Author: Sai Krishna

Chandigarh University Student builds AI-Powered Startup ‘Fovea Infotech’; Crosses Rs 50 Lakh Turnover in Less Than a Year of Operations

Startup offering integrated software, AI automation, branding, & digital growth solutions to businesses

CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Turning his Startup idea conceived on Chandigarh University (CU) campus, CU alumnus Abubakar Akhlaq has founded an AI-powered tech company ‘Fovea Infotech’ which is helping businesses improve their efficiency and accelerate growth by offering integrated software, AI automation, branding, and digital growth solutions.

As a student of Computer Science Engineering (CSE) at Chandigarh University, Abubakar Akhlaq envisioned ‘Fovea Infotech’ in 2022 which has rapidly evolved into a full-service technology and digital transformation company serving businesses across multiple sectors, Fovea Infotech’s turnover has crossed Rs 50 lakh in sales in less than one year of its operations.

“The concept of Fovea Infotech was conceived by me during my engineering journey at Chandigarh University. While interacting with startups and local businesses, I realized that many companies struggled with outdated processes, disconnected systems and ineffective digital strategies. I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and business by offering integrated software, AI automation, branding, and digital growth solutions under one roof with Fovea Infotech,” Abubakar Akhlaq said.

“As a CSE student, I was always passionate about solving business challenges through technology and create real-world impact. I wanted to build solutions that help businesses automate operations, improve customer experiences, and grow faster. Instead of following a traditional career path, I chose entrepreneurship because I believed technology should simplify businesses rather than complicate them,” he added.

On his company’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP), Akhlaq said, “Fovea Infotech addresses the challenge of fragmented digital transformation. Many businesses work with multiple vendors for software, websites, apps, tech systems, marketing, automation, and branding, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Our goal is to provide an integrated ecosystem where businesses can access all their technology and digital growth solutions from one trusted partner. Fovea Infotech offers comprehensive technology and digital transformation services including Custom Software Development, Mobile Application Development, AI Automation & RAG-based AI Solutions, CRM & ERP Development, SaaS Product Development, Website Design and Development, Brand Strategy and Digital Branding, Performance Marketing, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Cloud & DevOps Solutions, Corporate Identity Design and Digital Transformation Consulting. We primarily serve startups, SMEs, hospitality businesses, healthcare, education, real estate, retail, and manufacturing industries.”

On his future goals, Fovea Infotech CEO and founder said, “Our vision is to become one of India’s leading AI-powered digital transformation companies by building scalable software products and intelligent automation solutions for businesses worldwide. We aim to expand internationally, launch our own SaaS products, strengthen AI capabilities, and help thousands of organizations embrace digital transformation. I founded Fovea Infotech in July 2025 and it’s client portfolio and service offerings have seen consistent growth ever since. We work with clients across various sectors including Real Estate, Hospitality, Healthcare Education, Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services, Startups, SMEs and B2B tech Vendors. Our solutions are designed to meet the unique operational and digital transformation needs of each industry. In future, , Fovea Infotech will launch proprietary SaaS platforms and expand AI and automation products. Besides serving international clients across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, Fovea Infotech will build strategic technology partnerships, create employment opportunities for young technology professionals and invest in research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence.”

On Chandigarh University’s role in shaping his idea into a startup, Abubakar Akhlaq said, “During my academic journey, Chandigarh University provided valuable support through its innovation-driven environment, industry-oriented curriculum, experienced faculty, practical project opportunities, technical workshops, and entrepreneurial culture. The University’s focus on innovation and skill development gave me the confidence to transform ideas into practical business solutions and prepared me for building a technology company. Chandigarh University helped in developing my technical knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset with hand-on learning environment, interactions with industry leaders and encouragement to think beyond academics to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Advising aspiring student entrepreneurs at Chandigarh University, Abubakar Akhlaq said, “If you have an idea, don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come, rather start with the resources you have today. For making impact, focus on solving real-world problems instead of following trends. Learn continuously, embrace failures as lessons, and build something that creates genuine value for people. Entrepreneurship is a journey of persistence, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Believe in your vision, stay consistent, and never stop innovating.”

Congratulating Abubakar Akhlaq on his entrepreneurial journey and extending best wishes for the success of his startup, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “Chandigarh University’s promotes the culture of creating the jobs by nurturing entrepreneurship skills among students. The industry-collaborated and futuristic program of Chandigarh University are meticulously designed to equip students with the latest industry insights, practical skills, and hands-on experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern business landscape.”

“Chandigarh University encourages its students for innovating new technologies, CU students have created over 250 Start-Ups ever since its inception in 2012. As a Research-Intensive University, Chandigarh University remains focused on research and innovation by fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem which encourages its students for innovating new technologies and unlock boundless opportunities for growth. Chandigarh University’s Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) is mobilising Rs 5 crore to catalyze growth in the startup ecosystem at CU. This initiative brings together key stakeholders from Chandigarh University and venture capital partners to empower innovative startups and foster entrepreneurship,” he added.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Blockchain.com Admitted to Nigeria SEC’s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme

Admission advances Blockchain.com’s engagement with Nigerian regulators and reinforces the Company’s broader commitment to operating within clear regulatory frameworks globally

LAGOS, Nigeria, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blockchain.com has been admitted into the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP), marking an important step in the Company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria and its broader expansion across Africa.

Nigeria is a key market for digital assets in Africa, with growing adoption increasingly playing a practical role in how people access, hold, and move value. Blockchain.com’s admission into ARIP means the Company has satisfied the SEC’s initial requirements to participate in the programme and is authorized to operate within its defined sandbox scope, subject to the Commission’s ongoing compliance obligations, testing parameters, and regulatory conditions.

Through ARIP, Blockchain.com will work directly with the SEC as the Commission evaluates digital asset business models, tests appropriate safeguards, and develops its long-term regulatory framework for the market.

“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most important digital asset markets and participating in the SEC’s ARIP is an important step forward in our long-term commitment to the country,” said Owen Odia, General Manager for Africa at Blockchain.com. “The programme gives us the opportunity to work directly with the SEC in a controlled environment, bring our global experience to the Nigerian market, and help support a framework that protects consumers while enabling responsible innovation. We appreciate the SEC’s proactive approach and look forward to contributing to a safe, transparent, and well-regulated digital asset ecosystem.”

Blockchain.com’s participation in ARIP forms part of a broader global strategy to engage constructively with regulators and operate within established regulatory frameworks. Over the past year, Blockchain.com has secured several major regulatory approvals, including registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), authorization under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, and a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

Participation in ARIP provides Blockchain.com with a structured pathway to responsibly expand its presence in Nigeria, a priority market within the Company’s broader Africa strategy.

Established by Nigeria’s SEC, ARIP is a regulatory incubation framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and fintech innovators, designed to help the Commission assess emerging digital asset models, operational risks, and appropriate investor protection and anti-money laundering standards.

Blockchain.com looks forward to participating in ARIP and working alongside Nigerian regulators to support Nigeria as it continues to develop its digital asset regulatory framework.

About Blockchain.com

Blockchain.com is connecting the world to the future of finance. The most trusted and fastest-growing global crypto company helps millions safely access cryptocurrency. Since its inception in 2011, Blockchain.com has supported over 94 million wallets, 44 million confirmed accounts, and more than $1.1 trillion in crypto transactions. Operating in more than 70 jurisdictions, Blockchain.com offers secure self-custody, institutional services, and a growing product suite aligned with global regulation and privacy standards.

Media Contact: 

Press@blockchain.com

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Vantage Expands Pre-IPO CFD Offering with Unitree Robotics as Interest in Frontier AI Grows

PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets expanded its Pre-IPO CFD offering with the launch of its Unitree Pre-IPO CFD for eligible clients, available from 10 August 2026 under the symbol UNITREEUSD. The launch provides eligible clients with exposure to movements in the applicable reference price of Unitree Robotics, a company operating in the fields of embodied artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The Unitree Pre-IPO CFD is a leveraged derivative product that provides eligible clients with exposure to movements in its applicable reference price, as determined in accordance with Vantage’s applicable pricing methodology and trading terms. It does not provide ownership of Unitree shares, participation in or entitlement to the Unitree IPO or any IPO allocation, voting rights, dividends or other shareholder benefits. Availability is subject to jurisdictional restrictions, client eligibility and applicable trading conditions.

The launch extends Vantage’s existing range of Pre-IPO CFDs linked to OpenAI and Anthropic, reflecting increasing interest in companies operating at the forefront of artificial intelligence and emerging technology.

“As innovation increasingly happens before companies reach public exchanges, investors are paying closer attention to opportunities that sit outside traditional listed markets,” said Marc Despallieres, Chief Executive Officer of Vantage Markets. “The growing interest surrounding companies such as Unitree demonstrates how investor demand is evolving beyond established technology names towards frontier AI and robotics.”

The situation reflects a broader shift across global capital markets. As high-growth technology companies remain private for longer and increasingly choose domestic listing venues, market participants are paying greater attention to businesses shaping the future of artificial intelligence before they become publicly listed.

Some trading platforms have introduced derivative products linked to selected private companies, allowing eligible clients to trade CFDs based on movements in applicable reference prices. Such products do not provide ownership of the underlying companies or participation in their IPOs.

Against this backdrop, Unitree’s IPO represents more than a milestone for a single robotics company. It also illustrates how significant technology innovations can emerge before they become readily accessible through conventional investment channels.

Unitree began book-building on 5 August, with online and offline subscriptions opening on 10 August ahead of settlement on 12 August. The company priced its IPO at RMB150.80 per share, implying a valuation of approximately RMB61 billion at the offering price.

For mainland investors, participation proved highly competitive. At the final offer price of RMB150.80 per share, a standard 500-share subscription lot represented a nominal value of RMB75,400. The offering was more than 8,000 times oversubscribed by retail investors, resulting in a final retail allocation rate of approximately 0.018%.

For investors outside mainland China, direct participation is subject to China’s regulatory framework and applicable investor eligibility requirements. Because Unitree’s IPO is taking place on Shanghai’s STAR Market, offshore retail investors generally cannot subscribe to a mainland STAR Market IPO directly through a conventional overseas brokerage account. For much of the international retail investing community, this makes direct participation in one of the year’s most closely watched AI listings difficult to access.

By expanding its pre-IPO CFD offering to include Unitree alongside OpenAI and Anthropic, Vantage continues to broaden its range of CFD products linked to companies operating in emerging technology sectors. As AI and robotics continue to develop, these companies are attracting increasing attention across global markets.

For further information about Vantage’s Unitree Pre-IPO CFD and applicable trading conditions, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets is a multi-asset CFD broker offering access to Gold, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds. With over 17 years of experience, Vantage provides a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile app, and a user-friendly trading experience.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Trading CFDs may not be suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. The Unitree Pre-IPO CFD does not provide ownership of Unitree shares, participation in or entitlement to the Unitree IPO or any IPO allocation. Vantage is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or otherwise associated with Unitree Robotics, OpenAI or Anthropic. The names and trademarks of these companies are used for identification purposes only. Availability of products and services described in this release is subject to jurisdictional restrictions and may not be available to residents of certain countries or regions.

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ByteLens Turns Operator Data Into Compounding Knowledge

Accelerating every operator’s journey to autonomous operations, inside their own network.

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ByteLens today launched its AI-native operational intelligence product for telecom operators. It warns of faults before customers are affected, pinpoints the cause across vendors and domains in seconds, and repairs fault types the operator has approved. Human judgment stays where it is needed.

Fragmented data with no intelligence inside is the industry’s most imminent problem. Operators are not short of data. They have become short of knowledge that lasts. An incident is solved once, and the knowledge quite often leaves with the engineers.

Prevention is the point. ByteLens learns the patterns that precede an outage, fixes the cause, and keeps the record: the reasoning, the fix, the engineer’s correction. The next similar fault starts there, not from zero.

It runs on open telemetry standards operators already produce, alongside existing monitoring. No new agents. No re-architecture. No second copy. ByteLens spans the operator’s data estate, enriching it with every fault resolved.

ByteLens replaces the dashboard, not the engineer. It shapes what it knows to each persona inside the operator and answers in conversation. Ask a question, get an answer, not a screen.

“Autonomous operations arrive when the network handles what it has already learned to handle, and the engineer sees only what needs a human,” said Anil Jain, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ByteLens.

“Expertise stops living in individual heads and becomes something the operator owns,” said Yogesh Malik, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, ByteLens.

“ByteLens is addressing one of the industry’s most important operational challenges,” said Ruza Sabanovic, Executive Director, CP Group. “I wish them every success.”

“Networks are rich in data but lack actionable insight,” said Jai Prakash, a career telecom CTO. “AI has to be built into how the network runs, not added later.”

ByteLens arrives full. Deep telecom intelligence meets the operator’s own data estate. The two compound into an advantage no competitor can copy. Autonomy follows one resolved fault at a time, running with live network data at four tier-1 operators.

What the network learns, the operator keeps.

About ByteLens

ByteLens is an AI-native operational intelligence product with cross-domain root-cause correlation for telecom operators. Founded in Amsterdam by Yogesh Malik and Anil Jain, with three decades in the industry, and engineers in Europe, India and the US. www.bytelens.ai

Media Contacts

sowmya@claritypr.in

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Zydus Hospitals Sets New Benchmarks in High-Risk Pregnancy and Complex Gynaecological Care

AHMEDABAD, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India has made real progress on maternal health in recent years with expanding access to healthcare and plummeting maternal mortality ratios. Yet a nation-wide analysis by the ICMR found that nearly half of all pregnancies in India are now classified as high-risk, and the country marks a maternal mortality rate of around 88 maternal deaths every 1 lakh live births. The aim is to lower it to 70 by 2030. In Western India, the department of gynaecology and obstetrics at Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, has been established as a top high-risk pregnancy and IVF centre that manages a massive case load of high-risk pregnancies annually, spanning placenta abnormalities, multiple gestation, pre-existing conditions, preterm complications, and more. With an in-house blood bank, a dedicated Gynec ICU, in-house NICU, and round-the-clock specialists across obstetrics, fetal medicine, anaesthesia, and neonatology, the department is built to handle nearly any gynaecological emergency in the State.

With roughly 3 crore pregnancies and up to 2.7 crore live births annually, more than anywhere else in the world, even a small share of high-risk cases add up to an enormous number of women who need specialised care. A pregnancy is generally classified as high-risk when either the mother or the baby faces a higher-than-usual chance of complications. Common contributors include advanced or very young maternal age, a previous caesarean delivery, obesity, and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Dr. Namita Shah, Sr. Obstetrician and High-risk Pregnancy Expert, says, “Several of these factors are becoming more common in India. We handle a lot of high-risk pregnancy cases with such conditions, and recently, a 30-year-old woman in her second pregnancy, came to us for her antenatal check-up in her fifth month. Her first child was born by C-section. During the scans, we could see her placenta had invaded deeply into the uterine wall, and found that she had a rare condition known as placenta accreta spectrum along with placenta previa.”

Placenta previa becomes considerably more serious when combined with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). A prior caesarean delivery is one of the strongest risk factors for PAS, since the placenta can implant over the old scar and burrow in more deeply than it should.

“Our fetal medicine specialist confirmed PAS layered on top of placenta previa. In such a case, we need to deliver the baby in a setup with a strong anaesthesia team, an in-house blood bank and an in-house neonatologist as PAS carries a real risk of catastrophic blood loss during delivery, and if it isn’t managed quickly, it can push a patient into haemorrhagic shock or organ injury. Fortunately, all of these facilities are available at Zydus, which also makes it a much safer setup for the patient,” says Dr. Namita. An MRI was done ahead of delivery to map the extent of the placenta’s attachment, and the team explained the inherent risks of her condition to the family.

The baby was delivered by an upper-segment caesarean section. “As anticipated, her placenta had invaded into the bladder wall, and an obstetric hysterectomy was required to control the bleeding. We had to transfuse 2.5 litres of blood and several units of fresh frozen plasma during the operation,” added Dr. Namita.

Given the extent of the bladder involvement, Dr. Kaustubh Patel, Urologist, joined the surgical team. After the delivery of the baby, the placenta was carefully separated from the bladder wall and later a hysterectomy was performed. Post-op, the mother spent two days in intensive care. Both her and the baby’s recovery were uneventful, and they were discharged in five days. “They both are doing well now,” Dr. Namita said.

Dr. Raman Patel, Sr. Gynecologist, Endoscopic and Robotic Surgeon and IVF specialist, with nearly four decades of experience, met a couple who had been trying to conceive for ten years. The wife, 31, had a history of PMOS and irregular periods; the couple were also facing male-factor infertility and higher BMIs. They had already been through three rounds of intrauterine insemination and one IVF cycle elsewhere, all unsuccessful, before coming to Zydus for a second attempt at IVF, this time under Dr. Raman and Dr. Reitu Patel, IVF and Infertility Specialist and Embryologist.

Keen not to risk another failed cycle, the couple opted to have three embryos transferred. Despite Dr. Reitu explaining to them the potential complications of such a procedure, the couple insisted for the same. Surprisingly, all three embryos implanted. “However, in her first trimester, as she was experiencing multiple episodes of bleeding and spotting, we recommended that they consider reducing the pregnancy to twins,” says Dr. Reitu Patel. The reduction was carried out under the guidance of a fetal medicine specialist, and a preventive cervical encerclage (a stitch to reinforce and help support the pregnancy) was done at 16 weeks. The mother had subsequently developed gestational diabetes as the pregnancy progressed.

At 25 weeks and 4 days, considered extremely ultra-preterm, she began experiencing severe pain and leaking so Dr. Raman had to move ahead with a caesarean delivery. “Both twins were born ultra-preterm, weighing just 800 grams and 900 grams. At that stage, babies haven’t yet developed the ability to regulate their own body temperature or to breathe and feed without support, so we had to keep them in our in-house neonatal ICU,” he said.

“One of the twins developed pulmonary hypoxia and needed ventilator support before recovering. They both spent around three months in the NICU before they were strong enough to be handed over to their mother,” said Dr. Anita Srinivasan, Neonatologist.

“I recently spoke to the mother, and I was relieved to hear that the twin babies are doing exceedingly well,” Dr. Raman said.

In addition, the team also has state’s first MCh in Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Vivek Kakkad, IVF and Reproductive Medicine Specialist.

Though a cervical cerclage was enough to help carry that pregnancy through, for another patient who broke her waters at 4^th month of her pregnancy, things took a far more severe turn. She had undergone three miscarriages in her fourth and fifth months, including two where a vaginal cerclage had already been placed. However, in her fourth pregnancy, she came to Dr. Riddhi Shah, Maternity Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Robotic Surgeon. “Given her history, we had to be very careful. And as she was suffering from chronic cervical insufficiency, this time around, we planned to do a laparoscopic cerclage after the first trimester,” she said. Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix begins to open too early in pregnancy without contractions, often leading to second-trimester loss or extremely preterm birth. 

“Unfortunately, she began losing amniotic fluid at the 4^th month, so we moved straight to a laparoscopic abdominal cerclage,” she added. Despite the fluid loss, the patient carried the pregnancy for another 3.5 months, and was admitted for 3 months. “We regularly sent for blood and urine tests and closely monitored her for any infections and also included the infectious diseases team who supported us throughout her stay,” said Dr. Riddhi. After long and anxious hospital stay, she delivered successfully, and both the baby and the mother recovered well. Recently she celebrated her baby’s first birthday.

Beyond high-risk pregnancies, other complex gynec cases including infertility, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, menstrual disorders, and menopause treatment are also carried out here. The department’s gynaecology team also includes Dr. Bina Mavani, Dr. Sonali Chauhan, Dr. Foram Vora, Dr. Margi Shah and Dr. Vaishali Patel, Zydus also extends their services in gynec cancer and breast cancer cases with experts like Dr. Ava Desai, Dr. Mona Shah and Dr. Priyanka Chiripal and Dr. Dhara Pandya.

As the quality of care across India remains uneven and a gap is reflected in national data as well as in individual outcomes. Zydus’s push to bring advanced infrastructure, in-house specialists and specialised gynec care to its other centres with Dr. Reshmi Banerjee and Dr. Prachi Sabnis at Zydus Vadodara and Dr. Kavya Patel at Zydus Anand, is an effort to close that gap across Western India.

To know more about their services, visit https://zydushospitals.com 

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Government of Gujarat and Automation Anywhere Partner to Democratize Access to AI and Build AI Capabilities Across Government, Education, and Industry

GANDHINAGAR, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Automation Anywhere, a leader in Agentic Process Automation (APA), and the Government of Gujarat today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand AI skills and knowledge across the state.

AI is becoming part of how governments deliver services, how businesses operate, and what skills people need to succeed. The decisions made today about who has access to AI knowledge and practical experience will shape economic opportunities for years to come. Preparing citizens for that future is a shared responsibility — one that requires government, education, and industry to work together, while ensuring AI sovereignty remains central to how the technology is adopted and scaled. That means building practical AI skills alongside the institutional capabilities needed to govern how AI operates across data, systems, and workflows.

Across India, Automation Anywhere has invested in partnerships that help Indians build practical AI and automation skills — from working with NxtWave to provide more than 100,000 students with enterprise AI and automation training, to supporting AI Kiran’s goal of preparing one million people, with a focus on women and youth, for AI careers by 2030. The partnership with Gujarat extends that commitment by bringing together government, academia, startups, and industry to help prepare students, public servants, entrepreneurs, and professionals for an AI-powered future.

“Many organizations are beyond experimenting with AI and are now focused on using it to create real value,” said Mihir Shukla, CEO and Co-founder of Automation Anywhere. “In Gujarat, we have a government that understands the answer isn’t technology alone — it requires people who know how to use AI, leaders who know how to govern it, and institutions ready to bring all of it together. That’s what this partnership is built to do.”

Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate on training programs, workshops, bootcamps and certification-oriented learning, bringing together government, academia, startups and industry across Gujarat.

“Our vision is to ensure Gujarat remains at the forefront of innovation,” said Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Hon’ble Minister, Science and Technology Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of whom this initiative is happening. “This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in people and creating new opportunities for students, professionals, startups and public servants. Together, we are building the capabilities that will support better public services, continued economic growth, and Gujarat’s long-term future.”

The partnership is intended to help ensure that AI adoption in Gujarat under the vision of Hon’ble CM Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel and Hon’ble Deputy CM Shri Harshbhai Sanghvi, is not only broader, but more responsible, more locally governed, and more capable of delivering meaningful outcomes for citizens, businesses, and institutions. To learn more about Automation Anywhere’s work in AI skilling and responsible AI adoption, visit http://automationanywhere.com/company/responsible-ai.

About Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere has been committed to defining the future of work by unleashing human potential through automation for over 20 years. The company enables this future through its leading Agentic Process Automation (APA) System for IT leaders and developers as well as purpose-built agentic solutions for business leaders in finance, customer service, IT and HR. Learn more at www.automationanywhere.com 

Connect with Automation Anywhere

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Automation Anywhere is a registered trademark/service mark of Automation Anywhere, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other marks referenced are the property of their respective owners. 

Media Contact: 

Rachel Morrison, Corporate Communications

Press@AutomationAnywhere.com  

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HDFC Securities Launches ‘MTF T20’, Offers 0% Interest for 20 Days on Eligible Margin Trading Facility Transactions

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Independence is not just about having the freedom to choose; it is also about having the flexibility to act on those choices. Taking this thought to investing, HDFC Securities Limited has introduced ‘MTF T20’, an offering that gives eligible investors greater flexibility to participate in the equity markets with 0% interest on eligible Margin Trading Facility (MTF) purchase transactions for the first 20 calendar days.

Speaking on the launch, Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC Securities, said, “Financial independence relies on having both the access to opportunities and the flexibility to capitalize on them. With ‘MTF T20’, we are enhancing capital efficiency for our retail investors by offering a zero-interest window for the first 20 days. This initiative reflects our commitment to continuously democratizing trading tools and delivering value-driven digital solutions.”

Under the MTF T20 offering, eligible customers can avail the interest-free benefit for the first 20 calendar days from the execution of each eligible MTF purchase transaction. A brokerage of 0.50% on the buy transaction value and 0.50% on the sell transaction value will apply to eligible trades under the offer. From the 21st calendar day onwards, the applicable MTF interest rate under the customer’s prevailing tariff plan will be charged.

Available on HDFC Securities’ trading platform InvestRight, the offering is designed to give investors greater room to manage their positions and make investment decisions with additional flexibility, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.

MTF allows investors to take positions in eligible securities by paying the required margin, with the balance funded by the broker. With MTF T20, HDFC Securities is bringing an extended interest-free window to this facility, giving eligible investors more flexibility in managing their market positions.

The offering is subject to applicable terms and conditions (https://www.hdfcsec.com/mtf-t20-terms-conditions). Statutory levies, exchange transaction charges, GST, stamp duty, SEBI charges, and other applicable charges will continue to apply. Market risks remain applicable, and the interest-free period does not assure profits or protect against losses.

About HDFC Securities: 

HDFC Securities, a subsidiary of HDFC Bank, is one of India’s leading stockbrokers, with 26 years of expertise in the Indian equity market. Serving around 6 million customers in over 100 cities, the company operates a robust network of more than 120 branches. HDFC Securities provides a comprehensive range of investment products and trading services tailored to meet diverse financial needs. Over its 26-year history, HDFC Securities has played a crucial role in empowering investors with more than 30 distinct financial solutions. These offerings include equities, gold, mutual funds, currency derivatives, non-convertible debentures (NCDs), fixed deposits, bonds, basket investing, global investing, and acts as a distributor of the National Pension System (NPS), each designed to align with various investment goals. Dedicated to providing seamless and future-ready trading experiences, HDFC Securities features cutting-edge platforms such as InvestRight and HDFC SKY (discount broking), along with mobile apps, a user-friendly website, Integrated Trading Solutions (ITS), and ProTerminal. In addition, HSL Prime Research offers best-in-class investment opportunities, backed by comprehensive fundamental and technical analysis conducted by a team of seasoned analysts, many of whom have been with HDFC Securities for over a decade. The company has also launched its investment advisory service, HDFC TRU, focusing on high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs), family offices, and treasury clients. HDFC Securities also maintains a strong social media presence, proactively sharing market updates and educational content to promote financial literacy. The company engages with its audience through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, visit https://www.hdfcsec.com/article/disclaimer-1795.

Investment in securities market is subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained on this website or in the research reports / calls constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Securities Ltd. or its owners / affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service. 

SEBI Registration No.: INZ000186937 (NSE, BSE, MSEI, MCX) |NSE Trading Member Code: 11094 | BSE Clearing Number: 393 | MSEI Trading Member Code: 30000 | MCX Member Code: 56015 | IN-DP-372-2018 (CDSL, NSDL) | CDSL DP ID: 12086700 | NSDL DP ID: IN304279 | AMFI Reg No. ARN -13549 | PFRDA Reg. No – POP 11092018 | IRDA Corporate Agent License No.CA0062 | Research Analyst Reg. No. INH000002475 | Investment Adviser: INA000011538-Type-Non-Individual, Validity of Registration-Perpetual, Principal Officer- Pranab Uniyal Contact Number 022-68494702, Email Id- investmentadvisers@hdfcsec.com | CIN-U67120MH2000PLC152193. This is for information purposes only.

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upGrad Crosses ₹2,000 Cr Gross Revenue in FY26; Grows EBITDA 8X to 123 Cr

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and lifelong learning majors, reported a decisive step-up in profitability for FY26. Ind-AS EBITDA rose more than eight-fold to INR 123 crore, from INR 15 crore on the same basis in FY25. Net loss narrowed 52% to INR 130 crore – the third consecutive year in which losses have more than halved year on year, down from a peak of INR 1,142 crore in FY23.

The company reported Gross Revenue of INR 2,070 crore (inclusive of taxes), up 7% year-on-year and the post Ind-AS accounting closed at a total income of INR 1,732 crore. upGrad also carries INR 530 crore of collected and yet to be recognised revenue to be recognised in future years. In terms of business scale, the company now has, at any given time – more than 100,000 concurrent learners across its online skilling & degree, study abroad & offline skilling programs and on the B2B business front more than 700 enterprises chose upGrad Enterprise for their employee skilling, recruitment and workforce-development needs in FY26. Underpinning that scale is a wide range of offerings – from university-led undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, MBAs and doctorates to bootcamps, diplomas and professional certificates, delivered both online and offline, spanning disciplines from Technology, Data and AI to Management, Finance and Law.

AI now runs through both what upGrad teaches and how it operates. In the curriculum, AI is embedded across more than 80% of upGrad’s programs and spans every price point, with strong demand across the range. On the operating side, upGrad’s own adoption of AI is making the business structurally more efficient. Both marketing and technology costs came down year-on-year, even as revenue grew.

“FY26 has been a strong year on profitability, built on disciplined execution and right cost management. It’s a result of the strong execution over the last three years, and reflects the profitability discipline that has got us here – one we will carry forward as we scale”, said Mukesh Mundra, Chief Financial Officer, upGrad.

Adding to that, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson, upGrad, said, “FY26 has brought us to a strong basecamp – in financial position and in business scale. Over the next few years, our focus is growth – both organic and through acquisitions, including Internshala and Unacademy, which we are now closing. With these, we complete upGrad’s integrated story: serving learners across their entire lifecycle. From this base we intend to compound across India and global markets.”

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Goodyear India Introduces Ultra Grip Tractor Tire

GURUGRAM, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Goodyear India today announced the launch of its new Ultra Grip tractor tire, designed to meet the everyday demands of Indian farming.

Developed with Indian farmers in mind, the Ultra Grip tractor tire combines dependable traction, durability, and longer service life to help maximize productivity across a wide range of agricultural applications and field conditions.

“Indian farmers need tires they can rely on every day, season after season,” said Arvind Bhandari, Managing Director of Goodyear India. “With Ultra Grip, we are bringing a tractor tire that delivers the grip, durability, and confidence farmers need to perform their work efficiently in diverse agricultural environments.”

The Ultra Grip tractor tire is engineered to provide reliable performance across varied Indian soils and terrains, offering:

• Reliable Grip: A rugged tread design delivers strong traction to help maintain performance, even in challenging field conditions.
• Durable Construction: Built with enhanced puncture protection and a cut-resistant tread compound, Ultra Grip is designed to withstand demanding agricultural operations.
• Enhanced Control: Improved stability and handling help operators maintain better control and confidence while working in the field.

The Ultra Grip tractor tire is now available in 14.9-28 size through Goodyear India’s dealer network across key agricultural markets, with additional sizes expected to be introduced in the future.

* Ultra Grip performance claims are based on tests conducted under standard testing conditions and controlled supervision.

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear (NASDAQ: GT) is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 63,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 19 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

About Goodyear India Limited

Goodyear India Limited has had a presence in India for over 104 years. Its manufacturing facility, located in Ballabgarh, Faridabad, produces automotive tires, including farm tires and commercial truck tires. In the farm segment, the Company supplies tires to all major tractor OEMs in India. Additionally, Goodyear India trades in passenger car tires and offers technologically advanced products designed to enhance the driving experience. For more information about Goodyear India and its products, go to www.goodyear.co.in.

Goodyear in India also operates a manufacturing plant in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, where it manufactures consumer tires. Furthermore, Goodyear has established a Technology Centre in Hyderabad to support innovation and development.

CONTACT:

HELEN PEI

+86-18149784088

HELEN_PEI@GOODYEAR.COM 

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Aon Announces CFO Transition

–  Nadin Virani appointed Interim CFO

–  Reaffirms full-year 2026 financial guidance

DUBLIN, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced that Edmund Reese will transition from his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, to pursue opportunities outside the firm. Aon appointed Nadin Virani as Interim CFO, effective immediately, and Reese will serve as senior advisor to Aon President and CEO Greg Case, through August 16, 2027, to support the transition.

“I want to recognize Edmund for his many contributions to our firm,” said Case. “Through consistent execution of our 3×3 Plan and a relentless and disciplined focus on performance, Edmund has helped to enhance our capabilities, accelerate growth and deliver meaningful value for our shareholders.”

“It has been a privilege to serve as CFO of Aon,” said Reese. “I am proud of the significant progress we have made building on the firm’s strong financial foundation, strengthening our growth engine and enhancing our capacity to invest in long-term value creation. With a winning strategy and an experienced financial leadership team in place, Aon is well positioned to continue delivering strong results and creating value for clients, colleagues and shareholders.”

Virani brings deep financial leadership expertise and a wealth of experience in the financial services industry to his new role, having previously served as the firm’s Global Head of Corporate Planning and Analytics with oversight of financial planning and analysis, forecasting processes, cash management and budgeting. Prior to joining Aon, Virani served as Head of Corporate Planning and Analytics at Broadridge Financial and General Manager for the Delta Amex Co-Brand portfolio at American Express, where for 18 years he held a number of CFO positions in London, Frankfurt and New York, supporting areas such as international and U.S. lending, loyalty, insurance and merchant pricing.

“As Global Head of Corporate Planning and Analytics and a member of our Aon Executive Committee, Nadin has played a central role in strengthening our financial performance and developing our strategy to drive sustainable growth across our firm,” said Case. “His financial expertise and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate our Aon United strategy and create better outcomes for clients and shareholders.”

Virani will report to Case and lead Aon’s Finance organization, while working closely with the Aon Executive Committee to ensure continuity and oversight of the firm’s financial strategy. Aon has also engaged a leading executive search firm to conduct a comprehensive internal and external search for a permanent CFO.

“I am honored to serve as Interim CFO of Aon and build on the strong foundation we have established across our Finance organization,” said Virani. “We will remain focused on financial discipline and thoughtful investment in the business as we continue to support Aon’s growth and create long-term shareholder value.”

Consistent with the update provided in its second quarter earnings release on July 29, 2026, Aon reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

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Media Contact

mediainquiries@aon.com

Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114

International: +1 312 381 3024

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