Tag New Delhi

New Delhi, February 23, 2024: In the year of India’s 18th General Election, ABP Network’s flagship event ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 launched to an enthralling opening, celebrating the spirit of democracy and plurality while converging many ideas of India.

Representing India’s business world, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group, and President, FICCI, took stage to share his perspective on the pivotal role industries and enterprises will have to play for accelerating national growth and economic prosperity.

Dr. Anish Shah remarked, “Over the next 7 years, Indian GDP will add as much to the global GDP as the entire European Union combined.”

Deliberating upon the topic ‘Viksit Bharat: The Road to 2047’, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group and, President, FICCI, expressed, “The Union Budget has prioritized economics over politics, adopted fiscal discipline and invested more in capex. The RBI has done a stellar job in containing inflation. Infrastructure is being massively developed to make manufacturing competitive in India. To make this vision a reality, each one of us has to play a role.”

Setting the goals for the industry, Dr. Anish Shah, remarked “India envisions to be a 30 trillion economy by 2047 to be a Viksit Bharat. This means manufacturing should be 25% of GDP. We should be more ambitious and make manufacturing grow 16 times and exports grow 11 times.”

Setting the spotlight on the people with the Summit theme “The People’s Agenda”, the two-day long intellectual discourse was set around how India can leverage its population potential to reinforce its leadership position globally on the way to becoming a developed economy.

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

New Delhi, India – 23rd Feb 2024: The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is set to convene on February 24, 2024, in the heart of New Delhi, bringing world leaders, industry stalw,arts, policymakers, experts, senior diplomats together to chart the course for the future of Indian Aerospace and Defence sector.

At the summit, participants from countries like the United States, Israel, Vietnam, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Ukraine and Japan, apart from India, will delve into the changing dynamics of the defence industry and explore strategies to propel India as a global leader in manufacturing, exports, and research and development (R&D) in this critical sector.

In recent years, the Aerospace and Defence sector has witnessed significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving geopolitical landscape, and changing security threats. Recognizing the need for proactive measures to adapt to these changes and seize emerging opportunities, Firstpost is hosting this first-of-its-kind summit that brings together stakeholders from across the globe to catalyse dialogue, foster partnerships, and shape policies that will shape the future of defence in India.

The summit will also serve as a platform to showcase the best global business practices across various facets of the Aerospace and Defence sector, including Manufacturing, R&D, Academia, Startups, Technology, and Data Security. The event will feature discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions centered around three key sub-themes:

• Building ‘Capacities’ for Economically Strategic Aerospace and Defence
• Promoting Comprehensive R&D Ecosystem for the Defence sector
• Strengthening the DRDO-Industry-Academia and Startup Ecosystem

Speaking about this initiative, Palki Sharma, Editor, Firstpost said “We, at Firstpost, are proud to present the first-of-its-kind Defence Summit, which will serve as the catalyst in driving conversations on security, technology and strategic choices. We are delighted to take this first step in providing a platform for defence officials, policymakers & world leaders to discuss and share insights on the future of defence.”

Puneet Singhvi, Chief Executive Officer (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy at Network18, highlighted how the summit will play a crucial role in the nation’s pursuit of becoming a key defence exporter. He said, “As the global geopolitical stage evolves, India marches forward in its transformation. In this unwavering drive towards defence modernization, Network18 takes great pride in initiating the first ever platform that drives conversations on the future of defence. The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is the beacon illuminating crucial arenas such as aerospace, AI, UAVs, cyber warfare & naval security. The summit is poised to redefine India’s role as a leading defence exporter on the global stage. By amplifying voices and ideas, we feel proud to pave the way for a future where India’s prowess in defence technologies and capabilities shines brightly, fostering prosperity & security for all.”

The summit will feature keynote addresses and sessions by stalwarts like Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence of India; General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff in India; Ehud Olmert, the Former PM of Israel; Djoomart Otorbaev, the Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan; Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Chairperson of DRDO; Mariya Ahmed Didi, the Former Defence Minister of Maldives; Dr Nidhi Bansal, the Director of Technology Development Fund at the Ministry of Defence and Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, among others.

The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards building a robust and resilient Aerospace and Defence ecosystem in India.

February 22, 2024, New Delhi/Mumbai: Aakash BYJU’S proudly announces a momentous achievement as approximately 41,263 of its students successfully cleared the JEE Mains first session 2024 examination. The results, declared by the National Testing Agency recently, reflect the dedication and hard work of the students coupled with the exceptional guidance provided by Aakash BYJU’S.

Among the successful 41,263 students, an impressive 4,198 students attained a percentile score of 95 and above, while a remarkable 939 students secured a percentile score of 99 and above, further solidifying Aakash BYJU’S position as a leading educational institution in India.

The outstanding performance of Aakash BYJU’S students is exemplified by the top scorers in the Classroom programmes. Rishi Shekhar Shukla from Hyderabad achieved a perfect 100 percentile, while Abhiraj Singh from Karnal, Sri Ram A from Trinulveli, and Viswanath K S from Hyderabad secured an exceptional percentile of 99.99 amongst others. Notably, Sri Ram A also attained a flawless score of 100 in Chemistry and Physics both whereas Viswanath K S from Hyderabad, Soukarya Bhattacharya from Kolkata, Akshat Banzal from Pune and Archisman Dhar from Durgapur scored a perfect 100 in Physics showcasing their exceptional understanding and proficiency in these subjects.

Enrolling in Aakash’s classroom program with the aspiration of conquering the formidable IIT JEE, renowned as the most challenging entrance exam globally. The students credit their ascent to the top percentiles to their dedication to comprehending fundamental concepts and maintaining a disciplined study regimen. “We are thankful to Aakash for aiding us in both aspects. Without the institute’s comprehensive content and coaching, mastering the concepts of numerous subjects within a short timeframe would have been unlikely,” they said.

Mr. Anup Agarwal, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Aakash BYJU’S, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the students for their outstanding performance. He said, “We take immense pride in the outstanding achievements of our students in the JEE Main 2024 results. Their remarkable success is a testament to their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and the invaluable support they’ve received from their families and our esteemed faculty. At Aakash BYJU’S, we strive to provide the highest quality test preparation, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their academic pursuits. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our students and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”

JEE (Mains) is structured in two sessions to provide students with multiple opportunities to enhance their scores. While JEE Advanced exclusively facilitates admissions to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), JEE Main serves as the gateway to numerous National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and other Centrally-aided engineering colleges across India. Participation in JEE Main is a prerequisite for appearing in JEE Advanced.

Aakash BYJU’S offers comprehensive IIT-JEE coaching through various course formats tailored for high school and higher secondary school students. Recently, Aakash has intensified its focus on developing Computer-Based Training. Its innovative iTutor platform delivers recorded video lectures, enabling students to engage in self-paced learning and catch up on missed sessions. Moreover, mock tests simulate real exam conditions, equipping students with the necessary familiarity and confidence to tackle the examination effectively.

New Delhi, February 2024 – SnowPure Organics Green Farm Dairy launches the purest ghee made in the traditional Bilona method with milk that is 100% traceable to grass fed and healthy cows lovingly reared in their farm in Paonta Sahib. A dream project of four accomplished global professionals of Indian origin, Snowpure Ghee promises the purity of the Himalayas and is a perfect aid to your good health.

Snowpure operates a farm with a thriving community of Jersey Cows, renowned for their superior milk quality. The founders’ goal is to deliver the purest ghee to consumers while simultaneously fostering economic development in rural India. From the initial stage of milking the cows to the final ghee production, the entire process is executed with a hands-free, mechanized approach, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining product integrity.

With a vision to create synergy between international management expertise and the rooted rural economy of India, Snowpure aspires to establish an environmentally friendly, replicable, scalable, and economically sustainable dairy business focused on ghee production. This setup aims to enhance the development goals of India’s rural economy, fostering employment and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

“As a forward-thinking leader in the dairy industry, Snowpure seeks to leverage international management expertise and integrate it seamlessly with India’s rural economy. Our mission is to deliver Himalayan purity directly to households across India,” stated Arun Nair, CEO Snowpure.

Snowpure invites consumers to experience the finest ghee from the purest Himalayan dairy, delivered from their farm to homes. With a dedication to promoting health, empowering local communities, and preserving the traditions of Indian dairy, Snowpure is set to make a substantial impact on India’s culinary landscape.

New Delhi, Feb 22, 2023, Buffalo Soldiers, celebrated as the Rising Maverick Agency of 2023, is stirring the pot in the production world with their latest venture, Eating Potatoes – a cutting-edge production house focused on TV commercials (TVCs) and long-form productions for OTT platforms and documentaries.

The agency has also elevated Saurabh Dubey, who heads video & production at Buffalo Soldiers, as co-founder of this exciting new venture.

“India is at the cusp of a visual content revolution. For the next 20 years, the hunger for new content will become insatiable. With Eating Potatoes, we’re diving deep into the world of visual storytelling. Our aim is to craft narratives that resonate with today’s audience, from gripping TVCs to compelling OTT web shows and documentaries,” Sumon K Chakrabarti, Co-Founder & CEO of Buffalo Soldiers, said.

Recently, Eating Potatoes showcased its prowess by producing four TVCs for Parker in India, launching the brand’s new proposition #UNWRAP. The creative was handled by Buffalo Soldiers while Eating Potatoes led the production from start to finish.

Saurabh Dubey, the newly appointed co-founder of Eating Potatoes, said: “We are thrilled to blend our creative expertise with top-notch production quality. Eating Potatoes isn’t just a production house; it’s a hub for innovation in storytelling.” “We’re here to cook up some truly innovative content that resonates with today’s audience,” added Dubey, who also directed the 4 Parker TVCs recently.

The production house is currently evaluating a few scripts for a potential thriller series. Eating Potatoes is poised to become a powerhouse in content production, with an eye for compelling narratives and high-quality production values.

New Delhi, February 21, 2024: OPPO India will launch its F25 Pro 5G on February 29th, 2024. The F Series is renowned for its flaunt-worthy design and sterling camera setups, and this new smartphone is no different. It sports an ultra-slim 7.54mm profile and comes in Lava Red that transitions from rich burgundy colour to deep sunset tones thanks to its OPPO Glow finish. Its advanced 64MP triple-camera system pioneers 4K video recording on both—its front and rear—shooters to set a new high standard in the sub-INR25K smartphone market.

Sleek Design & Exceptional Endurance

The sleek OPPO F25 Pro 5G weighs just 177g. Its 6.7-inch borderless 120Hz AMOLED display is protected by doubly reinforced Panda Glass for strength, scratch resistance, and durability. The handset—with a 93.4% screen-to-body ratio—boasts super-narrow bezels around its display to provide an immersive viewing experience, complete with vibrant colours and sharp details, whether for gaming, streaming, or everyday use.

Its Lava Red body is fabricated out of PC-GF – a polycarbonate resin mixed with glass fibre as a reinforcement material. The overall look is a combination of matte, flat sides with rounded corners and a smooth polished back for that luxurious in-hand feel; its Sunshine Ring camera panel’s bevelled design draws attention to its sterling set of triple-rear cameras.

Furthermore, the OPPO F25 Pro is the slimmest 5G smartphone with an IP65 rating, which means it has the highest level of dust protection and can withstand water jets from all directions. So, whether it is used at the poolside or gets wet in the rain, the F25 Pro 5G is built for endurance.

Triple Rear Cameras with 4K Front & Back

The F25 Pro 5G’s Ultra-Clear Triple Camera setup comprises a 64MP OV64B 1/2” sensor with a f/1.7 aperture for exceptional clarity and detail in every shot, an 8MP 112-degree ultra-wide camera backed by the Sony IMX355 sensor and a 16mm focal length for expansive landscape shots and group photos, as well as a 2MP macro camera with an OV02B10 sensor that can capture intricate details from as close as 4cm away.

Its 32MP IMX615 selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 21mm focal length—housed in a punch-hole display—delivers vibrant and sharp selfies.

A first in this segment, the F25 Pro 5G supports 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras to provide four times the number of pixels for razor-sharp clarity. 4K video enhances quality by offering 8MP per frame compared to conventional 1,080P Full HD video, where each frame is 2MP. The 4K@30fps video recording delivers crisp and detailed footage in well-lit daytime and static environments – ideal for cinematic content, vlogging, and sharing on social media platforms.

AI & Photography

The OPPO F25 Pro 5G introduces AI Smart Image Matting—another segment-first feature—that enables one-tap extraction of subjects from photos and turns them into a transparent PNG for effortless recreation and sharing. The AI can also handle multi-subject recognition that enables the identification and extraction of multiple subjects within a single photo with precision and efficiency.

The photography AI on the OPPO F25 Pro 5G recognises the race, gender, and age of the subject to provide customised beauty effects, including brightened and smoothened skin, removal of facial imperfections, touch-up effects (lips and cheeks), and a lifted face. It adjusts the brightness in photographs based on the actual environment to prevent overexposure and ensure natural skin tones and makeup colour. The algorithm applies to four types of scenarios: Normal, high colour temperature, low colour temperature, and backlit.

Photography AI also removes facial imperfections in portraits by the 32MP front camera. Proprietary algorithms accurately identify and remove blemishes such as spots, acne, and acne marks; AI minimises pores for a polished skin effect while—at the same time—preserving the original features such as beauty spots.

Face clarity is optimised through OPPO’s AI portrait super-resolution algorithm that is based on the aesthetic opinions of a global team of portrait experts. It is automatically activated in medium-lit/dark environments to reduce noise and improve face clarity for portrait photos that cater to local aesthetic preferences.

The OPPO F25 Pro 5G is the perfect smartphone for those who demand the best. With its sleek beautiful design, amazing camera setup, and AI-powered features, it promises the ultimate smartphone experience in the sub-INR25K segment.

New Delhi, Feb 17, 2024: India is in the midst of a formidable battle, facing an alarming toll of over 1 million annual deaths attributed to tobacco use. As the nation gears up for an ambitious race against time to achieve a tobacco-free status, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India, highlighted the critical role of multisectoral intervention in navigating this journey towards a healthier future.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th National Conference on Tobacco or Health, themed “Towards Tobacco-Free India – An Audacious Race Against Time,” Dr. Goel emphasized the need for a concerted effort across various sectors to tackle the deep-rooted issue of tobacco use in society. He also underlined India’s position as the 4th largest global producer of tobacco in 2021, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge.

Addressing the conference, Dr. Prof. Sutapa B Neogi, Director of IIHMR Delhi, President, 6th National Conference on Tobacco or Health, highlighted the grim reality of tobacco use in India, where more than 1 million people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. She stressed the importance of uniting to combat the dual burden of smoking and smokeless tobacco, which currently affects nearly 29% of Indian adults.

The conference, serving as a platform for professionals, researchers, and policymakers, aims to exchange knowledge and best practices in tobacco control. Prof. Neogi emphasized the need for collective action to drive impactful change in tobacco control policies and practices.

Adding his perspective, Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, Honorary Distinguished Professor and Goodwill Ambassador of PHFI for Public Health Partnerships, exhorted for adaptive strategies and legislative measures to counter the tobacco industry’s relentless creativity in introducing new products. He emphasized the imperative need for collective action to combat the parasitic and water-consuming nature of tobacco cultivation, advocating for continued efforts to counteract the industry’s influence on health professionals and policymakers.

The pressing concerns were further highlighted by Dr L. Swasticharan, Additional DDG in the Directorate General and Director (EMR), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI, who expressed alarm over the involvement of youth in tobacco consumption and the resultant global impact. Stressing the economic burden and the imperative to strengthen measures such as the NTCP and WHO-MPOWER initiative, he underscored the importance of multi-sectoral action at the national, state, and district levels to prioritize tobacco taxation and raise funds for a smoke-free India.

Dr. Yutaro Setoya, Team Lead for NCDs and Comorbidities at WHO India Country Office, reinforced the urgency to address the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India, primarily attributed to tobacco use. With a WHO report indicating a 30% reduction in tobacco use in India, Dr. Setoya commended the country’s efforts while emphasizing the need for holistic eradication strategies and prevention initiatives targeted at the youth.

Dr. Jagdish Kaur, Regional Advisor for Tobacco Free Initiatives at the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO), says, “There is an urgent need for comprehensive policies to regulate surrogate advertisements of tobacco products, particularly smokeless tobacco. These policies should not only be formulated but also implemented effectively to curb the insidious promotion of tobacco in various forms. Such regulations are crucial to protect public health and prevent the exploitation of loopholes in advertising regulations.”

As India navigates the complex landscape of combating tobacco use, these experts collectively advocated for concerted and sustained efforts towards a healthier, tobacco-free future, underscoring the imperative to safeguard the nation’s youth and prioritize public health.

New Delhi, 16th February 2024: The premier franchise-based preschool network in India, Bachpan Play School, celebrated 20 appealing years of its history at the renowned Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, marking a momentous occasion. Bachpan, which has more than 1200 franchise-owned schools all over India, is a major player in the field of early childhood education.

Mr. Gulshan Grover, who graced the anniversary ceremony, stressed the critical role that Bachpan and AHPS schools have had in influencing the country’s educational scene.

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the franchise maestros with the prestigious Maestro Awards, recognizing their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in making Bachpan Play School franchise a resounding success over the past two decades. This year marked the 6th edition celebrating the collective achievements and dedication of Bachpan’s franchise partners.

“As we celebrate 20 years of Bachpan, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the relentless teamwork and dedication that have propelled us to where we stand today,” stated Mr. Ajay Gupta, Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play School, reflecting on this incredible journey and expressing his sincere gratitude. “The remarkable people who have joined our family and the trust that numerous parents have placed in us have both played a significant role in our accomplishments.”

Additionally, the celebration honored the establishment of Academic Heights Public School (AHPS), Bachpan’s official formal school extension with more than 120 branches across the country, which took place 15 years ago.

New Delhi, 16th February 2024: The interim budget 2024 has brought a fresh ray of hope to millions of middle-income households who aspired to buy their own homes, but are forced to stay on rent. In a positive move, 2-crore more houses will be built under PM Awas Yojana Scheme in the next five years to enable middle-class living in rented premises to build their own homes.

R&R, in its recent report, highlighted that the housing for the middle-class scheme will enable mid-income individuals to realise their homeownership dreams, while at the same time, giving impetus to the construction and associated sectors, thereby creating more opportunities for all.

The soon-to-be-launched housing scheme is expected to revitalise the affordable or mid-housing segment. The Interim Budget underscored the government’s recognition of the significance of homeownership. India’s middle class is set to double up to 61% of the total population by 2047, up from 31% in 2020-21. The housing scheme will give confidence to an increasing number of people falling into this category every day.

Vishesh Prakash of R&R, says, “While the Interim Budget 2024 made no big-bang announcements, it continued its focus on infrastructure upgrades and building connectivity across the country, which would benefit real estate growth in not just the top cities, but also in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country. Infrastructure continues to be the focus area of the government. With an outlay of 3.4% of the GDP, the benefits of such focused and continued efforts will percolate down to all real estate segments. Tier 2 and 3 cities can expect heightened real estate activity around the near-mid term. All said and done, the budget has a lot more to offer than what meets the eye, which will propel the real estate sector directly or indirectly in a significant way.”

The industry insiders feel that while the interim budget didn’t directly address the real estate sectors’ key demands, the upcoming union budget might hold more concrete measures addressing the industry concerns, potentially impacting the market trends.

Looking ahead, the real estate sector is expecting industry status, believing it would unlock benefits like easier access to credit, tax breaks, and infrastructure development. Besides, tax incentives and benefits for homebuyers, such as increasing the deduction limit on home loan interest under Section 24, are also being expected from the Union Budget to follow in the coming months.

Keeping up with these expectations will only make the housing sector in the country more dynamic than ever. With eyes now set on the upcoming Union Budget, the real estate sector is hopeful of its robust growth in the future.

Steps in the right direction:

· Despite all the challenges, the implementation of this scheme continued, achieving the target of close to 3 crore houses, and now aims for 2 crore more houses to be taken up in the next five years, which is a step in the right direction.

· The Government will launch a scheme to help the deserving sections of the middle class, living in rented houses or slums, or chawls and unauthorised colonies, to buy or build their own houses.

· Extending tax benefits to startups for another year is yet another move in the right direction. This may help the real estate to rejuvenate and grow at a pace, which might be considered an opportunity in disguise for them.

New Delhi, 16th February 2024 – Mobikasa, a top-rated web and app development company, demonstrates its dedication to promoting digital inclusivity via its Digital Accessibility vertical. This initiative focuses on making digital assets, such as websites, mobile apps, and PDFs accessible to people with disabilities. Clients can benefit from a range of tools and methods provided by Mobikasa for accessibility audits and remediation, including checks for keyboard, contrast, zoom, and other essential parameters.

Mobikasa adapts emerging trends in digital accessibility that promise a future wherein the internet is genuinely inclusive. AI-powered solutions, coupled with the rise of immersive technologies such as AR/VR, are at the forefront of these trends. Automatic image descriptions using computer vision, haptic feedback, sensory interfaces, spatial audio design, and Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) are all set to transform the digital landscape, making it intuitive and accessible for users with varying abilities.

Mobikasa provides accessibility training and consultation services to help organizations become digitally inclusive. Experts certified by the International Association of Accessibility Specialists (IAAP) develop brand-specific code playbooks and offer guidance and technical training. The company actively engages with industry experts through participation in global conferences, seminars, forums, etc.

Mr. Prateek Sachdev, Managing Partner at Mobikasa, emphasized the company’s commitment to digital inclusivity. He stated, “Our dedicated business vertical aims to empower corporations to make their digital assets accessible to users with disabilities. Our comprehensive accessibility testing and remediation solutions, underscore our determination to create a truly inclusive digital world.”

Mobikasa’s accessibility experts stand out for their technical knowledge, accessibility guidelines adherence, and user-centered approach. They function as Accessibility Advocates, not just auditors, providing clients with comprehensive digital accessibility solutions.

Mobikasa remains at the forefront of digital accessibility, ensuring that its digital experiences are inclusive for all users.