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Month: September 2025

Governance

Jaishankar Strengthens Ties with Mexico, Cyprus and Pacific Nations at UNGA

ObserveNow Media September 25, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advanced India’s global diplomatic outreach by holding a series of high-level bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. His meetings with counterparts from Mexico, Cyprus, and several Pacific Island nations reflected India’s growing role as a partner of choice across geographies and its emphasis on building multi-layered cooperation.

During his meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena, Jaishankar reviewed the momentum in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of finalising a new roadmap to guide future cooperation. He highlighted that India and Mexico share complementary strengths in areas such as pharmaceuticals, IT, energy, and innovation, and both sides agreed to further strengthen trade and people-to-people engagement.

In his discussions with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Jaishankar underscored India’s historical ties with Cyprus and reaffirmed support for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue based on UN parameters. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing collaboration in sectors like shipping, education, and tourism, while also emphasizing cooperation within the European Union framework.

A key highlight of Jaishankar’s day was his engagement with leaders from Pacific Island countries during the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He interacted with representatives from the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands, reiterating India’s commitment to supporting climate resilience, renewable energy, maritime cooperation, and capacity building in the Pacific. Jaishankar said India values the trust and goodwill of Pacific partners and stands ready to expand collaboration on sustainable development and connectivity.

The series of meetings showcased India’s diplomatic agility, underlining New Delhi’s strategy to diversify partnerships and strengthen its role in shaping a more balanced and inclusive global order.

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Exclusive

H-1B Indians Freeze Travel Amid Confusion Over $100,000 Visa Fee

ObserveNow Media

Thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States are facing a wave of uncertainty following the Trump administration’s announcement of a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The proposal, initially interpreted as applicable to both fresh applications and existing visa holders, sparked widespread panic, leading many Indians to suspend or reconsider their travel plans. Flights between India and the U.S. have already seen cancellations, with airlines reporting sudden drops in bookings from H-1B workers and their families.

While U.S. authorities later clarified that the new fee applies only to fresh visa petitions and not to renewals or ongoing applications, doubts remain about how the rule will be implemented in practice. Immigration experts say the announcement has created a “chilling effect,” with many Indians choosing to delay even short visits home for fear of being caught in an evolving regulatory environment. For families separated across continents, this has brought emotional strain, with many unable to commit to travel until greater certainty emerges.

The policy has also rattled India’s technology industry, which relies heavily on H-1B visa holders working onsite in the United States. Companies are reportedly reassessing deployment strategies and preparing for additional costs if the new fee structure is extended further. Industry leaders argue that such measures could dampen the free movement of skilled talent, which has long been central to U.S.–India economic ties.

For now, legal experts and consular services are advising H-1B professionals to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely monitor updates. The development highlights the vulnerability of highly skilled workers to abrupt policy changes in Washington, underscoring the pressing need for stable and transparent visa frameworks. As the debate continues, Indian professionals remain on high alert, with their travel plans—and in many cases, personal lives—caught in the crossfire of shifting U.S. immigration politics.

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Technology

Ashish Gunwal Takes Charge as Head of Marketing, Iron Mountain India

Observenow Desk September 24, 2025

Iron Mountain, a global leader in information management and data protection, has announced the appointment of Ashish Gunwal as the Head of Marketing for its India operations. With this strategic hire, Iron Mountain aims to deepen its footprint in India and accelerate its mission of helping organizations protect, unlock, and extend the value of their information and assets across the country.

Ashish Gunwal comes to Iron Mountain with a distinctive track record. Having spent over six years at Airtel Business, he earned a reputation for excellence in marketing strategy, brand building, and digital transformation. He has been recognized by The Economic Times as one of the country’s Most Promising Tech Marketers, highlighting his growing influence in India’s tech and enterprise marketing landscape.

In his new role, Gunwal will lead the marketing strategy for Iron Mountain India, focusing on enhancing brand awareness, formulating go-to-market campaigns, driving digital and content-led marketing initiatives, and establishing meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout India. His mandate is to strengthen Iron Mountain’s presence in the Indian enterprise market and align local efforts with the company’s global mission of information protection and strategic asset management, supporting over 225,000 organizations worldwide.

Reflecting on his transition, Ashish remarked, “Change is a mix of excitement and anxiety. It’s an immense privilege to join Iron Mountain and contribute to its legacy, while embarking on this new chapter in my professional journey.” He also expressed gratitude toward Airtel Business for the enriching six-year journey—one filled with mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

With Ashish joining at this inflection point, Iron Mountain India is poised to scale up its market engagement and storytelling. As the enterprise landscape evolves with digital transformation, growing data volumes, and heightened regulatory demands, having a seasoned marketer at the helm could prove pivotal. Under his leadership, Iron Mountain aims not only to retain its leadership in data protection, but also to emerge as a narrative leader, communicating how information strategies shape business resilience and innovation.

Tags: Ashish GunwalIron Mountain India

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Technology

Accenture Proposes New Campus in Andhra Pradesh, Plans to Add 12,000 Jobs

Observenow Desk

Accenture has announced plans to establish a new 10-acre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as part of the state’s initiative to attract investment through a policy offering land at ₹0.99 per acre for companies generating employment. The proposed facility aims to expand Accenture’s Indian workforce, which is already the largest globally, by adding 12,000 new jobs over the coming years.

The new campus will serve as a hub for technology and business services, supporting Accenture’s ongoing growth in digital, cloud, and AI-driven solutions. The facility is expected to provide employees with access to advanced infrastructure, collaborative workspaces, and innovation labs, enabling the company to deliver cutting-edge services to clients worldwide.

Accenture’s expansion in Visakhapatnam aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen its presence in India, tapping into a growing talent pool and fostering regional economic development. The company has emphasized its commitment to creating high-quality employment opportunities while contributing to skill development and knowledge transfer in the local workforce.

The Andhra Pradesh government’s policy incentive, which offers land at a highly subsidized rate, has been a key factor in facilitating the project. By supporting large-scale job creation and corporate investment, the initiative aims to position the state as a preferred destination for technology and service-oriented firms.

The proposed campus is expected to enhance Accenture’s operational capacity, enabling the company to scale its delivery capabilities and respond more effectively to client demands. In addition to generating direct employment, the campus is likely to stimulate the local economy through ancillary services, infrastructure development, and community engagement initiatives.

With this move, Accenture demonstrates its ongoing commitment to India as a strategic growth market. The new Visakhapatnam campus represents a significant step in expanding the company’s workforce, fostering innovation, and contributing to the country’s digital and economic development.

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Technology

Infosys Extends Collaboration with Swiss Telco Sunrise to Drive IT Transformation

Observenow Desk

Infosys has announced the expansion of its long-term partnership with Swiss telecommunications provider Sunrise, aiming to accelerate IT transformation and enhance operational efficiency through advanced technologies. The collaboration will leverage Infosys’ capabilities in artificial intelligence, analytics, and its proprietary Topaz platform to modernize Sunrise’s IT infrastructure and support innovation across its services.

The renewed agreement covers a comprehensive suite of IT solutions, including cloud modernization, data analytics, AI-driven process automation, and enterprise application management. By deploying these solutions, Sunrise aims to improve service delivery, optimize network operations, and deliver enhanced customer experiences in a competitive telecommunications market.

Infosys’ Topaz platform will play a central role in the partnership, providing automation and observability capabilities that enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational agility. The integration of AI and analytics will allow Sunrise to make data-driven decisions, identify opportunities for innovation, and streamline workflows across its business units.

The extended collaboration underscores the strategic importance of technology in driving business transformation and staying competitive in the fast-evolving telecom sector. Both organizations are focused on creating scalable, future-ready IT systems that support new service offerings, digital initiatives, and sustainable growth.

The partnership also highlights Infosys’ commitment to supporting global clients in their digital transformation journeys by delivering solutions that combine deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology. Sunrise will benefit from the infusion of automation, intelligent analytics, and cloud capabilities, enabling it to respond swiftly to market changes and customer demands.

With this expansion, Infosys strengthens its presence in the European telecommunications sector while reinforcing its role as a trusted technology partner. The collaboration reflects the growing demand for AI-powered transformation, operational efficiency, and innovation-driven IT strategies in the global telecom industry.

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Technology

HCLTech Renews and Expands Partnership with Swedish Automotive Major

Observenow Desk

HCLTech has announced the renewal and expansion of its multi-year partnership with a leading Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer. The collaboration will leverage HCLTech’s GenAI platform, “AI Force”, to modernize the automaker’s IT infrastructure and accelerate its digital transformation journey.

Under the renewed agreement, HCLTech will provide a comprehensive range of managed services, including hyper-automation, cloud-native operations, and full-stack observability, aimed at enhancing efficiency, scalability, and resilience across the manufacturer’s global IT ecosystem. The engagement will also focus on implementing intelligent automation solutions to streamline operations and improve decision-making processes.

“AI Force” will serve as the backbone of the partnership, offering advanced AI-driven insights, predictive analytics, and automation capabilities. By integrating generative AI into the IT landscape, the Swedish company aims to optimize resource utilization, reduce operational risks, and enable faster innovation cycles.

The expanded agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to embracing next-generation technologies to meet evolving industry demands. HCLTech’s expertise in cloud, AI, and enterprise services positions it as a strategic partner capable of delivering end-to-end solutions that drive business value.

This collaboration also highlights the growing importance of generative AI and intelligent automation in the automotive sector, where digital resilience and operational agility have become key differentiators. The partnership is expected to accelerate the manufacturer’s journey toward future-ready IT systems that can support new mobility solutions, connected vehicles, and sustainable growth initiatives.

With this renewal and expansion, HCLTech strengthens its presence in the European automotive market while demonstrating the value of AI-driven transformation for global enterprises. The partnership underscores the company’s focus on delivering innovative, scalable, and future-ready solutions that empower clients to achieve strategic objectives and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

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Technology

Deloitte to Invest ₹100 Crore in AI Infrastructure Centre of Excellence

Observenow Desk

Deloitte has announced a ₹100 crore investment to establish a virtual Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence infrastructure, aimed at strengthening enterprise AI capabilities across industries. The investment will be deployed over the next year and will focus on building advanced AI solutions, developing talent, and accelerating digital transformation for clients.

The CoE is designed to serve as a hub for AI innovation, enabling enterprises to implement scalable, secure, and efficient AI solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and cloud infrastructure, the centre will support organizations in adopting AI for business process optimization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation.

As part of this initiative, Deloitte plans to collaborate with industry leaders, startups, and academic institutions to co-create AI frameworks and tools. The CoE will also facilitate research and development in emerging AI domains such as large language models, generative AI, computer vision, and natural language processing.

A key focus of the investment is enterprise enablement, ensuring that organizations have access to robust AI infrastructure and expertise. The virtual CoE will provide training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to equip professionals with the skills needed to design, implement, and manage AI-driven solutions.

Deloitte’s move reflects the growing demand for AI adoption in India and globally, as businesses increasingly seek data-driven strategies to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The investment also underscores the firm’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting organizations in their digital transformation journeys.

With this ₹100 crore initiative, Deloitte aims to position itself as a leader in AI infrastructure services, helping enterprises unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence while addressing operational, technical, and strategic challenges. The CoE is expected to accelerate the adoption of AI across sectors and drive long-term growth for businesses leveraging intelligent technologies.

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Education

Axiom Space Launches Global University Alliance for Microgravity Research, Invites Indian Institutions

Observenow Desk

Axiom Space has officially launched the Axiom Space University Alliance, a global initiative aimed at expanding opportunities in microgravity research, technological innovation, and space-based experimentation. The alliance seeks to connect universities and research organizations worldwide, creating a collaborative framework for advancing scientific studies in low-Earth orbit (LEO) as commercial space activities continue to grow.

The initiative begins with 15 founding institutions across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Indian universities and research organizations have now been invited to join this international consortium, opening doors for collaboration on cutting-edge space experiments. The inclusion of Indian institutions is expected to foster the development of microgravity science and enhance India’s presence in global space research initiatives.

Through this alliance, participating institutions will gain access to Axiom’s commercial space platforms, enabling hands-on experience with microgravity environments. The program also provides opportunities to design, implement, and analyze experiments in space, promoting scientific inquiry and innovation among students, faculty, and researchers.

Axiom Space emphasizes that the alliance is not only about conducting experiments but also about building a global community focused on solving real-world challenges using space-based research. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and identifying gaps in current research, the alliance aims to accelerate technological advancements and inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

The Axiom Space University Alliance represents a significant step toward international cooperation in space research. It offers a structured platform for institutions to participate in frontier scientific projects, enhance their research capabilities, and contribute to a growing body of knowledge in microgravity applications. With the inclusion of Indian partners, the initiative highlights the country’s increasing role in global space exploration and reinforces the importance of international collaboration in advancing science and technology for the benefit of humanity.

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Education

Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 to Ignite Student Innovation

Observenow Desk

On September 23, 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a nationwide student innovation initiative aimed at fostering creativity, problem-solving, and self-reliance among youth. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the event seeks to engage over 1 crore students from approximately 1.5 lakh schools across India.

The Buildathon encourages students from classes 6 to 12 to ideate, design, and develop prototypes in both STEM and non-STEM categories under four key national themes: Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, and Samriddh Bharat. These themes align with India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047.

Registrations for the event are open until October 6, 2025, through the dedicated Viksit Bharat Buildathon portal. Following the registration period, schools will have a preparation phase from October 6 to October 13, during which teachers will guide student teams in refining their ideas. The core of the Buildathon, a live synchronized innovation event, is scheduled for October 13, 2025. During this two-hour session, students will collaborate in teams to develop and submit their prototypes in the form of videos. Final submissions will be accepted until October 31, 2025. Subsequently, expert evaluations will take place from November 1 to December 31, 2025. The Buildathon will culminate in January 2026 with the announcement and felicitation of over 1,000 winners.

A prize pool of ₹1 crore has been earmarked for the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, which will be shared among 1,000 district-level teams, 100 state-level teams, and 10 national winners. The initiative aims to inspire creative thinking for national development, promote self-reliance and sustainable growth, engage schools in synchronized innovation, project India as a global innovation capital through a potential world record, and celebrate young problem-solvers on national and global platforms.

The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 builds on the success of the School Innovation Marathon 2024, which led to initiatives such as the Student Innovator Programme (SIP), Student Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP), and the filing of patents and startup ventures through Atal Tinkering Labs. This year’s Buildathon is expected to further strengthen the culture of innovation at the grassroots level and contribute significantly to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Tags: Dharmendra PradhanViksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

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Governance

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates India’s First Overseas Defence Manufacturing Facility in Morocco

Observenow Desk

On September 23, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside Moroccan Defence Minister Abdelatif Loudyi, inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco. This marks the first overseas defence manufacturing unit established by an Indian private sector company, highlighting India’s growing presence in global defence collaboration.

The facility, covering 20,000 square metres, is dedicated to producing the Wheeled Armoured Platform 8×8 (WhAP 8×8), an indigenously developed combat vehicle co-designed by TASL and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). With initial deliveries scheduled to commence next month, the plant aims to bolster Morocco’s defence capabilities and serve as a strategic hub for future exports across Africa.

Minister Singh emphasized the “Make with Friends” initiative, highlighting India’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with trusted partners. He stated, “Along with Make in India, we are also working on Make with Friends. Under this initiative, we will collaborate with trusted partners to develop and produce cutting-edge technologies.”

The establishment of this facility not only strengthens the defence ties between India and Morocco but also reflects India’s strategic approach to enhancing its defence manufacturing capabilities on the global stage. The project is expected to create numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities and foster a robust supplier ecosystem in the region.

This development marks a pivotal moment in India’s defence sector, showcasing its ability to design, develop, and deliver advanced military technologies in collaboration with international partners. The Berrechid facility stands as a testament to India’s expanding footprint in global defence manufacturing and its commitment to fostering international partnerships for mutual growth and security.

Tags: Defence Manufacturing FacilityRajnath Singh

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