18, Aug 2026
India Unveils First Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems at UNCCD COP17

Ulaanbaatar, August 18: India has launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Launched on August 17, the guide highlights the ecological diversity, biodiversity value and socio-economic importance of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts, scrublands, ravines and other open natural ecosystems. The initiative is aimed at strengthening their conservation, restoration and sustainable management.
The launch was preceded by a video message from Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, who said grasslands, scrublands and ravines have often been judged merely by the absence of trees despite their critical ecological and livelihood functions.
Yadav said these ecosystems support unique biodiversity, pastoral communities and climate resilience, adding that modern science has reinforced traditional knowledge about the importance of healthy grasslands.
Recalling his childhood in Ajmer, Rajasthan, the minister said he had grown up around grazing lands and desert scrub that were frequently described as “wasteland”. He also highlighted traditional Oran and gauchar landscapes, where communities protected common lands and understood the interdependence of land, livestock and livelihoods.
The minister described the guide as an important step towards recognising open natural ecosystems alongside forests and called for their science-based conservation.
The guide was launched at an official UNCCD COP17 side event under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The publication and event were organised by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management (CoE-SLM), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO.
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, scientific and research institutions, international organisations and civil society.
Discussions focused on the diversity and geographical distribution of India’s grasslands and other open natural ecosystems, their ecological importance and the role of restoration in achieving India’s Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets.
Participants also stressed the need to strengthen scientific knowledge, improve land-degradation assessment and adopt landscape-level planning for conservation and restoration.
The publication provides information on major open natural ecosystems across India, including their geographical settings, ecological characteristics, biodiversity and the communities and tribes associated with them.
It covers ecosystems ranging from Himalayan and Terai grasslands to the Thar and Banni landscapes, Deccan savannas, rocky plateaus, ravines, scrublands, coastal ecosystems and desert landscapes.
The guide also contains thematic sections covering pastoralism, fire ecology and carbon sequestration.
India’s open natural ecosystems support diverse plant and animal species, contribute to soil and water processes and store significant amounts of carbon in their soils. They also support pastoral, livestock-based and agricultural livelihoods across several regions.
The COP17 side event featured two fireside discussions involving national and international experts, scientific institutions, civil society groups and community-focused organisations.
The discussions examined grassland and dryland conservation, people-centred rangeland governance, climate resilience and the institutional, scientific and policy measures required for landscape-scale conservation.
The launch reinforced India’s commitment to a science-informed and landscape-based approach to land restoration and sustainable land management.
It also highlighted the need to bring grasslands, rangelands and other open natural ecosystems into mainstream policy discussions on land degradation, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
The guide is expected to serve as a resource for policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners, development agencies and local communities involved in the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of India’s grasslands and other open natural ecosystems.
Its launch at UNCCD COP17 also gives India a platform to showcase the diversity of its open ecosystems and strengthen their representation in global discussions on land restoration, rangelands and Land Degradation Neutrality.
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- By Neel Achary
18, Aug 2026
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Hands Over Approval for 2.89 Lakh PMAY-G Houses Worth Rs.3,473 Crore in Rajasthan
Baran, August 18: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over approval for 2,89,355 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to Rajasthan, involving an outlay of ₹3,473 crore.
Chouhan, who was visiting Rajasthan, participated in a state-level PMAY-G programme in Baran along with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. He also handed over an approval letter for ₹340.59 crore under agricultural development initiatives and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing pucca houses to poor families in Rajasthan was being fulfilled.
“Today, approval is being given for 2,89,355 houses at a cost of ₹3,473 crore,” Chouhan said, adding that the initiative would bring a positive transformation in the lives of families living in kutcha houses.

Chouhan said the survey of 29,13,749 new beneficiaries had been completed. Following physical verification, houses would be sanctioned for the remaining eligible beneficiaries.
He directed authorities to display transparent beneficiary lists at district and panchayat levels, hear objections and ensure that eligible families are not excluded because of errors or procedural shortcomings.
The Union Minister announced three significant changes in the eligibility criteria for housing assistance.
Under the revised norms, families owning a two-wheeler will also be eligible for a pucca house. The monthly income ceiling for women has been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, while small farmers owning up to five acres of unirrigated land or 2.5 acres of irrigated land will also qualify for housing assistance.
Highlighting the government’s focus on women’s economic empowerment, Chouhan said 16 lakh women in Rajasthan had so far become Lakhpati Didis. The target would now be doubled to 32 lakh.
He said women had received ₹13,400 crore through various banks to support entrepreneurial activities.
Referring to the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana, Chouhan said Rajasthan had been given a target of ₹12,000 crore in investment over the next nine months.
He said the programme would extend to every gram panchayat, with an objective of providing approximately ₹80 lakh annually to each panchayat. Development priorities, he said, would be decided locally rather than solely at the state or central level.
“The people themselves will decide development plans at the panchayat level,” Chouhan said.
On urea availability, Chouhan said the government was taking steps to shield farmers from international price fluctuations. Although the cost of a bag of urea is around ₹3,000, farmers would continue to receive it at ₹266, he said.
He also assured farmers that strict action would be taken against black marketing of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
Chouhan said the existing legal framework was inadequate to tackle the sale of fake pesticides and substandard seeds. He announced that stronger legislation covering pesticides and seeds would be introduced in the next session of Parliament, with provisions for stringent punishment for those involved in such malpractice.
The Union Minister said he would work with agricultural scientists and local farmers to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the Kota-Jhalawar region.
The roadmap would cover the entire agricultural value chain, including crop diversification, processing, marketing and exports, with the aim of improving farmers’ incomes from the farm gate to global markets.
Chouhan also called upon citizens to contribute to social causes, including tree plantation, education for daughters and efforts towards creating a drug-free society. He administered a pledge to those present and urged collective efforts to build a Viksit Rajasthan and Viksit Gaon.
Speaking on the significance of Vande Mataram, Chouhan said the song represents India’s freedom struggle, sacrifice and patriotism. He said respecting Vande Mataram was a duty of every Indian.
18, Aug 2026
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Calls on Academia to Boost Informed Democratic Participation
Patna, August 18: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday called upon educational institutions to play a greater role in strengthening electoral literacy, building trust in the electoral process and promoting informed democratic participation among young citizens.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELC) 2.0 at a conference on “Electoral Literacy Clubs and ECINet” held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna.
Addressing the conference, Kumar said India’s elections are conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution, laws and instructions issued by the Election Commission. He said the electoral process is carried out transparently, with political parties, candidates and their representatives having opportunities to participate in and audit the process at various stages.
The CEC stressed the need to familiarise students and young voters with India’s electoral system, democratic values, voter registration, polling and counting procedures, as well as the role and functioning of the Election Commission.
“Engaging young citizens and ensuring their trust and informed participation in the electoral process is an investment in the future of democracy,” the CEC said.
A new logo for the Electoral Literacy Club was also unveiled during the programme. The initiative carries the tagline “Learn Democracy. Lead Democracy.”, reflecting its objective of enabling young and first-time voters to understand democratic processes and participate meaningfully in them.
Earlier, Kumar held a meeting with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the Rajgir International Convention Centre in Nalanda. During his two-day visit to Bihar on August 16 and 17, he also undertook field visits to Madhubani, Vaishali and Nalanda.
ELC 2.0 seeks to transform Electoral Literacy Clubs into structured, visible and digitally enabled platforms across schools, colleges and universities. The programme envisages year-round activities to promote electoral awareness among young citizens and extend awareness to their families, institutions and communities.
The initiative will leverage ECINet, the Election Commission’s digital platform providing election-related services covering the electoral process from roll to poll. A dedicated ELC portal on ECINet will facilitate the creation of a streamlined pan-India network of Electoral Literacy Clubs.
The initiative assumes significance given the scale of India’s education system. The country has around 15 lakh schools with nearly 25 crore students and more than one crore teachers. The higher education sector comprises nearly 1,500 universities and around 70,000 educational institutions, with an estimated enrolment of 4.33 crore students.
Through this extensive institutional network, ELC 2.0 aims to promote factual and experiential electoral education and enhance awareness about the transparency, integrity and credibility of India’s electoral system.
The clubs will also disseminate information on different stages of elections, including voter registration, polling and counting, besides creating awareness about the ECINET App and other key initiatives of the Election Commission.
The ECI expects the expanded network of Electoral Literacy Clubs to help young citizens become informed participants and ambassadors of democratic participation.
18, Aug 2026
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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17, Aug 2026
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.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
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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17, Aug 2026
Sonata Software Appoints Hariprasad Rebala as Chief AI Officer
Appointment strengthens Sonata’s AI leadership as the company accelerates its transformation into an AI-native enterprise
BENGALURU, India, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sonata Software (NSE: SONATSOFTW) (BSE: 532221) today announced the appointment of Hariprasad Rebala (Hari) as Chief AI Officer.
In his role, Hari will lead Sonata’s end-to-end AI-led business transformation, shaping and executing the company’s AI strategy across offerings, service delivery, platforms, capabilities, ecosystem, and partnerships. His focus will be on driving AI-led business outcomes and AI-native delivery, helping enterprises translate AI adoption into enterprise velocity and measurable business value.
Hari brings more than three decades of experience spanning IT services, enterprise technology and the startup ecosystem. Most recently, he served as Chief of AI Solutions and Growth at a deep-tech AI startup, and earlier co-founded Forfend, where he helped build IoT and conversational AI platforms. He has also held senior leadership roles at (erstwhile) Mindtree, Capgemini, and Wipro, where he scaled businesses, built industry practices and led large transformation programs, particularly across Banking and Financial Services.
Rajsekhar Datta Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Sonata Software, said:
“Transforming Sonata Software into an AI-native organization is foundational to our growth trajectory. Hari brings a unique combination of AI startup and IT services expertise, with deep context of enterprise-grade AI platforms and engineering, delivering to outcome-based models. His addition to our leadership significantly strengthens our executive team as we rapidly transform to an AI-native organization.”
Hariprasad Rebala, Chief AI Officer, Sonata Software, said:
“AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to becoming fundamental to how enterprises compete, operate and create value. AI alone will not define the winners — the ability to translate AI into enterprise velocity will. Sonata brings together AI engineering and modernization capabilities, deep industry expertise and strategic technology partnerships to help clients make that shift at scale. My focus will be on building differentiated AI capabilities and platforms with our customers and partners, turning AI investments into measurable business outcomes and sustained competitive advantage.”
This appointment is part of Sonata’s broader strategy to embed AI across its engineering, platforms, delivery model and client solutions.
About Sonata Software Limited
Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Sonata Software Limited is a USD 1.2 billion+ AI-first modernization engineering company with nearly 40 years of expertise rooted in a deep product engineering DNA. Powered by its proprietary Platformation™ framework, the company’s 6,400+ AI engineers support global delivery across the US, UK, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Australia, DACH, and the Nordics. With deep AI partnerships across Microsoft, AWS, Salesforce, and Snowflake, Sonata delivers enterprise velocity, enabling the world’s leading companies in the Retail & Manufacturing (RMD), Tech & Telecom (TMT), Healthcare (HLS), and Financial Services (BFSI) sectors to gain a competitive edge.
For more information, please visit https://www.sonata-software.com/
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17, Aug 2026
Azure Power Global Limited to hold 2026 Annual Meeting on September 30, 2026
GURUGRAM, India, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Azure Power Global Limited (the “Company” or “Azure Power Global”), an independent sustainable energy solutions provider and renewable power producer in India, today announced that it will hold its Annual Meeting of shareholders at 11:30 AM (India Standard Time) on September 30, 2026 at its Gurugram office.
The Company will propose at the Annual Meeting (i) to adopt the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2026, along with the Report of the Board of Directors and the Report of the Auditors (ii) re-appointment of ECOVIS (Mauritius), a member firm of ECOVIS International, as the independent auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, and fix their remuneration (iii) re-election of Mr. Ambuj Agrawal as a director on the Company’s Board of Directors (iv) re-election of Mrs. Kamnee Dhotah-Matabudul as a director on the Company’s Board of Directors (v) re-election of Mr. Jean-Francois Joseph Boisvenu as a director on the Company’s Board of Directors (vi) to adopt a new business plan for the Company (vii) to adopt an amended Constitution for the Company and (viii) to transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Only shareholders on record of the Company’s equity shares on the close of business on August 24, 2026 (Eastern Standard Time) (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice and vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment. Shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting or entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and act for and on behalf of them at the meeting or can vote by Internet by following the steps as outlined in the notice of the Annual Meeting.
A notice of the Annual Meeting describing the matters to be considered at the meeting along with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2026, along with the Report of the Board of Directors and the Report of the Auditors, New Business Plan and amended Constitution will be available on Azure Power Global website at Azure Power
About Azure Power Global
The Azure Power Group is one of India’s leading utility scale renewable energy project developer and operators. The Azure Power Group builds, owns, and operates large grid-scale renewable energy projects that supply clean energy to India’s power grid. The Azure Power Group developed India’s first utility-scale solar power project in 2009 and has grown to achieve substantial scale in the Indian renewable industry.
For more information about Azure Power Global, visit: Azure Power
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “believes” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements in this press release. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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17, Aug 2026
XPPen Unveils Artist Ultra 14, Bringing Professional Drawing Performance to a More Portable Form Factor
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XPPen, a global leader in digital art innovation, today unveiled the Artist Ultra 14, an Ultra Clear True Color Portable Drawing Display featuring a 2.8K OLED display, studio-grade color performance, the advanced X-Touch solution, and an ultra-slim design. Marking XPPen’s 21st anniversary, the Artist Ultra 14 combines flagship-level performance with exceptional portability, empowering creators to bring professional creativity wherever inspiration strikes.

“Creative workflows are becoming increasingly flexible, and creators today need tools that can adapt to the way they work,” said Brian Huang, Marketing Director at XPPen. “The Artist Ultra 14 is designed for professional creators seeking greater mobility without compromising visual quality or creative performance. It gives artists the freedom to create across different environments, expanding the possibilities of professional digital art.”
Professional-Grade Performance for Creative Excellence
The Artist Ultra 14 features a 2.8K OLED display with a True RGB Stripe pixel arrangement, native 10-bit color depth, and 99% Adobe RGB, 99% sRGB, and 99% Display P3 color gamut coverage, delivering exceptional clarity and true-to-life colors. With Delta E < 1 color accuracy and Calman Verified certification, it ensures reliable color precision for illustrations, animations, and other professional creative workflows.
With a 90Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast OLED response time, the Artist Ultra 14 minimizes motion blur and pen latency for smoother pen strokes and fluid playback. A 100,000:1 contrast ratio further enriches visual depth with finer shadow detail and more lifelike images. Its AG nano-etched glass surface helps reduce glare in bright environments, while the hybrid dimming solution minimizes flicker, helping to reduce eye strain during extended creative sessions.

Beyond visual performance, the Artist Ultra 14 provides a natural and intuitive drawing experience with two X3 Pro series styli, each supporting 16K pressure levels and 60° tilt recognition for precise and responsive strokes. XPPen’s X-Touch solution further streamlines interaction with intuitive multi-finger gestures, customizable touch zones, and a floating shortcut menu, allowing creators to navigate and control their canvas with greater efficiency. The new virtual tablet mode lets creators use the stylus to control up to 10 screens with smooth cross-screen operation, making it easy to drag files and move windows seamlessly.
Built around the way creators work, the Artist Ultra 14 features two side buttons preset for the floating menu and virtual tablet interface, while remaining customizable to suit individual workflows. Together with the included ACK05 Shortcut Remote, foldable stand, and pen case, it provides a complete and efficient creative setup.
Ultra-Slim Design for Creative Mobility
At just 6mm thin and weighing only 720g, the Artist Ultra 14 is engineered for effortless portability for creators who work across multiple locations. Its 16:10 display provides more vertical workspace than traditional 16:9 screens, offering additional room for toolbars, timelines, and creative workflows. Combined with a floating etched glass design and an ultra-narrow 14.5mm bezel, the display maximizes every inch of space to deliver an immersive, near-borderless canvas that keeps creators focused on their work.

The slightly curved edges provide a more comfortable wrist-resting position during extended creative sessions, while the aluminum alloy back panel enhances heat dissipation and structural durability. For flexible creative setups, a single full-featured USB-C connection supports power, video, and data transmission through one cable, enabling a clean, clutter-free workspace and quick setup whether at home, in the studio, or on the go.
Price & Availability
The Artist Ultra 14 is available starting August 17, 2026, at a retail price of $699. Pricing and availability may vary by region. For more information, please visit: https://www.xp-pen.com/product/artist-ultra-14.html.
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17, Aug 2026
Uniphore Launches Marketing AI to Usher in New Era: NYSE Content Update
NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.
NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins.
Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on August 17th
- Uniphore Co-founder & CEO Umesh Sachdev to discuss latest offering.
- Marketing AI is built on customer intelligence rather than customer data management.
- The company says the solution can predict what each customer is likely to do next.
- The S&P 500 looks to build on a three-week win streak.
- Retail earnings and Wednesday’s Fed Minutes will headline upcoming activity.
- According to the latest data, nearly 70% of traders expect the Fed to hold rates steady next month.
- Shares of Reddit (NYSE: RDDT) jumped Friday following inclusion in S&P 500.
- The platform will be added to the large-cap index ahead of Tuesday’s session.
- Shares popped by 12.6% on Friday following the announcement.
Opening Bell
Hims & Hers (NYSE: HIMS) celebrates its 5th anniversary as a listed company
Closing Bell
Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW) celebrates the launch of Cortex AI Gateway
For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial
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17, Aug 2026
Hexaware Helps Enterprises Achieve Infinite Momentum by Removing Friction Across the Estate
Introduces the Zero Friction Enterprise to Close the Gap Between Where Organizations Are and Their North Star
LONDON, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), a global provider of IT solutions and services, today introduced the Zero Friction Enterprise, a delivery framework designed to address the operational and technological resistance that slows performance across the enterprise estate.
Friction often builds where it is difficult to see early: in aging code, security exposure, delayed delivery, operational noise, late-surfacing defects, and software dependency. Individually manageable, these constraints can collectively reduce an enterprise’s ability to respond, adapt, and innovate.
The Zero Friction Enterprise unites Hexaware capabilities across modernization, cybersecurity, engineering, operations, quality, and enterprise software. By addressing friction across the estate as one connected system, the framework helps enterprises advance toward their North Star with greater speed, clarity, and control.
“Our vision is to help every customer become a Zero Friction Enterprise,” said R. Srikrishna, CEO & Executive Director, Hexaware. “That begins with understanding each customer closely enough for them to feel like they are our only customer. We can then identify the constraints slowing progress across their business and technology estate and address them with the right combination of AI, expertise, and judgment.”
The Pillars of the Zero Friction Enterprise
- Zero Vulnerability: Zero-trust, identity-first cybersecurity that helps enterprises identify and contain threats earlier
- Zero Tech Debt: Modernization that reduces technical debt and accelerates change
- Zero Backlog: AI-native engineering that moves teams from requirements through build, test, and release
- Zero Defects: AI-led quality engineering that catches issues earlier and reduces rework
- Zero Tickets: AI-led operations that anticipate and resolve incidents before they reach users
- Zero License: Agent-built capability that helps enterprises own more business logic and reduce dependence on per-seat software
Underpinning these pillars is Infinite Trust, a foundational layer spanning data readiness, security, and governance and observability, creating the conditions for AI to operate securely, responsibly, and at enterprise scale.
How Hexaware Delivers Zero Friction
Hexaware’s AI-led, human-intelligence-perfected delivery model is anchored by Zerovity™, its AI delivery layer for governed coordination across the estate. From migration and modernization to agentic software development, AIOps, release, cloud operations, and enterprise workflows, Zerovity™ creates a single pane across areas that often operate in silos.
“AI now gives enterprises a connected view across infrastructure, operations, engineering, service, and business workflows,” said Siddharth Dhar, President & Global Head, Digital IT Operations & AI, Hexaware. “With an agentic cognitive layer on top, clients gain one command center through which intelligence and improvements can be applied across the system.”
The Zero Friction Enterprise gives clients a unified way to address constraints often handled through separate initiatives, helping them focus on core priorities and turn zero friction into infinite momentum.
About Hexaware
Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://hexaware.com.
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