India,25th sept 2025: A new model for nurturing India’s young engineering talent is emerging, centred on real-world projects and direct industry experience. At the heart of this movement is BonV Aero, a company focused on deep-tech drone solutions, which has positioned itself as both an employer and innovation partner for the nation’s youth.

This approach is evident in how the company operates. BonV Aero’s journey begins in colleges and innovation hubs, including its own incubation at AIC at CV Raman Global University in Odisha. The company recruits young engineers from institutions like IIT Mandi and local engineering colleges, offering them hands-on opportunities in research, design, and operational deployment.

“Our goal is not just to build drones, but to nurture the people who will lead the next generation of aerospace innovation in India.”Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder & CEO, BonV Aero

The work of these young engineers is already making a direct impact:

• One group designed a para-dropping mechanism for drones to release supplies with precision mid-air, now deployed in live missions.

• Another team used drones with Ground Penetrating Radar during the Sikkim landslide, aiding the Indian Army in locating underground features.

Innovation Milestone:
One of BonV Aero’s UAVs set a world record by hovering with a 30 kg payload at 19,024 ft AMSL at Umling La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world.
This gave young engineers hands-on exposure to:

• Systems integration

• High-altitude performance

• Extreme-condition problem-solving

BonV Aero fosters an environment where young engineers take ownership of their work. Its emphasis on indigenous technology and mission-driven culture enables them to work on real-world impact projects.

“The energy of these young minds is what drives us. We provide the mentors and the facility, but they are the ones creating solutions.”Gaurav Achha, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, BonV Aero

The Big Picture:
This academia-industry model is setting a new precedent for how India can build a self-sufficient drone industry.
By giving young engineers real ownership and mission-driven roles, BonV Aero is:

• Building a pipeline of global drone innovators

• Developing leaders who will shape the future of drone and AI technologies

• Shifting India’s youth from tech users to tech creators

Phillips Education and Arthan Host The G.R.O.W.T.H. Dialogue in Mumbai, Bringing Leaders Together to Shape India’s Workforce Future

Mumbai, 25th September 2025: Phillips Education and Arthan convened The G.R.O.W.T.H. Dialogue,Gathering Resources and Opportunities for Workforce Transformation & Humanity—at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The event featured a keynote address by Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Honourable Minister for Skill Development & Employment, Uttarakhand, and brought together over 40 leaders from government, industry, academia, and the CSR sector.

The dialogue focused on India’s urgent need to equip its workforce with future-ready skills to meet ambitious targets in aerospace, defence, semiconductors, renewables, and AI. According to the World Economic Forum, 44% of current skills will be obsolete by 2030, underscoring the scale of the skilling challenge.

Satyam Vyas, Founder & CEO of Arthan and Climate Asia, emphasized that skilling is key not only to employability but also to inclusive, sustainable growth. “Investing in people is our strongest lever for the future,” he said.

Highlighting the economic impact, a McKinsey analysis cited at the event estimates that effective skilling could add $500 billion to India’s GDP by 2030. The discussions underscored the demand for specialised skills, citing examples such as the need for 15 lakh defence cybersecurity professionals by 2026.

Rakshit Kejriwal, President of Phillips Education, called for a National Skilling Coalition to bring together government, industry, academia, and CSR in preparing India’s workforce for this new industrial era. “If infrastructure builds nations, skills build civilizations,” he remarked.

The event featured two panel discussions:

• Skilling in Aerospace & Defence Industry: Experts stressed the need for academia-industry-government-CSR collaboration to build a pipeline of talent supporting India’s defence manufacturing and aerospace ambitions.

• Skilling in Emerging Technologies: Panelists highlighted the importance of preparing youth for renewable energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing, advocating scalable and industry-aligned training models.

Anchal Kakkar, Co-founder of Arthan, observed, “Workforce transformation cannot happen in silos. Collaboration across sectors is critical to ensuring inclusive and impactful skilling models.”

The evening concluded with networking, fostering continued dialogue among stakeholders. Phillips Education and Arthan reaffirmed their commitment to advancing skilling as a national priority to support India’s growth and global aspirations.

India, September 25th, 2025: In a country where children under 5 spend over 2 hours daily on screens, twice the WHO’s recommended limit, a Mumbai-based initiative is daring to dream bigger: one million children who choose books over digital devices.

Can a nation of a billion nurture a million young readers to pick up books and read like second nature? That’s the vision behind India’s tech-enabled, app-based book rental service, neOwn and its newly launched Million Readers Movement. The movement has already drawn backing from voices across entertainment, business and literature.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple idea: every adult has the power to influence a child’s reading habit. A parent reading aloud before bedtime, a teacher introducing a story outside the syllabus, an author sharing a childhood favourite, or even a friend gifting a book instead of sweets, each small act adds up. The movement hopes these acts will ignite a cultural shift where reading becomes as natural in Indian households as cricket or cinema.

The Movement was launched by Shri Buddhichand Maroo, founder of Shemaroo Entertainment and the iconic Shemaroo Book Library, who became the first pledgee. In 1962, at just 22 years old, he founded the Shemaroo Book Library with a simple vision: make quality books accessible to every family. For over six decades, the library has created and supported a reading culture that shaped distinguished professionals and leaders across India.

Since then, influential voices from diverse fields have joined the cause. Industry leaders like Arjun Vaidya (founder of Dr. Vaidya’s (accquired) and co- founder V3 Ventures), award-winning children’s author Mallika Ravikumar, corporate governance and ESG pioneer Shri Shailesh Haribhakti and Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada have taken the pledge. Their support reflects a shared belief that reading is the foundation for developing critical thinking and innovation in the next generation.

“India’s children are drowning in digital content, but starving for stories,” says Kranti Gada, founder of neOwn. “Children deserve to discover reading as adventure, imagination and discovery, not just another task competing with their favorite apps.”

She adds, “ Every child deserves the transformative power of reading. This is perhaps the greatest gift we can give our children, the chance to fall in love with reading. Together, we can raise a generation of imaginative, confident, and resilient leaders for India’s tomorrow.“

Unlike digital content that demands passive consumption, the Million Readers Movement champions sustained engagement with books, novels, stories, and curiosity-driven non-fiction that help children think critically, focus deeply, and engage meaningfully with complex ideas. In an era where AI can generate instant answers, the uniquely human ability to wrestle with ideas, sit with uncertainty, and develop nuanced understanding becomes even more crucial. The goal is not just to reduce screen time, but to raise a generation of thoughtful and creative leaders who can navigate complexity and build tomorrow’s India.

The initiative focuses on children aged 0–14, but its real audience is every adult who can help make books part of children’s everyday lives. Early supporters are committing to weekly actions, from sharing stories of their own favourite books to encouraging kids to swap screens for pages.

The philosophy is clear: reading should spark curiosity, not feel like an obligation. If India can embed books in the same cultural space as movies, music and sport, then the next generation will carry forward not just knowledge, but imagination and empathy.

The neOwn app makes reading accessible and affordable by delivering thousands of curated children’s books to households nationwide, removing common barriers like cost and clutter. By combining doorstep delivery with a constantly growing catalogue, neOwn is helping revive the joy of reading for a screen-dominated generation.

“The NBE’s Recovery Plan Directive is a significant step towards strengthening Ethiopia’s financial ecosystem,” said Suresha Ramachandra Iyer, President & Head – Enterprise Risk and Analytics, JMR Infotech. “At JMR Infotech, we are committed to empowering Ethiopian banks with the right tools, expertise, and frameworks to not only achieve compliance but also build long-term resilience.”

Bengaluru, India, September 25, 2025 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled its vision for “AI Home: Future Living, Now” at its flagship store in Jio World Plaza, BKC, Mumbai. Samsung AI Home is a next-generation connected living ecosystem that unites appliances, devices, and services to deliver unmatched convenience, energy efficiency, and personalised experiences — all with security and privacy at the core.

At the heart of this launch is Samsung’s Future Living vision: unlocking a world where intelligence is not confined to a single device, but shared seamlessly across every screen, appliance, and service. AI Home embodies this vision through three foundational strengths — Samsung’s leadership in AI, the unmatched breadth of its device portfolio, and a trusted, secure ecosystem.

 Imagine a home that knows you. The lights switch on as you arrive, the air conditioner adjusts to your perfect sleep temperature, the washing machine recommends the right cycle, and the TV queues up your favourite show — all automatically. Samsung AI Home makes this everyday reality possible, not just for a select few, but for everyone.

Aiming towards ambient intelligence, the system learns continuously from user behaviour and environmental cues to automate comfort, care, energy savings, and security. From an AC that adapts as you rest, to a fridge that suggests meals based on your dietary goals, to SmartThings-enabled devices syncing effortlessly in the background — every interaction is enriched with contextual, human-centred intelligence.

Future Living, Now in India

“At Samsung, we are not just imagining the future of AI; with the integration of Galaxy AI, Vision AI and Bespoke AI through our SmartThings ecosystem, we’re building it into people’s daily lives. With the launch of Samsung AI Home here, we are bringing Future Living into Indian homes — making everyday living more convenient, efficient, healthy, and safe. India is at the heart of this journey. Our three R&D centres in India are shaping exciting AI innovations here and taking them to the world. This launch reflects our deep commitment to shaping future lifestyles of millions of Indian families with meaningful and safer technologies,” said JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

Samsung AI Home is built on experiences that are proactive and cohesive across categories. Galaxy AI, on your devices and wearables fuels on-the-go productivity and wellness, Vision AI brings natural language interaction and smart recommendations to your TV, and Bespoke AI appliances take the guesswork out of household chores. With a unified UI across devices, it all works together to create a home that not only works for you but works with you. And at the heart of it all is Samsung SmartThings App that connects Samsung products in addition to thousands of partner devices. 

It’s a home that recognizes who you are, what you need, and what matters most. It’s Future Living, Now.

AI Home Experiences: Ease, Care, Save, Secure

Samsung AI Smart Home is built around four experiences that together redefine how families live. At its core is Ease — the power to simplify life by automating daily routines so seamlessly that it feels like having a personal concierge. Lights, temperature, and even household chores adjust themselves in anticipation, freeing up time and energy for what matters most.

Equally important is Care, which places wellbeing at the heart of the home. Through connected devices and services, AI Home supports healthier lifestyles — from personalised sleep settings and wellness checks to nutrition planning and even care for loved ones and pets.

The system also delivers tangible, measurable benefits through Save. With SmartThings Energy, homes become more efficient, reducing energy usage and cutting costs — washing machine energy consumption alone can drop by up to 70%[1,2]. These intelligent savings not only lighten household expenses but also contribute to a greener planet.

Finally, Secure ensures that innovation never comes at the cost of safety. Samsung Knox Vault protects sensitive data at the hardware level, while Knox Matrix extends blockchain-based protection across the connected ecosystem, giving families confidence that their digital lives are as safe as their physical ones[3].

Together, these four experiences make Samsung AI Home not just a collection of smart devices, but a true living environment — one that is intuitive, caring, efficient, and secure.

Fix 5% GST on Readymade Garments & Made-ups Irrespective of Cost: Prakash Ammanabolu, Telangana State Federation of Textile Associations

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The 56th GST Council has recently revised the GST structure for readymade garments, placing items priced up to ₹2,500 under the 5% GST slab, while levying 18% GST on garments priced above ₹2,500. This abrupt jump in tax rate creates a sharp discontinuity, which:

Imposes a significant price shock on consumers. The risks include a reduction in sales volumes within a highly labour-intensive industry. It may adversely impact domestic demand, exports, and the ongoing recovery of the textile sector.

In light of these concerns, Mr Prakash Ammanabolu, President of the Telangana State Federation of Textile Associations, has urged the GST Council to standardise GST at 5% across all price points for readymade garments and made-up textiles.

Why This Matters

The textile and apparel sector contributes approximately 2.3% to India’s GDP, represents around 13% of India’s industrial and rural workforce, and directly employs over 45 million people, including a large number of women and rural workers.

India’s readymade garments market, valued at USD 103.5 billion in 2024, continues to grow, reflecting its significance in the domestic economy.

Impact of the Tax Hike

The move from 5% to 18% GST above the ₹2,500 threshold imposes an additional 13% tax burden on consumers, disproportionately affecting the mid-priced and upper-mid segments.

This could deter purchases in this price range, reduce production volumes, and directly impact employment and incomes, especially in informal and small manufacturing units. Even minor volume declines in such a high-employment sector can lead to outsized socio-economic consequences, including layoffs and reduced household incomes.

Proposal

The Federation strongly recommends that the GST Council: Amend the current GST structure so that all readymade garments and made-ups, irrespective of price, attract a uniform 5% GST.

Justification

Removes the steep tax cliff between affordable and mid-range garments. Aligns taxation with the broader policy goal of taxing luxury while supporting mass-market and essential goods and services.

Preserves domestic demand and employment in a sector that supports tens of millions of livelihoods. Adjusts the tax framework to current inflationary conditions and real price dynamics.

With the textile sector playing a pivotal role in the country’s GDP and supporting over 45 million direct jobs, the Federation respectfully urges the GST Council to reconsider its recent decision and provide relief through a uniform 5% GST on all readymade garments and made-up textile products, regardless of price.

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s Deputy CEO selected to guide discussion on the long-term benefits of early learning investments.

(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 25, 2025) Beth Ann Lang, Deputy CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), has been selected to serve as moderator for “The Economics of Early Learning” at the 2025 Missouri Legislators Retreat conducted by The Hunt Institute. Lang’s session will focus on the economic impact of investing in early learning, including the potential effects on future societal costs and the long-term benefits for individuals and the state.

The retreat will be held October 14-15 in Columbia, Missouri and is hosted by co-chairs Senator Brian Williams, Representative Brad Christ, and Representative Kathy Steinhoff. The two-day event includes members of the Missouri General Assembly from both sides of the aisle, offering them the opportunity to explore carefully researched education policy issues outside of the constraints of the legislative process.

Established in 2001, The Hunt Institute honors the legacy of James B. Hunt, Jr., former governor of North Carolina and a lifelong champion of education. The nonprofit institute brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.

“Beth Ann’s selection as moderator for such an important conversation is a reflection of her expertise and commitment to advancing early learning infrastructure in Missouri,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of CCAMO. “We are incredibly proud of her leadership and her ability to represent our state in discussions that will shape the future of education, as well as opportunities, for children, families, child care providers, and employers across Missouri.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indo-German Initiative for Technical Education (IGnITE), hosted an Industry–ITI Meet at Surana Auditorium on Wednesday to foster stronger partnerships between industries and government ITIs.

The event brought together over 20 industries and ITIs to enhance industry-driven skill development and promote workforce readiness.

The meet was graced by Shri Krishna Kumar Maheshwari, Sr. Vice President, FTCCI; Shri Raja Mahender Reddy, President, FETSIA; Shri Digvijay Rajput, Director, Centum Foundation, and Shri Hameed Khan, Assistant. Director, DET. Principals from Government ITIs at Sanathnagar, Patancheru, Vikarabad, Mallepally, and VN Colony also participated.

Shri Hameed Khan Applauded IGnITE’s Role in ITI Transformation. He emphasised the transformation of ITIs through IGnITE, calling it a key driver in strengthening the ITI–industry ecosystem. He shared that over 1,134 trainees have benefitted from On-the-Job Training (OJT) under the German Dual VET model through IGnITE.

He reaffirmed the Department of Employment and Training’s (DET) commitment to expanding the program across all 63 Government ITIs in Telangana, under the guidance of Principal Secretary Shri Dana Kishore. He also urged industries to support curriculum development, OJT, and trainee exchanges. Referring to a recent safety-related incident at Sigachi, he underlined the urgent need for safety kits and insurance coverage for trainees.

Shri Krishna Kumar Maheshwari stressed the importance of aligning the ITI curriculum with industry skill needs, soft skills, and workplace readiness, reaffirming the value of the German Dual VET model.

Shri Digvijay Rajput highlighted the structured nature of IGnITE, calling for greater industry participation and mandatory PPE kits and insurance for ITI trainees during OJT.

Shri Raja Mahender Reddy, President of FETSIA, hailed IGnITE as a vital initiative for industry exposure of ITI students and reiterated FETSIA’s commitment to strengthening industry–institution collaboration to build a future-ready workforce.

September 25, 2025: Envision Energy, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for its 2 GW/PA Blade Manufacturing Facility in Kalyangadh, Bavla Taluka, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat. The new facility marks Envision’s third manufacturing site in India and is a significant step in the company’s ₹500 crore expansion plan to deepen its presence and strengthen manufacturing capabilities in the country.

The ground-breaking ceremony was graced by Shri Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Kheda, Gujarat as Chief Guest in the presence of dignitaries including Shri Kiritsinh Sardarsang Dabhi, MLA, Dholka Assembly, Shri Om Prakash Jat, SP, Shri Durgesh Agarwal, Founder, DA Group, Shri Prateek Agarwal, Director, Ashwika Warehousing LLP, S H Rana, Divya Estate, Management and senior management from Envision Energy India, led by Mr. RPV Prasad, Managing Director among others.

The launch of Envision Energy’s new facility is fully aligned with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Make-in-India mandate, strengthening domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components and reducing reliance on imports. In addition, this milestone directly supports India’s national commitment to achieve 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, underscoring Envision’s role as a trusted strategic partner in advancing the country’s clean energy transition.

The Gujarat facility will manufacture up to 1,500 blades annually using six moulds and will be equipped to produce blades for both 3.3 MW and 5 MW wind turbine platforms. In total, the project will support more than 4 GW of wind energy projects across 10+ sites in five districts of Gujarat, significantly strengthening the state’s renewable energy capacity.

The project will also generate significant local employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s industrial ecosystem by integrating with local supply chains and supporting ancillary industries. The Gujarat facility is expected to generate around 4,000 direct and indirect jobs by mid-2027 once it becomes fully operational.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. RPV Prasad, Managing Director, Envision Energy India said, “This new facility in Gujarat is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in India’s clean energy future. It reflects our commitment to supporting the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening domestic manufacturing, creating local employment and fostering industrial growth in the region.”

While addressing the event, Shri Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Kheda, Gujarat said, “Gujarat has always been an industry-friendly state with unmatched ease of doing business and energy will continue to play a vital role in driving our nation’s economic success. Employment generation and skill development are critical and I urge our youth to make themselves employment worthy, as India builds a sustainable future. With its commitment to clean energy and innovation, Envision represents the kind of vision that will help India become a developed nation by 2047. We welcome Envision to Gujarat and look forward to their contribution in nation building.” This facility in Gujarat is being developed by DA Group and constructed by Ashwika Warehousing LLP, jointly contributing to the creation of a greener and better India.

HIGH SPRINGS, FL (September 24, 2025) – The Barkade Society, a new dog-centric lifestyle company dedicated to premium dog experiences and events, announces the official itinerary and new sponsorships for their first-ever upcoming Howl-o-Ween dog takeover at Postcard Cabins by Marriott Bonvoy Gilchrist Springs from October 30 to November 3, 2025.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Sponsors include award-winning Prohibition Pizza, which will cater select meals, and Decades on Main, which will host a surprise gifting game during the downtown excursion. High Springs Brewery will participate in the fun with a pup costume contest and a special night called Pizza, Pints and Painting Paws featuring local artists. Guests will also receive VooCoo’s rinse-free paw cleaner, ensuring pets stay fresh throughout the event.

The schedule also features live music, mixology competitions, splash pad fun, and more, with guests invited to take part in a special pup play-off event that includes a treat toss tournament sponsored by Jaffees Pet Pops.

Josh Green, Pup Experience Expert for The Barkade Society, said, “We are excited to bring the community together in a way that not only celebrates the spirit of Halloween in a new way, but also builds lasting shared experiences with a family member we often have to leave behind.”

In addition, the itinerary has been officially announced, including the following highlights:

• Spooky “Yappy Hour” Welcome Get-together: Mix, mingle, and make new friends while enjoying some local live music.

• Fireside “Tails” & S’mores: Gather ‘round the firepit for cozy ghost stories—and yummies under the stars.

• Snouts, Selfies & Social Spells” with Influencer BindiBleu: Halloween-themed “crash course” in creating boo-tiful and paw-some posts.

•  High Springs Brewery Mystery Meet-Up:  High Springs Brewery Mystery Meet-Up

• “Howl-o-ween Trick or Treating” on Main Street Downtown in Quaint High Springs: Red-Carpet Puppie Costume Contest, Scavenger Hunt, Surprise Snacks & Treats…and so much more!

• Waffle & Wag Pajama Party Breakfast at Pup Pavilion: Pajama-clad pups welcome! Coffee, waffles, and early morning cuddles

• Yin “Chair” Yoga: Gentle Moves and Mellow Stretches: Hands, fresh air, and your fur-ever friend, Breathe easy with your best buddy

• Color & Pawdicure Parlour: Chic or subtle – polish, pet-safe dyeing, glam tinsel to match.

• Full Moon Feast & Group Howl Toast: A twilight celebration dinner with shared stories and sparkling cider.

• Paws & Poltergeists: The Selfie Scavenger Haunt: Snap spooky selfies at frightfully fun photo stops hidden throughout camp!

Participants booking between September 19 and September 21 can enjoy a $300 discount using the code HOWL300.

To learn more about this experience, read the full itinerary, and book your stay, please visit: https://tri.ps/muUBD