Salesforce, the #1* AI CRM platform, today successfully concluded The Great Asia AI Summit 2026 (GAAIS), a pan-Asian virtual summit on the future of enterprise AI. The event brought together leaders from India and Southeast Asia to discuss how agent-led systems are transforming enterprise operations and customer experiences.
 

The summit was anchored around the theme “Rise of Enterprise Agents,” GAAIS 2026 examined how AI is evolving beyond insight generation. The discussions focused on the emergence of autonomous, intelligent agents capable of reasoning across data, taking action, and embedding intelligence directly into enterprise workflows.
 

The The Great Asia AI Summit 2026 also featured leading academic and industry thinkers, including Michael Wooldridge, Ashall Professor of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford; Sangeet Paul Choudary, Author – Reshuffle, Senior Fellow, Univ. of California Berkeley; and Prof. Saurabh Amin, The Edmund K. Turner Professor at MIT and Co-Director of the MIT Operations Research Center, who offered perspectives on the evolving role of autonomous systems, governance, and human oversight in enterprise AI adoption.
 

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO of Salesforce – South Asia said, “South Asia sits at a unique inflection point—where scale, digital ambition, and a strong talent base converge. As enterprises across the region adopt more autonomous AI systems, the opportunity is not just efficiency, but augmentation—empowering people with intelligent enterprise agents that enhance decision-making and execution. Trust, governance, and human oversight will define who scales responsibly, and GAAIS 2026 reflects the region’s readiness to move from experimentation to enterprise-wide impact.”
 

Jayant Madhukar Dabholkar, Chief – D&IT (Renewables & B2C PLA), The Tata Power Company Limited, said, “As AI becomes more deeply embedded in enterprise operations, the priority must be on driving real outcomes and generating business value by augmenting human decision-making with intelligent systems that are secure, governed, and scalable. These themes came across strongly in the discussions at the Great Asia AI Summit.”
 

Siew Chiun Tan, Head of Platforms & Digital UX, Singlife, said, “The conversations at the Great Asia AI Summit highlighted how enterprise agents are moving AI from experimentation to execution. For organisations like ours, the real value lies in augmenting teams with intelligent systems that can act across data, while remaining grounded in trust, governance, and human oversight.”
 

A central focus of the summit was how enterprises across Asia are transitioning from isolated AI pilots to scalable, trusted, and governed AI-driven operating models. Sessions highlighted the shift from manual and rule-based processes to self-optimizing, intelligent workflows, alongside discussions on trust, security, governance, and responsible deployment as autonomous systems assume a greater role in decision-making and execution.
 

The summit featured deep dives into Agentforce 360, alongside showcases from select startups from the Salesforce Startup Program building AI solutions. Beyond technology, GAAIS 2026 also offered practical frameworks to help organizations advance their AI maturity, with guidance on data readiness, governance, and change management to operationalize AI at scale.
 

For more information, visit: www.salesforce.com/in/events/gaais-2026
 

*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, unveiled its latest brand campaign, which is built on a powerful insight that as parents it is important to pass on the right values to children, as they also prepare for their child’s financial future. The campaign brings together an interesting and emotive narrative highlighting the indispensable role parents play in shaping the future generation.

Build a legacy of values and financial security

Rising costs and evolving dreams have made planning for the future more important than ever, especially for parents. The campaign reinstates HDFC Life’s commitment to standing by families as they insure with confidence, and empowering them secure their dreams without any compromise. With a universal messaging featuring a family and their journey of pride, the campaign aims to connect with audiences across all segments.

A legacy of Values & Financial Security!

Click here to watch the campaign link: www.youtu.be/kguKJfB4eIc

Commenting on the campaign, Pritika Shah, Head – Marketing, HDFC Life, said, “Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s future, both emotionally and financially. In today’s world, children are over exposed to several forms of content which may, sometimes, also impact their habits and mindsets in a not-so-desirable manner. With our latest campaign, we at HDFC Life are highlighting the key role parents play in influencing their children with the right values and mindset.” She added, “We believe that when families are financially prepared they are empowered to live with dignity, self-respect and pride; and pass on the legacy of values and financial security to the next generation.”

“Our film brings to life a very poignant insight – often children are easily embarrassed by their parents and their choices, only to recognise the true value of their actions later in life. We hope our film resonates with all parents who want to bring up their children with the right set of values”, said, Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer, Leo – South Asia.

The campaign is currently live across multiple high-visibility media platforms – across 70+ TV channels in nine languages – supported by a strong digital presence spanning social media platforms.

Further, it has also been amplified with Print ads across major business publications, along with robust pan India Outdoor campaign spanning 60+ cities.

About HDFC Life 
Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 70 products (individual and group products) including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs. HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touchpoints through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 500, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants. For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the most common heart conditions seen in India today. According to Dr Anand R Shenoy, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore, CAD develops when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed due to the buildup of fatty deposits, reducing oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. If left untreated, CAD can lead to chest pain, breathlessness, heart attacks, and long-term complications affecting quality of life.

Dr Anand R Shenoy, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore

Early diagnosis and timely treatment play a critical role in managing CAD. Along with medications and lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures have become an important part of modern cardiac care. One such advancement is the use of Drug-Eluting Stents (DES), widely used during angioplasty procedures.

A Drug-Eluting Stent is a small, mesh-like device placed inside a narrowed coronary artery to restore blood flow. What distinguishes DES is its ability to release a controlled amount of medication directly at the treatment site. This helps regulate the body’s healing response inside the artery and supports long-term vessel patency during recovery.

In clinical practice, DES are used across a broad range of patients, including those with diabetes, multiple blockages, or complex coronary anatomy. Their use reflects a shift toward targeted, evidence-based solutions that address both the blockage and the biological response of the artery after treatment.

For patients, angioplasty with DES is generally associated with quicker symptom relief and shorter hospital stays when followed by prescribed medical therapy. However, it is important to understand that a stent is not a standalone solution. Long-term heart health depends on regular medication, healthy eating, physical activity, and control of risk factors such as blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

As awareness around heart disease grows, understanding available treatment options empowers patients to participate actively in their care. Drug-Eluting Stents represent a well-established technology that continues to support effective and responsible management of Coronary Artery Disease.

India’s fitness icon, Milind Soman, has announced a landmark Hill Highway Run in Kerala, scheduled for February 22, 2026. This 22-kilometer run will showcase the once-impenetrable terrains of the Western Ghats, now transformed into a world-class corridor of connectivity.

Milind Soman to run Kerala’s Hill Highway on February 22nd

The run will take place on the Kuttikkanam – Kattappana stretch of the Idukki Hill Highway. Built by the Government of Kerala and funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) at an approximate cost of Rs. 134.4 Crore, this segment is a masterclass in modern construction. Once a rugged ghat road, its transformation into a high-standard highway is a highly acclaimed achievement of the current Government under Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” is a land of vivid geography—from backwaters to the towering Western Ghats. The Hill Highway was built with the dual purpose of promoting hill tourism and providing vital connectivity for high-range residents to the mainland. The Hill Highway Run aims to focus global attention on this infrastructure development, offering stunning views of tea estates, dense forests, and lush valleys.

The announcement video ‘Ennal Vaa..’ which means – “Come, Then…” by Milind has gone viral, captivating the global Malayali diaspora and sparking a wave of pride worldwide. For Milind, the sight of these roads winding through the mist-laden peaks of Idukki was a moment of pure excitement.

“When I saw those reels of the Idukki Hill Highway, the first thing that came to mind was a ‘Wah!’ The roads looked so smooth and fluid that the tune ‘Hawa Ke Saath Saath’ just started playing in my head—it’s that exact feeling of gliding with the wind. ‘Ennal Vaa’ is like calling out to a friend to come and share the journey with you. It’s pure Kerala hospitality,” said Milind.

Joining the movement is Dr. K.M. Abraham (Retd. IAS), CEO of KIIFB and a seasoned endurance athlete who has completed the prestigious London and Mumbai Marathons. He noted that the Hill Highway is designed as a lifestyle asset for the state.

“At KIIFB, we are building infrastructure that elevates the quality of life. The 1,332-kilometer Hill Highway, stretching from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, is a testament to sustainable engineering. By using advanced and eco-friendly FDR (Full Depth Reclamation) technology, KIIFB has ensured that these roads are not just built to last, but are also resilient enough to withstand the toughest natural challenges,” Dr. Abraham stated.

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is the principal financial arm of the Government of Kerala, established to mobilize funds for large-scale, critical infrastructure. To date, KIIFB has undertaken over 1,200 projects with a total investment value of Rs. 1.10 Lakh Crore, fundamentally transforming the state’s infrastructure landscape.

Registration and Event Details: A diverse group of marathon enthusiasts, sports councils, and professional athletes from across the country are set to join Milind Soman for the run, which will be flagged off at 7:00 AM on February 22. Interested participants can register through the official KIIFB website at gis.kiifb.org/hhr/index.php or via the KIIFB WhatsApp Bot (+91 9072000430).

KIIFB’s Official Website Link: www.kiifb.org.

Taking a giant leap in the global space-science research, the students of Chandigarh University have been designated as NASA Citizen Scientists under the internationally renowned International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), a prestigious citizen-science initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently.

Chandigarh University Students along with University Officials after receiving NASA Citizen Scientists certificates; initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

In a remarkable achievement that marks a defining milestone in Chandigarh University’s space-science journey, showcasing their exceptional dedication, analytical skills and scientific temper as many as 18 students from Chandigarh University Astronomy Club have been officially recognized and certified as NASA Citizen Scientists. Out of 26 participating students, two teams earned this global distinction for their verified scientific contributions to international asteroid-monitoring efforts.

As part of an intensive 45-day programme under the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), the students engaged in rigorous deep-space data analysis using advanced astronomical tools and techniques. Demonstrating exceptional precision and scientific acumen, their sustained efforts culminated in the discovery of two new asteroids, provisionally designated ‘DIV/1111’ and ‘ANC/0505’, marking a remarkable achievement in student-led space-science research. These teams engaged with the provided datasets, analyzed images using Astrometric, a specialized software used to detect and measure asteroids and other moving celestial objects from telescope images and submitted reports as per IASC guidelines. The students at Chandigarh University who earned recognition as NASA Citizen Scientists comprise 15 from the Aerospace Engineering stream, two from the Science and one from the Computer Science Engineering stream.

It is pertinent to mention that the prestigious NASA Citizen Scientist recognition has been awarded in recognition of these students’ successful contributions made to the observation and analysis of near-Earth objects and Main Belt asteroids using real astronomical datasets generated by Pan-STARRS (Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System) which is one of the world’s most advanced sky-survey telescope systems supported by NASA. Their work involved analyzing high-resolution telescope images, identifying moving celestial objects and submitting precise measurements that contribute to global asteroid tracking and planetary-defense research.

Achieving NASA Citizen Scientist recognition signifies that the students’ findings met international scientific standards and were officially recognized under NASA-supported citizen-science initiatives, this recognition places them among a select group of the global space science community that has made significant contributions to the real-world space observation and astronomical discovery.

Elated over the marvelous achievement of Chandigarh University students, Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University while congratulating the students said, “This marvelous accomplishment is indeed a proud moment not only for Chandigarh University but also for India’s expanding footprint in global space-science research. This achievement enhances Chandigarh University’s reputation as a hub for STEM excellence and space-science research that empowers students to work with authentic scientific data, advanced analytical tools and international research standards. By enabling our students to contribute meaningfully to the planetary-defense efforts and asteroid research which are critical fields for future deep-space exploration, Chandigarh University has further strengthened its position as a hub of innovation, scientific discovery and global academic excellence.”

“The recognition of 18 students as NASA Citizen Scientists stands as a powerful inspiration for aspiring researchers and young science enthusiasts across the country. It highlights how dedication, mentorship and hands-on scientific exposure can enable students to achieve global recognition while they are still in academia. Chandigarh University remains committed to expanding opportunities in astronomy, space science, and emerging technologies, ensuring that its students continue to make meaningful contributions to global scientific discovery and reinforce India’s presence in the evolving frontier of space-science research,” added Sandhu.

Notably, the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC) is a global astronomical citizen-science program affiliated with NASA, providing students and amateur astronomers worldwide with real telescope datasets to analyze and identify moving celestial objects such as asteroids. Through this initiative, participants gain hands-on experience with professional astronomical tools and authentic scientific data, contributing meaningfully to international asteroid-monitoring and planetary-defense efforts. The students whose analyses meet global scientific standards are formally recognized as NASA Citizen Scientists for their verified contributions.

About Chandigarh University

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

Website: www.cuchd.in.

This Valentine’s Day, Carysil shifts the spotlight from grand gestures to the kind of love that appears in everyday moments: unplanned, imperfect, but deeply sincere. Through its latest Valentine’s Day campaign film featuring Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey, the brand brings alive the idea that intention matters more than perfection.

Carysil’s Valentine’s Day campaign film celebrates imperfect but intentional love, highlighting intuitive, tech-enabled kitchen appliances built with German engineering

Video Link: www.instagram.com/reel/DUf9WPugR2P/?igsh=MWhnMnBlZWtvZWVmdA==

At the heart of the campaign lies a moment of improvisation. Forgotten plans transform into heartfelt action, and the kitchen becomes a space of possibility rather than pressure. As the narrative unfolds, Chunky steps into the kitchen as a confident decision-maker, redefining traditional roles and expectations. The result is a warm, lived-in story that feels intimate and relatable rather than staged.

The film reflects Carysil’s larger belief that modern kitchen appliances should feel instinctive and welcoming. When technology is designed with empathy, it does not demand expertise; it simply responds. This ease enables genuine connection to unfold naturally, allowing the kitchen to become a space defined by comfort.

“Carysil kitchen appliances are tech-enabled spaces where anyone can take control with confidence,” says Rhea Parekh, VP, International Marketing – Carysil. “With this campaign, we wanted to move away from outdated notions of who belongs in the kitchen. Mastery doesn’t come from tradition or instruction. It comes from intuitive design. Our German-engineered appliances are built to feel effortless. When technology removes friction, confidence follows naturally. By placing men confidently at the centre of everyday kitchen moments – not as helpers, but as decision-makers – we’re reframing the kitchen as a space defined by skill enabled by technology, not by gender.”

By featuring Chunky and Bhavana Pandey’s decades-long relationship, the campaign brings authenticity to the narrative, adding emotional credibility to its message. Their chemistry feels less like performance and more like a genuine partnership, supported quietly by appliances designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life.

The campaign film has been rolled out across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, reinforcing Carysil’s core belief that easy, tech-enabled kitchens are made for everyone. More than a seasonal message, the campaign positions the kitchen as a space where intention, comfort, and confidence coexist – long after Valentine’s Day has passed.

Established in 1987, Carysil is Asia’s premier quartz kitchen sink manufacturer and the world’s fourth-largest producer of quartz sinks. Headquartered in India and present in 55+ countries, the company combines German engineering with innovation and craftsmanship to offer premium sinks, faucets, and built-in kitchen appliances. With subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, and the UAE, Carysil continues to advance modern kitchen solutions globally. | www.carysil.com.

In a heartfelt gesture towards community welfare, NR Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, has donated 14 three-seater metal sofa sets to the District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure dignity and comfort for patients and their families.

NR Foundation donates 14 three-seater metal sofa sets to the District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru, enhancing patient comfort and supporting community healthcare

The donation was formally handed over in the presence of District Surgeon, Dr. Sathish N. V, Resident Medical Officer Dr. Hariprasadh J. and NR Foundation Chairman Sri R. Guru. The support comes in response to a requisition from the Office of the District Surgeon, which highlighted the urgent need for seating arrangements in outpatient departments and wards. With hundreds of patients and relatives visiting the hospital daily, the availability of proper seating is critical to easing their experience during long waiting hours.

“At NR Foundation, we believe that true service lies in addressing the everyday needs of people with dignity and compassion. Healthcare is not only about medicines and treatment, it is also about the environment in which patients and their families spend their time. By providing these metal sofa sets, we hope to ease their experience, offer comfort during difficult moments, and reinforce our commitment to community welfare. This initiative is a small step in our larger vision of supporting healthcare and uplifting lives across Mysuru and beyond,” Sri R. Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. R Guru and NR Foundation for their generous support. The support of 14 three-seater metal sofa sets will greatly improve the comfort and dignity of our patients and their families, especially those who spend long hours waiting in the OPD and wards. Such contributions directly strengthen public healthcare facilities and reflect the compassion and commitment of the Foundation towards community welfare,” Dr. Sathish N. V, District Surgeon, District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru

This initiative builds on NR Foundation’s long-standing support for healthcare, including its critical contributions during the pandemic. At that time, the Foundation provided cots to the District Hospital, along with sanitizers and face masks, supporting both the community and the district administration in their fight against COVID-19. These efforts underscored NR Foundation’s commitment to standing by society during times of crisis.

Today, through the support of medal sofa sets, NR Foundation continues to reinforce its belief that small, thoughtful interventions can create meaningful change. The Foundation remains dedicated to healthcare, education, women empowerment, and skill development, ensuring that its legacy of compassion and service touches lives across Mysuru and beyond.

About NR Foundation

NR Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, the makers of Cycle Pure Agarbathi. Guided by the values of compassion, community service, and sustainability, the Foundation is dedicated to creating meaningful impact across healthcare, education, women empowerment, and skill development. Over the years, NR Foundation has supported initiatives ranging from rural healthcare camps and livelihood programs to educational scholarships and cultural preservation projects. Rooted in Mysuru yet reaching communities across India, NR Foundation continues to uphold the Group’s legacy of service by fostering dignity, opportunity, and long-term social transformation.

Bajaj Finance Limited, one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), continues to offer instant personal loans with quick and hassle-free approvals, enabling customers to apply for personal loan quickly and conveniently through its advanced digital platform. This efficient lending experience reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to simplifying access to credit through technology-driven financial solutions.

Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan

With rising financial requirements driven by changing lifestyles, emergency expenses, education needs, and travel plans, customers increasingly seek faster and more convenient funding options. Bajaj Finance addresses this demand by offering a seamless, digital loan journey that ensures quick approvals, minimal documentation, and quick disbursal, all through a secure and user-friendly interface.

Fast and convenient loan application process
The approval process is supported by advanced analytics and verification tools. These capabilities enable customers to apply for personal loan online and receive quick eligibility decisions, eliminating long processing delays.

By simplifying the borrowing experience, Bajaj Finance ensures that customers can manage urgent financial requirements without procedural hurdles or extended waiting periods.

Personal loan app for seamless access
Customers can access instant personal loan services through the personal loan app, which offers a smooth and integrated borrowing experience. The app allows users to explore personalised loan offers, check eligibility, submit applications, and manage repayments from a single digital platform.

Designed with simplicity and ease of navigation in mind, the app enables applicants to complete the entire loan process within minutes. The platform also provides access to EMI calculators, repayment schedules, and account management tools, ensuring transparency and convenience throughout the loan lifecycle.

Key features of Bajaj Finserv Personal Loans
Bajaj Finserv Personal Loans come with a range of customer-focused features that support affordability, flexibility, and ease of access:

• Loan amounts starting from Rs. 40,000 and extending up to Rs. 55 lakh, subject to eligibility

• Flexible repayment tenures ranging from 12 months to 96 months

• Competitive interest rates designed to suit diverse borrower profiles

• Minimal documentation requirements

• Quick disbursal directly to the customer’s registered bank account

These features enable individuals to apply for personal loan confidently, ensuring that financial support is both timely and convenient.

Designed to address diverse financial needs
The instant personal loan offering is structured to cater to a broad spectrum of financial requirements. Customers can use the funds for medical treatments, higher education, wedding planning, travel expenses, home renovation, lifestyle upgrades, or debt consolidation.

By offering flexible loan amounts and repayment options, Bajaj Finance allows customers to select EMI plans that align with their income flow and financial goals. This approach encourages responsible borrowing while providing the flexibility needed to manage both planned and unexpected expenses effectively.

Simple process to apply for personal loan online
The digital process to apply for personal loan through Bajaj Finance is designed to be straightforward and efficient:

• To get started, the applicant can visit the Personal Loan page on the Bajaj Finserv website and click on ‘APPLY’.

• They will need to enter their 10-digit mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to their phone.

• Next, they can fill in the application form with basic details related to their loan requirement.

• After that, they can click on ‘PROCEED’ to move to the loan selection page.

• Here, they can enter the loan amount they need and choose from the available personal loan variants.

• They can then select a comfortable repayment tenure, ranging from 12 months to 96 months, and click on ‘PROCEED’.

• Finally, they need to complete the KYC process and submit the application online.

This streamlined journey eliminates the need for branch visits, lengthy documentation, or complex procedures, offering a hassle-free borrowing experience.

Enabling financial planning and stability
Instant personal loans also support better financial planning by providing predictable repayment schedules and flexible tenures. Customers can structure their EMIs to align with monthly budgets, helping them maintain financial discipline while meeting personal and professional goals.

By offering quick access to credit combined with flexible repayment options, Bajaj Finance helps individuals manage short-term cash flow gaps and long-term financial commitments with greater confidence.

*Terms and conditions apply

About Bajaj Finance Limited
Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

The excitement continued on Day 2 of the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026 as global policymakers, industry leaders, economists and entrepreneurs convened to decode the next phase of global and Indian growth amid disruption, technological transformation and shifting geopolitics.

The day opened with a welcome address by Y Rama Rao, Senior Managing Director and CEO, Spark Capital, who set the tone for conversations on capital, confidence and long-term growth. This was followed by a special address by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, who highlighted India’s digital and infrastructure ambitions and the role of technology in shaping a future-ready economy. In a conversation with Sajeet Manghat, Senior Executive Editor, ET NOW & ET NOW Swadesh, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, shared insights on connectivity, regional development and India’s evolving growth priorities.

He said, “India is in the middle of a digital revolution powered by data, connectivity and homegrown technology. With over 900 million broadband users and some of the lowest data costs globally, digital platforms like UPI and ONDC are driving nationwide economic participation. India has built its own 4G stack, achieved one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts, and is now shaping global 6G standards through the Bharat 6G Alliance. Our goal is clear- to turn the digital divide into a digital dividend and position India as a global leader in next-generation telecom and digital infrastructure.”

A key highlight of the day was the focus on Ease of Doing Business 3.0, with discussions centred on how Maharashtra can accelerate its journey towards a $1 trillion state economy. Industry leaders, including Rahul Guha, Managing Director and CEO, API Holdings, Sandeep Varaganti, CEO, JioMart (Reliance Retail), discussed the progress made in government access and time-bound approvals, while flagging persistent challenges such as land availability, zoning clarity and overlapping compliances, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Deependra Singh Khuswah, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries) and Chairman, MAITRI, outlined the state’s reforms aimed at shifting from a regulator-led approach to a facilitator-driven model, with a focus on single-window clearances, digitized approvals and lifecycle-based policy design to improve speed, certainty and enterprise confidence.

Urbanisation and the future of cities emerged as another central theme, with global leaders calling for a shift from reactive urban management to predictive and people-centred governance. Dr Debolina Kundu, Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, cited UN World Urbanization Prospects 2025 data, noting that more than 81% of the global population is now urban under revised methodologies. She highlighted that Asia and Africa will drive future urban growth, with New Delhi projected to overtake Tokyo as the world’s largest urban agglomeration by 2030. At the same time, more than 3,000 cities globally have experienced population decline, including a significant share in India, underscoring the need to manage both expansion and contraction.

Prof. Jung-hoon (John) Lee, Former Honorary Mayor of Seoul and Professor at Yonsei University, discussed Seoul’s transition from a technology-driven smart city model to a people-centric approach, leveraging AI-based predictive governance and integrated data systems. Madam Norliza Hashim, CEO, Urbanice Malaysia, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia, outlined Malaysia’s National Urbanization Policy and sustainable cities framework, highlighting the integration of climate, sustainability and governance frameworks across urban centres.

Private sector leaders shared insights on sustainability and technology-led urban infrastructure. K. Ganesh, Director, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, highlighted initiatives such as groundwater restoration and urban water programs across multiple cities. Dr Nilesh Purey, Chief Technology Officer, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), showcased GIFT City’s integrated infrastructure model, including district cooling, automated waste systems, zero water discharge, green cover initiatives, IoT-enabled infrastructure and AI-based citizen services, positioning it as a blueprint for future smart cities.

Artificial intelligence and innovation formed a major pillar of Day 2 discussions, with industry leaders examining AI’s transformative impact on enterprises and society. A panel on AI and innovation explored how AI is reshaping productivity across insurance, healthcare, agriculture and supply chains, enabling faster claims processing, personalised healthcare and improved crop predictions. Panelists highlighted challenges such as limited primary data in agriculture and high data processing costs, while emphasising that AI should complement human judgement rather than replace it. Speakers also discussed the rapid evolution of AI systems and the need for robust governance frameworks as AI moves closer to human-like intelligence.

Cultural and business conversations also added a distinct perspective to the summit. Actor Abhishek Bachchan highlighted the importance of authenticity in brand endorsements, noting that he only associates with products he genuinely believes in and personally uses. He also reflected on India’s shift from “Make in India” to “Built for India,” underscoring the growing focus on innovation and trust in homegrown products.

Day 2 of the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026 highlighted a convergence of policy, technology and urban transformation narratives. From accelerating regulatory reforms and building trillion-dollar state economies to designing future-ready cities and embedding responsibility into AI systems, the summit reinforced the need for predictive governance, digital infrastructure and human-centric innovation as India and the world navigate a decade of disruption and a century of change.