The world of technology is witnessing rapid advancements, with South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics leading the charge. These companies are gearing up to showcase a range of new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered home appliances at the IFA 2024 home electronics show in Berlin. This event, scheduled for next month, is a testament to their commitment to innovationand their pursuit of creating smart homes that are not only convenient but also efficient and personalized.
Samsung Electronics is set to showcase a variety of products, including the Bespoke AI Combo, an all-in-one washer-dryer. This innovative appliance is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to integrating AI into everyday household items. The Bespoke AI Combo is designed to provide a seamless laundry experience, with AI capabilities that optimize the washing and drying process based on the type of fabric and the load size.
In addition to the Bespoke AI Combo, Samsung will also present the Bespoke AI Family Hub, a premium refrigerator product. This refrigerator is equipped with an AI Family Hub that can identify and manage up to 33 types of fresh food items. This feature, known as AI Vision Inside, uses an internal camera to keep track of the food items in the refrigerator, helping users manage their inventory more efficiently.
Samsung’s commitment to AI integration extends beyond kitchen appliances. The company will also showcase the strength of its AI-powered televisions at the IFA 2024. One of the standout features is the Generative Wallpaper, which recommends background images based on users’ preferences, creating a more personalized viewing experience.
On the other hand, LG Electronics is set to unveil a new AI-powered drum washing machine. This appliance is designed with a reduced width of 25 inches to meet the needs of European consumers. The washer features the AI Direct Drive motor, which analyzes the weight, wetness, and fabric of the laundry to determine the optimal washing method, thereby protecting garments and ensuring a thorough clean.
These home appliances, Samsung has also made significant strides in mobile technology. The company has started mass production of the industry’s thinnest mobile DRAM, LPDDR5X, tailored for on-device AI. This new chip is 9% thinner and 21.2% more efficient in heat resistance compared to its predecessor. The ultra-slim design of the LPDDR5X DRAM packages allows for additional space within mobile devices, enabling high-performance applications and advanced features like on-device AI.
Samsung’s commitment to AI is further demonstrated by its establishment of a unit dedicated to developing high bandwidth memory (HBM). This move is aimed at regaining leadership in the AI semiconductor market, highlighting Samsung’s dedication to advancing AI technology across various platforms.
The unveiling of these AI-powered appliances at the IFA 2024 is a significant milestone in the evolution of home appliances. It reflects the tech giants’ commitment to leveraging AI to enhance user experience and efficiency. This development is reminiscent of the historical trend of integrating AI into various aspects of life, from smartphones to cars, and now, home appliances.
The IFA 2024 home electronics show in Berlin is set to be a platform for showcasing the future of home appliances. With Samsung and LG Electronics leading the way, consumers can look forward to a new era of AI-powered appliances designed to make everyday tasks more efficient and personalized. As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that AI will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of home appliances. This is not just a step forward for these companies, but a leap towards a future where technology and convenience go hand in hand.
Microsoft has announced that it will host a summit in September, in the wake of a global IT outage that occurred last month due to a faulty update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company. The outage, which affected nearly 8.5 million Windows devices, disrupted operations across various industries, including major airlines, banks, and healthcare.
The summit, scheduled for September 10, will be held at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington. The tech giant plans to invite government representatives to the gathering, as stated in a company blog post. The aim of the summit is to discuss and devise strategies to improve cybersecurity systems and resilience, learning from the recent outage and enhancing security practices.
The CrowdStrike-induced outage has raised concerns about the preparedness of many organizations to implement contingency plans when a single point of failure, such as an IT system or a piece of software within it, goes down. The incident has exposed the risks of dependence on a single vendor providing a one-stop shop for security solutions, as analysts have pointed out.
Outage
CrowdStrike, which has seen about $9 billion of its market value wiped out since the outage, is facing legal action from shareholders. They allege that the cybersecurity company defrauded them by concealing how its inadequate software testing could lead to a global disruption.
The fallout from the outage has been far-reaching. Delta Air Lines, for instance, has stated that it is pursuing legal claims against CrowdStrike and Microsoft after the outage led to mass flight cancellations, costing the carrier at least $500 million. The outage also disrupted travel plans of 1.3 million customers and led to the cancellation of about 7,000 flights over five days.
Microsoft Teams suffers mega outage, company says fixingIANS
The incident has also had a significant impact on other sectors. Companies like Marriott, The Wall Street Journal, London Stock Exchange, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, and Sky News were all affected by the global outage. Banks and financial services companies warned customers of disruptions, and traders across markets reported problems executing transactions.
Upcoming Summit
In response to the incident, a CrowdStrike spokesperson stated, “We look forward to bringing our perspective to the discussions with Microsoft and industry and government stakeholders on the need for a more resilient ecosystem.”
The upcoming summit is a crucial step towards addressing these issues and improving the resilience of the tech ecosystem. It is a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for organizations to have contingency plans in place to handle potential disruptions.
Historically, the tech industry has faced similar challenges. The Millennium Bug, or “Y2K” problem, occurred because early computers saved expensive memory space by only counting the last two digits of the year, leading to critical errors as systems were unable to distinguish between the year 1900 and 2000.
The 2038 problem, or “Epochalypse”, is essentially the same issue, with many computers counting the passage of time by measuring the number of seconds since midnight on Jan. 1, 1970, also known as the “Epoch.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for organizations to have contingency plans in place to handle potential disruptions.
Indian Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said an Indian will land on the surface of the Moon in 2040.
Addressing an event marking the first-ever National Space Day, Singh highlighted the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s South Pole, a feat that astonished the world and established India as a leader in space exploration.
“In the last six decades, India has not only touched the lives of its citizens but also reached the Moon,” said Jitendra Singh.
He emphasized the significant progress made in the past decade, including the successful Mars Orbiter Mission, the launch of AstroSat, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3, the upcoming Aditya-L1 solar mission, and the XPoSat, an X-Ray astronomy mission.
Jitendra Singh traced India’s Space journey beginning only 55 years back in 1969 when the US astronaut Neil Armstrong had already set his foot on the Moon.
He lauded the scientific community for their unwavering dedication, which culminated in India becoming the first nation to land on the Moon’s South Pole.
The Minister of State for Space credited the policy support and leadership provided by Prime Minister Modi since 2014 for accelerating scientific missions and unlocking the potential of India’s scientific community.
He also noted the significant increase in Space startups, now numbering nearly 300, following the opening of the Space sector to private participation.
He echoed the Finance Minister’s projection that India’s space economy will grow from $8 billion to $44 billion in the next decade.
Jitendra Singh praised PM Modi for “unshackling” the space sector and making it more accessible to the public, as evidenced by the over 5,000 spectators and nearly 1,000 media personnel who witnessed the Chandrayaan-3 launch live at Sriharikota.
Looking ahead, Jitendra Singh outlined the Space Vision 2047, which includes the commissioning of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and Indian astronauts landing on the Moon by 2040.
He expressed confidence that what begins with human spaceflight in Low Earth Orbit will expand to India’s own scientific activities onboard an indigenous space station, leading to further lunar exploration and beyond.
Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s end-to-end capabilities in Space transportation, platforms, and ground stations were highlighted as a key aspect of the country’s self-reliance in the space sector.
Singh also underscored the impact of space applications on sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, natural resource management, disaster management, and satellite communication, which have all benefited from India’s space advancements.
What did Narendra Modi say on the National Space Day celebration?
In a message shared on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Ukraine, expressed immense pride in India’s remarkable achievements in the space sector.
“Greetings to everyone on the first National Space Day. We recall with great pride our nation’s achievements in the space sector. It is also a day to laud the contributions of our space scientists,” Prime Minister Modi stated.
Why India is celebrating National Space Day?
To commemorate the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission, and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the Moon on August 23, 2023, the Government of India has declared 23rd Day of August of every year as the National Space Day (NSpD).
Success of Chandrayaan 3
In a game-changing feat in India’s space exploration, the country’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the South Polar region of the moon on August 23, 2023, as a nation of 1.4 billion people erupted in joy and pride ending an anxious wait for the moment.
Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has announced that the second recipient of the Neuralink brain chip is showing promising progress. Musk, who is also the founder of Neuralink, expressed optimism about the future of the brain-computer interface company, predicting widespread adoption of its brain chip within the next decade.
Neuralink, a company that is pioneering the development of high-bandwidth brain-machine interfaces, confirmed that its second participant, identified as Alex, received the implant last month at the Barrow Neurological Institute. The surgery was successful, and Alex was discharged the following day. His recovery has been smooth, and he has been diligently honing his skills since receiving the implant.
The Neuralink chip is designed to restore full body control in people suffering from paralysis. With the chip, Alex has been improving his ability to play video games and learning to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design 3D objects.
Musk’s vision for Neuralink is ambitious. He stated, “If all goes well, there will be hundreds of people with Neuralinks within a few years, maybe tens of thousands within 5 years, millions within 10 years”. This prediction follows encouraging progress with the second recipient of the implant, who is reportedly experiencing significant improvements in his ability to interact with digital devices.
IANS
The update about the second recipient came as the first recipient, Noland Armagh in the US, has enabled telepathic control of a computer or phone just by thinking. The company is now working on decoding multiple clicks and multiple simultaneous movement intents to deliver full mouse and video game controller functionality.
In addition to this, Neuralink plans to enable the Link to interact with the physical world, allowing users to feed themselves and move more independently by controlling a robotic arm or their wheelchair. This development is reminiscent of historical advancements in neurotechnology, such as the development of cochlear implants and deep brain stimulation devices, which have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss and movement disorders, respectively.
The company expressed excitement about the potential of the Neuralink chip to empower individuals with paralysis. They hope that in time, the Link will help many people create in their areas of interest and expertise, and they’re excited to work with more people to help them reconnect with their passions.
The progress of Neuralink’s second participant is a testament to the potential of neurotechnology to transform lives. It is a reminder of the power of innovation and the possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of brain-computer interfaces.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the work of companies like Neuralink will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the brain and our ability to harness its potential to improve human life. This development in the field of neurotechnology not only signifies a significant step towards the future but also highlights the immense potential that such advancements hold for the betterment of human life.
India’s mobile phone exports have reached a new high, with a significant contribution from Apple’s iPhone exports. According to industry data, exports of mobile phones from India reached $6.5 billion in the April-July period of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), marking a nearly 40% surge from the same period in the previous fiscal year (FY23). This growth has been led by iPhones, which surpassed $1 billion in exports in July alone, maintaining a similar month-on-month performance as seen in the first quarter of FY25.
The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has played a significant role in this surge. The scheme, introduced by the Indian government, aims to boost domestic manufacturing and exports, turning India into a global manufacturing hub for mobile phones. As a result, iPhone exports now constitute about 70% of the total mobile exports from the country.
Apple’s performance during the April-July period has been marked by contrasting fortunes. However, experts believe that the company’s long-term growth outlook remains positive. Apple is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s growth trajectory in the coming years, with significant local manufacturing plans in place.
In the four-month period, online sales improved for iPhones, with the iPhone 15 remaining the top seller due to significant upgrades over previous generations. Apple’s operations in the country reached $23.5 billion in value in the last fiscal year (FY24), with the Cupertino-based giant clocking nearly $8 billion in revenue in India in the last fiscal year.
Reuters file
Key Apple suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics (formerly Wistron), have ramped up the assembly of iPhones as the country prepares to enter the crucial festive season. This move is expected to further boost iPhone exports from India.
Apple’s decision to manufacture its high-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models in India for the first time is a significant development. This move is expected to reduce manufacturing costs by 10%, although it is uncertain whether this reduction will translate into lower prices for customers due to high component costs and local taxes.
The Indian government’s efforts to boost the mobile phone industry have been successful, with a three-fold increase in domestic production and an almost 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last six years. The electronics sector has experienced rapid growth, reaching $155 billion in FY23. Production nearly doubled from $48 billion in FY17 to $101 billion in FY23, driven primarily by mobile phones, which now constitute 43% of total electronics production.
India has significantly reduced its reliance on smartphone imports and is now manufacturing 99% of devices domestically, according to the government. This achievement is a testament to the success of the government’s initiatives, such as the PLI scheme, which have encouraged domestic manufacturing and exports.
The decision to shift production from China to India is largely driven by geopolitical tensions between the US and China. As a result, Apple aims to increase its iPhone production in India from the current 10% to 25% by next year. For FY24, Apple reported around ₹68,000 crore in domestic sales, while the value of exported iPhones was ₹66,000 crore for FY23.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is setting new standards in the foldable smartphone market with its refined design, improved durability, and enhanced features. The Z Fold 6 is noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 239 grams, which is quite a feat given the sophisticated design language.
There may not be major design revamps, but there are evident changes that make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a substantial upgrade from the Fold 5.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 also impresses with its robust build quality. But there’s more [a(i) lot more] to this new foldable than meets the eye.
Display: A visual treat
Samsung’s foldable series has become an elite style statement, a title which undisputedly belonged to the iPhones for years. With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, there’s a refinement to that excellent design, which gives precedence to usability.
The aluminium frame provides a sturdy hand feel, but it is also made durable by a scratch-resistant matte finish, which also keeps fingerprints at bay. Samsung enhanced the protection on this one with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is on both the front display and back, alongside an IP48 water resistance rating—although it still lacks dust resistance, which remains a concern in dusty environments. But at least the gapless hinge design doesn’t let dust get in and settle on the crease when the main display is not used for days.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Speaking of the hinge, it has been improved in design, which is now lighter and stronger. The dual-rail hinge design offers increased durability and shock resistance, and it instantly gives us an elevated level of confidence in everyday use. Alas, the crease on the main display is still visible, but it is so much better now. You’ll have to go looking for it.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Samsung delivers its excellence in display technology by providing an exceptional display experience on the Fold 6. The device features a 7.6-inch main screen and a 6.3-inch cover screen, both utilizing Dynamic LTPO AMOLED technology. There’s nothing that’ll make you wow on paper, but the real-world performance speaks volumes, which is what matters most.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
The main screen has a resolution of 1856×2160 pixels with a pixel density of 374 PPI, while the cover screen offers 968×2376 pixels and 410 PPI. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits and support for HDR10+ and Widevine L1 certification, we never faced any visibility issues with the Z Fold 6 in all lighting conditions. It makes for an excellent device for gaming, streaming, and multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
What we loved the most is the display’s adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth animations and transitions, enhancing the overall user experience. The under-display selfie camera on the main screen is well-hidden, giving that true expansive display like no other.
Performance: Leading the pack
Under the hood, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 gets the best. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Pretty powerful specs right there.
In terms of real-world usage, the device handles multitasking, gaming, and media consumption without breaking a sweat. If you have to pit it against other foldables in the market, as few as they may be, the Fold 6 will outperform them. It delivers flagship-grade performance, but the real money is in the UI, which has been perfected to meet the requirements of the foldable screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Having used the phone for some pretty intense gaming sessions, the Fold 6 kept its cool. Besides that power-efficient chip, credit needs to be given to the larger vapor chamber, which manages heat efficiently for a smooth gaming experience without noticeable thermal issues.
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Playing BGMI on Fold 6IBT
Playing BGMI on Fold 6IBT
Playing BGMI on Fold 6IBT
Playing BGMI on Fold 6IBT
The power button also doubles as a fingerprint scanner, which works efficiently. It was great last time around, so no complaints there. Yet, those flat sides make a huge difference in accessing the fingerprint sensor and the physical buttons, which have solid feedback.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 reviewIBT
Software and AI
Running on One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a familiar and user-friendly interface. Making the UI suitable for foldable screens hasn’t taken away the essence of the OG OneUI. Apps are snappy and responsive. The high and adaptive refresh rate makes transitions from one screen to another real smooth.
Samsung promises seven years of Android and security updates, providing long-term peace of mind for users. But what makes the Fold 6 stand out is the suite of AI features to enhance productivity and creativity. Take the Notes app, for instance, it comes with AI-powered formatting, summarizing, and translation features, which is impressive. Other AI tools, like Sketch to Image and the Interpreter feature, are perfect examples of using AI to perfection. These AI features truly enhance functionality in real-world case scenarios. Another great feature is using the camera viewfinder to solve mathematical equations. It’s genius.
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Galaxy AI features
Solving math problems on Fold 6
Take a look at how they work below:
Cameras
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6’s camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. While the camera performance is solid, especially in daylight conditions, the ultrawide camera, lacking autofocus, can produce softer images. In low light, some shots can show noise and underexposed subjects. But Samsung’s camera prowess is usually reserved for the flagship S-series and the foldables follow its lead year after year. But that doesn’t mean the camera is bad in any sense. For most users, the camera setup you find on the Fold 6 will exceed many expectations, but not if you’re looking for S24 Ultra-level goodness.
Having used the Fold 6 camera for various occasions, including some outings and a wedding, the results are enough to show that it is a highly capable camera phone. The portraits are flawless in outdoor lighting, and even in indoor setups, you’ll find them to be fantastic. The edge detection and the bokeh is on point and work well at 3X zoom as well. Even the ultrawide shots come out pretty good, considering. The colours are quite close to what the primary and telephoto manage to capture, the distortion around the edges isn’t evident and the shots are bright and detailed for the most part.
The 4-megapixel under-display camera is adequate for video calls, not really for selfies but Samsung got you covered with the 10-megapixel cover camera, which performs better across all lighting conditions. But it is also easier to shoot with the main camera and use the cover screen as the viewfinder. The holding position might be tricky, but if you can work it out, the results will be well worth it.
Take a look at some of the camera samples shot on the Fold 6 below:
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Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 using Ultrawide lensIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portrait modeIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 portrait mode shifts focusIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portrait modeIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: UltrawideIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in nightIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in 3x zoomIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6IBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in portraitIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 using selfie cameraIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 selfie using main cameraIBT
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 at different zoom levelsIBT
Battery Life
The 4,400mAh battery in the Z Fold 6 offers respectable performance, lasting nearly a full day under heavy usage. With mixed-use, users can get slightly more than a day. However, Samsung’s decision to stick with 25W fast charging is disappointing, especially in 2024 and for its asking price. The device charges from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes, but a full charge takes over an hour—which needs some serious revamp. It’s also worth noting that not much has been changed in the battery compartment, so expecting a major bump is reaching for the stars. But Samsung could’ve easily changed that.
Verdict: The Best Foldable Yet
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a remarkable device that delivers on its promises, making it an ideal choice for multitaskers and tech enthusiasts alike. With its top-notch displays, snappy performance, and innovative AI features, the Z Fold 6 offers a compelling experience that feels like multiple devices rolled into one. While the camera and charging speeds could see improvements, the Z Fold 6 is still the best foldable Samsung has produced, cementing its place as a leader in the evolving foldable market.
Flipkart, a leading e-commerce platform in India, recently celebrated the five-year milestone of its Samarth initiative, a program dedicated to empowering artisans, weavers, self-help groups, women, and rural entrepreneurs. The event, attended by over 250 industry leaders, artisans, and dignitaries, underscored Flipkart’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This partnership, in line with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, aims to upskill thousands of Indian youth, equipping them with the necessary skills for careers in the e-commerce and supply chain sectors. The program offers a comprehensive training module, combining seven days of classroom instruction with 45 days of hands-on experience at Flipkart facilities.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the government’s focus on aligning youth skills with global demands, contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047. He praised Flipkart’s efforts, stating, The collaboration between MSDE and Flipkart’s SCOA is a significant step toward equipping our youth with the skills to thrive in the modern marketplace. By integrating traditional crafts into the digital space through the Samarth program, we are paving the way for the growth of India’s MSME sector.
Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy signed a MoU with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, to upskill thousands of employable youths across India, in the presence of Rajneesh Kumar, SVP, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group; Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India; Shri. Atul Kumar Tiwari (IAS), Secretary, MSDE; Smt. Sonal Mishra (IAS), Joint Secretary, MSDE; Shri. Sunil Kumar Ranjan, Director, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as part of the celebrations marking 5 years of Flipkart Samarth [From L to R]
The Impact of the Samarth Initiative
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s impact on preserving over 100 traditional art forms and positively affecting 1.8 million livelihoods through the Samarth initiative. As we celebrate this 5-year milestone, our partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development will further equip India’s youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy, Kumar said.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of artisan empowerment, with industry leaders discussing the role of skill development and e-commerce in expanding market access for India’s artisan community. To support artisans ahead of the festive season, Flipkart unveiled the ‘Samarth storefront’ Indian Roots on its app, providing a platform for artisans, weavers, and MSMEs to reach over 500 million customers nationwide.
This celebration underscored the importance of integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring that India’s rich cultural legacy continues to flourish in the digital age. The event was a testament to the strides made in integrating traditional crafts into the digital marketplace, with the Samarth initiative positively influencing 1.8 million livelihoods, preserving over 100 traditional art forms, and supporting the growth of thousands of sellers over the past five years.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on the future of artisan empowerment featuring distinguished industry leaders such as Shri. Girish Nair, Associate Director, Corporate Affairs, Flipkart Group; Smt. Meenu Chopra, Executive Director – All India Artisans & Craftworkers Welfare Association; Smt. Simmi Nanda, Co-Founder, Director, BeUnic; Shri. Ateesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME; and Shri. Mahendra Payaal, Chief Program Officer, National Skills Development Corporation [From L to R]
The Significance of the Partnership
The partnership between Flipkart and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is significant as it aligns with national skill development goals. It integrates traditional artisans into the digital economy, supports sustainable livelihoods, and furthers the government’s vision of empowering artisans and promoting India’s cultural heritage.
The Samarth initiative is reminiscent of similar efforts in the past where technology has been leveraged to empower artisans and small businesses. For instance, the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign launched by the Indian government aimed at promoting local businesses and artisans. Similarly, e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart have also launched initiatives to support MSMEs and drive e-commerce exports across districts.
In conclusion, the Samarth initiative by Flipkart marks a significant milestone in the journey of empowering artisans and entrepreneurs in India. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, it not only preserves India’s rich cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to millions. The partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship further strengthens this initiative, equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. As India continues to progress towards a digital future, initiatives like Samarth play a crucial role in ensuring that no section of society is left behind.
South Korean company Samsung on Wednesday announced the rollout of irregular heart rhythm notification (IHRN) feature on its health monitor app for Galaxy watches in India.
According to the company, the new feature, combined with the app’s existing blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring capabilities, helps detect heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), offering Galaxy watch users a more comprehensive understanding of their heart health.
Once activated, the feature continuously checks for irregular heart rhythms in the background using the ‘BioActive Sensor’. If a certain number of consecutive measurements are irregular, the smartwatch warns the user of potential AFib activity, prompting them to take an ECG using their watch for a more accurate measurement.
“With the existing blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, this new feature provides users with even deeper insights into their cardiovascular health,” said the company.
AFib is a type of arrhythmia, widely considered a warning sign for major cardiovascular issues including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications.
Moreover, many cases of AFib are asymptomatic or even silent, leaving people unaware of their risk.
The company said that the irregular heart rhythm notification feature is now available as part of the newly-launched Galaxy Watch7 Ultra, Galaxy Watch7 as well as on Galaxy Watch6, Watch5 and Watch4 series.
A recent study said that work-related stress, particularly high job strain and effort-reward imbalance, may significantly increase the risk of developing AFib. The study, published in the ‘Journal of the American Heart Association’, included nearly 6,000 white-collar workers in Canada.
It found that those experiencing both high job strain and effort-reward imbalance faced 97 per cent increased risk of AFib compared to those not exposed to these stressors.
Previous studies have linked work-related stress with coronary heart disease, but this is the first to examine its impact on AFib, said senior author Xavier Trudel, from Laval University in Quebec, Canada.
Delhi-NCR has emerged as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific logistics market, according to a recent report by Knight Frank. The region has been ranked among the top 10 markets for annual rental growth in the first half of 2024. The report highlights that Delhi-NCR recorded a 3% rental growth, outpacing other Indian cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, which both recorded a 2.3% growth, slightly below the regional growth figure. This growth has positioned Delhi-NCR eighth in the APAC logistics market based on annual rental growth. The average rent in the city stands at Rs 20.80 per square foot per month, and the vacancy level in the market is currently at 15.7%.
The report also provides a positive rental outlook for the next six months in the three key Indian markets, attributing this to the continued demand for warehousing and logistics spaces across the country. This demand has been driven by the government’s focus on the manufacturing sector, which has resulted in healthy demand from this sector. The traditional anchor role of third-party logistics (3PL) players has also contributed to strengthening the overall market volumes.
Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, emphasized the importance of the manufacturing sector in driving demand within the Indian logistics market. He stated, The government’s focus on the manufacturing sector is proving successful, resulting in healthy demand from this sector. Along with the traditional anchor role of 3PL players, this has strengthened the overall market volume.
INTERNET
In contrast to the Indian market, the overall Asia-Pacific logistics market saw a rental growth of 2.4% in year-over-year (YoY) terms, marking a significant slowdown from the 6.2% increase observed in H1 2023. Despite 13 of 17 tracked cities seeing rent increases in H1 2024, overall rental growth slowed due to challenging conditions in Chinese Mainland, especially in Beijing and Shanghai. However, Singapore saw logistics rents grow 6.7% in six months and 10.8% YoY, driven by strong manufacturing and 10 consecutive months of PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) expansion.
The report’s findings are significant as they highlight the resilience and growth potential of the logistics rental market in Delhi-NCR and other Indian cities. They also underscore the importance of government policies and industry trends in shaping the market dynamics. The continued demand for warehousing and logistics spaces, coupled with the government’s focus on the manufacturing sector, is expected to sustain the market’s growth in the near to medium term.
India’s urea industry, a significant contributor to the country’s chemical fertilizer demand, is on the brink of a significant shift. The industry, which currently relies on imports for 30% of its needs, is expected to reduce this dependency to 10-15% in the near-to-medium term. This change is primarily driven by the commencement and stabilization of new capacities, marking a robust stride towards self-sufficiency.
The government’s New Investment Policy 2012 (NIP 2012) has been instrumental in this transition. Over the past five fiscal years, six plants with a combined capacity of 7.62 million tonnes, accounting for 25% of domestic capacity, have been gradually commissioned. These new plants are expected to operate at full capacity this fiscal year, up from 85-90% in the previous fiscal year.
The urea industry’s heavy reliance on government subsidies, which typically make up 80-85% of sales, is another crucial aspect of this sector. Nitin Bansal, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, stated that the budgetary allocation of Rs 1.19 lakh crore for urea will be adequate, and hence no major build-up of subsidy receivables is expected this fiscal.
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The industry’s shift towards self-sufficiency is further supported by the government’s focus on boosting domestic production. The likely commissioning of another plant by the next fiscal year will further enhance domestic production, leading to steady regulated returns as utilization improves.
In addition to the urea industry, other sectors in India’s energy sphere are also undergoing significant changes. The Ministry of Coal’s year-end review for 2023 highlighted significant growth in India’s coal sector, with production likely to cross one billion tonnes in 2023-2024. This growth aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and contributes considerably to the nation’s progress towards self-sufficiency and energy security.
However, the renewable energy sector faces challenges. Solar installations in India plunged 52% to 1,599 MW during the second quarter of 2018, mainly due to uncertainties around trade cases and module price fluctuations. Despite these challenges, the Indian government is making strides in this sector, proposing the construction of the Lower Arun Hydropower Project in Nepal with a capacity of 400 MW.
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