21, Aug 2026
NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks Sign Global Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Secure AI Transformation
Mumbai, Aug 21:NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, and Palo Alto Networks announced a multi-year strategic alliance designed to help organizations securely adopt AI, modernize cybersecurity, simplify complex technology environments and build cyber resilience for the AI era.
As Palo Alto Networks first strategic alliance of this kind with a global systems integrator, the agreement, which targets $1 billion in joint business by the end of three years, combines Palo Alto Networks AI-powered cybersecurity platforms with NTT DATA’s consulting, engineering and managed services.
Leveraging joint engineering, co-innovation and coordinated global delivery, the alliance will help clients assess cyber risk, deploy AI securely and continuously optimize security. Through these joint solutions, clients will gain a unified approach that seamlessly spans cybersecurity strategy, implementation and managed services.
Building on the companies’ Frontier AI collaboration, the alliance brings together Palo Alto Networks Unit 42® threat intelligence with NTT DATA’s global cybersecurity expertise, AI governance and managed services. Backed by joint investments, more than 2,000 certified experts, as well as dedicated Forward Deployed Engineers, the alliance will deliver a seamless approach to streamline deployments and speed client outcomes. Through direct engineering collaboration, NTT DATA will gain early access to new platform features — further accelerating the delivery of AI security services to clients.
Initial solutions will address the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing clients in highly regulated and critical industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and the public sector, across six strategic transformation areas:
·Autonomous Security Operations Center (SOC) – Modernize security operations with Agentic AI and managed services that help organizations detect, investigate and respond faster to increasingly sophisticated, machine-speed cyber threats while reducing operational complexity.
·AI governance – Embed governance, security and risk management throughout the AI lifecycle, helping organizations manage emerging AI risks and confidently scale AI innovation with greater accountability, transparency and control.
·Identity security – Protect human, machine and AI agent identities, including workloads and devices, through an Identity Security Framework designed to discover, manage, secure and govern identities across the enterprise.
·Zero Trust & SASE – Helps secure users, applications and data across an increasingly complex attack surface through a unified Zero trust and secure edge architecture, leveraging AI-driven threat detection and prevention.
·Resilient cloud – Enables organizations to improve visibility, compliance and autonomous risk reduction across multi-cloud environments with AI-enabled security posture management and stronger governance.
·Firewall modernization – Modernize firewall environments to reduce complexity, improve visibility and strengthen enterprise security.
“AI is reshaping both business and cybersecurity, making deep ecosystem collaboration more important than ever,” said Nikesh Arora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Palo Alto Networks. “Expanding our alliance with NTT DATA allows us to operationalize platformization at true global scale, helping enterprises eliminate legacy complexity and move fast without sacrificing safety.”
“AI is redefining every aspect of the enterprise, but it is also transforming the threat landscape at unprecedented speed. Organizations need a new approach to cyber resilience that combines AI-driven security, deep industry expertise and global scale,” said Abhijit Dubey, Chief Executive Officer and Chief AI Officer, NTT DATA, Inc. “Together with Palo Alto Networks, we’re bringing AI-powered cybersecurity innovation together with NTT DATA’s consulting, engineering and managed services capabilities to help clients securely accelerate AI adoption and stay ahead of evolving threats.”
NTT DATA brings world-class cybersecurity expertise to the collaboration, backed by over 7,500 cybersecurity professionals, 70+ delivery centers and 20+ Autonomous Cyber Defense Centers. Paired with Palo Alto Networks AI-powered platforms and Unit 42 threat intelligence, the alliance delivers the technology, expertise and global reach enterprise organizations need to securely deploy AI across complex environments.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Aug 2026
Why Pay More for an EV When You Can Choose Smarter
E-Went is challenging the idea that a better electric scooter has to come with a bigger price tag. Let’s be honest. The EV market has become very good at selling the future. Big Technology. Big Claims. Big Performance numbers. Bigger Price Tags.
But there’s one question most riders still ask before they buy:
“Will this actually make my life better?” That is where E-Went takes a rather different view.
Its philosophy is simple: Smartness isn’t about spending more or less. It’s about choosing better.
And two segments of scooters make that argument particularly well. In popular segment Rabbitor and in Power segment Foxy.
One is built for everyday India. The other is built for riders who want more.
THE RABBITOR: FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO THAN WORRY ABOUT THEIR SCOOTER
Not everyone wants their scooter to be a conversation starter. Sometimes, you just want it to start every morning. You want enough range for your commute. Enough comfort for the family. Enough practicality for everyday errands. And running costs that don’t make you miss petrol. That is the thinking behind the Rabbitor, E-Went’s Popular-range scooter.
Starting at ₹79,350 ex-showroom, it offers up to 140 km IDC range, 4–5 hour charging and an IP67-rated motor and controller designed to handle the dust, water and everyday conditions that Indian scooters actually face.
No unnecessary drama. No paying extra to look futuristic. Just a scooter designed to do its job.
Every day something you can depend on without having to think about it.
THEN THERE’S THE FOXY. WHAT IF “MORE” DIDN’T HAVE TO MEAN “MORE EXPENSIVE”?
This is where the conventional EV formula starts to get uncomfortable. More power usually means more money. More capability usually means a bigger price tag. More features? You guessed it. Foxy doesn’t quite follow the script.
Starting at ₹97,650, the E-Went Foxy delivers up to 60 km/h, up to 170 km IDC range and 0–40 km/h in around 4 seconds.
Then comes the practical stuff that matters when the brochure is forgotten: 272 kg loading capacity. 36-litre boot space. Rugged steel tubular chassis. Triple-lens projector headlamps. And big seat for the Indian middle class commuters.
It is designed for potholes, monsoons, stop-start traffic, heavy loads and the everyday unpredictability of Indian roads. In other words for the Real India.
What if buying an EV didn’t mean choosing between affordable and capable? What if you could choose according to your needs instead?
Choose Rabbitor, and the thought is: “I got everything I actually need.”
Choose Foxy, and the thought becomes: “I got more without paying just for a badge.”
Different riders. Different priorities. Same outcome:
“I made the smarter choice.”
THE NUMBERS MAKE THE ARGUMENT HARDER TO IGNORE.
E-Went isn’t building this proposition on marketing alone. There are already 20,000+ vehicles on Indian roads, backed by a warranty claim rate below 1.5%.
The company has built a network of 250+ dealer partners across seven states—West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Assam.
And every vehicle is tested and certified by ICAT and CIRT under full ISO compliance.
That matters because an EV isn’t just a purchase. And E-Went’s ambition is to make that relationship dependable—from the first test ride to years of ownership.
E-Went is building across Retail, Commercial and Enterprise, bringing products and services discipline to individual riders, rental operators and businesses deploying EVs at scale.
It’s about changing the way people think about value in electric mobility. Not cheapest. Not most expensive. Not most futuristic. Smartest for the person buying it.
MAYBE THE REAL EV UPGRADE ISN’T MORE TECHNOLOGY.
Maybe it’s simply making a better decision. A scooter that costs less to run. A vehicle built for Indian conditions. A product that gives you the features you actually need. A service network that doesn’t disappear after delivery. And a price that doesn’t make “smart choice” feel like a luxury. That is the switch E-Went wants riders to make.
Because the smartest EV isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest claim. It’s the one that makes the most sense when you take it home.
E-WENT – SMARTNESS KA SWITCH ON.
Ready to test the difference?
Visit e-went.com, book a test ride, or use the EMI and savings calculators to see what switching could mean for your pocket.
21, Aug 2026
RAKEZ business community grows to 50,000 companies, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a leading global business destination
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21, Aug 2026
Indian Bank Celebrates Customers’ Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Customer-Centric Banking
Chennai, Aug 21: Reinforcing its customer-first approach, Indian Bank celebrated Annual Customers’ Day on Thursday, August 20, 2026, across all its branches in India and overseas. The initiative provided an opportunity for direct interaction with customers, gathering their valuable feedback and understanding their expectations to further strengthen customer service.
On this occasion, the Bank expressed its gratitude to customers for their continued trust, loyalty and support. Senior management emphasised the importance of customer feedback and invited suggestions to further improve the quality and delivery of banking services. The initiative reflects Indian Bank’s commitment to excellence through continuous customer engagement and a culture of listening and improvement.
The Customers’ Day programme in Chennai was attended by the top executives of the Bank at Alwarpet, Nungambakkam, Mylapore and Ethiraj Salai Branches. The Bank’s overseas branches in Singapore, Jaffna and Colombo also organised Customers’ Meets, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships with its global customer base.
During the interactions, the leadership team listened to customers’ views on their day-to-day banking requirements, products and services. The discussions also helped identify opportunities to further streamline processes and strengthen service delivery.
By bringing its senior leadership closer to customers, Indian Bank reaffirmed its commitment to listening, responsiveness and continuous improvement. The engagement reflects the Bank’s endeavour to ensure that customer perspectives remain central to the enhancement of its products, services and overall banking experience.
21, Aug 2026
Flooding Disrupts Several Madhya Pradesh Districts, Thousands Moved to Safety
Bhopal/Rewa, Aug 21: Flooding has affected several districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh, leading authorities to carry out large-scale rescue and relief operations.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Rewa, Dindori, Panna, Satna and Chhatarpur are among the affected districts, where rising river levels and waterlogging have disrupted normal life.
In Rewa, more than 4,000 people have been rescued from affected areas and moved to safer locations. Around 3,000 people are staying in 27 relief camps, according to the district administration.
Rescue teams, police personnel and revenue officials have been deployed in vulnerable areas to assist residents and monitor the situation.
In Mauganj, the rising Ashtabhuja River flooded Naigarhi village, leaving four construction workers stranded. One worker was swept away by the strong current, officials said.
In Dindori, rising water levels in the Khermer River forced the closure of the Dindori-Mandla State Highway after water crossed a bridge. Schools up to Class 12 were also closed as a precaution. Schools were similarly closed in parts of Panna.
In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River entered the market area, while the Gupt Godavari caves were closed to visitors as a safety measure.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in Madhya Pradesh through August 25, particularly in eastern parts of the state. The weather system has been linked to a well-marked low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, along with the monsoon trough.
Authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations and monitoring areas that remain vulnerable to flooding. Residents in affected locations have been advised to follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
21, Aug 2026
Akshay Kumar partners with Acer for smarter, easier and healthier tech Into Home
Acer is all set to welcome Akshay Kumar as their brand ambassador at a time when the global technology conglomerate celebrates 50 years of innovation and 27 years in India. With the brand extending its footprint from personal computing to a broader ecosystem of products for the modern home, the partnership blends the dynamic, performance-driven persona of Akshay with the long-standing legacy of technology and innovation. House of Acer combines Acer’s technology and Acerpure’s complete home appliances under one roof, with the mission to make everyday life smarter, easier and healthier.
Speaking about his association with Acer, Akshay Kumar said, “My life is always moving. There is work, travel, fitness and family, and when I come home, I want things to be simple. Technology should make life easier, not add more to your list. What I like about Acer is that it has evolved with the way people live. The House of Acer brings together technology that can become a natural part of your everyday life, from the way you work and entertain yourself to the way you live at home. That is what makes this association exciting for me.”
Harish Kohli, President & Managing Director, Acer India Group, said, “For 50 years globally and 27 years in India, Acer has continued to evolve with the changing needs of consumers. Today, technology is no longer confined to the desk but is an integral part of how we work, relax, entertain ourselves and live. The House of Acer brings this evolution together, creating a home where technology is designed to make everyday life smarter, easier and healthier. Akshay Kumar embodies qualities such as performance, discipline, reliability and constant evolution, making him a natural partner for this next chapter of Acer.”
21, Aug 2026
Gujarat, Walmart Explore Global Market Access for MSMEs and Artisans
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government and global retail major Walmart have discussed a roadmap to expand international market opportunities for the state’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and artisans, with the proposed collaboration expected to be showcased at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027.
The discussions focused on identifying sector-specific opportunities that can help local businesses improve their export readiness, strengthen product capabilities and gain access to international supply chains. The initiative is aimed at connecting Gujarat’s small enterprises and traditional artisans with wider global markets.
Walmart Executive Vice-President Dan Bryant highlighted the company’s supplier-development efforts in India, while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel discussed the state’s industrial ecosystem and the potential for greater participation of MSMEs in global trade.
The proposed roadmap is expected to be presented during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, providing a platform to explore further collaboration between the state, global retailers and local enterprises. The initiative could strengthen export opportunities for Gujarat’s MSMEs and artisans while supporting their integration into international value chains.
21, Aug 2026
Domestic Air Travel Demand Slips 4.8 percent in July
New Delhi: India’s domestic air passenger traffic declined 4.8 per cent year-on-year in July 2026, with airlines carrying around 1.20 crore passengers compared with 1.26 crore in the same month last year, according to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The decline came after domestic traffic touched a record monthly level of about 1.54 crore passengers in May. Industry data indicates that seasonal weakness and relatively high airfares contributed to the moderation in demand during July.
Despite the July decline, the overall passenger count for the first seven months of 2026 remained slightly higher than the corresponding period last year. Domestic airlines carried 984.03 lakh passengers between January and July, compared with 977.79 lakh during the same period in 2025, marking growth of 0.64 per cent.
The latest figures point to a softer phase for India’s aviation sector, although passenger volumes for the year so far continue to remain above last year’s levels.
21, Aug 2026
India Opens Wider Rupee Route for Export Transactions
New Delhi: The Centre has eased rules governing export transactions in Indian rupees, giving exporters greater flexibility to invoice overseas sales and receive payments in the domestic currency. The move is aimed at encouraging wider use of the rupee in international trade.
Under the revised Foreign Trade Policy, export contracts, invoices and payments with countries outside the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) can be denominated and settled in rupees or foreign currencies. Rupee-denominated export realisations will also be treated on par with foreign-currency earnings for applicable trade-policy benefits and export obligations.
The policy change is expected to provide exporters with an additional settlement option and reduce their dependence on foreign currencies for eligible international transactions. It also supports the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the international role of the Indian rupee.
The latest move builds on the rupee trade framework introduced earlier, under which international trade could already be invoiced and settled in Indian currency through arrangements involving authorised banks and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts.
21, Aug 2026
Demetrius A. Matthews Announces Release of New Book Code Switch: The Diary of Demetrius A. Matthews
A gripping memoir on identity, survival, and the hidden language of navigating two worlds
Miami, FL (Aug 21, 2026) — From the streets of Chicago to the boardrooms of corporate America, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and author Demetrius A. Matthews announces the release of his highly anticipated new book, Code Switch: The Diary of Demetrius A. Matthews — a raw, cinematic, and deeply personal exploration of identity, survival, and transformation.
A powerful continuation of the story introduced in Kling: A Hidden Hero, this latest work moves beyond reflection and into revelation. Written in a diary-style format, Code Switch immerses readers in the lived tension of navigating two worlds—one shaped by street codes, loyalty, and survival, and the other by unspoken corporate rules, perception, and power.
Raised in inner-city Chicago, Matthews learned early that success required more than ambition—it demanded awareness, adaptation, and the ability to move between environments without losing oneself. Rooted in the strength of a mother who instilled discipline, possibility, and belief, shaped by a father who taught him the language of survival, and later transformed by the mentorship of Thomas Kling, Matthews developed a dual lens that would ultimately define his path.
“Greatness isn’t about where you start—it’s about how many times you have to shift to keep moving forward,” says Matthews.
Blending memoir, cultural insight, and lived philosophy, Code Switch examines the concept of code-switching not simply as communication, but as a survival strategy—one that transforms pressure into precision and adversity into leverage. The book traces Matthews’ journey through adolescence, higher education, and professional spaces where identity is constantly negotiated, revealing the internal cost—and power—of learning how to belong in environments that were never designed for you.
With vivid storytelling and emotional depth, Matthews offers more than a personal narrative—he delivers a lens through which readers can better understand the intersections of race, environment, identity, and ambition. The result is a work that is both deeply individual and widely resonant, speaking to anyone who has ever had to adapt in order to rise.
Code Switch: The Diary of Demetrius A. Matthews is part of Matthews’ expanding storytelling portfolio, which spans film, literature, and multimedia platforms dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and challenging conventional narratives. The release marks a defining moment in his continued mission to transform lived experience into insight, strategy, and impact.
About Demetrius A. Matthews
Demetrius A. Matthews is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and author whose work explores identity, resilience, and transformation. As the Founder and CEO of Legacy Media LLC, he develops films, books, and multimedia projects that bring overlooked stories to light and challenge cultural narratives with honesty and purpose.
