and control. Matrisk adds a critical new dimension to that mission. By bringing powerful filings search and competitive intelligence into our platform, we can now offer insurers the ability to understand their market context and integrate this information with Akur8’s existing suite of tools for re-rating and rate selection, demand modeling, and financial forecasting. This combination reinforces Akur8’s position as the actuarial platform of choice for insurers seeking to modernize pricing while staying aligned with regulatory expectations and competitive pressures. We are delighted to welcome Matrisk to Akur8 as we take this next step forward.”

Sergey Filimonov, Co-founder, Matrisk AI

“We started Matrisk because we believed AI could turn the most tedious parts of insurance market research into real leverage. The industry depends on information that’s scattered, messy, and hard to operationalize. We’ve grown faster than I ever imagined, and the adoption we’ve seen clearly validates that need. With Akur8, we can scale this even further, meet users where they already build rates, and help redefine the pricing engine from a modeling tool into an end-to-end decision platform that embeds regulatory and market context. The shared goal is simple: deliver high‑impact AI capabilities that customers find indispensable.”

On January 13, 2026, Akur8 will host a special Akur8 Academy webinar, “Market Intelligence for Modeling & Ratemaking,” featuring Akur8’s Lead Actuarial Data Scientist, Max Martinelli, and Matrisk AI Co-founder, Sergey Filimonov. Click here to learn more and register.

Delhi, India, Jan 07: Hexnode, the enterprise software division of Mitsogo, announced the release of Hexnode XDR, its extended detection and response platform, reinforcing its commitment to helping Indian organisations strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

Indian organisations continue to see a sharp rise in cyber threat volumes as they scale operations across cloud platforms and diverse endpoint environments. Recent research indicates that over 265 million cyberattack attempts were recorded in India, underscoring the sustained pressure on security teams to detect and respond to threats effectively.

“You can’t expect an enterprise to stay resilient if IT and security aren’t aligned. That separation has been a long-standing weak spot. Hexnode XDR bridges the divide by unifying endpoint data, deeper context, and powerful response tools. The result? IT teams can finally anticipate threats and act with certainty,” said Apu Pavithran, CEO and Founder of Hexnode.

Security Simplified for IT Admins

Hexnode XDR reimagines the XDR experience with usability at its core. Its clean, structured dashboard unifies endpoints, alerts and vulnerabilities into a single view, simplifying how IT teams assess and respond to threats.

Key Features Include:

• Unified Incident Visibility: Real-time overview of threats, alerts, and vulnerable devices, helping IT admins assess their security posture quickly. 
• Automated Correlation: Collect and analyze signals across endpoints to uncover malicious activity, supported by severity levels, device impact, and threat lifecycle logs.
• Contextualized Alerts: Alerts enriched with device and policy insights for focused response decisions.
• One-Click Remediation: Instant coordinated response to kill processes, quarantine or delete files, and isolate devices for swift threat containment.
• Complete Audit Trail: Searchable and exportable logs of threats, actions and system events, preserving full traceability for efficient analysis and compliance.

By emphasizing clarity and automation, Hexnode XDR helps IT teams respond to threats faster and with greater certainty.

Unified Security and Endpoint Management Under One Ecosystem

Hexnode XDR integrates seamlessly with Hexnode UEM, creating a single connected environment for endpoint management and security. This unified approach reduces tool sprawl and shortens response time.

Integration Highlights:

• Effortless Setup: Extends protection from existing Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) environments with minimal configuration.
• Centralized Control: Manage devices, monitor threats, and enforce policies from one intuitive interface.
• Real-Time Feedback Loop: XDR insights flow directly into Hexnode UEM for consistent device and security visibility.
• Familiar Workflows: Built on the same design principles as Hexnode UEM to ensure quick adoption.
• Future-Ready Scalability: Scales with workforce growth, cloud adoption, and hybrid work models.

This synergy enables organizations to manage, secure, and respond all within a single, cohesive platform.

Built for What’s Next

Hexnode XDR is engineered to evolve into a fully advanced XDR platform that adapts to growing enterprise security demands.

Upcoming features include:

• Broader Endpoint Coverage: Support for macOS, Linux and mobile devices alongside Windows.
• Third-Party UEM Integration: Compatibility with external UEMs, allowing organizations to leverage Hexnode XDR without replacing existing tools.
• Actionable Security Prompts: Suggests timely security actions, enables one-click setup through pre-filled UEM policies, and tracks impact to refine future recommendations.
• Hexnode Genie AI support: An intelligence layer that powers guided troubleshooting and quick chat-based responses to admin queries. 
• Intelligent Threat Response: Automated threat remediation and technician assignment for faster containment.
• Application Vulnerability Insights: Visibility into system and user-installed apps, with alerts to help IT teams identify risky software.

Hexnode XDR equips organizations of all sizes, offering simplified threat management for SMBs and full-scale orchestration through UEM integration for enterprises.

India ITME Society Hosts 3rd Technical Awards 2025, Celebrating Innovation in Textile Engineering

Mumbai, Jan, o7: The India International Textile Machinery Exhibitions Society (India ITME Society) marked a milestone in the textile engineering sector with the 3rd edition of ITME Technical Awards 2025, held at a high-level industry gathering in Mumbai. The event brought together senior industry leaders, policymakers, academicians, and technologists, including Ms. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, IA & AS, CEO of Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Government of India, highlighting the national focus on innovation, skills, and advanced manufacturing in textiles.

Mr. Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman & Member of the Steering Committee, India ITME Society, said,

“The applications we received this year clearly reflect the bright future of India’s textile engineering industry. Young innovators are leading the way with fresh ideas, strong passion, and a start-up mindset. At India ITME Society, we are proud to offer a platform that helps these innovative minds turn their dreams into reality.”

Ms. Roop Rashi Mahapatra emphasized,

“Khadi and traditional industries should not be seen through a philanthropic lens. They are powerful engines of growth. When tradition is combined with modern technology and design, it creates sustainable livelihoods, stronger enterprises, and inclusive development across the value chain.”

Other industry leaders shared their insights:

• Mr. Neeraj Jain, Joint MD, Vardhman Textiles: “With rapid shifts in cotton sourcing, fabric innovation, and global demand, the textile industry needs sharper technical insights.”

• Mr. Edward Menezes, Executive Chairman, Rossari Biotech: “True success comes from vision, consistency, and belief in the power of design, alongside industry support.”

• Ms. Swati Pandey, VCMD, Maharashtra Airport Development Company: “Technology alone will not take us to the next level. Innovation, new thinking, and courage to break old patterns are key. AI has become the third partner in our journey, helping industry move faster and smarter.”

The India ITME Technical Awards 2025, supported by the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, and powered by SBI, recognized individuals, companies, and students for their outstanding contributions to textile engineering, innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence. The awards aim to encourage continuous improvement, adoption of advanced technologies, and knowledge sharing across the textile value chain.

The Esteemed Jury included technocrats and leaders such as:

• Mr. Uday Gill, ITMF Board Member

• Mr. Hemant Sharma, President, Reliance Industries Ltd.

• Mr. Updeep Singh, CEO (Odisha), Welspun Group

• Dr. Ajit Khare, Professor, NIFT

• Dr. Pratima Goyal, HOD, Textile & Fashion Technology, Nirmala Niketan

• And many more senior industry experts and academics

Award Winners – ITME Technical Awards 2025

• Textile Engineering & Technology Champion – Processing & Finishing: Yamuna Machine Works

• Cutting-Edge Textile Engineering Technology: Yamuna Machine Works

• Women Leadership in Textile Engineering: Ms. Amoli Shah, Prashant Gamatex Pvt. Ltd.

• Best Eco-Design (Post-Graduation Student): Mr. Sourav Banerjee

• Textile & Allied Sectors Champion: Zydex Industries Pvt. Ltd.

• Sustainability-Centric Organization: Zydex Industries Pvt. Ltd.

• Best CSR Initiative – Textile Engineering Company: Prashant Gamatex Pvt. Ltd.

• Best Eco-Design (Undergraduate Student): Ms. Bhagyashri Khade

• Textile Accessories Champion: Maksteel Wire Healds Pvt. Ltd.

• Successful Technology Transfer & “Make in India” Initiative: Rieter India Pvt. Ltd.

• Best CSR Initiative – Regional Association: Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Association

• Best Eco-Design (Undergraduate Runner-Up): Mr. Manal Kadale

The evening concluded with industry interactions and networking, reinforcing India ITME Society’s role as a pivotal platform for dialogue, collaboration, and progress within India’s textile engineering ecosystem.

Mumbai, Jan 07:  Star power met elevated living as Bollywood celebrities and leading lifestyle influencers explored JP Infra’s Club Marvel, the newly unveiled one lakh+ sq. ft. lifestyle landmark at North Garden City, Mira Road.

In a spectacular display of glamour and excitement, Club Marvel opened its doors to a dazzling lineup of personalities, instantly placing Mira Road on Mumbai’s celebrity map.

The showcase witnessed the presence of notable Bollywood celebrities including Rhea Chakraborty, Saiee Manjrekar, Jim Sarbh, and Nikita Dutta, among others, who explored the clubhouse’s scale, design sensibility, and immersive spaces. Complementing this star presence, prominent lifestyle influencers such as Curly Tales’ Kamiya Jani, Khushnaz Ashdin Turner, Natasha Luthra, Prerna Mehra, Funcho, Rafique Merchant, and Mayank Agarwal amplified the buzz across digital platforms. Their social media coverage offered audiences a closer look at Club Marvel’s striking architecture, vibrant interiors, and world-class amenities, sparking widespread digital conversations. The clubhouse has swiftly emerged as one of Mumbai’s most talked-about lifestyle destinations, drawing admiration for its design-forward approach and holistic living experiences.

Speaking about the unveiling, Mr. Shubham Jain, Managing Director, JP Infra Mumbai Pvt. Ltd. said, “Club Marvel represents the future of integrated living. We envisioned a space that goes far beyond amenities and becomes a true lifestyle anchor for our residents. The overwhelming appreciation reaffirms that we have created something truly special for all new buyers, an environment where people can bond, rejuvenate, and celebrate life every day. With Club Marvel, North Garden City sets a new benchmark for elevated living in the MMR.”

Spread across seven levels and spanning over one lakh square feet, Club Marvel is envisioned as a vibrant, multi-functional hub bringing together wellness, leisure, dining, learning, and recreation under one roof. Its curated collaborations further enrich the experience, including:

• Kamats offering refined culinary indulgence
• Dignity Foundation managing a dedicated Senior Citizens’ Arena
• Bhaktivedanta Wellness Centre extending holistic healthcare
• EuroKids providing early-learning excellence

From dynamic sports zones and wellness areas to relaxed lounges and thoughtfully designed social spaces, Club Marvel caters to residents across age groups. The clubhouse also serves as a platform for community engagement, hosting wellness sessions, family gatherings, festive celebrations, and cultural activities.

With rapid infrastructural development and increasing demand for integrated living, Mira Road is emerging as one of Mumbai’s most dynamic lifestyle corridors. The launch of Club Marvel further strengthens JP Infra’s vision of building purpose-driven communities that enhance quality of life and redefine the residential experience across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

As celebrities explored its offerings, one message resonated across their posts and stories that Club Marvel isn’t just a clubhouse; it’s where lifestyle meets star appeal with palatial living.

AI, Innovation, Inclusivity, and Personalised Learning Take Center Stage as Education Prepares for 2026

The year 2025 witnessed transformative shifts in the education sector, with institutions across India and globally embracing innovation, adaptability, and future-ready skills. From universities and management institutes to cutting-edge education platforms, leaders reflected on milestones achieved and outlined their vision for 2026. A strong emphasis emerged on Artificial Intelligence (AI), experiential learning, inclusivity, and global collaboration as key drivers shaping the next chapter of education.

“This year marked our Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years of outstanding technical education, with the Honourable President of India gracing the occasion and the 35th convocation held in the presence of the ISRO Chairman. The growing focus on data-driven insights has redefined curricula, encouraging learners to blend computational skills with critical thinking and ethical responsibility. Looking ahead, BIT Mesra will continue to foster a holistic and inclusive ecosystem,” said Prof. Sudip Das, Registrar, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra.

Reinforcing this shift from rote memorization to critical thinking, Mr. Harish Sanduja, Director – Schools and IT, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, said:

“The introduction of new NCERT textbooks with a reduced curriculum has marked a structural shift in Indian school education. The focus is now on competency-based learning, critical thinking, and skill development. The Kaushal Bodh curriculum for CBSE classes 6 to 8 aligns with the NEP vision, covering modules such as AI, Design Thinking, Financial Literacy, IT, Travel and Tourism, Beauty and Wellness, Handicrafts, and more.”

These changes at both school and university levels signal a larger transformation in the education ecosystem. Institutions are no longer treating reforms as isolated initiatives but as part of a broader movement toward adaptability and relevance. Emphasis on skill-based curricula, integration of emerging technologies, and redefinition of educator roles reflects a sector preparing for a rapidly changing global economy.

“Education is no longer confined to classrooms. It is driven by adaptability, digital integration, and purpose-led learning. Students have embraced resilience and lifelong learning, while educators have adopted innovative, learner-centric approaches. Moving into 2026, the focus must remain on building future-ready skills, ethical leadership, and inclusive growth,” said Prof. (Dr.) Daviender Narang, Director, Jaipuria Institute of Management.

Educators are also optimistic about the Government of India’s decision to establish the Higher Education Council of India (HECI), expected to unify and streamline the regulatory framework for universities and colleges. By replacing legacy bodies such as UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, HECI aims to reduce duplication, enhance transparency, and create a more agile system.

“Management education in India has undergone a paradigmatic shift. AI has evolved from a buzzword to a core strategic tool, requiring students and educators to embrace digital competency alongside ethical leadership. Adaptability is now essential. As we look toward 2026, our focus shifts to purpose-driven innovation, global mobility, and leveraging the HECI framework to elevate Indian higher education,” said Dr. Tapan Kumar Nayak, Director, Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad.

The hospitality education sector has similarly undergone transformation, adapting to technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and changing industry expectations.

“2025 was a year of crucial transformation in hospitality education, driven by technology and industry demands. AI adoption has redefined how students are prepared, balancing human-centered skills with digital proficiency. In 2026, we expect continued emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and personalized experiences, fostering a global community of hospitality leaders,” said Ms. Anouck Weiss, Chief Communication Officer, Sommet Education.

Echoing this view, Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, MD & Co-Founder, Indian School of Hospitality, added:

“Students now demand learning that is relevant, organic, and aligned with their lives. They behave like CEOs of their own education. Institutions that fail to adapt in 2026 and 2027 risk being left behind.”

Cross-border collaboration has also emerged as a critical trend, with institutions seeking international partnerships to provide students with global exposure and diverse perspectives through research, exchange programs, and digital platforms.

“2025 brought challenges and opportunities for the education sector. AI, personalised learning, global collaboration, and navigating visa norms became key priorities. Resilience, adaptability, and inclusivity emerged as essential for success. In 2026, AI will be at the heart of educational transformation, alongside a focus on cross-border collaboration,” said Mr. Sundar Kumarasamy, CEO & Founder, Excelerate, and Co-Founder, V-Empower Ventures.

Similarly, Mr. Bob Chopra, Founder & CEO, IvySchool.ai, observed:

“2025 marked a new era in AI, coding, and computer science education. Students embraced experiential learning, moving beyond rote methods to problem-solving and interdisciplinary applications. Generative AI tools, project-based coding challenges, and computational thinking became integral. In 2026, we aim to empower students to be future-ready leaders, coding creatively, using AI responsibly, and contributing meaningfully to the digital world.”

Together, these perspectives highlight a sector in transition, redefining the role of educators and institutions. As 2026 approaches, education is poised to move beyond conventional boundaries, ensuring learners are academically prepared and equipped with the skills and leadership capabilities to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Taipei, Taiwan, Jan 7: Following the unveiling of the new Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors (formerly Panther Lake) at CES, AAEON’s UP brand (stock code: 6579) has announced its development timeline for the UP Xtreme PTL Edge, an AI Mini PC leveraging the platform.

Expected to enter mass production during the latter part of Q1, the UP Xtreme PTL Edge will be available with either the Intel® Core™ Ultra X7 358H or Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Processor 338H from the new series, featuring an integrated Intel® Arc™ GPU with up to 12 Xe3 Cores and Intel NPU 5.0 for up to 180 TOPs of AI performance in total.

Its SoC is not the only substantial change provided by the UP Xtreme PTL Edge when compared to previous UP Mini PCs. The device’s I/O provides a number of more advanced connectivity options, including two USB 4.0 (Type-C) alongside two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) and a pair of 2.5GbE LAN ports. Alongside these, the UP Xtreme PTL Edge will also include the 40-pin GPIO the brand’s customer base of industrial developers will be familiar with, as well as two COM ports for RS-232/422/485.

Additional improvements can be found in the system’s display options, which offer two HDMI 2.1 ports and two DP 2.1 via its USB Type-C ports for four simultaneous 8K display outputs. Compounding this selection is the enhanced graphics media display features and acceleration for video analytics offered by the system’s integrated GPU and NPU.

For storage, the UP Xtreme PTL Edge offers two M.2 2280 M-Key slots, while additional expansion for Wi-Fi comes in the form of an M.2 2230 E-Key slot. Meanwhile, the system can support up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR5 (up to 7200 MT/s) via two SODIMM slots.

With respect to OS compatibility, the UP Xtreme PTL Edge supports both Windows® 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC and Linux Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Hyderabad, Jan 07: Bondada Engineering Limited (BSE: 543971), a leading player in India’s renewable energy EPC sector, has successfully commissioned 120.46 MWp of solar power projects in December 2025, further strengthening its execution capabilities and expanding its footprint in the clean energy space.

The projects were delivered for prominent clients including Paradigm IT, MAHAGENCO, and NLC India Limited, across multiple locations in Maharashtra—Dhule, Amaravati, Hingoli, Pathardi, Shevgaon, Kannad, and Dharni—and Tamil Nadu at Neyveli.

Over the past two months, Bondada Engineering has doubled its monthly commissioning capacity, reflecting robust execution strength, efficient project management, and enhanced operational performance within its Solar EPC business. The timely completion of these large-scale projects underscores the company’s ability to deliver high-quality solar installations while adhering to stringent safety and governance standards.

This milestone also aligns with India’s renewable energy ambitions and supports the nation’s broader transition towards clean and sustainable power generation.

Commenting on the achievement, Rear Admiral R. Sreenivas, VSM (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Bondada Group, said:

“The successful commissioning of these projects is a testament to the dedication and capability of our execution teams, as well as our unwavering focus on timely and quality delivery. This achievement reinforces our commitment to India’s renewable energy goals while creating sustainable value for our customers and stakeholders. Our ability to scale commissioning volumes reflects improved operational efficiencies and disciplined project management. As India accelerates its clean energy transition, we remain focused on delivering reliable, large-scale renewable projects that meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and governance.”

Bondada Engineering Limited continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, contributing meaningfully to India’s clean energy journey while creating long-term value for all stakeholders.

Bengaluru, Jan 07: The Sadguru Sri Thyagabrahma Aradhana Kainkarya Trust is organizing the 179th Vaidika Aradhana of the poet-saint Sri Thyagaraja from January 7 to January 11, 2026, at the Sringeri Shankara Matha, Chamarajapete, Bengaluru.

As part of the Aradhana celebrations, the traditional Pancharatna Kruthi Goshti Gayana will be held on January 7, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue. This group rendition of Sri Thyagaraja’s Pancharatna Kritis is a revered highlight of the annual Aradhana.

In addition, classical music concerts by eminent artistes will be conducted daily from 5:00 p.m. onwards during the Aradhana period.

The event is open to all, and ENTRY FREE

Venue:
Sringeri Shankara Matha
Chamarajapete, Bengaluru

Vijayawada, Jan 07: The Government of Andhra Pradesh presents Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature, a three-day public cultural celebration to be held from 8th to 10th January 2026 at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island, Vijayawada. Conceived as an open, inclusive riverfront festival, Avakai brings cinema, literature and the performing arts into public spaces, creating direct engagement between artists and audiences, while transforming the banks of the River Krishna into a vibrant site of cultural exchange and creative dialogue.

Anchored in the cultural geography of Amaravati–Vijayawada, Avakai foregrounds Telugu cinema and literature, while presenting a multidisciplinary programme spanning music, dance, theatre, poetry, storytelling, workshops and cultural conversations. Envisioned under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, powered by KIA and produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival introduces a format new to the state, combining artistic excellence with public participation and immersive riverfront experiences. The festival is free and open to the public, and audiences are encouraged to register online at www.avakaifestival.com.

The festival opens on Thursday, 8th January 2026 at Punnami Ghat with a vibrant Opening Procession featuring giant puppets, Teen Maar drummers and bagpipers, followed by evening music by Jammers, Aarti by the Ghat & Inauguration of the House Boat followed by the Sacred Opening with Shankh, Nagada & Drums ensemble.

The ceremonial Prārambhōtsavam will be graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Kalyan, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Family Welfare & Medical Education – Shri Satya Kumar YadavHon’ble Minister for Tourism & Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, Ambassador of the European Union, H.E.Hervé Delphin, Managing Director – Teamwork Arts, Mr. Sanjoy K. Roy.

Opening performances include Her Frames, Her Fire by Omaggio Performing Company, followed by Love Story – A Musical, created especially for Avakai. On Friday, 9th January 2026, the daytime programme at Bhavani Island features conversations and workshops, including Pure Evil: Anti-Heroes of Cinema with S. Hussain Zaidi, Yandamuri Veerendranath and Sudhir Mishra in conversation with Balaji Vittal, followed by a discussion on Evolving Storytelling: The Journey of Indian Mythology, BNIM, Kasturi Muralikrishna, Sanjeev Pasricha and Anuradha Mothali in conversation. The programme also features another performative act, Katha Kalakshepam: Timeless Tales through Music and Word by StoryHour UK; Engaging with storytelling across screen and text, Cinema in the Age of OTT reflects on how streaming platforms have reshaped filmmaking, distribution and audience engagement, with Leena Yadav (Director–Producer), Sunil Chainani (Applause Entertainment), Shibasish Sarkar (Reliance Entertainment; Producers Guild of India), Saugata Mukherjee (SonyLIV), Shreerupa Mitra, and Supriya Yarlagadda (Annapurna Studios) in conversation, followed by Abhilasha: From Novel to Screen, which traces the journey of a beloved literary work to cinema, with Yandamuri Veerendranath and A. Kodandarami Reddy in conversation with Valli Padmanjali.Parallel hands-on workshops include Martial Arts with Tuhon Aditya Roy, Nagada with Nathoo Lal Solanki, Puppet-making with Shameem, and Dance with French choreographer Gilles Chuyen. As twilight descends on the sacred banks of the Krishna at Punnami Ghat, the evenings unfold into a rich celebration of music, movement and poetic expression. The programme features Carnatic Music by Chandana Bala Kalyan, followed by Dramatic Tales- Rasa United, a powerful Kuchipudi dance-theatre presentation by Vanashree Rao, and The Sound of Stories: Music & Poetry in Cinema, with Shekhar Ravjiani, Priya Saraiya and Kasarla Shyam in conversation with Rakhshanda Jalil, exploring the lyrical soul of Indian cinema. The night further deepens with Mehfil-e-Sukhan: A Mushaira Experience, featuring Aditya Singh ‘Aadi’, Azhar Iqbal, Iqbal Ashhar, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Dr Nusrat Mehdi, Payala Murali Krishna, Popular Meeruthi, Saif Nizami and Sardar Saleem, followed by Aaj Rang Hai—a transcendent collaboration between the Anirudh Varma Collective and Nizami Bandhu, blending contemporary classical with the timeless spirit of Qawwali.

On Saturday, 10th January 2026, the Bhavani Island day programme includes Words on Water, Katha Itranagalu: Art of Telugu Storytelling, Friday Release: Cinema & Journalism, Sundaramaina Telugu: Glory of Telugu Literature & Cinema, and The Art of Translation: Words Without Borders, alongside continued workshops. The closing evening at Punnami Ghat features Chowraasta Live, Natasarvabhowma NTR – Homage to the Vishwaroopam of Acting, Love Story – A Musical, the Festival Closing Ceremony, and a grand finale concert by Javed Ali.

Beyond performances and conversations, Avakai offers immersive festival experiences including interactive installations and curated culinary experiences, inviting audiences to engage deeply with the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.