21th Feb 2025: Australia and India have cultivated a robust partnership, reinforced by strategic and economic agreements such as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in 2020 and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in 2022. In 2021, this collaboration extended into the space sector with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aiming to enhance cooperation in civil space activities. This partnership was further strengthened at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024, where a high-level roundtable discussion was held in the presence of Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, and Mr. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency. The discussions led to SIA-India and SIA-Australia taking a proactive step to advance industry-level dialogue, identifying key barriers to trade and collaboration in the India-Australia space sector while proposing actionable solutions for government agencies.

Building on these deliberations, PRISM (Perspectives on Regulatory Issues in Strategic Markets) 2.0 | Unlocking Trade Potential in India-Australia Space Collaboration—a jointly organized webinar by SIA-India and SIA-Australia—was held on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The event served as a dedicated platform to address critical regulatory and market challenges, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration, innovation, and trade in the space and dual-use sectors.

PRISM is a flagship initiative by SIA-India aimed at addressing trade barriers and enhancing collaboration in strategic sectors, including space and dual-use technologies. The initiative focuses on fostering business-to-business (B2B) partnerships, enabling cross-border innovation, and streamlining regulatory frameworks to facilitate seamless cooperation.

The inaugural edition, PRISM 1.0, was held in November 2024 between India and the United States under the theme Navigating the Indo-US Export Control Regime. The discussion focused on overcoming complex regulatory challenges in defence, space, and dual-use technologies, laying the groundwork for deeper industry engagement and policy alignment.

PRISM 2.0 advanced India-Australia space collaboration by bringing together industry leaders, startups, and policymakers to address export controls, technology transfer, and R&D cooperation, fostering regulatory alignment and strategic partnerships. The event featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe; Mr. David Gottlieb, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; Fmr. Amb. Anil Wadhwa, Distinguished Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation; Mr. Nathan Davis, Trade Commissioner to India, Austrade; Lisa Vitaris, Interim CEO & Director, IAC 2025; Mr. Mark Ramsey, Space Machines Company; Mr. Shireesh Pallikonda, Co-Founder, Skyroot Aerospace; Mr. Ashok GV, Partner, Factum Law; Dreosti Julia, Partner, Clifford Chance; wherein Lisa Vitaris, Interim CEO (SIAA), Anil Prakash, DG SIA-India, and Rajeev Gambhir Dy DG from SIA-India were webinar moderators.

The discussions, centered on three key themes: Export Controls, Bilateral R&D Investments, and Intellectual Property Protections. They underscored India’s advancements in space exploration and Australia’s strategic advantage for equatorial and polar launches. With over 30 agreements already in place, the strengthening India-Australia partnership is set to drive innovation and expand opportunities for both nations’ thriving startup ecosystems.

Beyond regulatory alignment, collaboration extends to mission support, with Australia playing a key role in India’s Gaganyaan mission. Australia’s support for India’s Gaganyaan mission, particularly in astronaut recovery operations, further reinforces collaboration. Australia’s support for India’s 1st Gaganyaan mission includes providing critical tracking and recovery operations through its Cocos (Keeling) Islands ground station. The Australian authorities are working with Indian authorities to ensure support for search and rescue of crew and recovery of crew module as part of contingency planning for ascent phase aborts near Australian waters.

India’s space industry, valued at $8.6 billion, is set to grow at a 16% CAGR, reaching $44 billion by 2033. The space-tech startup ecosystem has expanded over 200% in the past five years, with 190+ startups attracting over $300 million in private investment in 2023 alone.

Australia’s space sector, growing at 7% annually, has seen its workforce expand by 30% in five years, reaching 17,000 professionals across 600+ organizations.

India and Australia can unlock greater export opportunities by leveraging Australia’s expertise in navigating ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) for Indian exports. Under ECTA, over 96% of Indian exports to Australia now receive preferential access, benefiting satellite hardware, ground stations, and software services.

Experts highlighted the need for stronger contractual risk management in cross-border collaborations, emphasizing that FDI liberalization can unlock new national security space initiatives. The QUAD Space Working Group’s role in Maritime Domain Awareness and satellite data-sharing was also underscored.

There is a need to integrate India’s cost-effective space launches with Australia’s expertise in space tracking and infrastructure development. Key priorities include harmonizing IP laws, establishing mutual certification frameworks to streamline export controls and security protocols, and implementing dispute resolution mechanisms for smoother business engagements. Additionally, the annual termination clause in the India-Australia Bilateral Investment Treaty underscores the urgency of creating robust frameworks to safeguard cross-border investments.

Furthermore, investment avenues highlighted Space Maitri Program, Australia-India Business Exchange, Australia-India Innovation Tech Challenge, Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, and the $18 million investment in collaborative space projects as part of the International Space Investment [ISI] Initiative India Project program.

“PRISM 2.0 reinforced India-Australia collaboration, fostering innovation, trade, and policy alignment. As India and Australia deepen space ties, the next phase of cooperation will focus on aligning regulatory frameworks, enhancing investment flows, and leveraging mutual strengths for global space leadership” said Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA India.

A report on PRISM 2.0 India Australia Space dialogue will be released shortly , which will be shared among the space business community and policy maker of the two countries to sensitized with the issues to streamline and enhance the cooperation among the two countries .

Building on this momentum, SIA-India plans to expand the PRISM webinar series with dialogues involving Japan, France, and Germany, culminating in a QUAD-focused event at the India Space Congress 2025, scheduled for June 25-27.

SIA-India: SIA-India is a dynamic, not-for-profit space sector association, dedicated to advancing sectoral interests, accelerating industry growth, and catalysing collaboration through strategic engagements with key governmental and global stakeholders, policymakers, regulatory bodies, and standardisation entities, aiming to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem within the civil, commercial and defence space domains.

BENGALURU, India – February 21, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the sale of its most affordable 5G smartphone – Galaxy F06 5G.

Galaxy F06 5G is set to revolutionize the 5G segment with the perfect blend of high-performance and style. Galaxy F06 5G will provide a complete 5G experience at an affordable price, making 5G technology accessible for more consumers and accelerate its widespread adoption across the country. Galaxy F06 5G supports 12 5G bands across all telecom operators.

Galaxy F06 5G features a ‘Ripple Glow’ finish that shimmers with every movement exuding elegance and sophistication. Featuring a 6.7” large HD+ display, Galaxy F06 5G offers consumers stunning visuals and an elevated viewing experience. The smartphone is 8mm sleek and weighs only 191 grams, making it incredibly ergonomic to use. Galaxy F06 5G will be available in two strikingly bold and mesmerizing colours – Bahama Blue and Lit Violet.

Housing a striking new camera deco, Galaxy F06 5G features a high-resolution 50MP wide-angle lens with F1.8 aperture capturing vibrant, detailed photos, while the 2MP depth-sensing camera delivers pictures with enhanced clarity. The 8MP front camera ensures your selfies are crisp and clear.

Galaxy F06 5G is powered by MediaTek D6300, one of the segment’s best processor having an AnTuTu score of upto 416K+ making it fast and power-efficient, allowing you to multi-task smoothly. Galaxy F06 5G delivers a swift mobile gaming experience with high-speed connectivity along with high-quality audio and visuals. Additionally, Galaxy F06 5G packs in 5000mAh battery with segment-leading 25W fast charging.

Samsung is reaffirming its commitment to customer satisfaction by providing best-in-segment 4 generations of OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates with Galaxy F06 5G, ensuring users can enjoy the latest features and enhanced security for years to come.

Galaxy F06 5G will feature one of Samsung’s most innovative security features: Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks. Additionally, Galaxy F06 5G is set to revolutionize consumer experience with innovations such as Voice Focus that cuts the ambient noise for a clear calling experience and the Quick Share feature which enables users to instantly share files, photos and documents with any other device, even if they are faraway, including your laptop and tab, privately.

Bangalore, Karnataka, February 21, 2025: Arjunaa Academy for Achievers, a leading coaching center for JEE and NEET aspirants, is proud to announce the outstanding performance of its students in the JEE Main 2025 examination.

At the Vijayanagar center, an impressive 57.14% of JEE students secured above 93%ile in their first attempt. Notably, none of these students had undergone any foundation program, attributing their success solely to their time at Arjunaa Academy for Achievers.

“We are thrilled to see our students achieve such exceptional results,” said Hareesh PK, CEO & Founder, Arjunaa Academy for Achievers. “Our focused approach, expert faculty, and supportive environment have enabled our students to excel in the JEE Main examination. We are proud of each and every one of our Achievers.

(New Delhi, February 2025) Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents a journey to the heart of the Himalayas with an exclusive Himachali food pop-up at Tamra from February 19th to 23rd, 2025. This special culinary showcase brings the warmth and comfort of traditional Pahadi cuisine straight from the mountains to the table, offering both lunch and dinner experiences that celebrate the rich heritage of Himachal Pradesh’s time-honored recipes.

At the heart of this exclusive pop-up is the Sous Chef Laxmikant Sharma, working to create an authentic mountain dining experience. The menu showcases the true essence of Himachali cuisine, from traditional non-vegetarian pickles to dishes prepared using old-school cooking techniques.

Each meal is crafted with seasonal mountain ingredients like wild apricots, red rice, millets, and aromatic Himalayan herbs.  Savor the rich Sepu Wadi ka Madra, a traditional preparation that perfectly captures the region’s love for lentils, and the tangy Kale Channe ka Khatta that brings back memories of winter afternoons. The aromatic Ghee Sidhu and robust Khatta Meat showcase the hearty flavors of Himachali homes, while the comforting Mash ki Dal and Tudkia Bhaat speak of simple mountain meals made with love. To complete your experience, taste the homestyle Till ki Chutney and Apple ki Chutney, adding the perfect balance of nutty and sweet notes to your meal.

Guests can experience lunch buffet at INR 3,200 plus taxes and dinner buffet at INR 3,500 plus taxes, to be part of a culinary journey that preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

Every dish served at Shangri-La’s Tamra is a step towards keeping these age-old recipes alive, supporting local communities, and bringing the authentic taste of the mountains to Delhi.

Global, February 20th, 2025 – Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, and Web3 company, has collaborated with CryptoRank to conduct an in-depth comparative analysis of liquidity depth among the top five global centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEXs): Binance, Bitget, Bybit, MEXC, and OKX. The research offers valuable insights into each platform’s ability to handle large market orders with minimal price impact, a critical factor for traders seeking efficient trade execution.

The top key findings of the report highlight Spot and Futures market liquidity. Bitget secured second position among the top five global exchanges, showing substantial liquidity depth on Spot for major trading pairs such as BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT. This positions Bitget as a competitive choice for traders seeking efficient trade execution in high-volume markets.

The analysis evaluated liquidity depth around 2% price range from the mid-market price, a critical metric for assessing an exchange’s ability to handle large market orders with minimal slippage. Bitget’s performance in this area highlights its dedication to maintaining a liquid and stable trading environment for its users.

The study reveals significant variations in liquidity depth across major centralized crypto exchanges in both spot and futures markets. Binance’s dominance in the spot market and MEXC’s leadership in the futures market highlight the diverse strengths of these platforms.

Bitget’s strong performance in both markets aligns with the exchange’s market performance, which has made it the fastest-growing CEX in the top 10. These insights assist investors in selecting the most suitable exchange for their trading activities, considering factors such as liquidity depth and market focus.

Recently Forbes listed Bitget as one of the top most trusted crypto exchanges worldwide. In 2024, Bitget expanded its user base by 400%, from 20M in January to 100M in December. Spot trading surged from $160B in Q1 to $600B in Q4; daily volumes doubled to $20B. The high-paced updates, and top performance amongst CEXs, have pushed Bitget amongst the top #3 exchanges in derivates trading while strengthening its positioning amongst the top #5 on Spot. Keeping the momentum going, Bitget continues to expand its offerings and improve platform features, maintaining high liquidity to support seamless trading for its vast user base.

Shemaroo Umang’s popular show Main Dil Tum Dhadkan is set to take an exciting turn with the entry of a new character, Anurag. The talented actor Puneet Kumar Channa, known for his impressive performances in films, television, short films, and advertisements, has been roped in to play this intriguing role. With his strong screen presence and acting prowess, Puneet is sure to bring a fresh twist to the storyline, keeping the audience engaged.

Sharing his excitement about joining the show, Puneet said, “I’m thrilled to take on this role, it’s a refreshing challenge for me. Anurag is a cunning, charismatic, and confident businessman with a long-standing ambition to acquire the Agarwal group. I can’t wait for the audience to see the intriguing twists my character brings to the story!” His character will add new drama and intensity to the narrative, making things even more interesting for viewers.

With Puneet’s entry, Main Dil Tum Dhadkan promises to be more thrilling than ever. Fans can expect unexpected twists, high-stakes drama, and gripping storytelling as Anurag shakes things up. Stay tuned to witness this exciting new chapter unfold in the show!

Mumbai, India – February 20, 2025 – Cohesity, the leader in AI-powered data security, announced the appointment of Mayank Mishra as the new Regional Director of Sales for India and SAARC. In his new role, Mayank will lead Cohesity’s overall business strategy, sales operations, and growth strategy across India and the SAARC region.

Before this appointment, Mayank was the regional director of West and North India for Veritas. In his 17-year tenure with Veritas, Mayank held numerous leadership positions in enterprise sales across the financial, telecom, and pharmaceutical sectors. With his extensive industry experience, Mayank has led the successful delivery of several large and highly complex data protection deals in the South Asia region. Under his leadership, the enterprise sales team consistently exceeded their business revenue targets. Before Veritas, Mayank had successful roles in multi-national firms, including Oracle, Acision, and Tata Teleservices.

“By combining Cohesity’s scale-out architecture and strong AI-powered data security capabilities with Veritas’ broad workload support and partner ecosystem, our customers will gain more from the new combined portfolio offerings. We are committed to prioritizing our customers’ needs to providepeace of mind for their investments in our solutions,” said Mayank Mishra, Regional Director of Sales – India and SAARC, Cohesity.

“Mayank’s appointment comes at a defining moment as we continue to drive innovation and leadership in AI-powered data security and cyber resilience. With his strong track record in delivering business results and proven ability in leading high-performance teams to address pertinent cyber resiliency issues facing customers, I am confident that we will continue to be the preferred choice for data security with differentiated AI capabilities in India and SAARC region,” said Johnny Karam, Managing Director and Vice President of International Emerging Markets, Cohesity.

Under the Uttam Gram Initiative (UGI) program, the S M Sehgal Foundation organized an awareness program on “Behavioral Changes in Sanitation” in Behripur and GujjarpurKhurd villages in Ramgarh block, Alwar, Rajasthan February 18 and 19, 2025. The initiative aimed to enhance community awareness of sanitation and hygiene through an engaging and interactive medium: NukkadNatak (street play). The play was performed by students from the National School of Drama (NSD), the street play powerfully conveyed essential WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) messages, covering safe drinking water, toilet management (solid& liquid waste), handwashing, and menstrual hygiene. Over 900 community members participated in the two-day event, with two shows held in each village including Sarpanch Ahmed Jubair, School Principal Ashok Goyal, Village Development Committee, and School Management Committee members.

Dr.VikasJha, Principal Lead, Local Participation and Sustainability, S M Sehgal Foundation shared that “NukkadNatak is a powerful medium of communication that uses live performance in public spaces to spread awareness, and engage communities on social issues . We highlighted real community challenges and practical solutions. Such behavior-change communication efforts encourage people to adopt best practices for a healthier and more sustainable future. At the end of the play, participants took a pledge to incorporate these practices into their daily lives.”

To ensure wider participation, local community radio Connect FM 107.8 actively supported the initiative by making announcements and spreading information about the entertaining and educating street play shows for maximum outreach.