Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD), a free residential school for visually impaired girls, is proud to recognise/honour/felicitating the talent of its distinguished alumna and Captain of Indian Women’s Blind Cricket, Deepika TC, at her hometown in Sira. As captain, Deepika, drove the team to victory at the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind, achieving a historic milestone for blind women’s cricket in India. For the past 77 years, NR Group (Makers of Cycle Pure Agarbathi) has been nurturing talent across India, and Deepika stands as a shining example of this legacy. Her journey from RMSD to the world stage is a testament to resilience, excellence and inspiration for generations to come.

Deepika T C, captain of India’s Women’s Blind Cricket Team, receives a warm hometown welcome after leading India to the historic T20 World Cup victory

A former student at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled in Mysuru, Deepika led Team India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, demonstrating exceptional leadership, talent and determination at a global level. Her interaction highlighted the importance of perseverance and access to inclusive educational spaces.

Deepika has always stood out as a bright student with a strong passion for sports. Her school years not only nurtured her academic excellence but also instilled in her the confidence to lead life independently. While her choice to pursue cricket may surprise some, her teachers recognized early on her determination and talent, making this step a natural progression in her journey.

At a special event organised following Deepika’s return at her home town, she spoke in detail about her journey starting from her early years at RMSD to leading the national side at a historic global tournament. She reflected on the challenges she overcame, the discipline and unity that defined the team’s campaign, and the pride of representing India in women’s cricket. Her address offered powerful insights into resilience, perseverance and the role of inclusive education in shaping her path.

Deepika T.C., Captain, Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, said, “This victory belongs to every girl who has ever been told that her limitations define her. It is proof that with the right support, opportunity and belief in themselves, any girl  can dream without boundaries and excel in their career path. The education and values I received from Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled have shaped me not just into a cricketer, but into a better human being. This win is for my country, and I will continue to give my best to make it proud.”

Mr. R Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation added, “Deepika’s achievement reflects the power of inclusive education and sustained mentorship. When students are given the right environment and encouragement, they are able to discover their strengths and pursue their aspirations with confidence. We are very proud to host Deepika in her hometown who we know will inspire million girls like her.”

Supported by the NR Foundation, RMSD has for over three decades empowered visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through free residential education and vocational training. Deepika’s success is a moment of immense pride for the institution and reinforces RMSD’s commitment to enabling visually impaired girls to excel in all spheres, including sport at the highest international level.

As online scams like digital arrests, impersonation fraud and AI voice cloning evolve into direct threats against the security of Indian households, Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, is shifting the narrative from simple identification to proactive family immunity with the launch of Family Protection in India. This follows its successful rollout in several global markets, including Sweden, Chile, Malaysia and Kenya.

Truecaller Launches Family Protection in India

Truecaller’s Family Protection is a sophisticated digital shield, designed to protect the entire household from the rapidly evolving landscape of predatory scams. Every family has a tech-aware individual or CTO (chief technology officer) who manages the digital well-being of their parents, elders and children. Family Protection gives the CTO real-time fraud alerts and a remote call hang-up feature, allowing them to end suspicious calls for any member of the group instantly. It also includes shared block lists, customizable security levels and a dashboard to monitor device safety settings, ensuring seamless protection across both Android and iOS devices. Importantly, Family Protection is free to use, allowing people to begin safeguarding their family members immediately.

“Identifying who is calling is a 2010 solution. In 2026, the question is if the call is safe to answer,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Truecaller. “With scams becoming more personalized and emotionally manipulative, we need a collective defense. By launching Family Protection in India, we are giving the most tech-savvy member of the household the tools to become the digital guardian for their loved ones, ensuring that the entire family is covered by the same high standards of security that our users enjoy.”

While Family Protection is free, if the CTO/admin opts for the Premium Family Plan subscription, they gain access to a broader suite of advanced safety features designed to deliver comprehensive protection for every member of the group.

Crucially, the system is built on a foundation of “safety without surveillance.” While the family benefits from a shared security umbrella, individual privacy remains absolute. Members cannot see each other’s call logs, messages, or personal data, ensuring that protection does not come at the cost of personal boundaries.

As India continues its rapid digital transformation, the risks associated with mobile communication have evolved from mere nuisances to serious financial and emotional threats. By transitioning from individual-centric security to a household-wide protection model, Truecaller is reinforcing its commitment to making communication safe for everyone, everywhere. Family Protection is a necessary evolution in the fight against modern digital fraud, placing the power of advanced AI defense in the hands of the family’s most trusted protector.
 

For more information about Family Protection, please read the detailed FAQs

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users worldwide, with more than one billion downloads since launch and 68 billion spam and fraud calls identified in 2025 alone. The company is headquartered in Stockholm and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021. For more information, visit www.truecaller.com.

i-Sprint Corporation today announced the successful completion of a management buy-out (MBO) of all its operating companies, and marks a pivotal milestone as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The transaction was led by the company’s existing management team in strategic partnership with KV Asia Capital.

i-Sprint Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Management Buy-Out in Partnership with KV Asia Capital

This landmark transaction ranks among the significant Identity and Access Management acquisitions in Asia. It underscores i-Sprint’s strategic importance in the region’s cybersecurity landscape as AI-driven threats, machine identity proliferation, and tightening regulatory requirements reshape cybersecurity across the region. The deal positions i-Sprint for its next phase of innovation and global expansion, as it continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, while expanding its footprint across the region.

This milestone firmly establishes i Sprint as one of the region’s largest independent IAM, Quantum Safe and Mobile cybersecurity provider.

Dutch Ng, Chief Executive Officer of i-Sprint, commented, “This Management Buy-Out is a defining moment for i-Sprint and a testament to the strength of the business we have built and our deep belief in its future. Partnering with KV Asia Capital provides us with the strategic tools and capital to accelerate growth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus that define i-Sprint. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients, partners, and team—and excited about the future we’re building together.”

KV Asia Capital has a proven track record of scaling growth-stage companies across Asia. Their expertise and financial backing will enable i-Sprint to enhance product offerings, invest in cutting-edge R&D, and pursue new market opportunities with greater agility.

Lee Gan Ping, Managing Director, at KV Asia Capital, said, “We are thrilled to partner with i-Sprint’s founders and management team, whose deep domain expertise and track record has earned the trust of Asia’s leading financial and government institutions. As identity and authentication become increasingly complex and relevant, we look forward to supporting the team in their next chapter of growth. Together, we will scale i-Sprint’s global footprint through accelerated R&D investments and strategic M&A.”

The existing management team will continue to lead the company, ensuring seamless operations and a continued focus on delivering innovative and superior products and services.

About i-Sprint Innovations
i-Sprint Innovations is a global leader in Digital Identity, Mobile Security, PQC App Migration, and Brand Protection solutions. For 25 years, i-Sprint has provided award-winning security solutions to financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies worldwide.

About KV Asia Capital
KV Asia Capital is a private equity firm dedicated to partnering management teams and companies across Southeast Asia. The firm has a multi-year track record of successfully investing behind management teams to drive strategic transformation and growth of mid-market businesses into regional success stories.

As the ICC tournament gathers momentum, every match becomes a defining chapter in the story of modern cricket. In this analytical review, Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch Sports, former international captain and one of the game’s most respected cricket minds – delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the latest ICC fixtures.

The Downfall of Australian Stocks in White-ball Cricket

Drawing on elite-level experience and tactical expertise, Morgan examines key turning points, captaincy decisions, bowling strategies, and batting performances that shaped each contest. His analysis, as a Chief Cricket Analyst by Parimatch Sports, goes beyond the scoreboard, highlighting the strategic nuances, pressure moments, and individual brilliance that ultimately determined the outcomes.

Australia has struggled to win any ICC tournament since the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup

1. Australia’s Transitional Phase in White-Ball Cricket

Australia’s campaign offered an interesting case study in squad evolution and tournament dynamics. After their triumph at the 2023 ODI World Cup, this T20 cycle represents a period of recalibration, particularly in leadership structure and role clarity.

An untimely injury to Mitchell Marsh meant early leadership adjustments were required, with Travis Head stepping in. Tournament cricket rarely allows much time for teams to settle, and small tactical moments — batting order flexibility, bowling matchups, and middle-over control — can significantly influence outcomes.

There were encouraging signs as well. Matt Renshaw’s composure on slower surfaces added variety to a predominantly right-handed batting lineup, offering balance in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis continued to develop as a multi-phase bowler, operating effectively in powerplay, middle overs, and at the death — a skillset that is increasingly valuable in global tournaments.

Australia’s campaign may not have progressed as far as expected, but tournaments often accelerate learning cycles. With a blend of experience and emerging options, this period could prove foundational for the next ICC events.

2. India’s Clinical Tournament Management

India once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most complete white-ball sides in world cricket. What has stood out is not merely individual brilliance, but clarity in execution.

Their bowling units adapted impressively to varying conditions, particularly on slower surfaces where control through the middle overs became decisive. With experienced players anchoring innings and dynamic stroke-makers accelerating at the right moments, India have shown a strong understanding of tempo — a crucial T20 skill.

Perhaps most notably, their composure in high-pressure phases has allowed them to close out matches efficiently. In tournaments of this scale, game awareness often separates contenders from champions, and India have consistently displayed that awareness.

3. England’s Continued Tactical Evolution

England’s white-ball philosophy continues to evolve. Known for their aggressive batting blueprint, this tournament has also revealed subtle tactical refinements.

Their approach to powerplay batting remains assertive, yet there has been greater situational flexibility when early wickets fall. Additionally, England’s use of all-rounders provides depth that allows them to adjust bowling combinations depending on matchups.

In a format where momentum can shift quickly, England’s emphasis on adaptability — rather than rigid structure — has kept them competitive in varied conditions. It reflects the maturity of a side that understands tournament pacing.

4. The Impact of Spin and Middle-Overs Control

One of the defining tactical elements of this World Cup has been the influence of spin, particularly during middle overs on slower pitches.

Teams that have managed this phase effectively — whether through wrist spin variations or disciplined left-arm orthodox lines — have often dictated the game’s direction. Controlling scoring rates between overs 7 and 15 has proven just as important as explosive powerplay starts.

Batters capable of rotating strike against spin, rather than relying solely on boundary hitting, have gained increasing importance. The tournament has reinforced that T20 cricket is no longer just about power; it is equally about manipulation of angles, tempo, and field settings.

5. Emerging Players Seizing Opportunity

Every ICC tournament introduces new names to the global stage, and 2026 has been no different.

Across multiple teams, younger players have stepped into prominent roles — whether stabilising innings after early wickets or delivering decisive overs at critical junctures. These performances underline the growing depth in international cricket and the narrowing gap between traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers.

The unpredictability of the format continues to reward fearless intent, but also tactical discipline — a combination that the next generation appears increasingly comfortable embracing.

Looking Ahead

If this tournament has highlighted anything, it is how quickly the white-ball landscape evolves. Teams are balancing experience with renewal, aggression with adaptability, and instinct with data-driven preparation.

For Australia, this represents a phase of refinement rather than regression. For India and England, it is about sustaining high standards in an increasingly competitive field. And for the broader cricketing world, it confirms that margins at the elite level are slimmer than ever.

As the knockout stages approach, strategy, composure, and clarity of roles will become even more decisive. The story of the 2026 T20 World Cup is still being written — and it continues to showcase the depth and dynamism of the modern game.

Contributed By- Eoin Morgan, Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch Sports

EC-Council, creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, and the global leader in cybersecurity education and training, today announced the formation of the Global CISO Council , an independent professional body organized under Section 501(c)(6) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Join the Global CISO Council and help shape the future of cybersecurity leadership, trust, and resilience

Established as a dedicated global forum for Chief Information Security Officers and cybersecurity leaders, the Council will address rapidly evolving security challenges driven by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies while strengthening the role of the CISO as a strategic leader at the highest levels of enterprise decision-making.

Its charter includes advancing AI governance, emerging technology security, and global regulatory alignment while strengthening enterprise resilience as organizations adopt generative AI, cloud infrastructure, automation, and quantum technologies. Through global collaboration and regional chapters, the Council will foster thought leadership, influence policy, expand the cybersecurity talent pipeline, and deepen ecosystem engagement. This network will connect CISOs to drive secure innovation and protect the digital economy.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and automated, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer has evolved into a strategic leadership position responsible for protecting enterprise assets, guiding risk management, and ensuring secure innovation across organizations.

The launch comes at a critical inflection point for the cybersecurity profession. Artificial intelligence has expanded the CISO’s remit well beyond traditional network defense into areas of model governance, algorithmic risk, and enterprise-wide AI oversight responsibilities that most organizational structures have not yet caught up with. At the same time, regulators in the United States, the European Union, and across the Asia-Pacific region are accelerating enforcement of AI and data governance standards, placing CISOs at the center of compliance obligations that span multiple jurisdictions.

Despite this escalating mandate, no global professional body has existed exclusively for CISOs with the exclusive purpose of equipping their members with the skills to mitigate such emerging risks. The Council aims to close that gap by providing a structured, peer-driven environment for collective problem-solving at the executive level, independent of any commercial agenda.

Mission

The mission of the Global CISO Council is to empower cybersecurity leader worldwide through collaboration, education, and innovation; securing the digital world together.

Vision

The Council envisions a united global community of ethical cyber leaders driving positive change and advancing cybersecurity leadership.

“Cybersecurity leadership is entering a defining era,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council, and Strategic Advisor to the Global CISO Council. “Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming the way businesses operate, but they are also reshaping the threat landscape. CISOs must lead from the front, ensuring innovation is secure, resilience is built into every system, and organizations remain prepared for the next generation of cyber threats.”

By bringing together CISOs, security experts, and industry leaders, the Global CISO Council seeks to strengthen collaboration across industries and regions while enabling organizations to build resilient, future-ready security strategies.

Independent Structure, Global Chapters

The Global CISO Council operates with its own governance structure and member-led direction, independent of EC-Council’s commercial operations. EC-Council, which has certified more than 350,000 cybersecurity professionals across 174 countries over the past two decades, provides mentorship and organizational infrastructure but does not direct the Council’s agenda or activities.

Under the Global CISO Council, a growing network of regional chapters will bring together senior security executives from finance, healthcare, government, energy, manufacturing, technology, and critical infrastructure sectors. Members will collaborate through working groups, policy forums, and intelligence-sharing initiatives addressing operational challenges such as threat landscape analysis, incident response coordination, and enterprise resilience strategy.

Membership

Membership in the Global CISO Council is open to qualified Chief Information Security Officers and senior cybersecurity executives who hold enterprise-level security responsibility. The Council seeks leaders committed to advancing principled governance, cross-industry collaboration, and the elevation of cybersecurity leadership as a strategic discipline.

Further information about the Global CISO Council and membership inquiries can be found at: globalcisocouncil.org/#home-form

About EC-Council

EC-Council is the creator of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a global leader in cybersecurity education, training, and certification. Founded in 2001, the organization has certified over 350,000 professionals across 174 countries and is trusted by government agencies, defense organizations, and Fortune 100 companies worldwide. An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited body, EC-Council’s certifications are recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense under DoD Directive 8140 and are used by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading enterprises globally. EC-Council operates across four divisions: Education, University, Services, and Technology.

The CISO Council is a 501(c)(6) member led organization founded by EC Council to unite cybersecurity leaders in the collective defense against evolving cyber threats. Created by the world’s leading cybersecurity certification body with over 400,000 certified professionals across 194 countries, the CISO Council provides an independent safe space where Chief Information Security Officers and executive security leaders can connect, collaborate, and share critical intelligence without commercial bias or vendor influence.

Governed by its members through global chapters and guided by EC Council’s commitment to building the cybersecurity workforce since its founding in 2001, the CISO Council exists to strengthen the cybersecurity community through peer driven knowledge sharing, executive leadership development, and the collective wisdom of security leaders who understand that defending our digital world requires trusted collaboration, not isolation.

This is where CISOs come together not as competitors, but as allies in the fight to protect what matters most.

Contact : support@globalcisocouncil.org.

Ai+ Smartphone has entered into a manufacturing agreement with Optiemus Electronics Limited (OEL), a subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom Limited, to produce mobile phones, tablets, IoT devices, and advanced wearable products in India. Under the agreement, Ai+ Smartphone and OEL plan to invest around INR 125 cr  in India-based manufacturing under the Government of India’s Make in India vision over 5 years, creating approximately 1,200 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, operations and supporting functions.

Left to Right – Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies with Ashok Gupta, Director, Optiemus Electronics Limited

OEL will manufacture approximately 3 million Ai+ Smartphone mobile devices under this agreement. The scope of manufacturing will also extend to tablets, IoT products, and advanced wearable devices, providing Ai+ Smartphone with a scalable India-based production backbone for its broader smart device portfolio. Production will take place at OEL’s facility in Noida, with ramp-up targeted from April 2026.

Ai+ Smartphone devices run on NxtQuantum OS, India’s sovereign mobile operating system built on Android and designed for transparency, security, and compliance with Indian data laws.

“In a market where most smart devices still come from Chinese and other global brands, there is clear headroom for an Indian brand that treats both quality and sovereignty as non-negotiable. This manufacturing agreement with OEL is a concrete step in that direction. OEL brings proven EMS capability in India. Ai+ Smartphone brings an India-authored software stack and a roadmap spanning phones, tablets, AIoT, and wearables. Together, we are committing capital, creating jobs, and building under the Government of India’s Make in India vision, so that more of the value in this industry is created here, not just assembled here,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies on the agreement.

The association reinforces Ai+ Smartphone’s broader roadmap to scale an India-first portfolio across smartphones, tablets, and connected devices, with manufacturing depth that can keep pace with demand. It also strengthens the company’s ability to expand into new categories while keeping supply chains closer to home and quality more tightly controlled. Together, Ai+ Smartphone and OEL aim to build a production backbone that supports both domestic growth and long-term export readiness.

Ashok Gupta, Director, Optiemus Electronics Limited, said, “We are very excited to work with Ai+ Smartphone, a dedicated Indian brand that is clear about scale, security, and long-term commitment to the market. With our facilities and experience in electronics manufacturing, we will support Ai+ Smartphone as it ramps production of smartphones and new device categories from India, strengthening domestic manufacturing and creating room for future export-led growth.”

This agreement is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and support Ai+ Smartphone’s goal of building a scalable, India-focused technology brand across smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and advanced wearables. As Ai+ Smartphone broadens its portfolio, the Optiemus partnership will allow it to ramp volumes efficiently while keeping core technology and OS control anchored in India.

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences, powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on providing clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while offering accessible price points without compromising on user experience.

For more information, visit www.aiplusstore.com

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.

About Optiemus Electronics Limited (OEL)

Optiemus, engaged in the business of electronics manufacturing in India, provides end-to-end solutions to global and Indian brands encompassing world-class manufacturing, supply chain management, and repair/refurbishment. It has three state-of-the-art manufacturing units across India with a highly experienced team and has won the trust of many local as well as global brands, maintaining its commitment to quality, timely delivery, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.

For more information, visit www.oel.in