March 19, 2025: The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Hon. Christopher Luxon, chaired an education focused event at IIT Delhi, reaffirming the deep academic ties between New Zealand and India. The event celebrated the New Zealand Centre, a flagship initiative that brings together all New Zealand universities in collaboration with IIT Delhi.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of a NZ$260,000 partial scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Indian students. Additionally, a unique Virtual Internship Programme was announced, providing 30 IIT Delhi students with the opportunity to intern remotely with New Zealand companies, offering cross-border industry experience and insights into New Zealand’s innovative work culture.

The event also acknowledged the significant contributions of joint research initiatives between New Zealand and India in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, disaster resilience, and advanced engineering. Notably, a collaborative project between the University of Canterbury and IIT Delhi is leveraging geospatial data for climate change mitigation, aligning with India’s national sustainability goals and demonstrating a shared commitment to tackling global challenges through innovation and research.

As part of ongoing academic engagement, New Zealand and Indian institutions are set to sign series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as student mobility, joint research, and academic exchange.

 New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated, “New Zealand and India share a reciprocal education partnership, built on academic excellence and cultural exchange. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, we remain committed to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed on the global stage. Through the initiatives announced today we are fostering deeper connections and empowering future leaders and innovators.”

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “At IIT Delhi, we are dedicated to fostering global academic collaborations that drive innovation and research excellence. Our partnership with New Zealand through the New Zealand Centre has facilitated knowledge exchange, joint research, and student mobility. By focusing on areas like sustainability and disaster resilience, we are addressing real-world challenges with a shared commitment to innovation. The introduction of the Virtual Internship Programme and expanded research collaborations will further enhance global exposure and industry experience for our students.”

The event also featured a lively fireside chat with distinguished New Zealand alumni, including singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla, Assistant Director at Dharma Productions (University of Waikato). They shared insights into their academic journeys in New Zealand and how their experiences shaped their careers.

The gathering was attended by distinguished guests from IIT Delhi, the New Zealand delegation, and notable alumni, exemplifying the strong academic and cultural bonds between the two nations.

Bengaluru, 19th March 2025: OPPO India will launch the OPPO F29 series, the Durable Champion, on 20th March 2025. The F29 Series highlights OPPO’s strategic commitment to delivering durability, reliability, and performance-driven smartphones tailored to meet the demands of India’s gig economy, which encompases millions of drivers, delivery partners, shopkeepers, and business owners.

 OPPO F series – A front runner in sub-INR 25K category

Each new edition of the F Series builds upon the durability and quality standards set by its predecessor, as demonstrated by the impressive 30% sales growth of the OPPO F27 Pro+ in the first six months following its launch, compared to the F25 Pro. The series continues to see strong demand across regions like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Nagpur.  Additionally OPPO’s focus on durability and product quality has earned it the distinction of being the most preferred brand for water and dust resistance, according to Counterpoint Research.

Tested In India, Made for India

Manufactured at OPPO India’s Greater Noida facility, the F29 series—as lightweight as 180g and just 7.55mm slim—is not only made in India but also tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) in India for IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings that certify it against the highest levels of dust and water ingress.

Its IP66 rating certifies it against powerful water jets; ideal for users who work in wet conditions, from vendors to construction workers. The IP68 rating endorses it for submersion in 1.5metres of water for 30 minutes; this means it is built to survive accidental drops in water-filled potholes and kitchen sinks, while its IP69 rating implies it can endure high-pressure, high-temperature water jets up to 80°C, making it perfect for those working in industrial settings or extremely humid weather conditions.

Damage-proof 360° Armour Body*

OPPO F29 series It boasts a 360° Armour Body to endure unexpected drops and impacts. The Sponge Bionic Cushioning on the OPPO F29 series absorbs impact to minimise damage from falls while its elevated battery cover and side frame add an extra layer of protection. At the same time, the new Raised Corner Design Cover on the OPPO F29 series protects all four corners against damage.

The Lens Protection Ring on the smartphone, which is crafted out of strengthened glass, sits higher than the camera lens to prevent scratches on it. Also, the smartphone’s internal frame, which protects its motherboard, has been upgraded to aerospace-grade aluminium alloy; this increases structural integrity by 10% over its predecessor.

All-round Durable Champion

OPPO—the most preferred brand for water and dust resistance*—has subjected its F29 series to 14 Military Standard (MIL-STD-810H-2022) tests that certify it against high temperature, low temperature, shock, rain, freezing water, sand, dust, salt mist, solar radiation, humidity, vibration, fluid contamination, mold, acceleration that tests for g-loads, and resistance.

All-new Hunter Antenna Architecture

The OPPO F29 Series revolutionises mobile connectivity with its industry-first Hunter Antenna Architecture that delivers a 300% boost in signal strength. Both smartphones, the F29 and the F29 Pro establish a new benchmark in signal penetration and reliability to ensure seamless connectivity in even the most challenging environments, whether deep inside buildings, stuck in elevators, or navigating remote areas.

March 19, 2025: Delhi-NCR’s commercial real estate market is on an upward trajectory as businesses increasingly look beyond traditional office hubs. With a growing economy, an influx of MNCs, and the expansion of startups, the demand for premium office spaces is on the rise.

Over the years, NCR’s office leasing market has grown steadily, driven by rising occupier interest in emerging business corridors. According to Knight Frank, the average deal size for transacted office spaces in NCR increased by 29% year-on-year with an average deal size of 40, 025 sq ft. in 2024 from 30,955 sq ft. in 2023. Besides, in 2024, NCR recorded 12.7 million sq ft of office leasing.

Meanwhile, Noida saw a rise of 48% year-on-year in 2024 with over 3.92 million sq ft of leasing in the year. Gurugram remains the most preferred market with leasing of over 7.65 million sq ft; the region recorded a rise of 24% in the same period. Key micro-markets like the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, SPR, and more are becoming sought-after commercial zones with upcoming Grade A office spaces, sustainability-focused developments, and rising investor interest due to improved connectivity.

Mr. Sanchit Bhutani Managing Director of Group 108, says, “Noida-Greater Noida has transformed into a flourishing commercial hub, attracting global corporations, IT giants, and MNCs seeking high-quality office spaces. Its rapid urbanization, robust infrastructure, and seamless connectivity to Delhi and other NCR cities have made it a hotspot for corporate expansion. Amidst this growth, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway observes an upsurge in premium Grade A office spaces, offering global businesses the perfect blend of strategic location, state-of-the-art commercial developments, and investor-friendly policies. We see this as an incredible opportunity to cater to the increasing demand from large occupiers looking for scalable, world-class work environments. As the corridor continues to evolve, it is set to become one of NCR’s most dynamic business districts, offering long-term value to both investors and enterprises.”

Harsh Gupta, CEO, Sundream Group, says, “Noida is emerging as a key player in NCR’s commercial real estate landscape, with its micro-markets driving strong leasing momentum. The demand for premium, tech-enabled office spaces is rising as MNCs, IT firms, and startups seek well-connected business districts with world-class infrastructure. We see a growing preference for flexible workspaces and integrated commercial hubs that enhance efficiency and work-life balance. With increasing corporate interest, robust metro connectivity, and competitive leasing rates, we envision that Noida’s office market is set for sustained growth, offering lucrative investment opportunities and high rental appreciation.”

Besides, mixed-use developments featuring office spaces with retail, hospitality, and entertainment are gaining popularity, offering a holistic work-life experience. With increasing demand for co-working spaces, sustainability-focused offices, and tech-enabled workplaces, the NCR office real estate landscape is evolving to meet the needs of a modern workforce and global enterprises.

Ajendra Singh, Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Spectrum@Metro, says , “ Noida’s commercial real estate landscape is evolving as SMEs and startups increasingly invest in modern, high-quality office spaces to establish credibility and attract talent. Simultaneously, global companies are seeking premium office locations with excellent infrastructure to enhance their brand reputation and operational efficiency. Thus, with robust metro connectivity, strategic location advantages, and a growing business ecosystem, Noida is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for dynamic enterprises looking for growth-ready office spaces.”

Prakash Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director of Ocus Group, says, “As Gurugram continues to dominate NCR’s commercial real estate market, companies are now exploring emerging corridors that offer premium office spaces with future-ready infrastructure. Sector 99 on Dwarka Expressway is one such high-potential region, attracting IT firms, startups, and multinational corporations looking for scalable, high-quality Grade A office spaces. With seamless connectivity to NH-48, Delhi, and IGI Airport, Sector 99 is poised to become Gurugram’s next commercial hotspot. Hence, this growth is set to create lucrative opportunities for developers looking forward to creating premium office spaces.”

Therefore, as NCR’s commercial real estate market evolves, emerging business hubs are set to become the next big destinations for corporate occupiers and investors. With enhanced infrastructure, competitive rentals, and a growing preference for decentralized office locations, the next 3-5 years will see major hubs cement their position as key commercial centers, driven by rising Grade A office supply, flexible workspace expansion, and institutional investments

India, March 19, 2025: Kapture CX, a leading Gen AI powered customer experience platform, announces the appointment of Alok Agrawal as its new Head of Account Growth. With a strong background in enterprise product sales and a track record of driving revenue growth, Alok brings a wealth of experience to further strengthen Kapture CX’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer engagement solutions.

Alok, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli, joins Kapture CX following his tenure at Razorpay, where he played a key role in leading strategic product sales and driving revenue for enterprise merchants in the online payments space. He was instrumental in scaling business initiatives, launching industry-first solutions, and optimizing product adoption. Prior to Razorpay, he held leadership positions at Paytm, overseeing product sales for enterprise solutions, driving go-to-market strategies, and managing key stakeholder relationships. His experience spans diverse sectors, including fintech, retail, and manufacturing, where he has consistently delivered impactful business results.

In his new role, Alok will spearhead Kapture CX’s Strategic account growth initiatives, focusing on enhancing client engagement, and ensuring seamless integration of the company’s AI-driven customer experience solutions. His strategic vision and deep understanding of enterprise needs are set to bolster Kapture CX’s growth trajectory and reinforce its position as a leader in the customer experience domain.

Welcoming Alok to the team, Sheshgiri Kamath, CEO & Co-founder of Kapture CX, said, “Alok’s appointment comes at an important phase for Kapture CX as we continue to scale and innovate in the customer experience space. His extensive experience in enterprise product sales and revenue expansion will play a crucial role in strengthening our client relationships and ensuring seamless customer journeys.”

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Kapture CX, Alok Agrawal stated, “Customers are at the core of every successful business, and I’m excited to contribute to Kapture CX’s mission of enhancing customer experience with smart, seamless solutions. I’m looking forward to working with this energetic team to improve customer interactions and expand into new and existing markets. While we are a young team, the enthusiasm here is infectious, and I’m eager to see what we can accomplish together.”

Kapture CX remains committed to revolutionizing customer interactions through AI-powered automation and personalized engagement. With Alok’s leadership, the company aims to strengthen its customer relationships and further enhance its suite of innovative solutions.