Sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat Takes Indian Monumental Art To Tokyo At The 102nd International Tokyo Festival

Renowned Indian sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat is representing India at the 102nd International Tokyo Festival, where he has been invited to showcase his artworks and present the core concepts and traditions of India’s monumental art. His participation has been facilitated by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, as part of efforts to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions on an international platform.

Kumawat’s involvement in this is an important milestone for Indian monumental sculpture since it introduces the artistic tradition and cultural narratives of India to the world. His large works of art, known for many historical themes and the use of traditional symbols combined with modern technologies, showcase famous personalities, symbols of the country and events from the culture and civilisation of India.

The festival is also significant from the point of view of enhancing cultural relations between both countries through art. Kumawat’s sculptures as well as conversations at the festival help in sharing the stories, symbols and ideas from the rich socio-cultural history of India and create new opportunities for better interaction between the two nations.

Speaking about his participation, Naresh Kumar Kumawat said, “It is a matter of immense pride and honour to represent India at the 102nd International Tokyo Festival. For me, sculpture is not merely about creating a form in metal or stone. It is about giving history, ideas and the spirit of a nation a lasting visual identity. I look forward to sharing the story of India’s monumental art with the people of Japan and creating a meaningful cultural bridge between the two countries.”

Preserving and representing India’s heritage through monumental sculpture has remained a defining aspect of Kumawat’s artistic practice. His works have brought historical figures, national icons, spiritual traditions and cultural narratives into public spaces, allowing audiences to engage with India’s history through powerful visual forms. His participation in Tokyo further expands the visibility of Indian sculpture internationally while creating opportunities for artists and the Indian creative ecosystem to build stronger connections with the global art community.

The artistic relationship of Naresh Kumar Kumawat with the country of Japan consists of much more than just his involvement in the 102nd International Tokyo Festival. His work has already been exhibited in the cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, thus maintaining the presence of Indian sculpture in Japan.

Thanks to this occurrence, Naresh Kumar Kumawat has made his contribution in bringing Indian culture and history to the Japanese audience. Taking part in the festival is another step, which makes the ongoing journey of Naresh Kumar Kumawat very interesting and proves the importance of monumental art in enhancing cultural communication.

During his visit to the Indian Pavilion, Mr Madhusudan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Japan, was impressed with the works of Naresh Kumar Kumawat, as well as his role in promoting monumental art of India worldwide.

Kumawat Ji presented Mr. Madhusudan with a small model of one of his great sculptures of Hanumanji, both as a symbol of respect to him and as a means of promoting culture. The artwork conveys not only the rich traditions of art and culture of India, which are expressed in the enormous works created by Naresh Kumar Kumawat, but also the spiritual heritage of this nation.

According to Kumawat, other than being a token of the artist’s respect, the gift signifies his personal approach to art and reflects the main values of Hindu philosophy. Mr. Madhusudan’s visit brought unique significance to the participation of Kumawat at the festival and confirmed the positive role of art and cultural ties in developing relations between India and Japan.

The 102nd Tokyo International Festival is a great platform for Indian monumental art to reach international audiences, while the participation of Mr. Kumawat emphasises the global relevance of the arts in India.

L&T Technology Services Launches LTTS FARM To Power Engineering Intelligence-Led Deep-Tech Innovation From Lab To Market

* Program will provide startups with access to LTTS engineering expertise, global customer ecosystems, mentorship and commercialization pathways

L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leader in Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services, announced the launch of LTTS FARM, a startup engagement platform designed to accelerate the commercialization journey of deep-tech startups through Engineering Intelligence-led collaboration, co-innovation and market access.

Built on the philosophy of “Collaboration First, Commercialization Next”, LTTS FARM is targeted at startups with TRL 4+ technologies that have validated their technical feasibility and are ready to explore industry adoption. The program is focused on startups aligned with LTTS’ Technology Big Bets – Software Defined Mobility (SDM), Plant Buildout & Modernization, Energy & Industrial Automation, Digital Manufacturing, Next Gen Compute & Data Centers, Software Platforms & EI and MedTech - with the potential to further advance these strategic priorities through new technologies and solutions. By leveraging LTTS’ global presence, domain expertise and customer relationships, LTTS FARM seeks to create a structured launch pad for startups to progress from validated innovation to customer adoption and long-term growth.

The initiative reflects LTTS’ commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem by bringing together startups, engineering talent and industry stakeholders to address real-world business and technology challenges. The journey will span across evaluation, onboarding, co-innovation, pilot development and commercialization opportunities for eligible startups. Suitable solutions will be considered for broader industry deployments aided by pilot projects, proof-of-concepts, customer demonstrations and diverse commercial engagements.

Amit Chadha, CEO & Managing Director, L&T Technology Services and Member of NASSCOM Executive Council, said, “Many promising technologies struggle because of limited access to customers, industry expertise and commercialization opportunities. Through LTTS FARM, we are creating a platform where startups can collaborate with our experts, gain exposure to global markets and customer requirements, validate real-world applications and accelerate their journey from solution readiness to market adoption. By nurturing innovations that align with and further our technology big bets, LTTS FARM will also expand our Engineering Intelligence ecosystem and help transform breakthrough ideas into industry-ready solutions that deliver measurable business impact”.

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services. A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we offer design, development, testing, and sustenance services across products and processes. Purposeful. Agile. Innovation. is how we drive growth across the Mobility, Sustainability and Tech segments. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 top ER&D companies across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 23,840 employees across 21 global design centers, 30 global sales offices, and 103 innovation labs, as of June 30­, 2026.

For additional information about L&T Technology Services log on to https://www.ltts.com/. 

Advanced AI Powered Recognition AF And High-Speed Performance With 24-600 mm Zoom To Capture Every Decisive Moment

Sony India today announces the launch of the RX10 V, the fifth-generation model in the RX10 series of all-in-one cameras. The perfect hobbyist’s camera, this versatile powerhouse covers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto in a single body, making it ideal for every type of shot thanks to its large-aperture, high-magnification ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm1 (25x optical zoom) F2.4-4.0 lens. Building on the RX10 series' hallmark combination of high image quality, super-telephoto reach, and integrated lens design, the RX10 V adds AI-powered Real-time Recognition AF which provides highly accurate subject recognition which combines with high-speed blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 fps[ii] with full AF/AE tracking, to capture every decisive moment.

Whether capturing stills with its 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor (with approximately 20.1 effective megapixels) and BIONZ XR™ image processing engine or shooting a video that supports 4K 120p recording[iii], this single camera handles a wide range of scenarios, from everyday moments to wildlife, school sports days, and athletic events. The combination of the 1.0-type sensor and large-aperture integrated lens also makes it easy to achieve soft and smooth background blur.

RX10 V comes with a refined design incorporating the philosophy of the α™ (Alpha™) mirrorless camera series where the button layout and grip design enable reliable and intuitive operation. Whether in bright sunshine or indoors, the new larger[iv] Quad-VGA OLED electronic viewfinder aids the perfect photo composition, allowing crisp viewing of even the finest details of your subject. The Z-series rechargeable battery (NP-FZ100) extends still image shooting to up to approximately 630 shots[v], an improvement of approximately 50% or more compared to the previous model4.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Mukesh Srivastava, Head-Imaging & Professional Solution Business, Sony India, said, “With the new RX10 V, we are pushing the boundaries of what a compact camera can deliver. Designed for hobbyists and photography enthusiasts, as well as professional wildlife photographers looking for a versatile camera, it combines an expansive 24-600mm zoom range, advanced AI-powered subject recognition and high-speed performance with Blackout-free 30fps burst shooting, all in a remarkably compact body. From elusive wildlife and fast-moving sports to spontaneous everyday experiences, it offers the freedom to go from wide perspectives to extraordinary close-ups, helping them capture every moment with greater flexibility and confidence.”

High image quality with rich expressive power, from wide-angle to super-telephoto in a single camera

A high-magnification zoom lens covering 24mm to 600mm1 (ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* F2.4-4.0 with optical image stabilisation) handles everything from everyday shooting to sports and wildlife photography. Macro shooting is possible from as close as approximately 3cm at 24mm1, and tele-macro shooting from approximately 72cm at 600mm1.

The BIONZ XR™ image processing engine delivers high-quality images with reduced noise even at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities including indoors or low-light conditions. Skin tones, skies, greenery, and other natural scenes are rendered with high resolution and faithful colour and texture reproduction, perfect for capturing the beauty, detail and atmosphere of nature and everyday life as they truly are.

12 Creative Look presets allow you to achieve your desired colour and texture right in the camera, with the flexibility to create your own unique customisations based on each mode. Additionally, the updated D-Range Optimizer (DRO) balances bright highlights and dark shadows and offers a wider range of strength settings, up to Lv8. At higher levels, DRO lifts shadow areas in strong backlight, delivering more natural-looking portrait shots.

With AI-powered subject recognition and high-speed performance, one can capture every decisive moment with confidence

Real-time Recognition AF, powered by an AI processing unit, recognises humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes, while also featuring an Auto mode that allows the camera to automatically identify the subject type[vi]. The AI processing unit also powers human pose estimation technology, enabling recognition and tracking even when subjects have their backs to the camera or when faces are obscured by helmets or sunglasses. Simply touching the desired subject initiates Real-time Tracking which steadily follows the moving subject, letting you concentrate on composition for the perfect shot.

For high-speed performance, AF/AE calculations at up to 60 times[vii] per second track even fast-moving subjects, while blackout-free shooting maintains a continuous view. This enables high-speed continuous burst shooting at up to 30 fps2 with full AF/AE tracking, meaning you can capture wildlife, sports, and other subjects with unpredictable movement without missing the decisive moment. A Continuous Shooting Speed Boost function2 also allows you to change the burst speed at any time during shooting.

The new RX10 V brings advanced movie features that offers more ways to capture every moment

The camera supports 4K 120p video recording3, enabling impressive visual expression including smooth slow-motion playback at up to 5x[viii] in 4K resolution. Active Mode image stabilisation delivers stable handheld video recording. A Multi Interface (MI) Shoe™ with digital audio interface support enables high-quality audio recording by transmitting audio directly as a digital signal when used with compatible microphones (sold separately). AI-powered subject recognition also enables an Auto Framing function[ix] that automatically keeps the subject optimally composed in the centre of the shot during recording.

Additional features include S-Cinetone™ for easy cinematic colour and tone, and S-Log3 for video shooting with post-production grading in mind. Up to 16 user LUTs can be imported, allowing users to monitor the post-LUT look while shooting in Log mode[x]. Time-lapse shooting and still image extraction using Shot Mark provide comprehensive video support functions.

Easy handling and reliability for a comfortable and dependable shooting experience

The camera features a larger, higher-resolution, higher-magnification electronic viewfinder, equipped with a 0.5-type Quad-VGA OLED panel with approximately 3.68 million dots and approximately 0.78x magnification[xi], which aids composition with its crystal-clear clarity of the subject. It also incorporates a 3.0-type LCD monitor, upgraded to approximately 1.62 million dots, enabling subjects to be displayed in fine detail with high precision.

When you’re out and about you need a dependable camera that can last, RX10 V delivers with the NP-FZ100 rechargeable battery pack which extends still image shooting to up to approximately 630 shots5, an improvement of approximately 50% or more4 compared to the previous model.
Button layout and grip design concepts based on the design philosophy of the α series, along with a highly responsive multi-selector that enables smooth eight-direction operation, support reliable and intuitive operation even while looking through the viewfinder.

For reliability in a range of shooting environments, the camera features a dust and moisture resistant design[xii] plus Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) support for fast and stable data transfer[xiii]. USB Type-C® connectivity provides high-speed, stable data transfer and supports 4K 30p live streaming.　

New for this model, RX10 V supports Creators’ App, Sony’s proprietary software that enables users to connect to their smartphones to send files directly to the cloud or smartphone, control the camera remotely and update features and software, enhancing the functionality and convenience in shooting and sharing.

Price and Availability:

The RX10 V camera will be available across all Sony Authorised Retail Outlets, Sony Camera Lounge, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony Center, www.ShopatSC.com portal and major electronic stores and ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) in India from 02nd of September 2026.

Model Name	MRP	Availability
RX10 V camera	Rs. 245,645	02nd September onwards

 

About Sony Alpha Community

In an effort to build a robust Alpha community with a strong network of amateur and professional photographers on one platform, a special initiative has been undertaken by Sony India where users can now avail several benefits by simply registering their Alpha cameras, lenses and accessories on the Alpha Community. Some of the benefits of registration include an extended warranty of 3 years (2-year standard warranty + 1 Year extended warranty) and free exclusive workshops by Sony experts and Artisans. Customers can also avail attractive discounts on photo tours (50% discount on photo tours for their first trip and 25% discount for the consecutive trips) and a chance to participate in photography/videography contests to win exciting prizes like cameras, lens and professional camcorders and a lot more. The platform will be a one-stop destination to get all latest updates, firmware updates, free service camps, workshops and new launches for Sony Alpha. For more information, visit Alpha Community.

Explore the new Sony Alpha Community App. We invite you to download, experience, and share feedback on the app.

Register your Sony products with ease

Join expert-led Alpha Classroom sessions

Stay informed about upcoming workshops near you

 

Download Now:

Android: https://shorturl.at/2xvWn

iOS: https://apple.co/43EydLs

 

Alpha Classroom: Alpha Classroom is a series of tutorials where experts will take you through the nuances of photography & Videography, advise you on the right gear and help you explore your creative potential to reach its fullest expression. Come, learn with us and together, we will conquer the world of your dreams. https://alphacommunity.in/alpha-classroom/courses/

 

Ask an Expert: Ask an Expert is a one-stop platform to get all your questions related to cameras, lenses, gear and more answered by a Sony Alpha Expert. It’s easy, convenient and absolutely free! Yup! You heard it right. Choose your slot and book an appointment with an expert today! https://alphacommunity.in/ask-an-expert/.

 

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

 

SonicWall Research Issues Education Cybersecurity Report Card As Attackers Exploit The Industry's Most Open Networks

* New Education Protect Brief reveals 81,879 IPS hits per device, the highest attack intensity of any tracked industry

SonicWall today released its 2026 Education Protect Brief, a vertical-specific companion to the SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report. The report found that education recorded the highest per-device attack intensity of any tracked vertical in the first half of 2026, with a single VoIP exploitation signature accounting for more than half of all intrusion prevention events across the sector.

Every year, attacks look more sophisticated. AI has made them faster and more difficult to spot. But the fundamental methods have not changed, and in education, the doors are uniquely difficult to close. University campuses and school districts run networks that are, by function, open: student devices, faculty research systems, public-facing portals, third-party learning platforms, and administrative databases sharing the same infrastructure. Bring your own device (BYOD) isn't an opt-in security policy for higher education; it’s the fundamental baseline of their network architecture.

"Education has the most exposed attack surface of any industry we track, and the data shows attackers know it," said Michael Crean, SonicWall SVP of Managed Services. “Education endpoints endure the heaviest per-device attack pressure in our entire dataset. Unlocked network doors remain the operating reality, and threat actors are actively taking advantage.”

Key Findings from the 2026 SonicWall Education Protect Brief

Education recorded 81,879 IPS hits per device in the first half of 2026, the highest per-device attack intensity of any tracked vertical.

SIPVicious VoIP exploitation generated 90 million combined hits, claiming both the #1 and #2 spots on education's attack signature list and accounting for 50.5% of all IPS events in the sector, a concentration no other vertical approaches.

Education recorded 16,242 malware hits per device, nearly 3.5 times the rate seen in retail.

The Hikvision IP camera command injection vulnerability, disclosed in 2021, was detected on 605 devices, spanning 28% of all education networks in the dataset.

Apache Log4j2 generated 6.7 million hits, indicating learning management and administrative middleware still running vulnerable software in 2026.

Forty-four education organizations detected active ransomware campaigns in the first half of 2026, including the enterprise-grade Ryuk family operating alongside more opportunistic threats.

Half the Class Is Failing the Same Subject

The 90 million SIPVicious hits are not a collection of isolated, minor incidents—they represent the systematic exploitation of a massive, unhardened attack surface. Legacy Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems deployed across thousands of campus endpoints offer attackers an easy foothold. And a compromised Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) line isn't just a toll-fraud issue: these systems sit on the exact same networks that house student health records, financial aid data and proprietary research.

"Half of all attacks against education are going after one thing, and it isn't the thing most districts are budgeting to defend," continued Crean. "Firewalls are essential perimeter security, but they can’t defend what they aren't configured to inspect. Leaving legacy SIP endpoints unhardened inside the network negates the investment at the perimeter.”

An Old Vulnerability Still Passes Every Test

Education's exposure extends far beyond VoIP. Five years after its disclosure, the 2021 Hikvision command injection vulnerability still sits unpatched on more than a quarter of education networks. Because campus cameras share network access with administrative, financial, and research environments, a compromised device offers a direct pivot into core systems.

Combined with 2.5 million MongoBleed hits against research and LMS backends, the data highlights years of unaddressed technical debt. Ransomware actors have priced this reality in: while overall volume remains low, 75.7% of hits stem from concentrated, targeted intrusions against regulated student records and irreplaceable, grant-funded research.

The Architecture Problem Has a Known Solution

Zero Trust addresses the structural issue directly: verification is applied continuously rather than once at the perimeter, so a credential from a student who graduated two years ago does not quietly retain network access, and a compromised login reaches only the application it was issued for, not the research database or the camera management interface.

"The highest per-device attack intensity of any vertical we track requires a security model built for it, not a patched-together version of what worked for a smaller, less open network," said Crean. "Education doesn't need to close its doors to be secure. It needs to know who's walking through them."

About SonicWall www.sonicwall.com.

SonicWall is a partner-first unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network, endpoint, cloud, and threat response across hybrid environments. For more than 30 years, SonicWall has championed a partner-first model that combines purpose-built technology, cloud-delivered security services and real-time threat intelligence to help businesses prevent breaches, reduce risk and stay operational in the face of evolving modern threats. We are committed to deliver the best security outcomes for our customers where others deliver features and functions. Through its unified cybersecurity portfolio and global community of over 17,000 partners, SonicWall enables managed service providers to actively manage, continuously optimize and measurably protect networks, cloud environments, endpoints and applications. The company is redefining cybersecurity around outcomes that matter to business leaders, including breach prevention, compliance achievement, cost efficiency and reduced human error, because protection is not about what a product can do but about what it actually delivers. 

Palmonas Turns An Untapped Gap In Indian Jewellery Market Into A New Category: Platinum Plated Silver

Palmonas is introducing a new chapter in jewellery with the launch of its Platinum Plated Silver Jewellery Collection, bringing together the authenticity of 925 sterling silver with the elevated appeal of platinum.

While silver has always been a familiar and widely available jewellery category in India, platinum has remained far more exclusive and premium. Palmonas set out to explore what would happen if the two could come together, retaining the strength of sterling silver while introducing the bright white, luxurious finish of platinum.

Crafted in 925 sterling silver, each piece is finished with PPS electroplating (Precision Plating System) and platinum plating up to 1 micron. The result is jewellery that combines silver’s authenticity with platinum’s distinctive premium finish, while the protective layer also helps improve resistance to tarnishing and scratches. The collection remains hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

For Palmonas, this launch began with a simple question: why should consumers have to choose between the value of authentic silver and a more premium, durable finish? After extensive research, testing and trials, the brand has developed an elevated way to experience silver jewellery.

Featuring over 400 designs across bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and anklets, the collection brings this innovation to a wide range of everyday and occasion wear styles.

Pallavi Mohadikar, CEO & Founder, Palmonas, said, “This collection came from a desire to push the boundaries of what silver jewellery could be. Silver already has authenticity, value and a strong place in the Indian jewellery market, while platinum represents a more premium and elevated finish. We saw an opportunity to bring these two worlds together. After extensive research, testing and trials, we developed a process that allows us to create jewellery that retains the authenticity of 925 sterling silver while offering the distinctive bright white finish of platinum. This launch reflects our larger approach at Palmonas—to look at familiar categories differently and create innovations that respond to how the modern consumer wants to wear jewellery today’’

With this launch, Palmonas continues its journey of challenging traditional jewellery categories and introducing innovations designed around the evolving needs of the modern Indian consumer.

The collection is now available across the Palmonas website and retail stores.

Agilent Launches New Laboratory Solutions To Help Indian Labs Meet Rising Testing Demands

* New solutions help laboratories keep pace with rising testing demands while improving consistency and operational efficiency

India's pharmaceutical, food, environmental and industrial testing laboratories are under increasing pressure to process higher testing volumes while maintaining quality, compliance and operational efficiency. From safeguarding the quality of medicines and food to supporting environmental monitoring and advanced manufacturing, laboratories are expected to deliver reliable results faster while meeting increasingly stringent quality and regulatory requirements.

To help laboratories meet these challenges, Agilent Technologies today announced the India launch of the Agilent 9500 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS, the new 8890B and 8860B Gas Chromatography Systems with GC Assist, and OpenLab Sync, Agilent's new Lab Execution System (LES) that brings guided digital workflows directly to the bench.

“India's laboratories play a critical role in ensuring the quality of medicines, food, water and manufactured products that people rely on every day,” said Nandakumar Kalathil, Country General Manager, India, Agilent Technologies. “As testing requirements continue to grow across industries, laboratories are looking for ways to improve productivity without compromising quality. These new technologies are designed to make advanced capabilities easier to adopt while helping laboratories operate more efficiently and grow with confidence.”

Together, the solutions address three critical areas of laboratory operations: analytical performance, instrument productivity and workflow execution.

The Agilent 9500 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS helps laboratories generate reliable results across complex sample matrices. Designed for applications ranging from pharmaceutical testing and food safety to environmental analysis and advanced materials research, the system simplifies elemental analysis through new technologies that reduce analytical interferences and streamline operation.

The new Agilent 8890B and 8860B Gas Chromatography Systems with GC Assist help laboratories keep instruments running efficiently through built-in monitoring, diagnostics and guided maintenance. By identifying potential issues earlier and simplifying routine upkeep, the systems help reduce downtime, improve productivity and support data quality.

OpenLab Sync digitizes laboratory procedures that are traditionally managed on paper, creating guided digital workflows that improve consistency, traceability and audit readiness. The solution helps laboratories standardize operations, reduce manual processes and address workforce and training challenges.

The products were unveiled today at a customer event in Mumbai that brought together scientists, laboratory leaders and quality professionals from the pharmaceutical, food, environmental, chemicals and research sectors. Mike Zhang, President, Applied Markets Group, Agilent Technologies, and Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, Agilent Technologies, joined customers and industry stakeholders to discuss evolving laboratory needs, workforce trends, and opportunities to make advanced analytical capabilities more accessible to a broader range of users.

“Innovation has the greatest impact when it makes life simpler,” said Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, Agilent Technologies. “The pace of science continues to accelerate, and customers want solutions that help them spend less time managing complexity and more time focusing on scientific discovery. Our goal is to help laboratories unlock the full value of their technology investments so they can focus on delivering meaningful scientific outcomes.”

The new products are now available across India. As part of its ongoing efforts to make support and expertise more accessible, Agilent has also introduced WhatsApp for Business in India, providing customers with an additional channel to connect with Agilent for information, service and support.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.95 billion in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Loud & Clear: India's Music Economy On Spotify Grew 29% Last Year - Driven By A Surge Across Most Major Languages

* Total royalties are up 29% year-on-year - with 12.8 billion first-time discoveries globally

* Royalties grew across every major regional language, with Telugu up over 120% year-on-year

* More than 40% of royalties came from listeners outside India, and of the 15 most-exported tracks, 11 were independent, artist-first releases

Royalties generated by Indian artists on Spotify grew 29% in 2025 - with every major Indian language contributing to that growth. Telugu royalties surged over 120% year-on-year. Marathi rose nearly 50%. Bengali nearly 40%. From Haryanvi to Malayalam, streaming is converting India's linguistic diversity into real and growing income for artists across the country. The data comes from Spotify's annual Loud & Clear report, which this year tracks how more than $11 billion in global music royalties were distributed by Spotify in 2025 - bringing the platform's all-time total to nearly $70 billion.

In 2025, listeners globally pressed play on an Indian artist they'd never heard before - 12.8 billion times. That's 14% more than the year before. Indian music - across languages and genres - is finding audiences at a pace that few cultural exports anywhere in the world can match. That discovery is translating into deeper listening - Indian artists were streamed nearly 335 billion times on Spotify last year, adding up to over 20 billion hours of music.

Royalties generated by Indian artists on Spotify grew 29% year-on-year in 2025. In fact, the number of artists generating over INR 10 million annually grew 21% year-on-year. The number earning over INR 50 million has more than doubled since 2023. The growth isn't concentrated at the top - it's spreading across the artist base, across languages, and across genres.

India's artists are charting on their own terms

In 2025, 90% of the tracks on Spotify India's Daily Top 50 were by Indian artists. I-Pop or popular Indian music released outside of film soundtracks accounted for half of Spotify's 2025 year-end top ten in India, with hits from Aditya Rikhari, Kushagra, Anuv Jain, Faheem Abdullah, and Jasleen Royal charting alongside the country's biggest film soundtracks. Notably, Rikhari’s independent track “Sahiba” made history in 2025 by holding the number one spot on Spotify India for over 11 consecutive weeks.

Speaking about his journey, artist Aditya Rikhari said: “Streaming changed the scale of what was possible for me as an independent artist. Songs that started from a very personal place were able to travel to listeners across the country, sometimes long after they were released. Spotify’s discovery tools, in particular, helped my music reach a much wider set of listeners, many of whom went on to genuinely connect with and love the songs. I believe the ecosystem will only keep evolving for the better for people who are trying to build careers as musicians in India, especially with partners like Spotify supporting that journey. So to every fan of mine who aspires to become a musician - just put your music out. You never know where it might travel."

Independent artists are also shaping film music. Dhurandhar, one of the biggest film albums of 2025, featured independent artists like Jasmine Sandlas and Simran Choudhary.

Reflecting on the shift, artist Simran Choudhary said: “Streaming has completely changed what it means to be a Punjabi artist today. You no longer have to wait for a big label or a traditional industry gatekeeper to take your music to the world. I’ve experienced that first-hand with my own independent music and film songs like Lutt Le Gaya. What excites me most is that audiences are now discovering the artist behind the song, not just the song itself. For an independent female artist like me, that ability to build a direct relationship with listeners has been incredibly empowering.”

That dominance extends to India's most exported music too - on Spotify's 2025 Global Impact List, 11 of the top 15 songs were artist-first releases spanning languages and genres, from AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, Hanumankind, Anuv Jain, and Kushagra. The music travelling furthest from India is the music artists made on their own terms.

Dhruvank Vaidya, Head of Music & Podcast, Spotify India, said: “In 2025, 14% more listeners globally discovered an Indian artist on Spotify for the first time - and the listening went deep. Indian artists accumulated nearly 335 billion streams on the platform last year, over 20 billion hours of music, with royalties up 29% and growing in every major Indian language. Telugu alone is up over 120% year on year.”

Two years ago, artists performing in Haryanvi or Malayalam didn't have this kind of economic reach. The audience was always there; what Spotify built was the infrastructure to surface it, monetise it, and ensure artists earned from it. When two brothers, Banjaare, from a village in Haryana can reach number one on a global chart, or a 22-year-old, Aksomaniac, from Thiruvananthapuram can break into one, that infrastructure is delivering.

Half of our year-end top ten in India last year came from outside film soundtracks. The music that's travelling furthest is the music artists made on their own terms, in their own languages.”

From Telugu to Haryanvi - every language is finding its audience on Spotify

On Spotify, audience growth across regional languages is generating real and rapidly growing economic value for artists who were previously invisible to the wider industry:

Telugu - up over 120% in royalties generated globally, year-on-year

Marathi - up nearly 50%

Bengali - up nearly 40%

Malayalam - up over 30%

Hindi - up nearly 30%

Tamil - up 20%

Meanwhile, Haryanvi music has grown nearly 7x in streams on Spotify from February 2023 to February 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing languages on the platform. Nearly 100 Haryanvi acts now rank among Spotify India's top 5,000 artists.

This year, Spotify expanded its Radar programme to Malayalam, following Punjabi and Tamil - a direct response to the growth the platform is seeing.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who was a guest at the Loud & Clear India event in New Delhi, said: “India’s music economy reflects the extraordinary creativity, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of our artists. The 29% growth in Spotify royalties, supported by strong gains across Indian languages, shows how digital platforms are enabling talent from every region to find audiences, build sustainable livelihoods and participate in the global creative economy. It is particularly encouraging to see independent artists succeeding on their own terms and taking music rooted in their languages and identities to listeners around the world. As technology reshapes the creative industries, we must continue to strengthen the skills, digital capabilities and enterprise opportunities that enable young creators to convert their talent into meaningful careers. India’s linguistic diversity is not merely our cultural strength; it is increasingly becoming an economic strength and a powerful part of our global identity.”

India is exporting a different sound — multilingual, artist-led, and global

More than 40% of all royalties earned by Indian artists on Spotify in 2025 came from listeners outside India - and that international revenue is spread across languages, not concentrated in Hindi. Through editorial playlists, algorithmic discovery, and programmes like RADAR, Indian artists are reaching audiences far beyond their home markets.

Punjabi music has gone from regional to global in a way few genres anywhere in the world have managed. Artists are headlining arenas across continents and charting internationally as a matter of course. Spotify recently featured two Punjabi artists - Tegi Pannu and Watan Sahi - on Radar Global, spotlighting emerging talent for listeners worldwide.

The reach runs deep across languages. Anirudh Ravichander's Coolie album - in Tamil - crossed 100 million Spotify streams within 10 days and earned a spot on the Times Square billboard through Spotify. Sai Abhyankar and Sai Smriti's Tamil single “Aasa Kooda" reached 238 million Spotify streams and was highlighted in Spotify's global growth report. Hanumankind, a global rapper born in Kerala, crossed 360 million Spotify streams with “Big Dawgs” and hit number one on a Spotify global chart. Each found a global audience on their own terms, in their own language.

Women artists are increasingly part of that global story. Local streams of Indian female artists on Spotify grew 27% year-on-year in 2025, while international streams grew 7%. Jasmine Sandlas' features on the Dhurandhar soundtrack drove her to number three on the Spotify Global Top 200. In October 2025, she released “Legal Robbery,” her first full-length album in over five years, through her own label, Jasmine Sandlas Records. Through programmes like EQUAL and RADAR, Spotify continues to amplify women artists across languages, genres, and career stages.

What comes next

112 million user-created playlists globally and nearly 59 million within India featured Indian artists in 2025. Fans are already doing what no platform can do on its own - curating Indian music, sharing it, and building audiences for artists they believe in.

About Spotify

Spotify’s platform revolutionized music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage and enjoy over 100 million tracks, 7 million podcast titles, and 700,000 audiobooks in select markets on Spotify. We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with 777 million users, including 300 million subscribers across 184 markets.