Samsung Partners with University of Madras to Launch Samsung Innovation Campus in Tamil Nadu

Samsung Innovation Campus Equips Youth With Essential Skills In AI, IoT, Big Data, And Coding & Programming

Tamil Nadu is a Key Focus This Year, with 5,000 Students Set to Receive Training in Future Tech Skills

The Programme Now Spans 10 States, Targeting 20,000 Students Nationwide in 2025 — a Six-Fold Expansion Over Last Year

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced a strategic collaboration with the University of Madras to launch its flagship tech education initiative, Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), in Tamil Nadu—strengthening its commitment to building future-ready skills among the state’s youth.

The launch event was attended by senior academicians from the University of Madras, including Dr. P. S. Manjula, Dean, Students’ Affairs; Dr. Rita John, Registrar; and Dr. S. Armstrong, Member, Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee.

Aligned with state and national skilling priorities, Samsung Innovation Campus equips youth with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Coding & Programming. The programme now spans 10 states, aiming to upskill 20,000 students nationwide in 2025—a six-fold expansion over last year.

In Tamil Nadu, 5,000 students will be provided training this year, which is about 25% of the national target—positioning the state as a frontrunner in driving digital empowerment and job-ready talent. In the first phase, the programme will train 500 students within the University of Madras—one of India’s oldest and most prestigious universities—followed by 1,500 students from its affiliated colleges.

Samsung Innovation Campus was launched in India in 2022 and by 2024 had trained 6,500 students, training a total of 26,500 students by 2025. It now continues to expand its footprint with a strong focus on underserved and semi-urban communities. Samsung has partnered with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to train students through accredited training partners.

Nationally, Samsung Innovation Campus has achieved 44% women participation—reflecting Samsung’s focus on inclusive and equitable skilling. Beyond technical learning, participants receive soft skills training and placement support to strengthen employability and workplace readiness.

Together with its Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST initiatives, Samsung Innovation Campus underscores Samsung’s long-term commitment to democratizing technology, building talent pipelines, and preparing India’s youth for a connected, innovation-driven future.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-partners-with-university-of-madras-to-launch-samsung-innovation-campus-in-tamil-nadu

Samsung Newsroom Bharat: https://news.samsung.com/bharat/%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%88%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%97-%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%87-%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b2%e0%a4%a8%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a1%e0%a5%81-%e0%a4%ae%e0%a5%87%e0%a4%82-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%88

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Tata Power Commissions 400 / 220 kV TP Jalpura Khurja Transmission Line And Substation At Greater Noida

* Strengthening Uttar Pradesh And Northern Grid With 1,000 MVA Transformation Capacity

Tata Power has successfully commissioned the 400 / 220 kV Metro Depot Substation and associated transmission lines, a critical linear infrastructure project, that has enabled addition of 1,000 MVA transformation capacity to meet the growing load demand in and around Greater Noida and NCR region. Additionally, surplus power from the system will be fed into the Northern Grid, supporting power demand across other northern states.

This intra-state transmission system has been executed under TP Jalpura Khurja Transmission Limited (TPJKPTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, and marks the first milestone under the Jalpura-Khurja TBCB project.

The project’s on-time commissioning underscores Tata Power’s excellence in precision-driven execution, and sustainable infrastructure development.

With this addition, Tata Power’s transmission portfolio now stands at 7,047 circuit kilometres of lines operational and under execution across India, further reinforcing the company’s role in strengthening the nation’s electricity transmission network.

TATA AIA AURA: Shaping India’s Next Generation Of Insurance Entrepreneurs

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, the role of insurance advisors has undergone a transformative shift, with an increasing number of young professionals embracing it as a full-fledged entrepreneurial opportunity. Tata AIA, a leader in India’s life insurance sector, has been at the forefront of this change, pioneering the way for advisors to thrive as entrepreneurs through its platform, Tata AIA AURA.

Empowering the Advisors of Tomorrow

In India, over 31.5 lakh life insurance advisors contribute to protecting the financial future of families. However, despite the steady growth, insurance penetration remains relatively low, with only 3.7% of India’s GDP attributed to life insurance (FY24). Recognizing the immense potential in this field, Tata AIA AURA aims to empower the next generation of advisors to drive growth and awareness, particularly in underserved areas, while helping the country move towards achieving "Insurance for All by 2047."

Amit Dave, Head of Advisor Distribution at Tata AIA, highlights, “At Tata AIA, we see our advisors as true entrepreneurs. They don’t just sell insurance—they build relationships, secure futures, and make a lasting impact. Tata AIA AURA gives them the tools, mentorship, and strategic guidance to grow their businesses, prioritize consumer needs, and align their success with our larger mission of protecting families across India.”

From Side Gig to Full-Time Entrepreneurial Career

Once seen as a part-time pursuit, the insurance advisory profession is now recognized as a career path with immense potential. Advisors today are more than just intermediaries—they are entrepreneurs managing their own business schedules, relationships, and growth. With access to innovative tools, mentorship, and a robust digital platform, advisors can scale their businesses rapidly, contributing to the nation’s financial security while ensuring their own success.

Tata AIA AURA offers advisors a suite of resources, from digital tools to structured training, allowing them to manage their careers as entrepreneurial ventures. By shifting the focus from transactional work to long-term relationships built on trust, AURA is redefining what it means to be an insurance advisor.

A Milestone for the Industry: 0% GST on Life Insurance

One of the key drivers of growth in the insurance advisory profession has been the introduction of 0% GST on life insurance policies. This landmark decision makes life insurance more affordable for consumers, further elevating the profession and positioning insurance as an essential financial product for families across India.

Tata AIA’s Leadership in Insurance Advisory

As the No. 1 Life Insurer in Retail Sum Assured and with a remarkable 99.4% claim settlement ratio (FY25), Tata AIA continues to be a trusted name in the industry. With over 1.5 lakh advisors already part of the Tata AIA family, the company remains committed to empowering advisors and helping them secure the financial futures of their clients.

The launch of Tata AIA AURA is a testament to this commitment. Designed to support advisors with strategic guidance, the platform encourages them to treat their roles as business owners, setting their own goals and cultivating long-term relationships with clients. Through AURA, Tata AIA ensures that advisors have the support they need to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Industry Recognition and Future Prospects

Tata AIA’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistent leadership in the industry. For three consecutive years, Tata AIA has been ranked No. 1 in India for Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) membership, recognizing its advisors for exceptional performance and dedication to the global life insurance advisory ecosystem. The company’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusion are also evident, with Tata AIA ranking No. 4 globally for women MDRT members in 2024.

These accolades underscore the fact that life insurance advisors, supported by Tata AIA, are not only contributing to the company’s success—they are shaping the future of financial advisory in India, driven by empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to protecting families.

A Call to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

For those considering a career in insurance advisory, the opportunities are boundless. With the support of Tata AIA and the guidance provided by Tata AIA AURA, aspiring advisors can build fulfilling, purpose-driven careers. This is more than just a job—it's an entrepreneurial journey that empowers individuals to make a profound difference in the lives of others.

“At Tata AIA, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of insurance entrepreneurs—empowered by purpose, driven by impact, and inspired by the mission of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’” concludes Amit Dave.

Tata AIA’s unwavering commitment to its advisors ensures that, together, we can build a secure, financially empowered future for millions of families across India.

About Tata AIA Life
Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA) is a joint venture Company formed by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA). Tata AIA Life combines Tata’s pre-eminent leadership position in India and AIA’s presence as the largest, independent listed pan-Asian life insurance group in the world, spanning 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region.

Tata AIA reported a total Premium Income of INR 31,484 crore for FY25, up 23% from FY24. The Company continues to rank among the Top 3 Private Insurers in Individual Weighted New Business Premium (IWNBP) with an IWNBP income of INR 8,511 crore. The Company also achieved industry-leading Persistency performance (based on premiums), ranking #1 in four out of five cohorts.
About the Tata Group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals.

The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.

In 2023-24, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was more than $165 billion. These companies collectively employ over 1 million people.

Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 26 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of more than $365 billion as on March 31, 2024.

About AIA
AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets –wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(3), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(4), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$305 billion as of 31 December 2024.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

realme 16 Pro Series Debuts: 200MP LumaColor Portrait Master With Master Design And Powerful Performance

realme 16 Pro+ featuring a 200MP LumaColor Portrait Camera with 3.5× periscope telephoto lens, Snapdragon® 7 Gen 4 chipset, 7000mAh Titan Battery, and Urban Wild Design co-created with Naoto Fukasawa, is available in 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB variants, starting at ₹35,999*.

realme 16 Pro featuring a 200MP LumaColor Portrait Camera, MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Max 5G chipset, 7000mAh Titan Battery, and premium Urban Wild Design, is available in 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB variants, starting at ₹28,999*.

realme Buds Air8 features 55dB real-time ANC, AI Ear Canal Adaptive ANC, dual-driver acoustics, and AI Voice Assistant powered by Google Gemini, priced at ₹3,799 with a special launch price of ₹3,599*.

realme Pad 3 features a 2.8K book-view display, AI-powered productivity tools, and a 12,200mAh Slim Titan Battery in an ultra-slim 6.6mm design, available in Wi-Fi and 5G variants starting at ₹24,999*.

realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, today unveiled the highly anticipated realme 16 Pro Series, solidifying its position as a benchmark in the premium mid-range segment. Headlined by the flagship-tier realme 16 Pro+ and the accessible all-rounder realme 16 Pro, the series elevates mastercrafted excellence in performance and design, with a game-changing focus on redefining portrait imaging standards.

200MP Portrait Master: Capture Every Vibe with Precision

The realme 16 Pro Series establishes itself as the 200MP Portrait Master in the premium mid-range segment, combining flagship-level imaging hardware with intelligent software to redefine portrait photography. Both models offer professional tools for precise capture of every mood and moment, with the flagship-tier realme 16 Pro+ leading the way through exclusive upgrades that elevate creative expression.

realme 16 Pro+ sets a new benchmark with the segment’s only 200MP LumaColor Camera and 3.5× periscope telephoto lens, empowering users to “Snap Your Vibe at Every Zoom.” TÜV Rheinland-certified, the camera delivers natural skin tones, stunning depth, and atmospheric lighting for portraits that shine. Paired with a FullFocal Portrait Lens Kit (1×/1.5×/2×/3.5×/4×) and ProDepth Bokeh Algorithm, it achieves hair-level blur, three-dimensional depth, and sharp details across all focal lengths. Designed for parties with vibrant lights and lively crowds, the realme 16 Pro+ brings people together in stunning group shots and captures standout solo portraits with ease.

Additionally, the realme 16 Pro+ supports 7× close-ups, 10× stage captures, and up to 120× Super Zoom, along with 4K FullFocal HDR Video (1×/2×/3.5×/7×) and the MainTrack Algorithm—delivering smooth, professional-grade footage by locking onto moving subjects with pinpoint accuracy.

The accessible realme 16 Pro shares the same 200MP LumaColor Camera and Gloden Portrait Lens Kit (1×/1.5×/2×/3.5×/4×) as the realme 16 Pro+. It delivers the same hair-level blur, three-dimensional depth of field, and clear portraits with free focal length switching, letting users capture polished, natural-looking portraits at any zoom level.

Making photography more stylish and creative, both models empower users with a suite of advanced software features. The industry-first Vibe Master Mode offers 21 exclusive customized tones, including 5 signature portrait styles (Lively/Vintage/Fresh/Neon/Vivid), and pairs this with significant upgrades to the AI Edit Genie. The AI Edit Genie supports voice and text commands for seamless editing, enabling one-click style or background changes that maintain natural facial consistency, as well as easy replication of viral social media trends. AI LightMe and AI StyleMe bring studio-grade lighting effects and fun, stylized filters directly to the camera interface. With these innovations, every photo is instantly shareable and perfectly reflects the user’s unique style.

Urban Wild Design by Naoto Fukasawa: Where Nature Soul Meets Urban Design

When Mr. Naoto Fukasawa’s iconic “Without Thought” design philosophy meets realme’s proprietary “real Design,” the fusion creates visual appeal and a profound resonance in design philosophy. This synergy forms the core of the realme 16 Pro Series, rooted in the brand’s essential DNA of “Authentic Innovation.”

Building on this synergy, the realme 16 Pro Series introduces the “Urban Wild Design” philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the tactile charm of wheat and pebbles found in nature, every detail evokes an instinctive urge to touch, balancing wild natural textures with sophisticated urban aesthetics.

The realme 16 Pro+ debuts the industry’s first bio-based organic silicone back cover, an eco-friendly material certified by the USDA that offers a soft, resilient texture. Its refined wheat-grain pattern recreates the sensation of fingertips brushing through a wheat field. Its refined wheat-grain pattern recreates the sensation of fingertips brushing through a wheat field, while the All-Nature Curve Design ensures a seamless and comfortable grip from back panel to display.

Color options are equally distinctive. The realme 16 Pro+ comes in two master-curated colors: Master Gold, inspired by sunlit wheat fields, and Master Grey, echoing smooth stream pebbles. It also comes in Camellia Pink, a fresh shade inspired by the delicate beauty of blooming camellias, available exclusively in India.

Attention to detail extends to the camera design. The Metal Mirror Camera Deco, crafted with luxury PVD treatment and nanoscale coating, shines like jewelry while resisting scratches and corrosion. Meanwhile, the Volcanic Camera Deco integrates the lens seamlessly into the body, creating a sleek and ergonomic hold. All of this is achieved within an ultra-slim 8.49mm profile, combining elegance with durability.

The realme 16 Pro embraces the same design philosophy while delivering exceptional value. It comes in Master Gold, the signature shade of the collaboration, and offers a skin-friendly tactile experience. In addition, there is Pebble Grey inspired by the smooth texture of river pebbles and Orchid Purple symbolizing tranquility and elegance. The industry-leading velvet matte finish ensures a soft, delicate touch that resists discoloration, and the slim, lightweight body provides effortless comfort. This cohesive design language gives the realme 16 Pro a premium aesthetic on par with the realme 16 Pro+, making master-level design accessible to more users.

Beyond design, the realme 16 Pro series delivers IP69 pro-level water resistance, meeting the industry’s highest standards for waterproof and dustproof protection. Both devices withstand extreme conditions, including high-pressure water jets and temperatures up to 80°C, and even support underwater photography. The realme 16 Pro+ further enhances protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, offering superior defense against drops and scratches for lasting durability.

Leading Performance: Rocket Every Move

The realme 16 Pro Series delivers segment-leading performance by combining powerful hardware with unified software enhancements.

The realme 16 Pro+ stands out with the Snapdragon® 7 Gen 4 chipset, achieving an impressive AnTuTu score of 1.44 million for lag-free 120FPS gaming. It pairs with Rocket LPDDR5X RAM, a premium low-power DRAM that supports up to 8400Mbps read and write speed. This combination boosts multitasking, AI photo processing and gaming stability. The realme 16 Pro+ also features a 6.8-inch 1.5K 144Hz HyperGlow 4D Curve+ Display. Its 6500nit peak brightness keeps content clear and vivid even under strong outdoor light. Equipped with 4608Hz PWM dimming and 10-bit 1.07 billion color depth, it delivers eye-protective, rich visuals that make it ideal for immersive, comfortable entertainment.

The realme 16 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Max 5G chipset, scoring over 970,000 on AnTuTu to ensure smooth everyday performance. It comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K flat 144Hz AMOLED display,

Both models share core strengths including a ultra-slim 7000mAh Titan Battery for all-day endurance and an AirFlow VC Cooling System to prevent overheating. Complementing this robust hardware is realme UI 7.0 with Flux Engine³, delivering up to 15% faster daily response and a smoother overall experience. Further enhancing usability, NEXT AI unlocks intelligent features such as AI Framing Master, AI Recording, AI Translation, AI Gaming Coach, and Google Gemini Live, elevating efficiency and creativity across every scenario.

realme Buds Air8 – The Ultimate AI Sound Master

Alongside the realme 16 Pro Series, realme also unveiled two powerful ecosystem additions designed to elevate everyday digital experiences. The newly launched realme Buds Air8 are positioned as an AI-powered sound master, featuring best-in-class 55dB real-time noise cancellation, an advanced 11+6mm dual-driver setup, and Hi-Res Audio with LHDC 5.0 certification for rich, high-definition wireless sound. Enhanced with AI Ear Canal Adaptive ANC, a 6-mic deep noise cancellation system for crystal-clear calls, and AI Voice Assistant 2.0 powered by Google Gemini with face-to-face translation support, the realme Buds Air8 deliver an intelligent, immersive audio experience wrapped in a premium, India-exclusive Nature-Touch Master Design.

realme Pad 3 – Smart Learning, Less Charging

Complementing this, the realme Pad 3 debuts as the smartest tablet for students, built to enable smarter learning with less charging. Powered by AI productivity tools such as AI Recording Summary, Circle to Search, and AI-assisted note refinement, the tablet is paired with a massive 12,200mAh Slim Titan Battery housed in an ultra-slim 6.6mm, lightweight design for effortless portability. The immersive 2.8K book-view display with A4 ratio, low blue light certification, and ultra-clear visuals ensures comfortable long-hour reading, browsing, and study sessions, making the realme Pad 3 an ideal companion for modern learners.

Price and Availability

The realme 16 Pro Series, including the realme 16 Pro+ and realme 16 Pro, will be available on, realme.com, Flipkart and offline retail stores. The realme 16 Pro+ is priced starting at ₹39,999, while the realme 16 Pro starts at ₹31,999, available in multiple RAM and storage configurations. Consumers can avail of attractive launch offers across online and offline channels, including bank benefits, no-cost EMI options, exchange bonuses, and special rewards for existing realme users.

Alongside the realme 16 Pro Series, realme Buds Air8 will be available at a price of ₹3,799. The earbuds will be available across Flipkart, Amazon, realme.com and offline channels.

The realme Pad 3 will be offered in multiple variants to cater to diverse user needs, priced at ₹26,999. Customers can also benefit from offers including bank discounts, no-cost EMI options, and bundled offers on select platforms. The realme Pad 3 will be available at Flipkart, realme.com, and offline retail stores.

Additionally, the realme Smart Pen will be available at ₹2,999, offering a seamless note-taking and productivity experience when paired with the realme Pad 3.

About realme

realme is a technology brand committed to delivering cutting-edge innovations and premium designs to young users. Founded in 2018, realme has rapidly expanded to 61 global markets, achieving over 200 million users by 2023 and ranking among the top five smartphone brands in 21 countries. In just five years of its inception, realme has crossed a milestone of 100 million shipments in India and 200 million globally. With a vision to become a sustainable enterprise and a mission to be a tech popularizer for the young generation, exceeding users' expectations, realme embodies the spirit of “Make it real.”

In 2024, the realme number series gained an impressive 18% YoY growth, and by strategically targeting young demographics with superior camera capabilities, next-gen performance and premium design, it managed to capture nearly 30% of the entry-premium segment. realme is committed to leading the 5G revolution, which was evident as realme’s 5G smartphone shipments witnessed an exponential 168% YoY growth in Q1, 2024.

realme pushes technological boundaries with innovations like the World’s fastest 320W Supersonic Charging, Interchangeable-Lens Concept with HyperImage+ engine and 10x optical telephoto zoom capability, AI Voice-based Retoucher, and AI Video Eraser. With 550+ after sales service centres, and partnerships with leading operators and e-commerce platforms, realme continues to shape the future of smart devices with authenticity and ambition.

Collaborating with world-renowned designers, realme creates trendsetting designs that blend aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Offering a diverse portfolio, realme's GT Series delivers next-level flagship AI-powered performance, the Number Series balances next-gen performance and cameras, the P Series combines superior performance and style with long-lasting battery life, the Narzo Series is built for gamers with high-refresh displays and optimized performance, and the C Series offers better tech for youth.

For more information, visit www.realme.com/in/

Desperation On The Streets: Small Retailers Plead For Relief From Crippling Tax Increases On Daily-Use Goods

Fearing the loss of their already meagre incomes, FRAI members protested outside the Finance Ministry, warning that steep tax hike will crush demand and devastate their families

Thousands of small retailers, hawkers and pavement sellers from across Delhi poured on the streets today in fear and anguish, protesting the sharp increase in taxes on legal tobacco products. With no alternative source of income to fall back on, retailers said the sudden price shock threatens the survival of their small businesses and the well-being of their families. They held demonstrations across the capital and sat in dharna outside the Ministry of Finance, pleading for an immediate rollback of the excessive tax hikes and a re-notification of sensible tax rates rooted in Indian reality that can protect demand and save livelihood.

The protest was led by the Federation of Retailers Association of India (FRAI), which represents nearly 80 lakh micro, small and medium retailers nationwide with a membership of 54 Retail Associations from Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of the country.

As per a recent Ministry of Finance notification of the Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines (Capacity Determination and Collection of Duty) Rules, 2026 that has imposed an excise duty of ₹2,050-8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, effective 1 February. Retailers have voiced deep anguish to the notified excise duty hikes following the withdrawal of the compensation cess, warning that sudden price increases will render legal products unaffordable for consumers, kill demand and push small sellers already struggling to survive towards the brink of collapse.

Speaking at the event, Vinay Kumar, Secretary, Federation of Retailers Association of India (FRAI), said, “Today we have come out because our lives are in danger. Sudden and big tax increases will make daily goods too costly for poor people and break the small shops that feed our families. We earn very little already. If these prices go up, customers will not be able to afford these products. We will lose customers, lose income and our children will go hungry. Illegal sellers will grow, but honest hard-working people like us will be finished.”

“We are folding our hands and asking the government to stop and think again. Please roll-back these tax rates. Come closer and take a look at the lives of small pavement earners. We want to work honestly and survive. Taxes should not take away our bread and dignity”, added Vinay Kumar.

FRAI representatives and members feel that steep tax hikes in items of regular consumption disproportionately affect informal retailers who operate on thin margins and depend on high daily volumes. They have warned that rising prices are already driving customers away from neighbourhood shops and pushing demand towards illicit and unregulated products. They have also stressed that affordability of legal products is critical to keeping small retailers compliant and sustaining India’s grassroots retail economy.

FRAI clarified that while retailers are not opposed to taxation or public health objectives, they are seeking a calibrated, sensible taxation policy rooted in Indian reality, that avoids sudden price shocks and protects millions of self-employed sellers.

The association urged policymakers to engage with retailer representatives and consider the downstream economic and social impact of abrupt tax increases on informal retail and daily earners.

Emids Appoints Sathiyan Kutty As Chief AI Officer To Accelerate Outcome-Led AI Adoption

Emids, a leading provider of digital engineering, AI and platform solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry, today announced the appointment of Seth Kutty as Chief AI Officer. In this role, Seth will lead Emids’ AI and data strategy, helping clients across payer, life sciences, and health technology markets move from AI experimentation to measurable, enterprise-scale outcomes.

Seth brings more than 20 years of experience building analytics-driven platforms and AI solutions across healthcare, enterprise software, and global services. He has held senior leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente, Tesla, VMware, Intuit, where he partnered closely with executive teams to translate data and AI investments into real business impact.

At Emids, Seth will help shape how AI is designed and scaled across healthcare environments, with a strong emphasis on grounding AI systems in a healthcare-specific ontology that reflects real workflows, decision logic, and regulatory context. His appointment aligns with Emids’ continued expansion of its Service as a Software model, which combines healthcare domain expertise, forward-deployed context engineers (FDCEs), and AI-enabled platforms to deliver more predictable results. This approach is supported by Emids’ growing portfolio of AI assets, including Pacca AI, its agentic AI platform designed to embed intelligence within core operational workflows.

“In healthcare, the winning AI won’t be the fanciest. It’ll be the most context-aware,” said Abhishek Shankar, Chief Executive Officer, Emids. “Seth knows how to build AI that thrives in real workflows and real regulation. He’ll help us convert AI ambition into outcomes by hardwiring healthcare ontology and Forward Deployed Context Engineers into every deployment.”

In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Seth is a repeat entrepreneur who founded and scaled a data and AI services company to a successful exit. His expertise spans AI platform architecture, analytics modernization, and enterprise adoption, with a strong emphasis on governance and interoperability.

“I’m excited to join Emids at a time when healthcare organizations are looking to move AI from experimentation to real value,” said Seth Kutty, Chief AI Officer at Emids. “Emids’ focus on grounding AI in domain context, and forward-deployed expertise creates a strong foundation for building AI that reflects how healthcare works. I look forward to working with clients and teams to scale AI in ways that are practical, trusted, and sustainable.”

*Nikon Releases The Nikkor Z 24-105mm F/4-7.1, A Highly Portable Standard Zoom Lens That Enables Imaging Expressions

Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1, a standard zoom lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras.

The NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 allows users to make the most of its broad, 24-105mm wide-angle to medium-telephoto range of focal lengths, letting them express themselves through images of a variety of scenes and subjects, such as expansive landscapes, distant subjects, table photos and snapshots of people. Despite its versatility, the lightweight design of this 350-g lens ensures excellent portability. The ease with which it can be carried makes it ideal for extended shoots and trips. With a minimum focus distance of just 0.2 m at the wide-angle end and 0.28 m at the telephoto end, users can achieve a significant amount of foreground and background bokeh with close-up shooting for impressive rendering that highlights the primary subject. What’s more, the 0.5×* maximum reproduction ratio further expands possibilities for imaging expression through capturing the subject larger and beautiful rendering of the finest details in close-up shooting.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users' needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Primary features

• The wide-angle 24 mm to medium telephoto 105 mm range of focal lengths supports a wide range of scenes and subjects.

• The lightweight design of this 350-g lens makes it comfortable to carry and enables easy shooting, even over longer periods of time.

• The short minimum focus distances of 0.2 m at the wide-angle end and 0.28 m at the telephoto end, combined with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.5× (at focal lengths of 70 mm to 105 mm), facilitate close-up shooting.

• Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing for smooth video recording.

• Zoom capability can be expanded to the equivalent of maximum 210mm range of focal lengths, without sacrificing resolution, using the camera’s*1 Hi-Res Zoom*2 feature.

• Equipped with a control ring to which focus (M/A), aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO sensitivity can be assigned, for smooth and easy operation.

• Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistance.