26, Jun 2026
As AI Concerns Grow, 66% of Enterprise Event Professionals Now Say AI Translation Outperforms Human Interpreters
New study finds AI translation exceeds human interpretation on quality, access, and cost as multilingual demand surges
LOS ALTOS, CA – June 26 – For years, human interpreters have been considered the gold standard for multilingual communication. New research suggests the standard is changing.
The “2026 State of AI Translation and Captions” survey, conducted independently by Dimensional Research and commissioned by Wordly, finds that two-thirds (66%) of enterprise event planners now say AI translation and captions deliver better quality than human interpreters. That shift strengthens with AI usage. Among regular users, 79% say AI performs better, while just 12% prefer human interpreters.
“Much of the public conversation around AI still focuses on risk, uncertainty, and what the technology cannot do,” said Lakshman Rathnam, Wordly Founder & CEO. “But research shows that organizations that use AI translation are making decisions based on outcomes, not assumptions. They’re seeing measurable gains in quality, accessibility, and scale and that is reshaping what they expect from language technology.”
Key Findings from the 2026 State of AI Translation and Captions Survey:
●A New Quality Standard: 66% of enterprise event planners report that AI translation and captioning delivers higher quality than human interpreters (compared to 25% who still prefer traditional interpretation services).
●High Satisfaction Across the Board: 79% of regular users say AI translation performs better than traditional options (with just 12% preferring human interpreters), while 61% of occasional users report a superior experience.
●Rapid Technology Advances: 93% of respondents state that AI translation quality has noticeably improved over the past year.
●Economics Driving Adoption: 95% of enterprise organizations find AI translation more affordable and easier to deploy than human interpretation, allowing them to expand language access within budget constraints.
●Surging Multilingual Demand: 88% of respondents report an increase in non-English-speaking participants, up from 77% the previous year.
●A Universal Corporate Priority: 96% of surveyed organizations state that providing comprehensive language access is now an official priority.
What’s Next: The Future Strategy for Enterprise Language Access
Despite near-universal adoption of AI interpretation (88%) and captioning (91%), 97% of respondents want capabilities beyond live translation, including:
●58% are interested in adding full multilingual transcripts
●53% would like to add subtitle and voice dubbing files
●51% are interested in creating meeting notes with action items
●50% would like to add marketing-ready summaries
A complete copy of the 2026 State of AI Translation and Captions can be found online at https://www.wordly.ai/research/state-of-ai-translation-2026. An infographic highlighting the biggest trends of the survey is also available.
Survey Methodology: The 2026 State of AI Translation and Captioning survey was commissioned by Wordly and conducted by Dimensional Research. The study surveyed 205 qualified meeting and event stakeholders from the United States and United Kingdom between May 11 and May 21, 2026. Participants were responsible for external events and/or internal meetings involving multilingual audiences at organizations with more than 1,000 employees.
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- By Neel Achary
26, Jun 2026
Kriti Sanon on Cocktail 2, comparisons with Deepika Padukone, and more in Filmfare’s June Cover Story
One of Bollywood’s most versatile and celebrated stars, Kriti Sanon, graces the latest cover of Filmfare, offering an unfiltered glimpse into her creative process, personal growth, and her transformative experience playing Ally in the highly anticipated Cocktail 2. In an expansive conversation, Kriti reveals how filmmaker Homi Adajania became the inspiration behind understanding Ally’s liberated and magnetic personality.
Speaking about preparing for the character, Kriti shares, “Homi Adajania. He’s obviously not completely Ally but I could draw some kind of Ally from him because he has a cool personality. He has lived and travelled a lot. His mindset is extremely liberated and free. He’s non-judgmental and has all those characteristics that Ally also has. I remember telling him, ‘I don’t think I’m cool as a person.’ There’s no preparation that you can do for coolness. It’s a state of mind.”
The actress candidly admits that stepping into Ally’s shoes required her to embrace a mindset vastly different from her own. Reflecting on the character, she says, “I’m not as unhinged as a person as Ally is. She’s lived a different life. She’s just so non-judgmental and I’m an overthinker by nature. I’m analytical and logical about things, whereas Ally is completely free-spirited, liberated and not bound by the norms of society.”
Addressing the much-discussed look of her character, Kriti credits the creative team behind the film, especially costume designer Anaita Shroff Adajania. “Absolutely no input. When I saw the kind of clothes that Ally was supposed to wear, I thought I needed to work hard on my body. Because I had to look fit and toned and have a beach body. That’s my only input,” she says, before adding with characteristic humor, “Homi made me cool and Anaita made me hot.”
The cover story also delves into Kriti’s successful on-screen partnership with Shahid Kapoor. Having previously shared screen space in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, the duo reunite for Cocktail 2, and Kriti speaks highly of her co-star’s craft. “He’s such an intelligent actor. I genuinely believe that he can actually direct a film. I would love him to direct a film because he has so much knowledge of filmmaking,” she shares.
Talking about their chemistry, Kriti notes, “There’s something electric about it, which we got to explore a lot more in Cocktail 2, now that I was playing a human being. Ally and Kunal have this strong, electric and slightly sensuous chemistry where they can also have deeper conversations.”
The conversation also touches upon inevitable comparisons with Deepika Padukone’s iconic Veronica from the original Cocktail. Kriti approaches the discussion with confidence and clarity.
“No, I’m not, actually. Do I expect it? Yes, I do. It’s kind of obvious, as I’m doing a film which is a franchise to the film that she’s done before. The characters, somewhere, have a similar energy of being slightly disruptive, unhinged and free-spirited. But Ally and Veronica are so different and I’m glad that they’re different.”
Beyond films and performances, Kriti reflects on navigating industry pressures, comparisons, and her own evolution as an artist.
“If you’re secure in yourself, none of it matters. These are just traction-related conversations, which people use to make others feel insecure. Everyone brings something different to the table. The only race that I’m in is that I want to do better than what I have done before.”
Looking back on her journey, she acknowledges how confidence has replaced the insecurities of her early years.
“When you start off and you don’t come from a film background, you are hungry to prove yourself… Once that happens, you surpass the insecurity. Now, it’s more about the excitement of taking up the next challenge and doing something different.”
In one of the interview’s most vulnerable moments, Kriti reveals her deepest fears, saying, “Losing any loved one. And sometimes, I have a subconscious fear that one day I’ll be in front of the camera and I won’t be able to act.”
Honest, introspective and refreshingly candid, Kriti Sanon’s Filmfare cover story captures an actress at the peak of her powers secure in her journey, fearless in her choices, and eager to keep challenging herself with every new role.
26, Jun 2026
OS Studios Appoints Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India Expansion
June 26; Bengaluru, India: OS Studios, the global fan experience agency born from gaming culture, today announced the appointment of gaming, esports and live events veteran Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India. Arya will spearhead the agency’s expansion across newly established hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
OS Studios, a Project Worldwide agency, recently entered the Indian market to deploy its signature ‘Fan Z’ playbook, bridging the experience gap for brands looking to integrate into South Asia’s rapidly evolving gaming, esports and live events ecosystem. The expansion leverages the established infrastructure and production capabilities of sister agency George P. Johnson (GPJ) India.
“The future of gaming will be shaped by the communities that care about it most, and few markets embody that more than India,” said John Higgins, CEO of OS Studios. “To build something meaningful, you have to be part of the culture, not looking in from the outside. Ishaan understands that better than anyone. He’s exactly the kind of leader we want building the future of OS Studios in India.”
OS Studios brings unparalleled global expertise, having delivered iconic experiential and broadcast campaigns like Call of Duty: Next, League of Legends Fanfest at Worlds, Major League Rugby, Ultimate Sevens, Red Bull Basement World Final, Red Bull Homeground 2025, TikTokLiveFest EU 2025, Riot Games’ Arcane Season 2 Launch Campaign, NBA 2K League, to name a few.
In his new role, Arya will oversee all operations, drive strategic brand partnerships, and scale the agency’s local capabilities in the region.
“Brands are investing heavily in Indian gaming, but true fan experience is too often an afterthought,” said Rasheed Sait, Chief Growth Officer for India and South Asia at Project Worldwide. “Alongside GPJ India’s experiential footprint, OS Studios will set a new standard for fan engagement in the region.”
Arya brings over a decade of industry expertise to the role. He previously co-founded esports powerhouse The Esports Club and most recently served as Vice President of Partnerships at Nodwin Gaming, where he led Comic Con India.
“A massive gap remains between brand intent and authentic community engagement in India,” said Arya. “I’m thrilled to leverage Project Worldwide and GPJ India’s operational strength to build culture-defining experiences for brands and fans alike.”
His appointment signals OS Studios’ commitment to embedding hyper-local expertise into its global framework.
Under Arya’s leadership, OS Studios India will offer full-service capabilities, including:
Brand Strategy & Activation: Authentic integration blueprints for non-endemic brands.
Live Event Operations: Large-scale experiential gaming and community activations.
End-to-End Broadcast Production: World-class live streaming and event production.
Creator Management: Cultivating and scaling local gaming influencer campaigns.
Community Building: Developing and nurturing engaged fan communities around brands and IPs.
26, Jun 2026
Odisha Govt Suspends ‘VB-G Ram G’ Work for 60 Days During Kharif Season
Bhubaneswar, June 26 (UDN): The Odisha Government has announced the temporary suspension of the ‘VB-G Ram G’ work for a period of 60 days during the ongoing agricultural season to facilitate farming activities across the state.
According to an official notification issued by the government, the decision has been taken keeping in view the peak agricultural operations during the Kharif season. The suspension aims to ensure that farmers and rural workers can actively participate in farming activities without any disruption.
The government stated that the temporary halt in the implementation of the scheme will help address the increased demand for labour in agricultural fields during the sowing season. The move is expected to support timely cultivation and enhance agricultural productivity.
Officials said that the scheme’s activities will resume after the completion of the 60-day suspension period. Necessary instructions have already been issued to the concerned departments and implementing agencies for effective compliance with the government’s directive.
The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests while ensuring the smooth implementation of rural development programmes.
26, Jun 2026
Puri Conducts Mock Drill for Smooth and Safe Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra
Puri, June 26 (UDN): In preparation for the upcoming Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, a comprehensive mock drill was conducted in Puri on Friday to ensure smooth, safe, and disciplined management of the festivals.
The exercise was organized with the active participation of various government departments and agencies, including the district administration, police, health services, fire services, municipal authorities, and other stakeholders. The mock drill aimed at strengthening inter-departmental coordination and assessing preparedness for crowd management, emergency response, traffic regulation, and other essential services during the grand annual festivals.
Officials reviewed the standard operating procedures and simulated different scenarios to ensure prompt and effective responses in case of any emergency. Special emphasis was laid on maintaining law and order, ensuring seamless movement of devotees, and providing necessary public amenities.
The district administration reiterated its commitment to conducting the Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra in a safe, orderly, and hassle-free manner for lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri during the festivities.
Senior officials from various departments were present during the exercise and expressed satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken.
26, Jun 2026
From City Heat to Island Bliss: CROSSROADS Maldives Invites GCC Travellers to Return to Paradise
Maldives, 26 June 2026: Kicking off the summer holiday season, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives invite GCC residents to swap the desert heat for the turquoise calm of the Indian Ocean with the newly extended offers designed around the region’s love of effortless luxury, privacy, family-friendly flexibility and seamless weekend travel. Created exclusively for the GCC and Türkiye markets, the offers elevate short stays with a suite of benefits designed around regional travel preferences.
At SAii Lagoon Maldives, the ‘Lahthat Al-Nour’ (Moment of Light) package captures the bright, sun-drenched spirit of the Maldives and the ease of slipping into island time within minutes of landing. As a special benefit, all single-bedroom categories will welcome families with up to two children under 12. Other accommodation options range from interconnected rooms and spacious suites to multi-generational overwater villas where privacy, comfort and connectivity are perfectly balanced.
At Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the offer’s name Mawsim Al-Music (Music Festival) nods to the brand’s legacy as a global icon of music-infused hospitality, which is brought to life through such benefits as nightly live performances, beachfront acoustic sessions, and brand’s signature Sound of Your Stay® programme, which offers in-villa Fender guitars, curated vinyl with a Crosley turntable, and mood-setting playlists.
With Lahthat Al-Nour and Mawsim Al-Music offers, stays of three nights and more offer the benefit of meal plan upgrades from half board to full board and from full board to all-inclusive. Children stay and dine for free from the kids’ menu, while adults can choose from 13 dining venues serving halal-certified meat, with cuisines ranging from Thai and Maldivian to Mediterranean. Guests also enjoy airport transfers; a one-time shisha session; express or complimentary spa treatments; a 30-minute photo session with a 5×7” print for capturing family or honeymoon moments; a floating breakfast for pool villa categories; and guided house-reef snorkelling. Staying active is easy with an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and the newly added GZ19 padel courts that bring the GCC’s favourite sport to the lagoon’s edge.
As part of CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first fully integrated lifestyle destination, guests at both SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can roam freely between two islands. A short stroll across a footbridge leads to The Marina @ CROSSROADS, home to upscale shopping; the legendary Hard Rock Café; the Marine and Maldives Discovery Centres for cultural and natural exploration; and Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp, where children aged 4-15 stay creatively engaged.
Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is one of the Maldives’ most accessible retreats for travellers flying from Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait or Muscat. For GCC guests seeking a quick but complete change of scenery, the resort offers a smooth transition from city pace to barefoot bliss.
The offer is available for stays until 31 October 2026, ideal for summer getaways or autumn breaks.
Bookings are open until 31 August using SLMME26 for SAii Lagoon Maldives (rates from USD 880++ per night) and HRHME26 for Hard Rock Hotel Maldives (from USD 923++).
For more information, visit saiilagoonmaldives.com and https://hotel.hardrock.com/
25, Jun 2026
Rajya Sabha Oath Becomes a Tribute to Andhra’s Weavers as Chintakayala Vijay Chooses Mangalagiri Handloom
New Delhi, 25 June 2026
In a gesture that spoke louder than any speech, Chintakayala Vijay, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, chose a traditional Mangalagiri handloom shawl for his oath-taking ceremony. In an era of designer suits and formal blazers, Vijay walked into India’s upper house wrapped in the living heritage of Andhra Pradesh’s weavers, making an unmistakable statement about the kind of leader he intends to be.
The Mangalagiri shawl was not a prop or a political statement — it was an act of gratitude and solidarity with the thousands of artisan families whose craft defines the cultural identity of his home state. At 41, with a Master’s in Political Science (Political Management) from George Washington University and 17 years of grassroots service in the Telugu Desam Party, Vijay brings to the Rajya Sabha both international perspective and a deeply grounded understanding of Andhra’s people and their livelihoods.
The son of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, Vijay was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.
The soul of Mangalagiri: 500 years of living heritage
Mangalagiri — the “Auspicious Hill” — has been a centre of handloom excellence for over 500 years, its legacy dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Famous for its durable cotton weaves and stunning metallic zari borders, the fabric holds a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, one of India’s most celebrated textile certifications.
Today, nearly 5,000 local weavers continue this heritage as their primary livelihood, artisans whose daily labour goes largely unseen, yet whose work is woven into the very fabric of Andhra’s identity.
This heartfelt gesture also aligns with the consistent and proactive efforts of Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, who also serves as the MLA of Mangalagiri constituency. Lokesh has long championed the region’s handloom community — referring to the weavers as respected “artisans” and “cultural artists” who weave identity into every thread. He actively promotes Mangalagiri handlooms by proudly wearing them and gifting them on important occasions. Notably, he gifted a beautiful handwoven Mangalagiri saree to his wife, Nara Brahmani, during Sankranti 2025. Brahmani publicly expressed her gratitude, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and tradition behind the fabric. Lokesh has also gifted specially designed Mangalagiri stoles to national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji.
Beyond personal promotion, Lokesh has driven concrete welfare initiatives for the weaving community, including the Nethanna Bharosa Scheme (annual financial assistance of ₹25,000 per handloom family along with free electricity), health insurance support, a ₹5 crore Thrift Fund, infrastructure development, and dedicated marketing efforts to ensure artisans receive fair compensation.
By choosing Mangalagiri for one of the most important days of his political life, Vijay brought these 5,000 families — their skill, struggle, and artistry — into the halls of Parliament and carried forward this spirit of respect and recognition.
“This Mangalagiri shawl is not just cloth, it carries the hard work, devotion, and dreams of our weavers. As I step into the Rajya Sabha, I carry the soul of Andhra Pradesh with me. I am committed to working for the welfare of our artisans, farmers, and youth, and for the bright future of our state under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu garu,” said Chintakayala Vijay, Rajya Sabha MP, Andhra Pradesh.
A new voice for Andhra in the Upper House
Vijay enters the Rajya Sabha at a significant moment for Andhra Pradesh — a state working to regain its economic momentum and cultural confidence. With his academic background, party experience, and an evident commitment to the people behind the politics, he brings a distinctive combination of intellect and groundedness to national legislative discourse.
His priorities, as he has publicly stated, are clear: amplifying the voices of Andhra’s youth, farmers, and artisans at the national level. In wearing Mangalagiri on Day One, he has already shown that for him, political office is not about personal elevation — it is about representation in the truest sense of the word.
The TDP government in Andhra, led by Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, has consistently advocated welfare measures for the handloom sector — including health insurance for weavers, subsidised power for looms, and marketing support to ensure artisans receive fair value for their exceptional work. Vijay has made clear he intends to carry that commitment into the corridors of Parliament.
25, Jun 2026
Powerful Earthquakes Rock Venezuela Near Caracas, Causing Widespread Destruction
Caracas, June 25: Venezuela was shaken by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across the nation and causing significant damage in and around the capital, Caracas. The strong tremors led to the collapse of several buildings, disrupted transport and communication networks, and triggered panic among residents.
Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries, while rescue teams continue to search for people feared trapped under debris. Emergency services have been deployed to the worst-affected areas, and temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families.
The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and urged citizens to remain cautious as several aftershocks have been reported. Schools and public offices in affected regions have been closed, and hospitals are operating on emergency protocols to treat the injured.
International aid agencies and neighboring countries have expressed solidarity with Venezuela and offered assistance for rescue and relief operations. Officials warn that the death toll may rise as search teams reach remote and heavily damaged areas.
The twin earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in recent decades, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
25, Jun 2026
Metals.io, Powered by Tezos, Launches Global First with Tokenized Cobalt and Nickel
The platform unlocks assets once out of reach for assets individual and professional investors, giving direct beneficial ownership of physical metals held in secure facilities
London, UK—25th June, 2026—Tezos based application, metals.io, today, in a global first, launched physically backed industrial metals tokens with the listing of two tokens: xCo (cobalt) and xNi (nickel) on the Tezos-based trading platform. In tokenizing cobalt and nickel, metals that are notable for their specific strategic value in industrial and manufacturing applications and use in the energy sector, and for being inaccessible to retail investors, the team behind metals.io is once more responding to market demand and unlocking access to assets that have long been out of reach for individual investors.
Despite their use in a range of applications, such as the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries, high-performance superalloys, and corrosion-resistant materials, a number of factors have prohibited retail investors from accessing cobalt and nickel before now. For cobalt, minimum lot sizes through OTC channels typically start at one tonne and scale up from there. At early 2026 prices a one-tonne minimum implies a USD 56,000 minimum ticket, before any consideration of warehouse storage costs, insurance, and the financing of working capital. The market is not designed for investors looking for sub-tonne fractional ownership, and settlement timelines, payment terms, and warrant transfer mechanics are all geared toward industrial buyers. Nickel is equally inaccessible for retail traders. While nickel does have a deep, transparent, exchange-traded reference market (the LME), the standard LME nickel contract size is 6 tonnes, and financing costs, insurance, and the operational requirements of taking physical delivery from an approved warehouse make this a market designed for industrial users and large traders rather than investors looking for direct exposure.
The tokenized assets, xCo (cobalt) and xNi (nickel), serve to broaden access to these commodities, giving investors direct beneficial ownership of the physical metals held in facilities. By combining a trust structure with Tezos-based smart contracts, metals.io makes it possible for investors to own, hold, and trade these assets without the financing, warehousing, and minimum lot-size frictions that have kept the cobalt and nickel markets largely closed to anyone smaller than an industrial buyer or a commodity trading house.
“The rapid growth of AI, an explosion of manufacturing capacity in emerging markets, and a host of other technological demands and developments have created demand for the metals and minerals that power industries as diverse as the automotive sector to the aerospace industry. However, systemic barriers have long prohibited mainstream access to these assets and, when it comes to how metals and commodities are traded today not much has changed in the transfer of metals since the launch of the London Metals Exchange, almost 150 years ago. Now, though, with the launch of metals.io and the dawn of tokenization, we’re able to streamline access to these essential commodities, making them available to a new profile of buyer and introducing new routes to market for suppliers”, said Ben Elvidge, Lead for metals.io, and Head of Alternative Assets at Trilitech.
Cobalt and nickel each have specific properties that make them especially valuable for energy, industrial and manufacturing applications. Cobalt is one of the defining critical minerals of the energy transition. It is essential to nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) and nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA) battery cathodes used in the majority of European and North American electric vehicles, as well as in consumer electronics, aerospace alloys, and a range of industrial catalysts. Nickel is one of the most strategically important industrial metals in the world. It is the backbone of stainless steel, which still accounts for around two-thirds of global nickel demand, and it has become a critical input into high-energy-density battery cathodes used in premium electric vehicles, aerospace, and grid-scale storage.
The launch of tokenized cobalt and nickel on metals.io further expands the platform’s offerings, opening access to new investors who would not previously have had the opportunity to own and trade them. In addition to the new assets launching today, visitors to the site can also access xU3O8 tokenized uranium; VNX Gold (VNXAU), digital proof of ownership of allocated gold which is physically held in a vault in Liechtenstein; and the RARE token from Noemon Tech, which provides transparent exposure to a diversified basket of five strategic metals selected for their critical industrial and technological value. For more information about all of these assets and tokenized commodities, visit: https://metals.io/
25, Jun 2026
Applications Open for National Teachers’ Awards 2026 Till July 10
June 25: The Ministry of Education has announced that online applications for the National Teachers’ Awards 2026 are now open and will remain available until July 10.
The awards aim to recognize and honor outstanding contributions by teachers across the country who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, innovation in education, and commitment to student development.
Eligible teachers from schools, colleges, and other educational institutions can submit their applications through the official online portal within the specified deadline. The selection process will evaluate candidates based on their teaching methods, innovation in pedagogy, community engagement, and overall impact on students.
The initiative seeks to encourage excellence in the teaching profession and highlight the critical role of educators in shaping the nation’s future. It also aims to promote innovative practices and inspire educators to adopt modern and effective teaching techniques.
Officials have urged eligible candidates to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues and ensure smooth submission of applications.
The National Teachers’ Awards continue to serve as one of the highest national recognitions for educators, celebrating their dedication and contribution to the field of education.
