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Prestige Group secures ₹115 cr co‑branding deal for Bellandur Metro

The Prestige Group has signed a ₹115 crore, 30-year deal with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to co‑brand the upcoming Bellandur Metro Station on the Outer Ring Road.

The station will be renamed “Prestige Bellandur Metro Station”, with upgrades including improved commuter facilities. The agreement gives Prestige naming rights, commercial space, and advertising opportunities, and plans include a future footbridge connecting the station to Prestige Lakeshore Drive.

The partnership reflects a growing trend of private investment in metro infrastructure to enhance stations and generate non-fare revenue, while benefiting daily commuters.

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Banks’ quarterly profit tops ₹1 lakh crore

Indian banks recorded a combined net profit exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in the December quarter, the first time the sector has crossed that threshold.

Strong net interest income, higher fee income and lower provisioning supported gains across public and private lenders. Asset quality improved as gross non-performing assets eased and recoveries rose, while credit growth remained steady.

Analysts at CareEdge said healthier balance sheets and normalising credit costs drove results, though margins and loan growth will shape future momentum. The performance signals resilience in the banking system amid a stable macroeconomic backdrop.

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FBI warns of ATM jackpotting surge

The FBI has reported a sharp increase in ATM jackpotting attacks in the United States, with losses crossing $20 million in 2025. More than 700 cases were recorded during the year, part of nearly 1,900 incidents since 2020.

In these attacks, criminals break into ATMs and install malware that forces machines to dispense cash on command. The method targets the ATM’s software, not customer bank accounts. The Ploutus malware has been widely used to exploit the XFS platform that controls cash-dispensing functions.

The agency has advised banks and ATM operators to upgrade systems, improve physical security, and regularly inspect machines to detect tampering and prevent further financial losses.

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Vishal Sikka sees AI boosting Indian entrepreneurs

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Vishal Sikka, former Infosys CEO, urged India to harness AI to create a “human revolution” that empowers entrepreneurs nationwide.

He said AI should not just drive profits but help people lead meaningful, productive lives. Drawing lessons from India’s past successes in connectivity and food security, Sikka stressed the importance of making AI accessible, responsible, and practical.

He reflected that Infosys had built an AI platform over a decade ago, but the technology then was not widely adopted. Today, he sees an opportunity for AI to unlock innovation for millions.

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Dixon Technologies down 38% with rising memory costs

Brokerage CLSA has downgraded Dixon Technologies from Outperform to Hold, cutting its 12-month target from ₹15,800 to ₹12,100.

Analysts cited rising global memory prices due to AI demand, which could increase smartphone costs by 10–25% and reduce demand, particularly for budget devices. Dixon, a major electronics contract manufacturer, is exposed to imported memory, making it vulnerable to these price pressures.

The stock has already fallen nearly 38% from its 52-week high, reflecting growing concerns over near-term profitability and medium-term growth prospects.

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Boeing secures 50-aircraft order from Vietnam Airlines

Boeing has won an order for 50 737-8 MAX jets from Vietnam Airlines during Vietnamese leader To Lam’s visit to the United States, marking a major boost for the American planemaker.

The agreement, valued at about $8.1 billion, will help the national carrier modernise its fleet and expand short- and medium-haul operations, with deliveries scheduled from 2030 to 2032.

Alongside this, other Vietnamese aviation firms also signed aircraft deals with Boeing, taking the combined value of the announcements to nearly $30 billion.

The purchases underline Vietnam’s fast-growing aviation market and signal stronger trade and commercial cooperation between Hanoi and Washington.

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Galgotias University faces backlash over Chinese robodog claim

Galgotias University drew sharp criticism after a robotic dog displayed at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi was found to be a Chinese-made Unitree Go2.

A video of a representative presenting it as a university-developed innovation went viral, triggering questions about authenticity. The university later clarified that the robot was bought for student training and research, not built on campus, and said the person who spoke to the media was not authorised.

It also issued an apology for the confusion. Sources indicated the stall was asked to shut, but the institution denied any official eviction, calling the episode a misunderstanding during the high-profile event.

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Indian Railways tests LNG-powered DEMU trains

Indian Railways has conducted trials of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains powered partly by liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking a step toward cleaner rail operations.

INOX India Limited supplied cryogenic LNG storage and regasification systems, allowing each 1,400 HP power car to run on a mix of diesel and LNG, replacing up to 40 % of diesel consumption.

The pilot trains completed successful runs at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, with plans to expand LNG usage across more units. This initiative aims to reduce fuel costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions on regional routes.

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Apple adds video to podcasts

Apple is overhauling Apple Podcasts to include video, letting users watch and listen to episodes with picture-in-picture playback and offline downloads.

Launching this spring with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, the update uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to support adaptive video and dynamic ads, including host-read spots. Apple partners with hosts like Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, Simplecast, and AdsWizz to simplify video distribution across devices.

With rising demand, 37% of U.S. adults watch video podcasts, Apple aims to keep creators and audiences on its platform while competing with YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix.

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NPCI rolls out UPI wallet for Global AI Summit visitors

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced its UPI One World wallet service for international attendees of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

Visitors from over 40 countries can make seamless, real-time payments across India without needing an Indian bank account or mobile number. Funds can be loaded via international debit or credit cards, and payments can be made by scanning standard UPI QR codes.

The service is active at Delhi airport and the summit’s NPCI pavilion, simplifying transactions for global delegates.