Key Takeaways -RBI has listed six SGB series eligible for premature redemption in August 2026 after the mandatory five-year lock-in.Investors must submit redemption requests within the specified application window to avoid missing the opportunity.Redemption value is based on the average IBJA 999 purity gold prices over the three business days before redemption.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) series that qualifies for premature redemption in August 2026. This update covers six bond series that have completed the mandatory five-year lock-in period. Investors who hold these eligible bonds can choose early redemption instead of waiting for the full eight-year tenure. The announcement gives clear dates for redemption and the last dates to submit requests. The latest calendar helps investors plan the next step and avoid missing the application window.Six SGB Series Qualify for RedemptionThe August 2026 calendar includes six Sovereign Gold Bond series. These bonds belong to different issue years between 2018-19 and 2021-22.The first eligible bond is SGB 2020-21 Series XI, with a redemption date of 7 August 2026. The request window opened on 9 July 2026 and closed on 28 July 2026.The second eligible bond is SGB 2019-20 Series IX, with a redemption date of 11 August 2026. Investors had time to submit requests from 10 July 2026 to 1 August 2026.The third eligible bond is SGB 2020-21 Series V, which also carries a redemption date of 11 August 2026. The application period remains the same, from 10 July 2026 to 1 August 2026.The fourth eligible bond is SGB 2018-19 Series VI. RBI has fixed 12 August 2026 as the redemption date. The request window started on 10 July 2026 and ended on 3 August 2026.The fifth bond is SGB 2019-20 Series III. RBI has scheduled redemption on 14 August 2026. Investors can place requests from 14 July 2026 to 4 August 2026.The final bond on the list is SGB 2021-22 Series V, with a redemption date of 17 August 2026. The request window runs from 17 July 2026 to 7 August 2026.Five-Year Rule Remains ImportantEvery Sovereign Gold Bond comes with an eight-year maturity period. Still, RBI allows premature redemption after five years. This option becomes available only on the interest payment dates fixed for each series.Only bondholders who complete the mandatory five-year period can use this facility. RBI announces separate redemption schedules every month for eligible series. The August calendar marks another step in this process and gives investors a chance to exit before the final maturity date.Also Read - Gold Investment Taxation: Sovereign Gold Bonds vs Jewellery, Gold ETFRBI Sets the Redemption PriceThe redemption value does not remain fixed. RBI calculates the final price through a standard formula linked to the market value of gold.The central bank takes the simple average of the closing price of 999 purity gold during the previous three business days before the redemption date. RBI uses the official gold prices published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) for this calculation. This method keeps the redemption value in line with the prevailing market rate.Redemption Request Needs Timely ActionEligible investors must submit redemption requests within the prescribed window. Banks, post offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), and authorised stockbrokers accept these applications, depending on the place of purchase.The application window holds equal importance as the redemption date. A missed deadline closes the current opportunity for early exit. In such cases, investors must wait until the next eligible redemption date or continue with the investment until the bond reaches full maturity.After RBI completes the redemption process, the redemption amount reaches the registered bank account linked with the investment.Larger Redemption Schedule Covers 33 TranchesThe August calendar forms part of a much larger redemption schedule released by RBI for the first half of the financial year. Between April and September 2026, a total of 33 Sovereign Gold Bond tranches qualify for premature redemption.This schedule allows investors across different bond series to plan their investments well in advance. It also offers enough time to complete paperwork before the closing date for each series.Gold Prices Keep Investors FocusedStrong gold prices have kept Sovereign Gold Bonds in the spotlight. Many investors now compare the benefit of early redemption with the option of holding the bonds until maturity.Apart from the market-linked value of gold, Sovereign Gold Bonds also provide 2.5% annual interest on the original investment amount. This feature adds another factor to the redemption decision.Fresh Sovereign Gold Bond issues have not entered the market after February 2024. Existing bond series now attract greater attention among investors who seek sovereign-backed exposure to gold. The latest RBI redemption calendar arrives at a time when many investors continue to track gold prices and review long-term investment plans.The latest RBI redemption calendar helps eligible Sovereign Gold Bond holders plan their investments with clarity. It provides fixed redemption dates and application windows, which helps investors avoid missed deadlines. The update also arrives at a time when gold prices remain strong, making early redemption an important financial decision for many bondholders.Why This MattersAlso Read - What's Driving the Latest Gold Price Decline?August Calendar Gives Clear GuidanceThe August 2026 redemption calendar gives eligible investors a complete roadmap for early exit. RBI has identified six bond series, fixed individual redemption dates, and announced separate application windows for each one. Investors who hold these eligible bonds now have a clear opportunity to redeem investments after the mandatory five-year period. Timely submission of redemption requests remains essential for anyone who plans to use this facility during August 2026.FAQs1. Which SGB series are eligible for premature redemption in August 2026?Six series qualify: SGB 2020-21 Series XI, SGB 2019-20 Series IX, SGB 2020-21 Series V, SGB 2018-19 Series VI, SGB 2019-20 Series III, and SGB 2021-22 Series V.2. When can investors redeem Sovereign Gold Bonds before maturity?Premature redemption is allowed after completing five years from the issue date, only on the designated interest payment dates.3. How is the redemption price determined?RBI calculates it using the simple average of the closing prices of 999 purity gold for the previous three business days, based on IBJA rates.4. Where can investors submit redemption requests?Requests can be submitted through the bank, post office, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), or authorised stockbroker from where the bonds were purchased.5. What happens if the application deadline is missed?Investors cannot redeem during the current window and must wait for the next eligible redemption date or hold the bond until its eight-year maturityJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

US spot crypto ETFs recorded fresh demand on August 4, with Bitcoin and Ether products posting net inflows. Bitcoin funds attracted $211.49 million, while Ethereum ETFs added $53.75 million.Bitcoin traded near $64,043, up 0.57% over 24 hours. Stronger ETF demand and short liquidations added buying pressure above $64,000. Bitcoin accounted for the larger share of combined ETF demand.Bitcoin ETFs Extend InflowsAccording to SoSoValue data, Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $211.49 million in net inflows on August 4. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led the group with $111.4 million. The two-day inflow period reversed the $265.37 million outflow recorded on July 31. Bitcoin funds previously lost 4,217 BTC during that session.The change marked a return of capital after a single withdrawal period. However, daily ETF flows can shift as institutions adjust positions or complete fund transactions. BlackRock’s IBIT provides Bitcoin exposure through exchange-traded shares. Investors can access Bitcoin through brokerage accounts without managing private keys or direct custody.Authorized participants create and redeem ETF shares based on market demand. These transactions can reflect institutional buying, arbitrage activity, or portfolio adjustments.Moreover, the SEC approved in-kind creations and redemptions for crypto exchange-traded products in July 2025. Qualifying institutions can exchange underlying assets directly for fund shares.Ethereum ETFs Reverse Outflow TrendEthereum spot ETFs recorded $53.75 million in net inflows on August 4. The figure reversed the $11.42 million outflow reported on August 3. Cumulative net inflows across US Ethereum spot ETFs reached $11.25 billion. Total net assets increased to $10.32 billion during the session.The asset total rose from $10.23 billion on August 3. Trading volume reached $387.96 million on August 4, compared with $519.88 million during the previous session.Ethereum products recorded withdrawals on August 3 while Bitcoin ETFs attracted $170.09 million. The August 4 figures showed renewed demand across both major crypto ETF categories.Fees, liquidity levels and portfolio rules can influence daily allocations. Fund creations can also reflect arbitrage activity instead of direct retail purchases.XRP products attracted $1.15 million on August 3, while HYPE funds recorded withdrawals of around $964,320. Other products covering Solana, Chainlink, BNB, Avalanche, Polkadot, Dogecoin, and Litecoin posted positive token flows.Bitcoin Faces $64,300 ResistanceBitcoin’s move above $64,000 triggered $27.36 million in short liquidations during the reported 24-hour period. Short positions represented about 83% of all Bitcoin liquidations.Forced closures required traders to buy Bitcoin to exit bearish positions. That activity added momentum during the recovery.Bitcoin faces resistance near $64,300. A confirmed four-hour close above that level could open a path toward $64,757 and $65,500.The first support area sits near $63,933. A rejection from resistance could send Bitcoin toward the $62,000 to $63,000 zone.Bitcoin also maintained an 84% correlation with the S&P 500, keeping the asset connected with broader market movements.Investors will monitor upcoming ETF flow reports for changes in institutional demand. Fund-level creation data can provide further information on allocation trends across crypto investment products.Also Read: Bitcoin Price Analysis: Will BTC Recover to $63K Despite ETF Outflows? Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper-stage rocket crashed into the Moon after drifting through space for more than 18 months, marking one of the few known accidental impacts of human-made space debris on the lunar surface. The 4,000-kilogram rocket stage, originally launched in January 2025 to deploy Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience lunar landers, struck the Moon at an estimated speed of 8,690 km/h (5,400 mph). Scientists believe the impact created a crater measuring roughly 20 to 40 metres across, although confirmation is expected only after orbital imagery becomes available.How the Falcon 9 Ended Up on a Collision CourseUnlike the reusable first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, the upper stage is designed for a single mission. After successfully sending the two lunar landers toward the Moon, the stage exhausted its fuel and could not perform a controlled disposal manoeuvre. Instead of returning to Earth or entering a stable solar orbit, it remained in a high-Earth orbit that crossed the Moon's path. Over time, a combination of solar radiation pressure and gravitational forces from the Earth and Moon gradually altered its trajectory, ultimately sending it toward the lunar surface. SpaceX has said the disposal method complied with existing safety regulations for high-energy missions but acknowledged that future disposal strategies are being evaluated with NASA and other agencies.Scientists See a Rare Research OpportunityThough the result was an unexpected one, the researchers see a great chance for learning about the surface of the Moon and future space missions planning. There is believed to be a plume of dust and rock particles produced by the collision, which will be of help to the researchers to learn more about the physical processes, craters formation, and interaction between man-made objects and the Moon's surface.As the collision took place on the illuminated part of the Moon near the Einstein Crater area, observing the event from the Earth was not easy. However, the satellites, such as NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea's Danuri, should take images both before and after the event to detect the created crater.Also Read: SpaceX Stock Hits Record Low Despite Successful Starship Test FlightGrowing Focus on Space Debris This incident has triggered a debate on how to handle space debris in view of the growing number of lunar expeditions. Apart from rocket stages that have impacted the Moon in the past, including the recent one which occurred in 2022 and NASA experiments conducted during the Apollo missions, the growing number of commercial and governmental lunar missions poses new challenges with regards to orbital sustainability.There are already efforts by space organizations and private firms to find better ways of dealing with space debris of high energy missions to ensure that no abandoned spacecraft becomes a hazard. The Falcon 9 crash is proof that mission planning needs to take into account issues related to deep space travel.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

The cryptocurrency market is closely watching developments in the foreign exchange market following the actions of the United States and Japan to support the Japanese yen, marking the first foreign exchange intervention since 1998. The move is primarily designed to help stabilize the yen; analysts believe it may affect global liquidity, investor appetite for risk, and ultimately, Bitcoin's price.According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US participated in a coordinated intervention with Japan to counter ‘disorderly yen movements.’ He added, “We will not hesitate to participate in further joint intervention,” while expressing support for Japan's efforts to address the yen's weakness.Yen’s Impact on BitcoinThe intervention comes as the USD/JPY exchange rate had fallen to 164, its lowest spot since 1986, before it bounced back to around 156.5 after the coordinated moves. Traditionally, the authorities support the yen by buying yen and selling USD, so the yen value gets pushed higher and the USD/JPY exchange rate declines.What happens for Bitcoin really depends on how much the yen is depreciating. If the yen rises steadily, it could weaken the dollar, improve overall liquidity, and help risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. However, a sharp rise carries another risk.In 2014, Bitcoin fell from approximately $62,000 down to $49,000 within a week after a sudden Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike. That triggered an immediate unwind of the widely used yen carry trade as leveraged investors liquidated their risk exposure to cover yen-denominated borrowing.Also Read: Japan and US Launch Rare Joint Intervention as Yen Volatility WorsensMarkets Monitor Liquidity and Technical LevelsDespite renewed concerns, BTC has shown greater resilience during recent periods of macroeconomic uncertainty. During the Q2 2025 tariff-driven market volatility, investors shifted heavily toward gold, pushing the XAU/BTC ratio up by 76%. This year, however, Bitcoin has remained relatively stable above $63,000, even as Japanese bond yields continued climbing, with the 30-year yield approaching 4%.Further down, the $60,000-$62,000 range is a significant downside liquidity zone and more long liquidations may follow if prices decline, Coinglass noted. Analysts identified the $63,500-$66,000 zone as a strong resistance band, and a move above this band could result in a short squeeze.Interestingly, recent market data challenges traditional carry-trade assumptions. Analysis shows Bitcoin's 52-week rolling correlation with USD/JPY reached -0.90, suggesting recent Bitcoin weakness has coincided with a weakening yen rather than a strengthening one. This indicates that broader US dollar strength, rather than the yen itself, may currently be exerting greater influence on Bitcoin's price.While the coordinated intervention has added a new macroeconomic variable for crypto investors, Bitcoin's next major move will likely depend on whether currency stabilization improves global liquidity or triggers another wave of risk reduction across financial markets.FAQs1. Why does the US-Japan yen intervention matter for Bitcoin?Currency intervention can influence global liquidity and investor risk appetite. A stronger yen may affect capital flows, which can indirectly impact demand for risk assets such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.2. What is the yen carry trade?The yen carry trade involves borrowing Japanese yen at low interest rates and investing in higher-yielding assets elsewhere. If the yen strengthens sharply, investors may unwind these positions, potentially triggering selling across stocks and cryptocurrencies.3. Why are traders watching the USD/JPY exchange rate?The USD/JPY pair reflects the relative strength of the US dollar and Japanese yen. Large movements in the exchange rate can signal shifts in global liquidity and monetary policy, both of which influence Bitcoin's price action.4. Which Bitcoin price levels are important right now?According to Coinglass, the $60,000-$62,000 zone remains a key support area where long liquidations could increase if prices fall further. On the upside, $63,500-$66,000 is a major resistance range that could trigger a short squeeze if broken.5. Does a stronger yen always cause Bitcoin to fall?Not necessarily. Recent data shows Bitcoin's 52-week rolling correlation with USD/JPY reached -0.90, suggesting broader US dollar strength has recently played a larger role than the yen itself. Bitcoin's reaction will depend on overall market liquidity, investor sentiment and macroeconomic conditions rather than the exchange rate alone.

India has proposed tax changes to protect offshore investment funds from Indian liabilities when they appoint local fund managers. The measures form part of the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill, 2026.The government says the rules seek ‘to promote fund management activity and provide tax certainty.’ The proposal comes as India tries to attract foreign capital after overseas outflows and rupee pressure. Investors have raised concerns about aggressive tax administration.India Eases Offshore Fund Tax RulesCurrent safe harbour rules set conditions on fund size, ownership, investor numbers, and portfolio concentration. They also limit domestic participation and links with Indian businesses. Funds that fail these tests may create a taxable Indian business connection through their local manager. Some India-sourced profits can face tax rates of up to 38%.The draft bill would remove eight of the existing 13 eligibility conditions. It would end minimum corpus tests, investor thresholds, ownership caps, and several portfolio restrictions. Funds could then appoint India-based managers without triggering tax solely through that arrangement. Fund size and investor concentration would no longer decide safe harbour access.However, the government would retain five safeguards. Indian residents could not directly hold more than 5% of a fund’s corpus on testing dates. The fund must remain non-resident and cannot control an Indian business. These limits aim to keep locally controlled structures outside the exemption.Local Managers Could Attract Offshore MandatesOffshore funds have often struggled with India’s current safe harbour rules. Many global funds use concentrated ownership structures or strategies that fail the existing tests. The proposed framework would focus on activities and control. It would also align eligibility rules for funds using India’s International Financial Services Centre.Girish Vanvari of Transaction Square said the proposal had ‘substantially reduced the risk’ of a taxable connection. The government expects the change to support domestic financial services.Nehal Sampat, a PricewaterhouseCoopers partner, said the measure would help offshore funds hire onshore managers. EY India’s Tejas Desai said the changes would offer more flexibility for global structures.Moreover, the proposal supports India’s broader effort to bring more fund management activity onshore. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in June that India needed more foreign capital.Electronics and Data Centres Receive ReliefThe bill also proposes tax measures for electronics contract manufacturing. It would extend the existing five-year exemption by ten years, taking eligible relief through 2040-41.Foreign companies supplying capital goods, equipment, or tooling to Indian electronics manufacturers could use the exemption. Certain component sales through customs-bonded areas would also qualify.Additionally, specified foreign companies trading rough diamonds in notified special zones could receive a 15-year tax holiday. Eligible firms include miners, brokers, aggregators, sightholders, and auction operators.The government also proposes simpler data centre rules. Eligible facilities could operate through ownership or leasing, matching commercial structures. The draft would remove separate central government notifications in some cases. This would reduce procedural steps for foreign companies buying eligible data centre services.Finally, the bill would replace a June ordinance for foreign portfolio investors in government securities. That measure exempted qualifying interest income and capital gains from Indian tax. The government circulated the draft among lawmakers and may introduce it in Parliament this week. The measures require parliamentary approval before taking effect.Also Read: India Records Rs. 2.11 Lakh Crore GST Collection in July Amid Strong Tax Growth Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Samantha Morton: The acclaimed actress revealed being replaced in the Oscar-winning film Her remains one of the most painful moments of her career.Her: Morton originally performed the AI voice during production before the filmmakers decided to recast the role in post-production.Scarlett Johansson: Johansson replaced Morton's voice as the operating system Samantha, earning widespread praise for the final performance in the film.Emotional Impact: Morton admitted the decision still hurts, describing the experience as deeply disappointing despite remaining professional throughout the process.Original Performance: She had already completed extensive voice work during filming before learning that another actor would ultimately replace her performance.Oscar-Winning Film: Her received critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and becoming a modern science-fiction classic.Professional Perspective: Morton acknowledged filmmaking involves difficult creative decisions, even when those choices can be personally painful for performers involved.The Odyssey Connection: Morton's recent appearance in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has renewed attention on her earlier experiences in Hollywood.Career Resilience: Despite the setback, Morton has continued building an acclaimed career with celebrated performances across film, television and independent cinema.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Apple may bring bigger screens and a new look to its 20th anniversary iPhone lineup. The iPhone 20 Pro could get a 6.4-inch display, while the iPhone 20 Pro Max may reach 7 inches. Apple could launch the models in September 2027, marking 20 years since the first iPhone arrived.The new iPhone 20 Pro models may also feature a bezel-free design with curved glass around all four edges. This design could make the screen look larger without greatly increasing the phone’s overall size. The change could also give Apple’s anniversary models a fresh look.Digital Chat Station, a well-known Chinese tipster, has shared details about the larger display. The tipster said, “An exclusive and forward-looking information shows that Apple is proving a super-large screen with a physical size of 6.96 inches and a standard size of 7 inches.”The rumored 7-inch panel would be slightly bigger than the 6.9-inch screen on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 20 Pro could also grow from the current 6.3-inch Pro model.Apple may also bring more changes to the anniversary phones. Reports suggest under-display Face ID could reduce the Dynamic Island size. Solid-state buttons could also replace regular physical buttons on the frame.Other rumored upgrades include a brighter OLED display and a new 2nm chip. Apple could also use a silicon anode battery to improve battery life without making the phone thicker.Apple has not confirmed any of these details. The final iPhone 20 Pro design and features could change before the 2027 launch.Also Read: Ultimate Prime Day Apple Deals Guide: Best Offers You Shouldn't MissJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Google is expected to launch the Pixel 11 series later this month. Ahead of the announcement, the tech-giant is teasing the book-style foldable Pro model. Recently, it shared the rear side of the models, which will come with a redesigned camera module. A fresh leak has revealed that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could arrive with a new feature called HiLight. This feature will be a notification indicator on the back, which was initially expected to be called Pixel Glow. Pixel Glow is officially called HiLight, I'd say.[image or embed]— Roland Quandt (@rquandt.bsky.social) August 4, 2026 at 3:48 AMAccording to the leak, the HiLight feature will allow users to ‘stay informed,’ even when their smartphone is lying face down. The post mentioned, “When your smartphone is face down, HiLight discreetly illuminates when your favorite contacts call you, or you chat with Gemini.” This means users may not have to open the phone every time they receive a notification. Google has not confirmed the feature yet, so the information should be treated as a leak.The Pixel 11 lineup is also expected to bring a faster Tensor chip, better AI tools, an 8-inch Super Actua Flex display, and 24-hours of battery life. Why HiLight Could Be Useful on a Foldable PhoneOne small problem with foldable phones is that users often need to unfold them just to check a new notification. This may not seem like a big issue at first, but it can become annoying after repeated use.Also Read: Google Pixel 10 Gets Massive Discount Ahead of Pixel 11 LaunchA notification light on the outside could make things much easier. Users could quickly tell if they have a call, message, or another alert without opening the phone. It may also help save battery because the main screen would not need to turn on as often. If the feature works well, it could become one of the most useful additions to the Pixel Fold series.Not every smartphone feature needs to be flashy. HiLight is still based on leaks, and Google has not confirmed anything yet. However, if it arrives with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, it could make the phone easier and more convenient to use every day.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Overview:Amazon's Great Freedom Sale 2026 opens August 7, with tablets confirmed as part of the discount lineup alongside smartphones and laptops.Model-specific tablet pricing has not been published yet, so this guide pairs confirmed sale mechanics with each model's historical pricing pattern in India to set realistic expectations.A category-by-category breakdown of where the value sits, from Samsung's S Pen tablets to budget Lenovo tablets, plus how bank offers and third-party listings change the final price.Amazon's Great Freedom Sale 2026 opens August 7, timed to India's 79th Independence Day, and tablets are already confirmed as one of the categories on offer. What is missing is a published tablet price list. Smartphone teasers are live, and bank offers are locked in, but tablet numbers are still pending.This guide pairs confirmed sale mechanics with pricing patterns from past Indian festive sales, so the best tablet deals can be judged on more than a banner percentage. The models below are the ones most likely to move once discounts go live.How tablet discounts usually work during Freedom Sale?Amazon typically stacks three layers on a tablet's base price cut: a bank instant discount, an exchange bonus for trading in an old device, and no-cost EMI on select cards. The banner percentage only reflects the first layer. Real savings show up at checkout once the other two apply, so two tablets with identical advertised discounts can land at very different final prices. Some models also pick up extra coupons or Lightning Deals later in the sale.Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and FE Plus (Best Overall)Best for: note-taking, college, and office work that needs a stylus without flagship pricing.Samsung's FE lineup should draw the widest attention this sale, combining a bundled S Pen, a large display, and a strong record of festive discounting in India. The base 8GB/128GB Tab S10 FE has previously dropped below ₹40,000 during major sale events, well under the launch price, a useful benchmark for judging a genuinely competitive Freedom Sale price. The S Pen ships in the box, both panels run at 90 Hz, and Samsung backs the line with seven years of software support, longer than most Android tablets in this range. RAM matters more than storage: 8GB handles note-taking and streaming fine, while 12GB holds up better under multitasking. The FE Plus, with its larger screen and bigger battery, fits anyone using the tablet as a laptop replacement.Samsung Galaxy Tab A series (Best Budget)Best for: students and casual users who need a large screen for reading, video calls, and light schoolwork.The Tab A line typically sees the steepest percentage cuts in the category during Indian festive sales, sitting at the entry price point already. Its processor is slower, so heavy multitasking or gaming buyers should look elsewhere on this list.Apple iPad, current and prior generation (Best Long-Term Value)Best for: buyers who want long-term software support and strong resale value over the deepest possible discount.An iPad sale is never about the size of the cut. Apple rarely discounts heavily, in India or anywhere else. The value shows up later, since iPadOS updates run years longer than most Android tablets and resale prices hold up well. Buyers already on iPhone or Mac gain more through Handoff, AirDrop, and cross-device continuity, value beyond the price tag. Anyone committed to Apple should treat any cut on the current or one-generation-old iPad as worth taking, since a deeper discount rarely comes later.OnePlus Pad 2 and Redmi Pad Pro (Best Performance and Best Budget Performance)Best for: buyers who want a faster chip or sharper display without paying for the Samsung or Apple name.The OnePlus Pad 2 leans on a flagship-class chipset, the stronger pick for gaming or video editing. The Redmi Pad Pro leans on battery life and display quality at a lower price, undercutting comparable Android tablets before any sale discount applies. Both brands cut prices aggressively during festive sales, so update commitments are worth weighing alongside specs.Lenovo Tab series (Best Entry-Level)Best for: families, students, and first-time buyers who want a large screen at the lowest entry price.Lenovo's budget lineup, including the entry Lenovo Tab and the larger Idea Tab, sells directly through Amazon India and Lenovo's own store, unlike budget brands that only reach India through global listings. The base Lenovo Tab launched at ₹10,999 for the 4GB/64GB Wi-Fi model, with a 10.1-inch display, Dolby Atmos speakers, and expandable storage. RAM and processing power are limited, suited to light everyday use rather than gaming.Also Read: Top Gaming Tablets in 2026 for Performance and Smooth GameplayWhat not to buy on discount aloneA large percentage cut is not proof of a good deal. An older tablet with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, a dated processor, or software support ending within a year or two can carry a steep discount and still be a poor purchase. Storage expands on most Android tablets, but RAM does not, making memory the bigger long-term factor.Reading the real price, not the headline discountA sale banner's percentage rarely reflects what a buyer actually pays. Amazon has confirmed a 10 percent instant discount on HDFC Bank cards and EMI transactions. Along with Amazon Pay UPI cashback and 5 percent unlimited cashback on the Amazon Pay ICICI card. Exchange bonuses stack on top where offered. Buyers hunting the best tablet deals should compare checkout price against a model's lowest recorded price over the past year, since some tablet offers on Amazon are only modest cuts from an inflated list price. Seller and warranty eligibility are worth confirming too, as third-party listings can differ from Amazon-fulfilled ones. For most buyers, 128GB balances price and longevity better than 64GB.Also Read: iPad Air vs iPad vs iPad Pro: Which Apple Tablet Should You Buy in 2026?Quick comparisonFinal ThoughtPlanning around historical pricing and total checkout cost produces better purchases than chasing the largest advertised discount. Once Amazon publishes tablet-specific pricing closer to August 7, the models above are the ones most likely to move, based on how each has been priced through past festive sales. Set a target price now, watch the bank offers, and buy against a plan rather than a countdown timer.You May Also Like:Best 4G & 5G Tablets Under Rs. 30,000 with SIM Slot in IndiaOnePlus vs Samsung 5G Tablets: Which Brand Is Better for Students?Best Affordable Android Tablets in 2026: Xiaomi Vs. Realme Vs. MotorolaFAQ1: When does the Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 start?Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 begins on August 7, 2026. Prime members may receive early access to select deals before the sale opens to all customers.2: Which tablets are expected to receive the best discounts during the sale?Samsung Galaxy Tab models, Lenovo tablets, OnePlus Pad 2, Redmi Pad Pro, and select Apple iPads are among the tablets most likely to receive discounts, bank offers, exchange bonuses, or no-cost EMI during the sale.3: Are bank offers available on tablets in Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026?Yes. Amazon has confirmed bank offers for the sale, including 10% instant discounts on eligible HDFC Bank cards and EMI transactions, along with additional benefits such as Amazon Pay cashback on select payment methods.4: How can buyers identify a genuine tablet deal during the sale?Compare the final checkout price after applying bank discounts and exchange offers with the tablet's historical sale price. Also, check the RAM, storage, software support, and warranty rather than relying solely on the advertised discount percentage.5: Is it better to buy on the first day of the Freedom Sale or wait?Many headline offers are available when the sale begins, but some tablets may receive additional coupons or limited-time promotions later in the event. Monitoring prices throughout the sale can help buyers secure a better overall deal.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing cybersecurity, and a recent experiment involving a Bitcoin hardware wallet demonstrates just how quickly AI can identify software vulnerabilities. Researchers reported that the AI model GLM 5.2 rediscovered the flaw behind the recent ColdCard wallet incident in around 20 minutes at a cost of approximately $2. While there is no evidence that cybercriminals used AI in the original theft, the experiment highlights how inexpensive AI-assisted code analysis has become.According to Dragonfly managing partner Haseeb Qureshi, the most significant takeaway was the cost. “GLM 5.2 running for 20 minutes costs about $2. So what does that mean? It means we are in a new world.”AI Is Making Security Audits Faster and CheaperTraditionally, finding vulnerabilities in cryptographic software required experienced security researchers spending days or even weeks reviewing firmware, source code, and cryptographic implementations. AI models can now perform an initial review across large codebases in a fraction of the time.According to Qureshi, researchers directed multiple AI models to inspect the affected software after the ColdCard incident had already become public. The models were reportedly not told where the vulnerability existed, yet GLM 5.2 identified the underlying weakness in roughly 20 minutes.However, rediscovering a vulnerability is not the same as carrying out an attack. Exploiting such a flaw still requires identifying affected devices, reconstructing usable private keys, locating valuable wallets, and successfully transferring funds before users or manufacturers can respond.The experiment therefore demonstrates AI's growing ability to assist security research rather than proving that AI played any role in the original theft.Also Read: Coldcard Wallet Hack Tops $100 Million Across 7,300 AddressesSecurity Teams Face a New Arms RaceThe findings also highlight a shift in how cryptocurrency security may evolve. Much of the industry's long-term focus has been on quantum computing, which could eventually threaten Bitcoin's cryptographic foundations. AI presents a more immediate challenge because it can already identify mistakes in wallet firmware, random-number generation, key management, and cryptographic implementations without breaking Bitcoin's underlying encryption.According to Qureshi, the affected users were “People who are doing all the right things.” Even users storing assets in offline hardware wallets remain dependent on the quality of the wallet's firmware and cryptographic implementation. If private keys are generated using weak randomness, keeping a device offline cannot strengthen those keys afterward.For developers, AI represents both a defensive and offensive tool. Wallet manufacturers can repeatedly scan legacy firmware as newer AI models become available, while attackers can automate vulnerability discovery across older software releases at minimal cost.The experiment underscores an important lesson for the cryptocurrency industry: security reviews can no longer be treated as one-time events. As AI models become faster, cheaper, and more capable, continuous code auditing, responsible disclosure programs, and rapid patch deployment will become essential for protecting digital assets.FAQs:1. What did the GLM 5.2 AI model accomplish?According to researchers, GLM 5.2 successfully rediscovered the software vulnerability linked to the recent ColdCard wallet incident in around 20 minutes. The exercise demonstrated AI's ability to quickly identify known security flaws at a very low cost.2. Did AI play a role in the original ColdCard theft?No. There is currently no evidence that attackers used AI during the original theft. The experiment was conducted afterward to evaluate whether a modern AI model could independently identify the same vulnerability.3. Why is the reported $2 cost significant?The low cost shows that AI-assisted vulnerability research is becoming accessible to far more developers and researchers. It also means attackers could potentially scan many software projects for weaknesses without investing significant resources.4. Can AI break Bitcoin's cryptography?No. The experiment did not demonstrate that AI can break Bitcoin's underlying cryptographic algorithms. Instead, it showed that AI can help identify implementation bugs in wallet software, firmware, and cryptographic code surrounding Bitcoin.5. How can crypto developers use AI to improve security?Developers can use AI to scan source code before release, re-audit older firmware as AI models improve, identify potential vulnerabilities faster, and support bug bounty programs. Human security experts are still required to verify findings and deploy secure fixes.

Visa is cutting 2,600 jobs worldwide as the company changes its workforce strategy around artificial intelligence. The job cuts affect about 7% of Visa’s global workforce and started on July 29. Technology and product teams face much of the impact as Visa shifts more work toward AI. India has also seen layoffs, with employees receiving unexpected emails early in the morning.Visa has more than 3,500 employees in India across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The company has not said how many Indian employees lost their jobs in the latest Visa layoffs 2026. Reports said some employees received layoff emails between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. One team reportedly lost 10 of its 28 members. Senior employees and managers also faced the Visa job cuts.Visa wants to reduce costs and move resources toward areas with stronger growth. Artificial intelligence plays an important role in this plan. CEO Ryan McInerney has also talked about agentic AI systems that can complete tasks with limited human help. The move could change how technology teams work across the company.Former Visa employee Arnab Das also shared his experience on X after the layoffs. “My entire team at Visa just got laid off, including my manager,” Das wrote. He also said his former manager had strong performance reviews and owned a product from start to finish.The Visa India layoffs add to growing concerns about AI and jobs in India’s technology sector. Other global companies have also reduced staff while investing more in AI. The trend shows that technology workers may need new skills as companies change how work gets done.Also Read: Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee Back in Court, Legal Fight Puts Tech Hiring in SpotlightJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 5: Real estate is an industry where longevity is rare and continuity rarer still. Assotech Group has now spent 40 years navigating both and its story is as much about what comes next as it is about what has already been built.The company's foundation was laid by Sanjeev Srivastva, whose early conviction was straightforward: a homebuyer's trust, once earned through delivered promises, becomes a developer's most durable asset. That principle guided Assotech Group through four decades of Indian real estate's most volatile cycles from the pre-liberalization years through demonetization, RERA's regulatory reset, the NBFC liquidity crisis, and a pandemic that tested every developer's execution capacity simultaneously. Where many built quickly and disappeared just as fast, Assotech Group built a track record of consistency, and a brand that homebuyers, channel partners, and lenders alike came to associate with reliability over rhetoric.That kind of longevity is rarely accidental. It typically comes from a founder's willingness to prioritize the slower, harder path, clear land titles, honored possession dates, transparent buyer communication over the faster wins that come from cutting corners. Over 40 years, that discipline compounded into something less tangible than any single project: a brand that lenders underwrite with confidence, and a name that channel partners are willing to sell without hesitation. In an industry where trust is the scarcest commodity, that is arguably Sanjeev Srivastva's most significant achievement not any one tower or township, but an institution durable enough to outlast its founder's own generation.That legacy is now entering its next phase. Assotech Group's leadership has expanded to include Shivani Priyam, Enakshi Priyam, Arpan Patel, and Aditya Prakash, who have taken on roles as Directors of the company. Their entry into leadership is not a symbolic handover; it reflects a deliberate broadening of the organization's decision-making bandwidth at a moment when Assotech Group is running an unusually active, multi-state growth pipeline. The next generation brings fresh perspective to brand strategy, digital-first buyer engagement, and market expansion, while continuing to operate within the execution discipline the founder built the company on. It is, in effect, a continuity story rather than a changing-of-the-guard story with the same values, applied to markets and buyer expectations the sector has never seen before.This generational transition arrives at a moment when Indian real estate itself is being reshaped by younger, more digitally fluent buyers, faster decision cycles, and heightened scrutiny of developer credibility post-RERA. A founder-led company navigating that shift needs leadership that understands both worlds — the legacy discipline that built the brand, and the newer expectations shaping how that brand needs to show up today. Assotech Group's four new Directors represent exactly that bridge, positioned to carry the company's fundamentals into markets and mediums the business hadn't previously needed to master.That expansion is already visible on the ground. Assotech Group's original stronghold in Delhi NCR anchored by long-standing developments including its presence in Ghaziabad's Crossings Republik micro-market remains the base the company continues to build on. Alongside it, the group has moved decisively into two new geographies: Jharkhand, with its Ranchi development, and Odisha, where Bhubaneswar-region projects mark the company's entry into one of eastern India's fastest-growing residential markets.The logic behind this three-state footprint is consistent with how Assotech Group has always approached growth not chasing every market simultaneously, but entering states where rising incomes, urban migration, and under-served demand for organized, RERA-compliant housing create a genuine opportunity for a developer with a 40-year delivery record to differentiate itself from newer, unproven entrants. In both Ranchi and Bhubaneswar, that opportunity is compounded by a market gap: organized players with genuine institutional credibility remain comparatively few, giving an established brand like Assotech Group a meaningful first-mover advantage over developers with no track record to point to.Forty years in, Assotech Group's brand story is no longer only about what Sanjeev Srivastva built. It is about a leadership team, now spanning two generations, carrying that foundation into Delhi NCR, Jharkhand, and Odisha and building the next chapter on the same principle the first one started with: a promise made is a promise delivered.For more information, visit: https://assotechgroup.com/

Key Takeaways :Always choose a keyboard designed specifically for your tablet model for maximum compatibility and functionality.Prioritize typing comfort, trackpad quality, and portability for better everyday productivity.Modern features like multi-device pairing, backlighting, and AI shortcut keys add long-term value.A tablet no longer serves only for video streaming or web browsing. Many people now use tablets for office work, online classes, creative projects, and business travel. A good keyboard changes a tablet into a practical work device that handles everyday tasks with ease. This shift has created strong demand for keyboard accessories across the world.Market reports show that the global tablet accessories market may reach about US$30.6 billion in 2026. Detachable keyboards make up nearly 36% of total accessory demand, which makes them the largest category in this market. Experts also expect the dedicated tablet keyboard market to reach around US$8.8 billion in 2026, with an annual growth rate of more than 12% over the coming years. These numbers show that buyers now place great value on a comfortable typing experience.Check Compatibility Before Anything ElseThe first factor that must be taken into account is compatibility. It should be noted right away that not all keyboards are suitable for all tablets, even if both items are produced by one brand. In this case, a bad decision may lead to problems when connecting a device and losing important features.Choosing a perfect keyboard model for one’s tablet may have its advantages as such a device provides reliable efficiency and performance. Quite many top-notch models are made with the use of Smart Connector or pogo pin technologies that enable immediate connection without the need to pair Bluetooth devices. Other types of keyboards function through USB-C or Bluetooth 5.2 technology which also contributes to successful communications with a tablet.Comfortable Keys Make Daily Work EasierTyping comfort plays a major role in everyday work. Small or cramped keys slow down typing speed and create mistakes. A well-designed keyboard feels natural from the first day and supports long writing sessions without discomfort.Many premium tablet keyboards now include 1 to 1.5 mm key travel, which gives each key a comfortable press. Full-size layouts also help users reach normal typing speed. Scissor-switch keys provide better feedback than flat keys found on many older designs. Several modern keyboards also include a full function row for quick access to brightness, media controls, volume, and other useful settings.Also Read - Best Tablets with Keyboard in 2026 (Top Picks)A Good Trackpad Adds More ControlA good trackpad is essential for that laptop-like experience on a tablet. Basic operations such as file management, document editing, or internet browsing can now be completed with greater ease thanks to accurate positioning of a cursor.Premium types of keyboards include larger trackpads that can be operated by multi-touch gestures while rejecting palm touches. Windows tablets are now usually accompanied by Windows Precision drivers, guaranteeing smooth navigation. Apple keeps its high standards regarding the Magic Keyboard trackpad – a lot of technology experts say that this is one of the best ones around. Furthermore, large trackpads are extremely beneficial for creative professionals using graphic software or performing some detailed work.Battery and Connection MatterThe connection method affects daily convenience. Smart Connector keyboards receive power directly from the tablet, so separate charging never becomes necessary. USB-C keyboards also draw power from the connected device.Bluetooth keyboards need their own battery, yet many models now deliver impressive battery life. Most quality Bluetooth keyboards operate for two to six months on a single charge, depending on daily use and backlight settings. This long battery life reduces charging interruptions and supports regular travel or office work.Portability Supports Everyday TravelMany tablet owners carry their devices between home, school, and the workplace. Weight and thickness become important factors during daily travel.Most travel-friendly keyboard cases weigh between 250 and 700 grams. Ultra-thin models usually measure 5 to 8 millimetres in thickness, while protective folio cases often measure 10 to 15 millimetres. A light design fits easily into a backpack and keeps the overall load comfortable throughout the day.Protection Adds Long-Term ValueA keyboard case offers more than typing support. Many modern designs also protect the tablet from everyday damage. Strong outer materials help reduce scratches, small drops, and dust exposure.Several keyboard cases also include adjustable viewing angles and multi-angle kickstands. These features support comfortable work on a desk, table, or lap. Stable support also helps during video calls, presentations, and entertainment.Modern Features Improve ProductivityTablet keyboards continue to receive new features every year. Many premium models now support multi-device Bluetooth pairing, which allows quick switching between a tablet, phone, and computer. USB-C passthrough charging keeps the tablet powered while another accessory stays connected.Several brands also include shortcut customization, media controls, adjustable backlighting, and dedicated AI shortcut keys. Recent developments across the technology industry show greater focus on AI tools, and keyboard makers now add special buttons that provide faster access to those features.Also Read - 10 Best AI Tools to Help Entrepreneurs Grow Their Business in 2026Choose Right Keyboard for Everyday NeedsThe requirements for different tablet keyboards can vary significantly from one user to another. An example would be a student who could benefit from a lightweight keyboard that comes with a folio case and price offer that is affordable. Those who work in the office, on the other hand, would prefer a keyboard with a laptop-like key type and a wide precision touchpad along with quality materials and USB-C connection. Creative professionals usually choose keyboards that provide good viewing angles and easy access for switching from typing to drawing and good compatibility with the stylus.Selecting the right keyboard depends on everyday activities and travel options one needs rather than on the price only. All the features and performance options such as compatibility, typing comfort, battery life, etc., should be compared to ensure they fit consumers’ needs well. The estimated value of the tablet accessories market is to reach US$30.6 billion, while detachable keyboards comprise 36% of demand. The expected value of the tablet keyboard segment is to remain at US$8.8 billion and grow at 12% each year.FAQs1. Why is compatibility the most important factor when choosing a tablet keyboard?A compatible keyboard ensures reliable connectivity and access to features like Smart Connector, function keys, and trackpad support.2. Is Bluetooth or Smart Connector better?Smart Connector offers instant connection without charging, while Bluetooth provides wider compatibility and wireless flexibility.3. What key travel is best for comfortable typing?A key travel of 1–1.5 mm with scissor-switch keys generally provides a comfortable laptop-like typing experience.4. Do all tablet keyboards include a trackpad?No. Premium models often include precision trackpads, while many budget keyboards are keyboard-only.5. Which users benefit most from a tablet keyboard?Students, remote workers, business travelers, and creative professionals all benefit from improved productivity and easier typing.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Column-Oriented Storage: Stores data by columns instead of rows, reducing storage requirements and accelerating analytical queries across massive datasets with remarkable efficiency.Lightning-Fast Queries: Executes complex analytical workloads in seconds, allowing businesses to generate reports and dashboards without noticeable delays or performance bottlenecks.Real-Time Data Processing: Handles continuous data ingestion while delivering near real-time analytics, making it suitable for monitoring applications, logs and business intelligence.High Compression Rates: Compresses data efficiently, lowering storage costs while maintaining quick access to large datasets for enterprise-scale analytical workloads and reporting.Horizontal Scalability: Expands across multiple servers with ease, enabling organisations to process growing data volumes without compromising performance or reliability over time.Open-Source Flexibility: Offers transparent development, community contributions and freedom from vendor lock-in, making deployment and customisation easier for engineering teams worldwide.Cloud-Native Compatibility: Integrates smoothly with cloud infrastructure, containers and Kubernetes, simplifying deployment, scaling and maintenance in modern enterprise environments.Strong SQL Support: Uses familiar SQL syntax, reducing learning curves for developers and analysts transitioning from traditional relational database management systems.Cost-Effective Analytics: Delivers enterprise-grade analytical performance using standard hardware, helping businesses reduce infrastructure expenses while maintaining high query speeds.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

FamApp is a unique fintech mobile application that includes features of UPI payment, prepaid card services, and money management within a single application. The application enables the users to do their finances fast and easy via transactions, payment, rewards, and expense management. FamApp Features mainly focus on providing fast, efficient, and easy-to-use payment services together with finance-related services. FamApp Benefits include digital payments, cashback, and money management services.General InformationHere are some known facts about FamApp:Founded in: 2019Platform Support: Android, iOS Download: Click HereMain Features of FamApp Below are Medsome important FamApp Features.Enables users to make safe UPI transactions to move money, pay merchants, recharge SIMs, and make utility bill payments using the digital platform.Offers prepaid card services with options for limit on spend, spend tracking, and maintenance of transaction history to help manage finances effectively.Provides extra advantages of cashbacks, incentives, and discounts offered by partner organizations on regular digital transactions.Supports transactions through QR code, linking of bank accounts, and instant peer-to-peer money transfers to facilitate financial dealings efficiently.Incorporates digital payments, prepaid cards, transaction analysis, and rewards programs within one FinTech App.Benefits of FamApp Below are some FamApp Benefits.Helps in smooth transaction processes through integration of UPI payment options, prepaid card features, and digital wallet functions in one single app.Offers cashback facilities, reward programs, and exclusive discounts from merchants that help individuals save money effortlessly.Provides a secure mode of payment where transactions take place without any difficulties.Helps individuals transfer money, monitor their expenses, pay bills, and use prepaid cards smoothly through a user-friendly interface.The FinTech App provides digital payment services, expense tracking, and reward schemes in one application.Challenges of FamApp Some FamApp Challenges users may experience while using the platform.Cashback promotions and some of the rewards can be offered by certain merchants and promotional campaigns.Use of some of the financial services and payment capabilities is contingent upon successful identity verification and regulatory compliance.Transaction processing and UPI payments may at times be delayed owing to issues with banking partners' systems or networks during busy periods.The availability of certain services, prepaid card capabilities, and promotional activities may differ from one place to another.The FinTech App provides a secure way of making payments to customers, it is still important to note that good financial practices and transaction verification is equally essential.Subscription InformationFamApp by Trio is a downloadable app free of charge. Free access to basic UPI transactions and financial services is possible, whereas other premium services may be made available subject to eligibility and availability.Support OptionsHelp Center and Learning Resources: FAQs, Help Center, payment guides, UPI support articles, security resources, blog posts, product updates, documentation, and knowledge base. Customer Support: Email support, customer care assistance, payment support, account support, in-app Help Center, technical assistance, and documentation. ConclusionFamApp is an integrated application for digital payments, which integrates in itself the advantages of UPI transfers, prepaid cards, reward systems, and spending. The convenient interface, secure payment system, and financial products provided by the application makes it suitable for use in digital payments on a daily basis. But certain offers and services provided through the application are subject to user eligibility and banking partnerships.

Southeast Asia has made significant progress in digital payments and blockchain adoption, yet the growth of tokenized finance remains slower than many expected. A recent report, Powering Southeast Asia's Digital Future, published by Hashed Open Research and SCBX, suggests that the biggest obstacle is no longer regulation or technology. Instead, it is the lack of financial incentives for banks to embrace tokenized assets.The report shows that over 60% of payments in Southeast Asian countries are now digital, compared with less than 30% when it was first introduced in 2019, meaning that consumers jumped directly from cash to mobile payments. On-chain transaction volume in the Asia-Pacific region increased by 68% year-on-year to $2.36 trillion, signaling rising blockchain activity in the region. However, the participation by institutions in tokenized finance remains low.Banks Face Economic ChallengesAccording to Hashed Open Research and SCBX, regulatory frameworks and blockchain infrastructure have matured considerably in countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The report argues that the real challenge lies in banks' business models.Tokenized assets currently generate limited revenue while potentially reducing fees earned through traditional financial services. In addition, banks holding certain tokenized assets on public blockchains face a 1,250% capital charge under the Basel Committee's global prudential standards if those assets do not meet strict classification requirements.According to the report, this capital treatment discourages banks from expanding tokenization initiatives, regardless of how supportive their domestic regulators may be. Since Basel standards apply globally, banks in Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia face similar capital constraints as institutions in Europe or North America.Digital Payments Grow as Tokenization EvolvesThe report places Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia in the ‘offensive’ box, saying they are focused on building local-currency stablecoins and tokenized deposits. Meanwhile, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are described as using a ‘defensive’ posture, basically by tightening the rules around existing dollar- denominated crypto use, to cut down the risk of financial dollarization.The Philippines also shows how much blockchain-based financial rails matter. As the report notes, the country is looking into stablecoins to back nearly $35 billion in yearly inbound remittances, where quicker settlement and cheaper transfers could improve cross-border payments.Malaysia is also expanding tokenization beyond conventional finance. Its sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional, is working on tokenized sukuk (Islamic bonds) to attract investors from the global Islamic finance market.Also Read: Ripple Invests in ZILO and Licuido to Expand Tokenized Fund Markets GloballyEven with these developments, institutional interest remains mixed. According to the report, large financial institutions, like DBS, have put in a lot of work and funding into tokenized deposits, wholesale CBDCs and tokenized investment products, under efforts such as Project Guardian. However, smaller regional banks often don’t have enough capacity to take on the higher capital costs while they wait for tokenized finance to turn commercially profitable.The report wraps up by saying that the next phase of digital finance across Southeast Asia will hinge less on getting regulatory sign-off and more on whether banks find a lasting economic reason to expand tokenized financial products. Until that ‘incentive equation’ shifts, tokenized finance will likely move forward steadily, but not rapidly.FAQs:1. What is tokenized finance?Tokenized finance refers to converting real-world financial assets such as deposits, bonds, securities or real estate into digital tokens on a blockchain. This can improve settlement speed, transparency and operational efficiency while enabling programmable financial services.2. Why is tokenized finance growing slowly despite regulatory progress?According to the Hashed Open Research and SCBX report, the main challenge is economic rather than regulatory. Many banks see limited revenue opportunities from tokenized assets, while current capital requirements make holding certain blockchain-based assets expensive.3. What is the 1,250% capital charge mentioned in the report?The Basel Committee's prudential framework assigns a 1,250% risk weight to certain cryptoasset exposures that do not meet strict regulatory classifications. This significantly increases the capital banks must hold, reducing the attractiveness of tokenized assets.4. Which Southeast Asian countries are leading tokenization efforts?Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are leading the region by developing local-currency stablecoins, tokenized deposits and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Countries like the Philippines are also exploring stablecoins to improve cross-border remittances.5. What could accelerate institutional adoption of tokenized finance?Lower capital costs, stronger commercial incentives, clearer global standards and profitable business models could encourage more banks to adopt tokenized financial products. Continued investment in blockchain infrastructure and regulatory clarity will also play an important role.

A loan recommendation, fraud alert, or supply-chain forecast can be useful to a company until someone asks why the system reached that conclusion. Siddhant Raman has built much of his work around what happens next. As a software engineer focused on cloud systems and artificial intelligence, he designs technology for large enterprises while also concentrating on whether those systems can explain the reasoning behind the recommendations they produce.“The question cannot come after deployment,” Raman says. “If a company may eventually need to explain why an AI system produced a certain recommendation, that has to influence the way the system is designed from the beginning.”Raman sees that issue becoming more urgent as artificial intelligence moves beyond simple assistance and toward greater autonomy. Agentic AI systems can plan and execute multi-step tasks with less direct human involvement, creating possibilities for automation across areas such as supply chains, inventory management, and enterprise operations. Raman believes those systems will become increasingly important, but he is skeptical of how quickly some companies are handing over decision-making authority. His concern is not that autonomous systems have no value. It is that an incorrect early assumption can affect later steps when an AI agent is allowed to continue acting with limited oversight.“A wrong assumption early in the process can affect every step that follows,” Raman says. “That is why greater autonomy has to come with safeguards.”That is why Raman favors human-in-the-loop approaches for high-stakes enterprise decisions. He sees AI as particularly effective at processing information, identifying patterns, and producing recommendations. He does not believe those strengths remove the need for a person to make the final judgment when a decision carries financial, legal, or operational consequences.Raman’s view is grounded in enterprise engineering work rather than theory alone. At Informatica, he worked on AI-driven data integration and cloud systems, and he now works at Oracle designing cloud-native distributed services for enterprise applications. Both roles have involved enterprise systems designed for large-scale use. They also reinforced his belief that an AI recommendation is only part of the problem. Businesses need to understand how that recommendation was produced and whether they can justify acting on it.“Accuracy matters, but it is not the only question,” Raman says. “A company also has to ask whether it can trace the decision and explain the reasoning behind it when someone challenges the result.”Raman has developed that argument through technical writing as well as engineering. His work has appeared in Enterprise Tech Journal, Cloud Computing Magazine, and IEEE Computer Society publications, with his published work receiving more than 200 citations from researchers and practitioners. He has also been invited to judge hackathons at UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and Code4Hope. Those roles place him in a different position from his day-to-day engineering work, asking him to assess how other builders approach technical problems and develop new applications.For Raman, the larger issue is how companies think about trust. He believes many organizations still approach explainability as something added after a model is built, often when legal, regulatory, or reputational questions appear. His position is that transparency works better when engineers treat it as part of the architecture rather than as documentation created later.“You cannot bolt explainability onto a system at the end and expect it to be meaningful,” Raman says. “The ability to understand how a decision was reached has to be considered while you are building the system itself.”That position shapes the way he views artificial intelligence in heavily regulated industries such as finance and healthcare. Organizations in those sectors may rely on AI-supported recommendations, but responsibility for the resulting decisions does not automatically transfer to the software. Raman believes that distinction becomes more important as algorithmic systems take on a larger role in how companies evaluate information and choose what to do next.Raman argues that expectations about AI often become unrealistic when people assume human judgment will simply disappear. Artificial intelligence can analyze large amounts of information quickly and identify patterns that might otherwise be missed, but it does not assume accountability for the consequences of a decision.“AI can improve the information behind a decision without becoming the person responsible for making it,” Raman says. “There still has to be someone who understands the context and owns the final call.”Raman believes the strongest applications will combine AI capabilities with explicit human oversight rather than removing people from the process entirely. In his view, the goal is to increase what AI can contribute without weakening the accountability that remains with the organization using it.He also plans to carry that emphasis on trustworthy AI into a future entrepreneurial venture, which he says will focus on making sophisticated enterprise AI more accessible to mid-sized companies. The idea remains part of his longer-term direction rather than an established product today.For Raman, the standard for enterprise AI should rise as the systems gain more influence. A recommendation that affects a consequential decision should come with enough transparency for the organization using it to understand what happened and determine where human responsibility begins.“A system becomes more useful when people can understand why it reached a decision and know where human judgment still belongs,” Raman says. “That is what makes trust something you can design for rather than simply ask for.”

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its August Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, opting for a cautious approach amid easing inflation and an uncertain global economic outlook. The central bank also retained its neutral policy stance, signaling that future decisions will depend on incoming economic data rather than a predetermined path. Governor Sanjay Malhotra said inflation has remained within the RBI's target range, while domestic growth continues to show resilience despite external risks. The policy aims to balance price stability with sustained economic growth as global trade and geopolitical uncertainties persist.Inflation Forecast Lowered, Growth Outlook MaintainedOne of the biggest announcements was the RBI's revised inflation outlook. The Monetary Policy Committee revised its FY27 CPI inflation forecast lower by 10 basis points to 5%, while retaining its view that inflation will peak in the third quarter before easing gradually.It projects CPI inflation at 4.7% in Q2, 5.9% in Q3, 5.5% in Q4, and 5.3% in the first quarter of FY28. The MPC also pegged core inflation for FY27 at 4.3%, adding that core inflation excluding precious metals is expected to remain below 4.3% during the fiscal year. At the same time, it retained its GDP growth projection at 6.7%, indicating confidence in India's economic momentum. Strong domestic demand, government capital expenditure, and improving rural consumption were highlighted as key factors supporting growth despite a mixed global environment.Liquidity Measures Continue to Support the Banking SystemThe RBI reiterated its determination to ensure sufficient liquidity in the financial system while maintaining an orderly money market environment. According to the central bank, it would utilize liquidity management measures as necessary to ensure that short-term interest rates remain consistent with the policy rate. Moreover, the central bank pointed out that credit growth is steady and is being supported by good demand from retail and business customers. Banking system strength and ample liquidity levels will ensure that borrowing continues in important sectors of the economy.Global Risks Remain a Key ConcernWhile the domestic factors look positive, the RBI warned that global uncertainties continue to present risks for India’s economy. Some of the risk factors identified by the RBI include geopolitical uncertainty, commodity price fluctuations, and changing trade policies of the major economies. Another important factor is capital flow and exchange rate dynamics in light of the changing global interest rate scenario."There is a need for greater clarity to emerge, especially regarding inflation, its path and composition before taking any policy action. Any such action would also have to consider the need for recalibration of policy rates in line with the evolving growth-inflation dynamics, especially the normalisation of the underlying inflation from its benign levels seen hitherto," the governor stated.Deficient and uneven Southwest monsoon across the subcontinent was one of the major risks to India's economy, as pointed out by Malhotra.Also Read: RBI Securitisation Notes: Rs. 1 Crore Minimum Investment RuleWhat it Means for Borrowers & InvestorsWith the RBI’s decision not to alter interest rates, there will be no changes in interest rates in the short run for mortgages, auto loans, and business credits. From an investor’s perspective, the policy strengthens the expectation of stability in the interest rates, but future actions will be contingent upon inflation and economic data. Analysts believe equity markets may welcome the RBI's balanced approach, while bond markets could remain sensitive to upcoming inflation readings and global central bank actions. The market participants will closely track inflation trends, festive-season demand, and external developments to assess the timing of any future policy changes.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

AppVerticals has launched  AIVerticals, an expanded enterprise artificial intelligence practice designed to help organizations turn AI opportunities into secure, scalable, and production-ready solutions.The new practice brings together AI consulting, product engineering, custom development, systems integration, intelligent automation, and governance within one delivery model. It addresses a growing challenge for enterprises: moving AI initiatives beyond experimentation and embedding them into real products, workflows, and business operations.Through  AIVerticals, AppVerticals is positioning itself as an AI product engineering company that can support the complete implementation lifecycle from identifying commercially viable use cases to developing, integrating, governing, and improving AI systems in production.What Is AIVerticals by AppVerticals?AIVerticals is AppVerticals end-to-end enterprise AI practice covering AI strategy, product engineering, custom development, system integration, automation, and responsible AI governance.The practice is built around two complementary ideas. First, organizations need connected AI capabilities rather than isolated technology services. Consulting, engineering, integration, and governance must work together if an AI initiative is expected to deliver lasting value.Second, AI systems must reflect the workflows, data environments, regulatory obligations, and customer expectations of the industries in which they operate. A healthcare platform, for example, cannot be designed according to the same operational assumptions as an e-commerce recommendation system or a logistics automation platform. AIVerticals combines these considerations to help organizations develop AI solutions that are technically viable, operationally relevant, and prepared for production use.Why Enterprise AI Initiatives Struggle to Reach ProductionThe rapid availability of generative AI models has made experimentation easier, but successful enterprise implementation remains considerably more complex.A proof of concept can demonstrate that a model is capable of generating content, answering questions, or analyzing documents. A production AI system must also connect with organizational data, respect access permissions, produce consistently useful outputs, manage operating costs, and function reliably within existing business processes.Organizations frequently encounter obstacles such as fragmented data, unclear business objectives, legacy-system limitations, unpredictable model behavior, integration complexity, and insufficient governance. In other cases, an AI initiative begins without clearly defined ownership, performance benchmarks, or a plan for monitoring the system after deployment.These challenges explain why adopting an AI model is not the same as engineering an AI product.AppVerticals defines enterprise AI readiness as the ability to connect a validated business case with usable data, production-grade engineering, system integration, governance, and measurable operational ownership.  AIVerticals has been structured around these interconnected requirements.From AI Strategy to ProductionAppVerticals approach organizes enterprise AI delivery into five stages:Advise: Assess readiness, identify valuable use cases, and establish an implementation roadmap.Engineer: Design the product experience, data architecture, system controls, and technical foundation.Build: Develop AI applications, models, agents, copilots, and automation capabilities.Integrate: Connect AI with enterprise data, applications, platforms, and operational workflows.Govern and scale: Monitor reliability, control risk, optimize performance, and expand successful implementations.This lifecycle allows AI decisions to be evaluated in a broader business and technical context. Model selection, for example, is considered alongside data privacy, integration requirements, expected usage, response accuracy, latency, and operating cost.The objective is not simply to introduce AI functionality. It is to create a system that performs a defined role within the organization and can be measured, maintained, and improved over time.AI Consulting Built Around ImplementationThe  AIVerticals practice begins with AI consulting for organizations that need to determine where artificial intelligence can create meaningful value.This work can include AI-readiness assessments, process analysis, use-case discovery, data evaluation, technology selection, risk identification, and implementation planning. AppVerticals also provides generative AI consulting for businesses evaluating large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, conversational interfaces, content automation, and other generative AI applications.Instead of treating every process as a candidate for AI, the consulting stage considers whether a proposed use case has a clear user, suitable data, measurable value, and a realistic path to implementation.This distinction is important. Some problems require a generative AI system, while others are better addressed through conventional machine learning, rules-based automation, software modernization, or a combination of technologies.By connecting consulting with engineering and delivery, AppVerticals aims to ensure that strategic recommendations can be translated into working systems rather than remaining disconnected roadmaps.AI Product Engineering and Custom DevelopmentAt the center of  AIVerticals is AI product engineering: the complete process of designing, developing, evaluating, deploying, monitoring, and continuously improving software products powered by artificial intelligence.AI development generally focuses on creating a particular capability, such as a predictive model, recommendation engine, chatbot, or document-processing system. AI product engineering covers the wider environment required to turn that capability into a reliable product.That environment can include user experience, application architecture, data pipelines, model orchestration, security controls, testing, observability, cost management, and feedback mechanisms.AppVerticals AI development capabilities encompass custom AI applications, machine-learning systems, generative AI products, predictive analytics, natural-language processing, and model-powered workflow solutions. Depending on the use case, development may involve commercial AI platforms, open-source models, custom machine-learning models, or hybrid architectures.The company’s generative AI development services extend to retrieval-augmented generation systems, enterprise knowledge assistants, content and document automation, and AI-native product capabilities. Its machine-learning development services support use cases involving forecasting, classification, recommendation, anomaly detection, and predictive decision-making.The appropriate architecture depends on the problem being solved. A company may need a large language model connected to an approved knowledge base, a custom predictive model trained on operational data, or a coordinated system in which multiple technologies perform different tasks.AI Agents, Copilots, Chatbots, and Voice AgentsAIVerticals also covers the development of intelligent interfaces and autonomous systems, including AI agents, copilots, chatbots, and voice agents.Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different product behaviors.An AI agent can interpret information, use connected tools, make limited decisions, and complete a sequence of actions. An AI copilot generally works alongside a user, providing recommendations, generating material, or retrieving information while keeping the person in control.Chatbots remain valuable for structured text interactions, including customer support, employee assistance, onboarding, and knowledge access. Voice agents extend conversational AI into telephone and voice-enabled environments where response speed, speech recognition, interruption handling, and integration with operational systems become central product requirements.AppVerticals develops these solutions around specific workflows instead of treating the conversational interface as a standalone feature. This can require integration with customer relationship management platforms, scheduling software, knowledge repositories, payment systems, or internal databases.Connecting AI with Enterprise SystemsAI delivers limited value when it operates separately from the systems where employees and customers already work.Through its AI integration services, AppVerticals connects AI capabilities with enterprise applications, data sources, APIs, software platforms, and operational workflows. This can include integration with CRM and ERP systems, SaaS products, content platforms, analytics environments, internal databases, and legacy software.Effective integration requires more than transferring data between systems. Organizations must determine what information the AI can access, which actions it is permitted to perform, how user permissions are enforced, and what should happen when the system encounters missing information or uncertain results.Integration architecture must also account for latency, availability, cost, data residency, auditability, and the behavior of external model providers.AppVerticals integration work is intended to make AI a functional part of the organization’s technology environment rather than an additional disconnected tool.Combining RPA with Intelligent AutomationAIVerticals includes robotic process automation development for repeatable, structured business processes.RPA and AI agents serve different but increasingly complementary purposes. RPA follows predefined rules to complete consistent actions, such as transferring information between systems or processing standardized records. AI agents can interpret less structured inputs and determine the next action within established constraints.A process may use AI to extract information from an email or document, apply business logic to classify the request, and then use an RPA workflow to update a legacy application.Combining these capabilities allows organizations to automate processes that contain both predictable actions and information-intensive decisions. It also enables enterprises to modernize operations incrementally without immediately replacing every existing system.Building AI Governance into the Product LifecycleAs AI systems become involved in customer interactions, business decisions, and operational processes, governance cannot be separated from engineering.AppVerticals AI governance services address areas such as model evaluation, data privacy, access control, human oversight, output reliability, audit trails, risk classification, and continuous monitoring.Governance requirements vary according to the system’s purpose and potential impact. An internal writing assistant, for example, presents different risks from an AI system that influences financial decisions or processes sensitive healthcare information.A practical governance framework should define:Who owns the AI system and its outcomesWhat information the system is permitted to accessHow performance and accuracy are evaluatedWhen human review is requiredHow model and prompt changes are documentedHow failures and security incidents are handledWhat users are told about the role of AIHow the system is monitored after deploymentAppVerticals treats governance as an engineering requirement throughout the AI product lifecycle rather than a final compliance exercise performed immediately before launch. This allows security, oversight, and auditability to influence the system’s architecture from the beginning.Supporting Industry-Specific AI ApplicationsAIVerticals also extends AppVerticals experience across industry-specific digital products and enterprise platforms.In healthcare, potential applications include administrative automation, patient-support systems, document processing, and operational intelligence. Fintech organizations can apply AI to fraud detection, risk analysis, customer support, and financial workflows.Logistics businesses can use AI for forecasting, routing, shipment visibility, and document processing, while education platforms can introduce learning assistants, personalized content, and administrative automation. E-commerce companies can apply recommendation systems, conversational shopping tools, demand forecasting, and customer-service automation.Real estate, automotive, travel, restaurant, and sports businesses present additional opportunities involving workflow optimization, personalization, predictive insights, and intelligent customer experiences.However, industry AI cannot be implemented through a universal template. Each solution must account for the sector’s terminology, operating processes, users, data, and regulatory environment.Repositioning AppVerticals Around Enterprise AIThe launch of  AIVerticals represents an important development in AppVerticals market position.The company has historically operated across mobile application development, web platforms, custom software, SaaS products, enterprise systems, and industry-specific digital solutions.  AIVerticals brings these engineering capabilities together under a more focused enterprise AI proposition.Rather than positioning AI as an isolated technical add-on, AppVerticals is presenting it as a product and operational capability that must be planned, engineered, integrated, and governed.This approach reflects a broader change in enterprise demand. Organizations are increasingly moving beyond questions about whether they should experiment with AI. They are now asking which use cases deserve investment, how AI should connect with existing technology, how risks can be controlled, and how successful systems can be scaled.By combining consulting with product engineering and implementation, AppVerticals aims to become a long-term AI engineering partner for organizations navigating that transition.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is  AIVerticals by AppVerticals?AIVerticals is AppVerticals enterprise AI practice combining AI consulting, product engineering, custom development, system integration, intelligent automation, and AI governance.What AI services does AppVerticals provide?AppVerticals provides AI consulting, AI product engineering, custom AI development, generative AI consulting and development, machine-learning development, AI integration, chatbot development, RPA development, AI governance, and the development of AI agents, copilots, and voice agents.What is AI product engineering?AI product engineering is the end-to-end process of designing, building, testing, deploying, monitoring, and improving software products whose core functionality depends on artificial intelligence. Read more on AI Product Development. How is AI product engineering different from AI development?AI development typically focuses on creating a specific model or capability. AI product engineering includes the broader product architecture, user experience, data systems, integrations, security controls, governance, monitoring, and continuous improvement required for production deployment.How does AppVerticals help enterprises adopt AI?AppVerticals supports the AI implementation lifecycle from strategy and use-case discovery through engineering, development, integration, governance, deployment, and ongoing optimization.What is the difference between AI agents and AI copilots?AI agents perform tasks with a defined level of autonomy, while AI copilots assist users within existing workflows and generally keep a person directly involved in decision-making.Why is AI integration important?Integration connects AI with the applications, data, permissions, and processes required to perform useful work. Without effective integration, an AI system often remains an isolated experiment rather than becoming part of business operations.Why should AI governance begin during development?Early governance allows privacy, security, human oversight, accuracy, and auditability requirements to influence the product architecture. Adding these controls after development can create avoidable risk and costly redesign.

boAt partnered with Spotify to offer 4 months of Premium subscription to Indian users who purchase select boAt audio products. The deal announced on August 4 gives buyers access to a Spotify Premium subscription with selected devices. The first 12 weeks come at no extra cost, while the offer also includes ad-free music, offline playback, and better audio quality.The boAt Spotify Premium deal gives buyers more than just an audio device with every eligible purchase. The offer connects boAt’s headphones and other products with Spotify’s paid music service. boAt and Spotify have not shared the full list of eligible devices or confirmed how long the offer will remain available.A boAt spokesperson said, “Our partnership with Spotify Premium brings together two essential parts of that experience: immersive sound and uninterrupted music.” The spokesperson also said the campaign reflects how young Indians listen to music today.The companies have also launched a campaign called ‘HALF the Experience’ to promote the deal. Musician Chaar Diwari appears in the campaign, which shows an incomplete concert before the full music experience begins.Spotify Premium removes ads and allows listeners to download songs for offline playback. The service also offers higher-quality audio for supported content and devices.The deal comes after several recent audio launches from boAt in India. The Nirvana Eutopia 2 ANC headphones launched at Rs. 5,999 with noise cancellation and 3D Spatial Audio. The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.4 and offer up to 80 hours of claimed battery life.The partnership gives boAt another way to add value to its audio products. Spotify also gets a new way to reach more potential Premium users through device purchases.Also Read: Spotify is Now an AI Chatbot; Check What’s Extra in Store for Premium UsersJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp