Pune: HDFC Bank today announced the completion and handover of their Climate Change Adaptation Project to the panchayat of 20 villages in Jafrabad, Maharashtra. The Climate Change Adaptation Project was launched in October 2020, to aid the local people in coping with adverse climate change vulnerabilities such as drought, heat waves, and erratic and intense rainfall patterns. These climatic variations and frequent drought-like conditions lead to land degradation, water scarcity, and low crop yield in the region, directly affecting the livelihood of residents, especially the farmers.

Key achievements of the project:

1. Average increase in water level by 4.88 ft.

2. Increase in agriculture productivity of 7,380 acres of agricultural land

3. Increase in the area under irrigation by 2,232 acres through an increase in water availability and water use efficiency

4. 1,500 acres of area brought under diversified farming systems (horticulture, agroforestry, mixed cropping, etc.)

5. 4,028 acres area protected from direct soil erosion

6. 520 acres of area brought under horticulture

7. Created 1,302 million litres of water harvesting potential

8. Increase in average annual household income of 1,628 HHs by 25%

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR at HDFC Bank said, “Climate change is likely to stay for a longer haul. It becomes imperative to change our approach, making it response based instead of relief based. Our interventions have successfully built the farmer’s response capacity to become climate and market-compatible, while also improving their farm incomes and maintaining the integrity of the ecology.” She further added, that the projects also addressed many important issues like Runoff Harvesting, Groundwater recharge, Soil protection and moisture retention, Micro irrigation, and other climate-resilient agriculture practices.”

HDFC Bank’s interventions have successfully increased agricultural productivity and the area under irrigation through an increase in water availability, along with an increase in the agricultural land cover through diversified farming systems. The project took a multi-dimension approach with work in the areas of Area Treatment, Horticulture, Water Resource Development, Nala Deepening, Micro Irrigation System Automatic Weather Station, and Pest and nutrient Management Demonstrations. Cumulatively, the project has helped enhance the lives of nearly all 25,000 village dwellers.

By Ms. Sonia Agarwal Bajaj 

Three-year-olds are brimming with creativity and imagination, but many of us may miss out on celebrating or even facilitating this creative artistic energy. Scribbling is not just a random act but is considered to be an official milestone in the child’s cognitive and motor development. It is also the start of them creatively expressing themselves on a medium.

While as adults we may not always be able to seek value or decipher the meaning and intent behind haphazard lines on a piece of paper, these scribbles are valuable. The stage of scribbles is a critical stage to foster imagination, visual space planning, and confidence to express creatively.

How is scribbling a motor milestone for children?

For any individual to be able to hold an object with their thumb and their index finger, their pincer grip needs to be formed. This grip is not entirely formed until the child is 5-6 years of age. The pincer grip is crucial for us to be able to hold our writing instruments correctly. Children can still make marks, patterns, and designs before this grip is entirely formed by adjusting the way and type of writing instrument they use.

Below are a few things we as parents and early educators do to give our budding artists a larger canvas to express themselves creatively:

(1) Show genuine enthusiasm: While it’s sometimes difficult to show excitement for work that does not look like a “masterpiece” it is often because we are comparing it to an artist or a skill set that has been developed over decades. We need to compare apples and apples. When we do so, we will realise that our little one has truly outdone themselves.

(2) Explore different mediums & surfaces: Encourage the child to explore a spectrum of surfaces and mediums to do art with. Using chalk, fat crayons, finger paints, ice paints, and food colours on a spectrum of surfaces such as paper, chalkboard, glass windows, floors, cardboard, etc.

(3) Label the colours: There is no better time to help children learn the name of colours than while using them.

(4) Join the Fun while giving them artistic freedom: Children are inclusive by nature and enjoy the activity twice as much if they are a part of it. A parent needs to resist the need to control their creativity. It’s a good idea to take separate pieces of paper or demarcate sections on a common surface. While doing so, we must keep checking in on the child and ensure that we are not making them feel uncomfortable.

(5) Discuss the artwork: After positively reinforcing the child’s effort, it is important to take a minute to discuss both of your artworks. Ask the child what they have made. If the child says Dinosaur and you cannot spot the dinosaur in their swiggles, ask them where is the head of the dinosaur. Is it this one or this one? Once they tell you where it is, again reinforce their effort with active enthusiasm. You can also choose to describe your artwork to them to ensure they feel like equals.

(6) Frame Artwork Proudly: Sometimes actions speak louder than words. For the child to feel the pride frame some of their memorable artwork in their room or yours. This allows us the opportunity for us to not just celebrate their artwork on any other day but also witness their artistic growth.

I hope with this article, you never look at your child’s scribbles the same way and those swishy doodles have found new and deeper meaning for you and your little one

Mumbai, India, 29th September 2023 Vegetable oils, the fastest-growing food commodity, continue facing an ongoing challenge of meeting the escalating high demand that increasingly outstrips supply. The climate change impacts and geopolitical development pose main challenges that require collaboration and partnership among the producers to mitigate potential supply constraints that potentially disrupt food and energy security.

The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) co-organized the 2nd Sustainable Vegetable Oils Conference (2nd SVOC) to address immediate challenges and to deliberate measures to enhance future resilience in providing sustainable vegetable oils. Taking place in Mumbai, India, so we want to align with the G20 on highlighting India as a major consuming country to strengthen cooperation on sustainability, food and energy security, renewable energy, resilience and inclusive food value chains, and circular economy.

The leading vegetable oils stakeholders discussed the global challenges in the vegetable oils supply chain and highlighted the importance of strengthening the foundation for future communication and cooperation among global stakeholders, fostering an alliance for common interests in the vegetable oils sector.

The agricultural and commodity representatives of the main producing countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, and the EU), representatives of international organizations (i.e., Food and Agriculture Organization and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and major multinationals, as well as growers, discussed the pivotal role of vegetable oils which is to be emphasized as a fundamental tool to humanity, both for edible consumption and various applications, including in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, Laura Suazo, expressed her concern about the challenges faced by Honduran small producers and extraction plants due to the recent changes of the EU’s import policy. She announced the government’s plan to launch the State Policy for the Agri-Food Sector of Honduras 2023-2043 which proposes several strategies including addressing the management of pests and diseases, land invasions, genetic improvement, and financing.

The Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Jerry Sambuaga, reiterated today’s conference notes, “Advancing Sustainability”, that has two important aspects concerning palm oil and its global contribution. First palm oil can fulfil the global demand of sustainable vegetable oil, but exploitation of palm oil negative image must stop. Second, palm oil and SDGs are inseparable, as the former underpins the attainment of the latter.

The Secretary General Ministry of Plantation & Commodities of Malaysia, Dato’ Hj. Mad Zaidi bin Mohd Karli, underscored the world population that is growing steadily, and the world is under pressure to meet global demands for food and fuel. So, the key question that is needed to confront is not about replacing palm oil, but rather acknowledging how sustainable palm oil can meet this demand efficiently, economically, and sustainably. Palm oil has proven to give positive impacts on global food security stems from its high productivity, wide range of applications, and ability to enhance food security.

Dr Shatadru Chattopadhayay Managing Director Solidaridad Asia said that “Solidaridad urges the EU that for inclusive implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation, it is necessary to create three things: First, implement an inclusivity quota, guaranteeing a specific percentage of palm oil imports from smallholders in Indonesia and Malaysia. Second, support oil palm smallholders by providing pre-financing, technical assistance, and a guaranteed market for carbon credits. Third, support aligning national mandatory sustainability standards like the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) with the EUDR”.

The Secretary General of CPOPC, Dr. Rizal Affandi Lukman, recalled the role of palm oil to provide new and innovative approaches, ideas and measures to ensure the resilience and prosperity of the global vegetable oil sector in the longer term. he emphasized that for major consumer like India, palm oil is to complement the domestically produced vegetable oils, not as a competitor, to ensure food security and energy security. Without a doubt, palm oil is a crucial feedstock in the renewable energy mix, with the potential to play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Global Biofuel Alliance, established during the 2023 G20 summit.

Mumbai, September 28, 2023: The Retailers Association of India (RAI) hosted the 17th edition of the Retail Technology Conclave, ReTechCon 2023, a premier assembly of retail CEOs, CIOs, technology service providers, and experts, on the 26th & 27th of September 2023 in Mumbai.

ReTechCon 2023 aims to assist retailers in comprehending multifaceted technology trends. It sheds light on areas such as sustainable solutions, global tech patterns, and innovative disruptions to tackle operational challenges promptly. The conclave’s discourse covered the advanced stages of Digital Transformation, D2C brand strategies, the Omnichannel Experience, and the burgeoning influence of AI in Retail.

RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan said “In the vast and dynamic landscape of retail, every stakeholder plays a crucial role. The technology committee of RAI has meticulously curated ReTechCon 2023 to be the compass for this collective journey. From insights into Digital Transformation and D2C strategies to the nuances of Quick Commerce and the transformative power of AI and ML, this conclave serves as a testament to the potential that awaits every retailer. As we embrace an all-digital format, the essence of ReTechCon remains: it’s about empowering each one of you with the knowledge and tools to flourish in a digitally-augmented world.”

Discussing the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Thampy Koshi, MD & CEO of ONDC, remarked, “India boasts a vast multitude of sellers but many remain untouched by the digital wave. Drawing inspiration from our nation’s achievements like UPI and AADHAAR, ONDC’s commitment is to catalyse an inclusive e-commerce transformation, bringing millions more into the digital fold. At this year’s ReTechCon, we want to emphasize that our initiative is not just about expanding the e-retail landscape, but also about fostering an environment where startups thrive and collaborative growth is the norm. With open protocols and the combined energy of all stakeholders in the retail technology ecosystem, we’re poised to redefine India’s e-commerce trajectory.”

Delivering an insightful Special Address at the ReTechCon 2023, Dilip Abse, MD & CEO, NPCI, said, “Real consumption today is largely credit-driven rather than reliant on one’s own money, which has contributed to economic growth in developed economies like the US and Europe. Despite the progress in digital payments like QR codes and FinTech initiatives, traditional credit availability was limited until recent developments like the Rupee Credit Card on UPI and RBI-approved credit lines on UPI. These developments now allow a broader segment of the population, including small merchants, to participate in the credit ecosystem, moving beyond cash transactions, which means more sales than the yield payments.”

Speaking about Customer Experience, Rajiv Nair, CEO, Kaya Limited, said, “We have been harnessing technology to anticipate customer needs and satisfaction, using metrics such as NPS over time. We understand that true success extends beyond a single transaction; it’s about nurturing lasting customer relationships. Our commitment to post-service human interaction and continuous feedback collection ensures we’re not just a service provider but a trusted partner. The ultimate measure of our triumph lies in the long-term value our loyal customers bring, staying with us for years as a testament to our dedication to excellence.”

Speaking about customised approach Manish Kapoor, MD & CEO, Pepe Jeans London, said, “While self-checkout thrives globally, we acknowledge that in India, our customers prefer the warmth of personal assistance for an enhanced shopping experience. We advocate for wise and selective tech utilization, emphasizing automation and simplification where applicable, all while ensuring that technology enhances, not hinders, the customer journey.”

Over 100 speakers offered their invaluable perspectives at ReTechCon 2023. A major attraction of the conclave was the Day 2 sessions, which delved into the universe of digital-first brands. It showcased prominent D2C brands such as CaratLane, Bombay Shirt Company, Campus Sutra, Naagin, The Moms Co., and Urban Platter, among others.

In an engaging dialogue, Naiyya Saggi from The Good Glamm Group, which leads as India’s pioneer unicorn in DTC beauty and personal care, shared, “We witnessed the seamless interplay of content, community, and commerce unfold remarkably. Consequently, we embarked on an acquisition journey, securing remarkable content and community assets—a formidable feat in today’s landscape. This has enabled us to engage with a vast audience, conveying information to cultivate trust and garner consideration. Through the ensuing process, guided by our optimized E2C stack, individuals embark on a journey encompassing retention, engagement, and consideration, enriched by peer communities, ultimately propelling them through the conversion funnel. This strategic approach has not only positioned us effectively on smartphones, where our audience resides but has also enabled us to smartly establish a digital native presence in the retail outlets where we operate.”

Noteworthy discussions emphasized various pivotal facets of retail technology, including:

§ Customer Experience – The Core of Retail Evolution

§ Personalization in Retail – Responding to Customer Demand for Customized Products

§ The Retail Renaissance: How Generative AI is Redefining

§ Digital Transformation – Enabling Business Success Through Innovations

§ The E-commerce Equation: Balancing Tech and Tradition

§ Logistics Revamped: Reinventing Supply Chains for Unparalleled Efficiency

§ Data-driven Retail: Leveraging Advanced Analytics and BI

§ Creating Value vs. Valuations in a Tech-Enabled World

Additionally, the conclave presented the ReTech Startups Awards 2023, honouring top retail technology startups with the potential to revolutionize retailers’ ventures.

Bengaluru, September 28, 2023: KITES Senior Care, a Geriatric care services provider founded by Rajagopal G, Dr A S Arvind, and Dr Reema Nadig, announced the launch of India’s largest comprehensive Dementia Care Centre in North Bengaluru, designed to provide superior residential care for persons with Dementia and focus on the early diagnosis and staging of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as well. The facility is located at Trinity Layout, Ashwath Nagar, Hennur Gardens, Geddalahalli, Bengaluru and is spread over 21,000Sq ft of built-up area. With a capacious 110-bed capacity, the new centre is poised to set the benchmark in senior care.

The inauguration of this Dementia Care Facility in Bangalore on coincides with World Alzheimer’s Day, underlining the commitment from KITES Senior Care to raise awareness. This state-of-the-art facility will provide holistic support to seniors, encompassing their day-to-day activities and addressing their psychosocial needs. Along with this the Dementia Care Centre will provide a dedicated day-care area specifically tailored to cater to elderly diagnosed with early stage Dementia.

As per Dementia India, presently 8.8 million Indians older than 60 years are grappling with Dementia, a number that is forecasted to cross the 1.7 crore mark by 2036. Dementia, a group of conditions characterised by cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and judgement issues, affects a substantial number of individuals, particularly those aged 65 or older. The estimated Dementia prevalence for adults aged 60+ in India is 7.4%. A report by NCBI states that Dementia is a global issue of concern, with the number of people living with it expected to double every two decades.

KITES Senior Care is committed to addressing the significant need of persons with Dementia, ensuring that individuals and their families receive the care and support required to navigate the challenges of Dementia. The brand recently closed a Pre Series A funding of USD 2 Million from Dr Ranjan Pai’s MEMG family office. The funds are being used to expand their presence in South India, latest being in Chennai, and provide quality geriatric care for the elders.

Rajagopal G, Founder and CEO of KITES Senior Care, said, “Forecast of 2036 reveals a staggering estimate of 1.7 Crore Indians grappling with Dementia. The repercussions are far-reaching with memory losses, disorientation, struggling with everyday tasks and reduced social behaviours. For the immediate family members this becomes challenging especially as the disorder progresses. With the initial success, we are now embarking to establish this large & a comprehensive facility in addressing this pressing need. India’s largest and most comprehensive Dementia Care facility is dedicated to providing world-class treatment tailored to the needs of our elderly population at optimal costs.”

Dr Reema Nadig, Co-Founder and Group Medical Director of KITES Senior Care, said, “As a healthcare professional, I’ve witnessed the growing impact of Dementia on elderly individuals in India. With an ageing population and changing demographics, Dementia has become a pressing public health concern. Early diagnosis, timely interventions, and comprehensive care are pivotal in addressing Dementia’s challenges. By fostering a more Dementia-friendly society and investing in research and healthcare infrastructure, we can make significant strides in improving the lives of our elderly population affected by this condition. To raise much-needed awareness around World Alzheimer’s Day, KITES Senior Care is excited to introduce its one-of-its-kind Dementia Care unit for those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. KITES Senior Care is dedicated to enhancing our senior population’s wellbeing and addressing the problems associated with Dementia with the launch of this facility in Bangalore.”

New Delhi,28th September 2023– S&P Global India has been ranked as one of India’s top 10 Best Workplaces™ for Women by Great Place To Work® in 2023. It also got recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging. These recognitions are a result of S&P Global’s mission to accelerate progress and part of its strategic initiatives and People-First policies in India to create a more inclusive work environment.

S&P Global’s People First philosophy invests in creating an inclusive culture with its forward-looking policies and benefits to accelerate progress across its people, customers, and communities. The concentrated efforts on people and DEI strengthen its ability to advance inclusiveness and resilience internally and externally throughout its India operations.

Some of the policies, benefits and work in this area include:

• Gender pay gap reporting to enhance transparency and reduce any gaps
• Investing in career development programs for women leaders
• Paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, welcoming a child through birth, adoption, foster or surrogacy for 26 weeks
• Interactive DEI learning & development platform
• Menopause support

A parental support program to connect with experts specialising in pregnancy, postpartum care, lactation support, infant sleep coaching 24/7

Gender-affirmation surgery

Commenting on this, Nilam Patel, Managing Director, India Operations, S&P Global said, “At S&P Global India, we believe that diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of innovation and growth. We invest in our people, provide essential sustainability intelligence to our customers and accelerate equity in our communities with the support of our External partners/NGOs. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to providing an inclusive and equitable work environment for all and inspire us to strive harder to create a culture that everyone at S&P Global can be proud of.”

S&P Global released its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion report earlier this year, committing to advancing DEI with enhanced disclosure and transparency to create a more intersectional and inclusive future.

Tanuj Gupta, Regional People Lead at S&P Global India said, “We are humbled and proud to be ranked as one of India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women and to be recognised among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging. Our People First culture, our ambitions to continually measure progress and our determination to accelerate progress through our values, policies and practices are what set us apart.”

S&P Global’s People First policy benefits also include: securing the salary of any S&P Global employee unable to work due to a diagnosis of cancer or other chronic disease or serious illness for up to one year; pregnancy loss and reproductive wellness support; menstruation and select personal hygiene products provided free of charge at all office locations; five enterprise wellness days to collectively unplug; nursing parent support among others.

Bangalore, 28 September 2023 – Spoclearn, a leading online education platform, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. D Y Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering, located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. This strategic partnership aims to foster collaboration in the field of education and provide enhanced opportunities for students, faculty, and the wider community.

The Partnership with Dr. D Y Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering includes Free Webinar and Demo Conducting Job-Oriented Training Webinar Session: Under this collaboration, Spoclearn will host a series of free webinars and demo sessions designed to provide students with valuable insights into job-oriented training. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics and industry-specific skills, helping students gain a competitive edge in the job market.

FRC Program Conduction: The MoU also includes implementing the Future Ready Champions (FRC) program, aimed at students across D Y Patil Pratishthan’s Group of Colleges to make them industry-ready across Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Full Stack Development domains. These technical training programs aim to provide industry-ready talent for Global MNCs, SMBs, and Government Institutions across India.

Dr. Kshitij Upadhyay, Training and Placement officer of Dr. D Y Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Spoclearn aligns with our commitment to providing our students with the best educational opportunities and placements. The free webinars and the FRC program will undoubtedly add value to our curriculum and help our students develop skills in high demand in today’s job market.”

Mr. Moghul Musharaff, Head – Global Training Solutions of Spoclearn, shared similar sentiments and said, “We are excited to partner with Dr. D Y Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering and contribute to their mission of providing quality education. Through this MoU, we aim to empower students with practical skills and knowledge that will enable them to excel in their careers.”

The MoU between Spoclearn and Dr. D Y Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering represents a significant step toward advancing education in the region and fostering innovation in the field of technology and engineering. Both institutions are committed to working closely to achieve their shared goals and create a brighter future for students and the community.

Bangalore, 28th September 2023: Experience a new level of excellence with the unveiling of Sony’s WF-1000XM5 truly wireless earbuds, announced today. Representing the pinnacle of the acclaimed 1000X series, this cutting-edge model redefines perfection, delivering unparalleled noise cancellation, an elevated immersive sound experience, and Sony’s most exceptional call quality to date. Immerse yourself in your music, as the WF-1000XM5 creates a seamless connection between you and your tunes.

Speaking on the launch Sunil Nayyar, Managing Director, Sony India said “WF-1000XM5 has redefined the concept of earbuds. We are proud to announce that our earbuds have incorporated the features which provide an elevated immersive sound experience to the listeners. It’s active noise cancelling features, high resolution audio and amazing sound quality, all at a relatively competent price makes it a perfect choice, setting a new standard in the world of audio. With these earbuds, we aim to stand on our position as one of the best earbuds manufacturers in truly wireless earbuds segment globally as well as in India.”

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds raise the bar for distraction-free listening and clarity. With Sony’s expertise in music, you can trust that you’re getting the ultimate music experience. The WF-1000XM5 feature cutting-edge technology to deliver premium sound quality and the best noise-cancelling performance1 on the market. Real-time audio processors and high-performance mics power the specially designed driver unit Dynamic Driver X, for wide frequency reproduction, deep bass, and clear vocals. They are designed to immerse you in a sound so good, it feels like you’re in the studio with your favourite artists.

The WF-1000XM5 now feature three microphones on each earbud, including dual feedback mics, which improve low-frequency cancellation performance. This is Sony’s biggest ever step forward in noise cancelling, resulting in ambient sound captured even more accurately. Newly developed by Sony, the Integrated Processor V2 unlocks the potential of the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e. The unique combination of technology controls the six microphones, across both ears, to deliver unprecedented noise cancelling quality that can be adapted to provide the best performance for your environment. The ability to reproduce lower frequencies has also been improved on the WF-1000XM5 thanks to the new Dynamic Driver X. Plus, the Noise Isolation Earbud Tips feature a unique polyurethane foam material that reduces noise in the high frequency range.

By combining Sony’s newly developed HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e and Integrated Processor V2, the WF-1000XM5 incorporates precision 24-bit audio processing and high-performance analogue amplification. The result is low distortion and crystal-clear audio reproduction. Premium sound quality continues to be at the heart of the WF-1000XM5’s design with support for High-Resolution Audio Wireless thanks to LDAC, as well as DSEE Extreme™ to upscale compared digital music in real time. Additionally, the earbuds feature 360 Reality Audio, which creates an immersive audio experience that transports you into the centre of the music[ii]. From finer vocals to deeper bass, everything is tuned for the music on the WF-1000XM5. Thanks to a specially designed Dynamic Driver X for wide frequency reproduction, the WF-1000XM5 let you experience richer vocals and more detailed vocals. The diaphragm structure combines several different materials for the dome and the edge, achieving clear highs and deep, rich bass sound with low distortion.

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds come equipped with head tracking technology which ensures a realistic and compelling listening experience by automatically adjusting sound fields to compensate for your head movement. Sounds are precisely aligned with your smartphone screen, even as you move, to completely involve you in your viewing by connecting to compatible smartphones/service[iii].

Description automatically generatedThe WF-1000XM5 now feature Sony’s best ever call quality3, delivering your voice clearly in every situation whether you’re in the office, working from home, in a public space or a noise place. Thanks to an AI-based noise reduction algorithm based on Deep Neutral Network (DNN) processing and bone conduction sensors, your voice will come through crystal clear and natural even in a noisy environment. Plus, if you’re outdoors, the wind noise reduction structure will minimise any wind noise, so you always know you will be heard.

WF-1000XM5 also feature Sony’s popular features like Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat as well as Multipoint Connect that lets you pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so when a call comes in, your earbuds automatically know which device is ringing and connect to the right one. Staying connected has never been easier thanks to Fast Pair and Swift Pair. Plus, you can control the WF-1000XM5 with your voice with your favourite voice assistant.

The WF-1000XM5 also features Auto Play for an operation-free listening experience. You can customise the timing of the music to suit your preferences, such as when you’re putting your earbuds on or starting to walk for a break, uplifting your mood effortlessly. Additionally, audio notifications keep you on track with your important events, allowing your phone to stay safely in your pocket. By linking your device with Spotify, Endel and Apple Music[iv], you can access your favourite music and relaxing soundscapes to make your listening experience truly unique[v],[vi]. In line with the WF-1000XM5, the WH-1000XM5 now also supports Auto Play. If you are looking for new entertainment options beyond music and movies, the WF-1000XM5 uses new sensors and spatial sound technology to deliver immersive sound for Augmented Reality games like “Ingress” from Niantic[vii]. Using head tracking, the sound is conveyed from different directions to line up perfectly with the action on the screen[viii].

With up to 8 hours of battery life[ix], you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted listening time, and a quick 3-minute charge provides up to 60 minutes of play time. Additionally, Qi technology offers easy wireless charging[x].

Price and Availability

Sony India has announced a special pre-booking offer for WF-1000XM5. Customers can now pre-book it at a special price of Rs. 21,990/- (including Rs. 3,000/- cashback). They will also get SRS-XB100 portable speaker worth Rs. 4,990/- free under the pre-book offer. This pre-booking offer starts from 27th September 2023 and is valid till 15th October 2023 on all online and offline channels such as Sony Center, major electronic stores and e-commerce portals in India.

India, 28th September 2023 Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the dedicated global business agency of Queensland Government has recently announced a report titled Queensland–India Trade and Investment Strategy 2023–2027. The report highlights the immense importance of India to the state of Queensland, Australia and outlook for the Indian market for the next 5 years.

With India becoming Queensland’s fourth-largest trading partner and second-largest export market, it is the best time for both regions to deepen their socio-economic relations even further. Queensland’s Indian diaspora has also grown to over 90,000, making it the third largest Indian diaspora in the country and the second-largest non-European diaspora in the State.

Speaking about the blossoming strategic partnership, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Cameron Dick said, “Building on the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2032, the India Trade and Investment Strategy 2023-2027 provides a foundation for that partnership to blossom. It profiles key sectors, states, and opportunities. And it identifies practical initiatives to deepen Queensland’s engagement with India, building on economic and institutional links and people-to-people ties.”

Minister Dick also emphasized, “In partnering with India, we will continue to build a platform for state-wide economic growth and development. This strategy elevates our world class sectors, allowing us to partner with India in shared prosperity and security.”

Queensland’s business landscape is flourishing across various industries drawing parallels to the diverse spirit of India. Within the aviation sector, Queensland and Boeing’s collaboration stands tall. This strategic alliance not only ignites job creation within Queensland but also weaves a robust supply chain web, resonating with India’s burgeoning aerospace ambitions and job opportunities.

Similarly, Queensland’s rising expertise in biomedicine perfectly aligns with India’s burgeoning medical technology aspirations. Further turning the attention to financial services, Queensland’s allure captures the interest of major players with major financial institutions having set up tech hubs within the city’s embrace. This strategic move augments the potential for burgeoning careers for software engineers and data specialists, aligning with India’s prowess in the tech sphere.

Queensland’s mining prowess is universally acknowledged. Queensland state’s resource entities, combined with state-of-the-art mining technology providers, form strategic partnerships with key Indian enterprises. Together, they elevate productivity and institute a resilient ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework, underscoring our devotion to sustainable and innovative mining solutions.

The growing cooperation and partnership between both countries is even more evident with the fact that a growing number of Indian students are choosing Queensland as their preferred study destination as the region offers a wealth of business opportunities and a vibrant multicultural environment. Last year alone, over 63,000 Indian students arrived in Australia with a student visa, contributing to the country’s reputation as a top-tier study destination.

Sharing his thoughts about India’s partnership with Queensland, Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland, said, “India’s partnership with Queensland is a testament to the growing synergy between our two regions. With Queensland emerging as a key trading partner and export market for India, the opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth are immense. The Queensland-India Trade and Investment Strategy 2023-2027 sets the stage for a deeper engagement, highlighting key sectors, states, and practical initiatives to strengthen economic ties. As we forge ahead, we aim to foster shared prosperity and security, leveraging Queensland’s expertise in various sectors which align perfectly with India’s aspirations. Moreover, Queensland’s appeal as a study destination for Indian students further solidifies the bond between our regions. Together, we are poised to create a vibrant and prosperous future.”

With its strong focus on innovation, technology, digital education, and the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics, Queensland offers a promising future for international students seeking business opportunities and a thriving career.

Mumbai, 28 Sept 2023: In a significant move, India’s higher educational institutes (HEIs) have agreed, in essence, to create a first-of-its-kind HEI-led ‘Agri-Consortium’ – a move initiated by IIM Kashipur. An in-principal framework in this regard was adopted by participating institutions (HEIs) during the ‘Agri-Entrepreneurship in South Asia’ Consortium-2023 organized by the Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), an incubation center of IIM Kashipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, concluding here today.

The two-day Agri Consortium 2023 aimed to provide a common platform for academicians, researchers, students, and industry professionals to interact and deliberate on the latest trends and advancements in technology, research, funding avenues, and industry requirements in the agriculture industry.

During the consortium, higher education institutions (HEIs) and universities agreed upon a principled agreement with three steps: first, sharing of startup databases among consortium members; second, dissemination of incubation or startup support programs; and finally, networking and sharing best practices on the platform.

Prof. KulbhushanBalooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, thanked everyone for the successful completion of the two-day ‘Agri-Entrepreneurship in South Asia’ Consortium 2023.

In another development, the RKVY RAFTAAR Scheme, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India through FIED, IIM Kashipur, has provided funding of 1 crore 60 lakh rupees to 10 startup companies. These companies operate in the fields of Drone technology, Agri supply chain, Food processing, Hydroponics, Waste to wealth, and Agri biotechnology industries.

Prof. KulbhushanBalooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, said, “This Agri Consortium will serve as a platform for sharing information on agri-startups supported by member higher education institutions from different parts of the country. This opens the avenues of collaboration between startups from different geographies, helping each other take their innovative solutions to a large number of farmers.”

Prof. SafalBatra, Associate Professor, IIM Kashipur, and Director, FIED, said, “Through this consortium, we are building a knowledge pool for the startup ecosystem so that we can extend our support to various industries in developing significant startups within the agriculture sector. Additionally, we are going to establish a knowledge bank for failed startups in the agricultural industry to provide insights into their failures. These insights will be shared with policymakers and the government to assist in crafting policies for their benefit.

Approximately 10 HEIs, including IGKV-Raipur, CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, IVRI Bareilly, PusaKrishi, New Delhi, GB Pant University, VCSJ Uttarakhand University of Forestry & Horticulture, Bharsar, Uttarakhand, and CCS NIAM Jaipur, and IImKashipur, have agreed to a principled agreement to collaborate in the Agri Consortium.