NEW DELHI: Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX) today announced the global rollout of Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts, new age-based experiences for users under 16, with protections designed to evolve as children grow.

Following a limited market rollout last month in Australia, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts are now available globally. The accounts are designed to align game access, chat features, and parental controls with a user’s age, while giving parents more visibility and flexibility over their child’s experience on Roblox.

Users are automatically placed into the applicable account experience based on Roblox’s age-check systems. The rollout brings together age checks, age-based account settings, content ratings, ongoing moderation, and expanded parental controls into a single framework designed to support younger users as they grow. At launch, age-checked users under 16 will retain access to the vast majority of their favorite games, while the experience for age-checked users 16 and older remains unchanged.

“Children’s needs change significantly as they grow, and online experiences should adapt alongside them,” said Matt Kaufman, Chief Safety Officer at Roblox. “With Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, we’re creating age-based protections designed to support younger users at different stages, while giving parents tools to personalize the experience for their family.”

Roblox Kids and Roblox Select Accounts

• Roblox Kids Accounts (Ages 5–8)* include the platform’s strongest default protections. Users can access a catalog of games with Minimal or Mild content maturity labels that have passed Roblox’s continual selection process. Chat is turned off by default.
• Roblox Select Accounts (Ages 9–15) provide access to games rated up to Moderate that have passed Roblox’s continual selection process. Chat settings vary by age and region, and additional safeguards remain in place for users under 16.

For both account types, Roblox applies additional review standards to games made available to younger users, including developer verification, real-time evaluation, and enhanced content review. By default, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select catalogs exclude games featuring sensitive issues, social hangouts, and free-form drawing features.

Roblox’s age-based account system automatically progresses users into new account experiences as they age: Users move from Roblox Kids to Roblox Select at age 9, and users move from Roblox Select to standard Roblox accounts at age 16.

Expanding Parental Controls

Roblox is also expanding parental controls. Parents who link their account to their child’s already have access to parental controls that provide visibility into gameplay activity and friend lists, as well as tools to manage content ratings, communication settings, screen time, and spending limits. 

With this rollout, Roblox is extending certain controls until their child turns 16—including granular game blocking and direct chat management—and introducing a new game approval feature that allows parents to grant access to specific games outside their child’s default account settings.

Vineeta Garg, IT Head, SRDAV Public School, and member of Roblox’s Global Parent Council, said, “As an educator and parent advocate, I welcome Roblox’s introduction of age-based accounts that recognize that children’s online needs evolve as they grow. The launch of Roblox Kids and Roblox Select is a significant step toward creating safer, more age-appropriate digital experiences while giving parents greater visibility and control. I am particularly encouraged by the focus on age-based protections, expanded parental controls, and thoughtful safeguards around communication and content access. In a country like India, where increasing numbers of children are engaging online from an early age, empowering families with practical tools and transparency is especially important. These changes can help parents support safer and more positive digital experiences for their children.”

Age-Appropriate Experiences 

The rollout builds on Roblox’s broader effort to create age-appropriate experiences for younger users, including becoming the first major online gaming platform to require facial age checks to access chat features. Once rollout is completed, users who have not completed an age check will not be able to access standard Roblox accounts or use Roblox chat features, regardless of their age.

Roblox also continues to apply protections that are designed to prevent the sharing of links, images, and videos in chat. While social media links have never been allowed in chat, later this month, Roblox is no longer allowing users younger than 16 to share or view them on user profiles, game detail pages, Community pages, or the Creator Hub.

Later this year, Roblox will also begin transitioning to the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) framework, the globally recognized standard method for assigning content ratings for digital games and apps.

Together, these updates are part of Roblox’s ongoing work to deliver age-based protections that evolve as users grow, provide parents with greater transparency and control, and support safe, positive online experiences.

Resources

• Age-Based Roblox Kids and Select Accounts Now Globally Available
• What Families Need to Know About Roblox’s New Age-Based Protections
• Introducing Roblox Kids and Roblox Select Accounts
• Roblox Safety Center

*The exact ages, games, and features associated with these accounts will vary by region. Ages are based on age checks; parents can correct a child’s age if necessary.

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Under these insurance policies, ICIEC will provide insurance cover for eligible trade finance transactions extended by NBB to entities located in ICIEC Member States and support the confirmation of letters of credit issued by banks in ICIEC Member States, helping facilitate cross-border trade while mitigating payment risks.

The partnership underscores ICIEC and NBB’s shared commitment to expanding trade finance, strengthening cross-border trade flows, and deepening economic cooperation among Member States. Through the provision of risk mitigation solutions, the agreement enhances confidence in international trade transactions, supports increased private sector engagement, and facilitates the efficient movement of essential goods and services across strategic markets.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “Resilient trade ecosystems require strong financial institutions, trusted partnerships, and effective risk mitigation. These insurance policies with the National Bank of Bahrain bring these elements together, enabling greater confidence in cross-border transactions and expanding trade opportunities across ICIEC Member States. We are pleased to join forces with NBB in supporting businesses and facilitating the flow of trade that contributes to sustainable economic development.”

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The meeting brought together the leaders of ACG member institutions to reaffirm the Group’s longstanding spirit of partnership, strengthen cooperation among its members, and reinforce its shared commitment to advancing sustainable development across the world.

The gathering serves as an important platform for ACG leadership to exchange perspectives, strengthen institutional relationships, and ensure continued alignment in support of the Group’s collective development mission. The meeting reflects the enduring values that have guided the ACG for more than five decades: solidarity, mutual trust, collaboration, and a shared dedication to improving lives and promoting prosperity in developing countries.

In 2025, ACG member institutions collectively extended US$25.7 billion to finance nearly 735 operations in more than 97 countries. Over the past five decades, the Group has provided more than US$331.5 billion in development financing across more than 13,000 projects in over 160 countries, supporting economic growth, infrastructure development, social progress, and sustainable development worldwide.

The Heads of Institutions reviewed the Group’s progress over the past year and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation among member institutions. Discussions focused on sustaining the strong partnerships that underpin the Group’s success and enhancing the effectiveness of its collective efforts to address evolving development needs around the world.

On the margins of the meeting, ACG leaders engaged in roundtable meetings hosted by the OPEC  Fund, with the Government of Barbados, the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and its V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20), African Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the Group’s continued commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and strengthening collaboration across the global development community.

In their concluding remarks, the Heads of Institutions reaffirmed the Arab Coordination Group’s enduring commitment to cooperation, partnership, and shared purpose. They emphasized that the Group’s success over the past five decades has been built on strong institutional relationships, mutual respect, and a common dedication to advancing development outcomes for countries and communities around the world.

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MUMBAI: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and the first institution in over a decade to receive in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to transition into a Universal Bank, has revised its deposit interest rates across Fixed Deposits (FDs), Recurring Deposits (RDs), and Foreign Currency Non-Resident [FCNR (B)] deposits, effective June 10, 2026.

Under the revised structure, customers can now earn up to 7.40% p.a. on FDs and RDs, while senior citizens can earn up to 7.90% p.a., making AU SFB’s offering among the more competitive and attractive savings avenues in the current rate cycle.

The revision comes at a time when savers across India are increasingly looking for stable, high-yield deposit options, while NRIs continue to seek secure and efficient avenues to manage savings across geographies.

The revised peak interest rates are as follows:

* Interest on FCNR (B) deposits is paid out semi-annually.

In parallel, the Bank has also enhanced its FCNR deposit rates, further strengthening its NRI banking proposition by offering attractive foreign currency deposit options alongside competitive domestic deposit rates. Together, the revised rates position AU SFB as a comprehensive savings partner catering to both resident Indians seeking higher returns and NRIs looking for efficient cross-border savings solutions.

The revised rates apply to both new and existing customers and are available across AU SFB’s 2,790+ touchpoints spanning 21 States and 4 Union Territories, as well as through its digital channels, including the AU 0101 app, WhatsApp Banking, and 24×7 video banking.

For detailed tenure-wise interest rates, customers may visit www.aubank.in

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• New walk-in Origin Fresh Stores to offer 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, hydroponics, exotics, and daily essentials through a modern neighbourhood retail experience
• Backed by AI-driven inventory planning and controlled cold chain infrastructure to ensure produce is delivered at peak freshness
• Hydroponics grown using Deep Water Culture technology offer more nutrients, residue-free produce, enhanced freshness, and shelf life
• With women farmers comprising over 50% of its growing regions across India, Origin Fresh is supported by a network of more than 10,000 micro-farmers and maintains less than 5% wastage across its operations.

PUNE: Origin Fresh, India’s pioneering premium fresh produce brand, has expanded into West India with the launch of its first store in Koregaon Park, Pune. The launch marks a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-headquartered company, which operates an omnichannel model comprising physical stores, its own app and website, and quick commerce platforms.

The choice of Koregaon Park reflects Origin Fresh’s focus on serving consumers who place a premium on quality, freshness, and conscious food choices. Known for its vibrant lifestyle, global outlook, and evolving food culture, the neighbourhood presents a strong strategic fit for the brand’s quality-first approach to fresh produce retail.

The new store offers over 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, and daily essentials, including more than 150+ speciality and exotic varieties sourced through domestic and international farmer partners. The assortment includes Korean Pears, Japanese Sun Fuji Apples, Cotton Candy Grapes, Yellow Dragon Fruit, and hydroponically grown lettuces, catering to growing demand for global flavours, healthier lifestyles, and ingredient-led food experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Prashanth Vasan, Co-Founder and CEO, Origin Fresh, said, “Pune represents an important milestone in our growth journey. It is a city with a discerning consumer base that values quality, authenticity, and better food choices. Koregaon Park, in particular, embodies the characteristics of the modern Origin Fresh customer, someone who is conscious about what they consume and seeks the very best. Through this launch, we are bringing our expertise in premium assortment and quality commitment closer to households in the city. Pune is the first step in our West India expansion strategy, and we see a significant opportunity to build a strong presence in the region.”

“I wish the entire Origin Fresh team the very best on this exciting new chapter. Having already established a strong presence across Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Chennai, it is wonderful to see them now expand into Pune. I am confident that the people of Pune will appreciate the quality, freshness, and convenience that Origin Fresh brings. It is encouraging to see a brand focused on making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible while supporting the farming community. I look forward to seeing Origin Fresh expand its footprint across Pune and Mumbai and enable many more families to enjoy fresh, responsibly sourced produce,” Shri Ranjit Shrikant Shirole, General Secretary, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said during the store launch.

Built on a promise of delivering premium fresh produce, Origin Fresh employs a rigorous five-step quality assurance process that spans sourcing, grading, handling, storage, and distribution. The brand also offers hydroponically grown produce cultivated using Deep Water Culture (DWC) technology, enabling residue-free produce with enhanced freshness and longer shelf life.  Complementing the retail experience is the Origin Fresh app, which provides access to fresh, exotic, hydroponic, and everyday produce. The platform also features the brand’s proprietary Ripeness Quotient, allowing customers to select fruits based on their preferred stage of ripeness and consumption timeline. With stores now operational across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, and Pune, Origin Fresh plans to continue investing in retail expansion in the coming months as well. 

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PUNE: upGrad School of Technology (UGSOT) and Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU) today announced a strategic partnership to launch a four-year residential B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering (Artificial Intelligence) Program, designed to equip students with a UGC-recognised degree alongside industry-relevant AI engineering skills from the outset.

The program aims to bridge the widening gap between traditional engineering education and the rapidly evolving demands of the AI-driven workforce. The inaugural batch is scheduled to commence in August–September 2026.

Open to students who have completed Class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards).

Under the collaboration, Ajeenkya DY Patil University will provide campus infrastructure, residential learning environment, and award a UGC-recognised B.Tech degree. UGSOT, in collaboration with ADYPU, will support the delivery of an industry-integrated learning experience featuring live instruction from engineers working at leading global technology companies, an AI-first curriculum refreshed every six months, hands-on coding and product-building sprints from the first semester, and regular interactions with founders, CXOs, and industry leaders.

Students can choose from three future-focused specialisations:

Full Stack AI & Cloud Innovation – covering end-to-end software development, AI applications, and cloud-native technologies

AI & Quantum Computing – combining artificial intelligence with emerging quantum computing concepts and applications

AI & GenAI Engineering – focused on generative AI, large language models, and next-generation AI product development

In addition to technical training, the program integrates a startup track across seven semesters, enabling students to develop entrepreneurial, leadership, and business acumen alongside engineering expertise.

Graduates will also gain access to upGrad’s career support ecosystem of 3,000+ hiring partners and a placement network that facilitated over 110,000 placements between FY23 and FY25, strengthening their pathways to employment and career growth.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr.Ajeenkya DY Patil, Chairman, Ajeenkya DY Patil Group and Chancellor, Ajeenkya D.Y. Patil University, said: “At the Ajeenkya DY Patil Group, we have always believed that education must evolve with the future. This partnership brings together academic credibility and industry relevance, ensuring students graduate with both a recognised degree and the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Vishwa Mohan, CEO, upGrad School of Technology, said: “India has never had a shortage of engineering talent — it has had a shortage of engineering education that keeps pace with what the industry actually needs. This partnership with Ajeenkya DY Patil University is built to close that gap: a real degree, a real campus, and real skills that employers hire for from Day 1. That is the model we are bringing to every university we work with.”

Adding to this, Mehul Khandhedia, Chief Revenue and Outcome Officer, upGrad School of Technology, said, “The employability gap in engineering is not a curriculum problem — it is a systemic one. Our partnership with ADYPU fixes it at the root: by building industry outcomes directly into the degree, not as an add-on after graduation.”

India produces nearly 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, yet a significant employability gap continues to challenge the sector. While engineering remains one of the country’s most popular career paths, many graduates may lack the industry-ready skills required in emerging fields such as AI, cloud computing, and advanced software engineering. As demand for future-ready talent accelerates, the partnership between upGrad School of Technology and Ajeenkya DY Patil University aims to bridge this gap through an industry-integrated, AI-first engineering education model.

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Spread across 25,483 sq. ft., the new store has been designed to offer an elevated and immersive shopping experience, bringing together an extensive portfolio of premium fashion, beauty, accessories, footwear, luggage, and lifestyle brands under one roof. Designed as a destination beyond shopping, the new store introduces several experiential elements, including a dedicated Personal Shopper Lounge, a Kids Play Area, and a Gaming Arcade, creating a convenient and engaging environment for customers and families alike.

Commenting on the launch, Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director, and CEO of Shoppers Stop Limited, said, “Our customers remain at the heart of everything we do, and it is their trust that has guided our growth across markets. The launch of our new store in Pune marks an exciting new chapter, bringing an expanded portfolio of premium brands and a more immersive shopping experience to the city. We look forward to strengthening our connection with Pune while delivering a seamless, elevated retail experience.”

The store brings together an extensive portfolio of leading global and domestic brands across categories, including Armani Exchange, BOSS, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, G-Star, GAS, and Superdry in menswear; Forever New, Levi’s, Vero Moda, Rareism, and US Polo Assn. and ONLY in women’s western wear; Lakshita and Global Desi in Indian wear; Wacoal in lingerie; Armani Beauty, Prada Beauty, YSL Beauty, MAC, Clarins, Clinique and Roberto Cavalli in beauty and fragrances; Gucci, Ray-Ban, Versace, Coach, Burberry and Ferragamo in sunglasses; Emporio Armani, Cerruti, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors and Fossil in watches; Guess, Juicy Couture and Aldo in handbags; Samsonite and Delsey in luggage; ASICS, New Balance, Adidas and Vizzano in footwear; and GIVA and Gargi in jewellery, offering customers an unmatched premium shopping experience under one roof.

With this launch, Shoppers Stop invites fashion-forward shoppers in Puneto to discover a destination that blends premium curation, contemporary style, and elevated service. Customers can visit the new Shoppers Stop store in Pune or shop online at www.shoppersstop.com to enjoy the same offers and collections.

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PUNE:  As Indian consumers increasingly seek appliances that blend design, convenience, and premium living, BSH Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, has entered the fast-growing Side-by-Side refrigerator category with the launch of its new Bosch and Siemens Four Door Side-by-Side Refrigerators. Bringing together the sophistication of a premium Side-by-Side refrigerator and the practicality of a Bottom Freezer design, the new range has been engineered for the urban Indian lifestyle. Purpose-built for modern urban living, the refrigerator combines high-capacity storage with a compact footprint, making it an ideal fit for contemporary city homes and modular kitchens.

The refrigerator is the only one in the country designed to fit perfectly flush with kitchen countertops and cabinetry, delivering the seamless look of a premium built-in appliance. Enabled by its Counter-Depth Perfect Fit design, Near Zero Gap installation, 115° Anti-Collision Hinges, Flex convertible zones, organised freezer storage, and dedicated access trays work together to address the way Indian families store, access, organise, and preserve food. At the same time, it offers the flexibility to be installed as a freestanding refrigerator, making it suitable for a wide range of modern Indian kitchens.

With these launches, BSH is offering two distinct propositions to the market under Bosch and Siemens to serve the evolving needs of India’s increasingly discerning consumers.   Bosch Side by Side has been engineered for how India stores, manages, and accesses food every day, making it India’s most thought-through refrigerator. Every feature has been designed with a deep understanding of Indian food habits, storage needs, and usage patterns to deliver greater convenience and freshness.  Siemens, Side by Side, on the other hand, brings kitchen integration with precision through its Slot-In Semi-Integrated Refrigerator, designed to fit seamlessly into modern modular kitchens. It combines sophisticated aesthetics with intelligent engineering to create a refrigerator that becomes an integral part of a premium lifestyle by addressing the aspirations of India’s evolving home ecosystem

Commenting on the launch, Saif Khan, MD & CEO, BSH Home Appliances, said, “In India, food preparation has always been an important part of daily life. Increasingly, food preservation is becoming just as important. Consumers are buying larger grocery baskets, planning meals differently, and looking for smarter ways to keep food fresher for longer while reducing waste. The future of refrigeration will therefore not be defined by size or specifications alone. It will be defined by how intelligently a refrigerator is designed to preserve freshness, organise food, integrate into modern kitchens, and elevate everyday living.  Today’s Indian consumers want appliances that are not only premium in experience, but also thoughtfully designed for the space, pace, and realities of urban living. With our new Bosch and Siemens Four Door Side-by-Side Refrigerators, we are introducing a format that brings together thoughtful design, intelligent storage, seamless kitchen integration, and everyday convenience in a way that has not existed before in the market.  

Refrigeration is one of our key growth priorities, and with 2026 designated as BSH India’s Year of Refrigeration, we are making focused investments across products, innovation, and market expansion.  Our ambition is not simply to participate in the premium cooling category, but to help shape it. With a strengthened portfolio spanning multiple formats and consumer needs, we are building the foundations to significantly grow our cooling business in India and establish BSH as one of the most influential players in the premium refrigeration market”

Unique Features:

• Perfect Fit Counter-Depth Design (594 mm depth) – Fits seamlessly within standard modular kitchen dimensions, eliminating the bulky, protruding appearance often associated with large Side by Side refrigerators
• Near Zero Gap Installation – Delivers a premium built-in aesthetic without requiring expensive built-in appliances or sacrificing installation flexibility
• Unique Side-by-Side + Bottom Freezer Configuration – Combines the premium appeal of a Side-by-Side refrigerator with the ergonomic advantage of keeping frequently accessed fresh food and vegetables at a comfortable height
• 115° Anti-Collision Hinges – Enables complete shelf and drawer access even when the refrigerator is installed close to walls or cabinetry, making it easier to store and remove large utensils, trays, and cookware
• 503L Capacity:  Optimum space for Indian Storage needs
• Flex Convertible Zone – Allows consumers to switch between cooling and soft-freezing modes depending on changing needs, whether chilling beverages, storing marinated ingredients, or preserving gourmet foods
• 4 Dedicated Freezer Storage Compartments – Helps families hygienically segregate frozen foods, snacks, ready-to-cook items, spices, and pantry essentials while improving visibility and accessibility
• 2 Quick-Access Freezer Trays – Makes frequently used frozen items easier to reach without disrupting the organisation of the entire freezer
• Advanced Hygiene and Odour Management System – Reduces odour transfer between foods, helping preserve freshness and preventing flavour cross-contamination
• Thoughtfully Organised Interior Architecture – Improves visibility, accessibility, and storage efficiency so consumers spend less time searching for food and reduce forgotten or wasted items

The new Bosch and Siemens Four Door Side by Side refrigerators will be available across the Bosch and Siemens flagship brand stores across India.

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CABL Forum launched an advanced Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management, a first-of-its-kind DSS designed to support data-driven air quality management in the Twin Cities and informed decision-making.  The platform will enable city authorities to access, analyse, and utilise air quality data more effectively, helping identify pollution hotspots, assess interventions, and strengthen planning and implementation efforts.

This Decision Support System (DSS) for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, developed by Airvoice, delivers high-resolution air quality forecasts up to 72 hours in advance. Built on local emissions inventories, detailed weather forecasts, and advanced atmospheric modelling, the system generates hourly air quality predictions at 1 km resolution across the region. By providing a forward-looking view of pollution levels, the platform will enable city authorities to anticipate pollution episodes, plan timely interventions, investigate emerging air quality events, and target persistent hotspots, thereby supporting proactive and data-driven air quality management across both cities. As cities grow and air quality challenges become more complex, such data-driven planning and collaborative action will be critical in delivering cleaner air and healthier communities.

Organized under the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Cleaner Air Better Life (CABL) Initiative, the Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss priorities, share perspectives, and chart out a coordinated pathway for achieving cleaner air and healthier urban environments. CABL is a flagship, industry-led programme launched by CII in partnership with NITI Aayog to address air pollution through collaborative, evidence-based action and strengthen urban environmental governance across India.

Shveta Arya, Chairperson, CII Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum, said that “Since launching the Clean Air Better Life initiative in 2016, CII has focused on bringing together industry, government, researchers, academicians, and civil society to develop practical and scalable solutions for improving air quality. Building on its years of experience and learning, CII launched the Clean Air Better Life Programme in Pune in 2023. Today, we are taking the next step forward with the delivery of a multi-stakeholder Clean Air Forum and evidence-based action plan as drafted at the CABL Action Lab, which will now be open for wider stakeholder inputs.

The Forum also reviewed the draft CABL Action Plan during an interactive roundtable discussion and discussion focused on identifying priority interventions, enhancing stakeholder coordination, and developing a shared roadmap for improving air quality in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The Clean Air Forum brought senior representatives from Government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen collaborative action for improving air quality across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Additionally, the Forum members, including local start-ups, institutions & industries, presented their ideas and proposals for new novel solutions.“

Delivering keynote addresses, Shri Naval Kishore Ram, Municipal Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum, said that, “Clean air is not to be seen as a standalone objective, but a shared outcome of how a city plans, grows, and sustains itself. It is closely linked with noise pollution, water, green cover, urban infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for citizens. As Pune continues its growth, it is important that development and environmental sustainability progress together. The city is fortunate to have leading institutions and experts who can help build data-driven solutions for air quality management. Through measures such as advanced monitoring solutions with minimal human interference, low-emission zones, first and last-mile mobility to support public transportation, green cover, seamless walkability, collaboration with industries, and citizen participation, Pune has the opportunity to create a healthier and more sustainable urban future for its citizens.”

Shri Jitendra Dudi, District Collector, Pune, also joined the occasion and noted that improving air quality in Pune requires a focused and collaborative approach. Based on our discussions and understanding of the city’s challenges, sustainable mobility, stronger public transport, and effective management of key point sources will play a crucial role in cleaner air. Experts and stakeholders bring valuable knowledge and insights, and the administration is committed to working together to implement practical solutions. Along with long-term measures, we must also focus on actionable short-term interventions, supported by regular reviews and continuous monitoring, in order to ensure that our plans translate into meaningful improvements in air quality for the city.

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PUNE: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have made a significant contribution to Maharashtra’s economic development. Small industries form the backbone of the economy, and large-scale projects cannot be completed without their support, said Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday.

The remarks were made during a program organized by Laghu Udyog Bharati Maharashtra on the topic, “The Role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Maharashtra’s Goal of Becoming a One-Trillion-Dollar Economy.” During this program, Amit Ghaisas, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati Maharashtra, had a dialogue with Kaustubh Dhavse in front of the members of Laghu Udyog Bharati from various parts of the state who were present on the occasion.

The program took place at Hotel Sheraton Grand, and more than 70 MSME industry owners from cities like Pune, Satara, Sangli, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Chhtrapati Sambhaji Nagar attended the program.

Speaking at the event, Dhavse stated that MSMEs are among the most important and active contributors to the state’s economic growth. Maharashtra’s pace of economic progress is accelerating, and the government is committed to supporting MSMEs. This support will undoubtedly help Maharashtra maintain its leadership position among Indian states.

He noted that substantial work is currently underway in sectors such as defence, steel, textiles, and information technology. Therefore, MSMEs need to understand and integrate themselves into these sectors’ supply chains. Entrepreneurs who study emerging trends and align their businesses with current market opportunities can derive significant benefits.

He observed that industrial development in Maharashtra was previously concentrated largely in Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, resulting in a bit of degree of regional imbalance. However, since the government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came to power, efforts have been made to address this imbalance.

He highlighted that regions such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Nagpur are witnessing considerable industrial growth. Gadchiroli, once known primarily as a Naxal-affected district, is transforming with the development of a steel industry.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway) is providing substantial benefits to industries in these regions. It is helping create a strong industrial ecosystem and facilitating the emergence of industrial clusters across the state, which will contribute significantly to industrial expansion and economic growth. Dhavse also mentioned that the government is developing a dedicated cluster for Japanese companies in Supa, near Pune.

He emphasized the need to reduce interest rates charged on loans extended to MSMEs. The government intends to encourage and support these enterprises and will make every effort to provide the assistance required for their growth.

He further noted that business trends are changing rapidly, making it essential for every entrepreneur to adopt and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in their operations.

During the interaction, members highlighted the various challenges faced by MSMEs and demanded the creation of a separate ministry dedicated to the sector within the state government. Nachiket Phadke was the anchor for this program.

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