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Month: September 2025

Education

India’s upGrad Eyes Asia Expansion as US Campuses Lose Appeal

Observenow Desk September 22, 2025

Indian edtech startup upGrad is planning a strategic expansion of its university partnerships across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The move comes in response to a declining interest among Indian students in U.S. and U.K. campuses, driven by stricter visa regulations, rising tuition fees, and the increasing cost of living abroad.

upGrad aims to provide students with high-quality online education and blended learning opportunities in collaboration with international universities closer to home. By partnering with institutions in Asia and the Middle East, the platform seeks to offer programs in technology, business, and professional upskilling that align with global industry standards while remaining accessible and affordable for students.

The company’s expansion strategy also focuses on leveraging regional demand for digital education and professional training, tapping into markets where students are seeking flexible alternatives to traditional overseas education. This approach allows upGrad to cater to a growing population of learners looking for internationally recognized programs without the complexities of long-term relocation.

Industry analysts note that upGrad’s shift reflects broader trends in higher education, where regional and online learning platforms are gaining prominence as global mobility challenges persist. By strengthening its presence in Asia and the Middle East, upGrad is positioning itself as a leading player in the international edtech landscape, offering quality education that bridges local and global standards.

With this expansion, upGrad hopes to empower students across multiple countries, providing access to advanced education, skill development, and career opportunities while addressing the evolving preferences of learners in a rapidly changing global environment. The strategy underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and growth in international education.

Tags: upGrad

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Education

Dubai’s Higher Education Sector Sees 42% Indian Student Enrollment Surge

Observenow Desk

Dubai’s higher education sector has witnessed a significant increase in Indian student enrollment, with Indians now making up 42% of the city’s international student population. The surge is largely driven by the popularity of business and technology programs, reflecting India’s strong demand for quality education in these fields.

Experts attribute the rise to Dubai’s geographical proximity to India, cultural familiarity, and supportive visa and residency policies for students. Indian families see Dubai as an attractive destination that offers international-standard education without the high costs and distance associated with Western countries. The availability of scholarships, modern campuses, and opportunities for internships and employment further adds to the city’s appeal.

Universities in Dubai have responded to this trend by expanding their programs and services to accommodate the growing number of Indian students. Institutions are focusing on curricula that align with global industry standards, providing students with skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurial potential. Partnerships with Indian universities and technology firms are also being strengthened to create pathways for joint research and innovation.

The influx of Indian students contributes not only to the diversity of Dubai’s campuses but also to the local economy through tuition fees, housing, and other expenditures. Higher education authorities in Dubai see this as an opportunity to position the city as a global education hub, attracting talent from across Asia and beyond.

As Dubai continues to enhance its reputation as a center for higher learning, Indian students are expected to play a key role in shaping the city’s academic and professional landscape. The trend highlights a growing preference for regional study destinations that offer quality education, global exposure, and strong cultural connections.

Tags: Dubai Higher Education

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Technology

Meta Launches Smart Glasses with Built-In Display, Reaching for ‘Superintelligence’

Observenow Desk

Meta has unveiled its first consumer-ready smart glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, marking a significant step in wearable technology. These glasses feature a built-in display and integrated AI capabilities designed to enhance communication, memory, and everyday interactions for users. By combining augmented reality features with artificial intelligence, Meta aims to create a more immersive and intuitive user experience.

The smart glasses allow users to access notifications, capture photos and videos, and interact with digital content directly through the display. AI-powered features are designed to assist with memory recall, contextual suggestions, and real-time information, helping users manage daily tasks more efficiently. Meta’s innovation reflects the growing trend of integrating AI into personal devices, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

Industry experts note that the launch of Meta Ray-Ban Display represents a convergence of wearable technology, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. It underscores the company’s vision of creating “superintelligent” devices that not only assist users but also adapt to their needs and environment. The glasses are expected to appeal to tech enthusiasts, professionals, and early adopters looking for advanced digital tools in daily life.

Meta emphasizes privacy and security in its design, ensuring that user data and interactions remain protected while utilizing AI features. The company believes that such devices will redefine personal computing, offering seamless integration of technology into everyday routines.

As consumer wearables evolve, Meta’s smart glasses are positioned to influence the future of AR-enabled devices, combining functionality, style, and intelligence. The launch highlights the potential of AI-driven wearables to transform communication, productivity, and personal interaction on a global scale.

Tags: MetaSuperintelligence

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Technology

Rolls-Royce Opens Its Largest Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru

Observenow Desk

British aerospace and defence major Rolls-Royce has inaugurated its largest Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru, marking a significant expansion of its engineering and digital operations. Located in Manyata Embassy Business Park, the new facility will support the company’s global aerospace, defence, and power systems businesses, enhancing research, development, and innovation capabilities.

The Bengaluru centre, with a seating capacity of 700, is expected to become a hub for advanced engineering solutions, digital technologies, and process optimization, reinforcing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation and technological excellence. Karnataka’s Industries and Infrastructure Minister MB Patil attended the inauguration, highlighting the state’s role as a preferred destination for aerospace and defence investments.

Officials noted that the new GCC will create high-value employment opportunities, leveraging Bengaluru’s skilled workforce to deliver solutions for complex aerospace and defence projects worldwide. The centre will focus on areas such as predictive analytics, digital twins, and advanced simulation technologies, which are critical for the development of next-generation aerospace and power systems.

This expansion underscores Bengaluru’s growing importance as a global technology and engineering hub. With a supportive policy framework, infrastructure, and talent pool, Karnataka has become an attractive location for multinational corporations seeking to establish innovation-driven operations in India. Rolls-Royce’s investment reflects confidence in the region’s capabilities and strengthens India’s position in the global aerospace and defence landscape.

Industry experts believe that the Bengaluru GCC will serve as a model for other global corporations looking to combine technological innovation with operational efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge digital and engineering expertise, the centre is poised to contribute to India’s broader goal of becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing, research, and high-tech services.

Tags: Rolls-Royce

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Governance

PM Modi Urges Nation to Buy Swadeshi, Help Make India Self-Reliant

Observenow Desk

On the first day of Navratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, urging citizens to prioritize Swadeshi products and support India’s journey toward self-reliance. He emphasized that buying indigenous goods not only strengthens local businesses but also contributes to the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, creating opportunities across sectors for youth, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.

The Prime Minister highlighted the launch of the revamped GST regime, describing it as a “savings festival” designed to ease financial burdens on the middle class, startups, and small businesses. By simplifying tax structures and reducing compliance hurdles, the initiative aims to make the economy more transparent and accessible, fostering greater participation in India’s growth story.

PM Modi also pointed to the cultural significance of Navratri, linking the festival’s spirit of renewal and celebration to the importance of economic self-reliance. He called on citizens to make conscious choices in their purchases, supporting local industries, artisans, and startups. The message reinforced the government’s broader economic agenda, which focuses on boosting domestic production, innovation, and employment.

Analysts note that this emphasis on Swadeshi comes at a crucial time as India seeks to strengthen its manufacturing base and reduce dependence on imports. By integrating traditional economic values with modern policy initiatives, the government aims to create a resilient economy capable of sustaining growth while empowering local communities.

As citizens observe the festive season, PM Modi’s message encourages a collective effort to support homegrown industries, driving both cultural pride and economic progress. The campaign underscores the strategic link between consumer choices, national development, and India’s ambition to become a self-reliant global player.

Tags: PM Modi

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Technology

Google and PayPal Partner to Roll Out AI-Powered Solutions Across Platforms

Observenow Desk

Google and PayPal have announced a strategic partnership to integrate AI-powered solutions across Google’s platforms, aiming to enhance shopping, payment experiences, and user security. The collaboration will leverage PayPal’s suite of payment services, including branded checkout, Hyperwallet, and Payouts, embedding them seamlessly into Google products such as Google Cloud, Google Play, and other digital ecosystems.

The partnership is designed to provide businesses and consumers with smarter, faster, and more secure payment and transaction options. By using AI-driven tools, Google and PayPal aim to streamline payment processes, detect fraud more effectively, and improve the overall digital shopping experience. This integration will allow users to benefit from automated recommendations, faster checkout, and personalized transaction insights, reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence in fintech and e-commerce.

Executives from both companies highlighted that the collaboration is part of a larger strategy to support enterprise and consumer users globally, making online payments simpler and more reliable. The AI-powered capabilities are expected to help businesses scale operations efficiently while ensuring compliance and safety in financial transactions.

Industry analysts note that this partnership signifies a major step in the convergence of technology and finance, where AI not only facilitates transactions but also enhances decision-making and operational efficiency for enterprises. It reflects the increasing trend of tech giants and fintech companies working together to innovate in digital commerce, leveraging AI to address evolving user needs.

As AI continues to redefine how payments and e-commerce operate, the Google-PayPal collaboration is expected to set new standards for integrated digital experiences. The move underscores both companies’ commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology to provide value, security, and convenience to users worldwide.

Tags: GooglePayPal

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Technology

Google’s Gemini Cracks Problem No Human Could Solve at Global Coding Contest

Observenow Desk

Google’s advanced AI model, Gemini 2.5 Deep Think, has made headlines by achieving a gold-medal performance at the 2025 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals. Demonstrating capabilities beyond human competitors, the AI successfully solved 10 out of 12 challenging problems within the five-hour competition window, including one problem that no human team had been able to complete.

The ICPC, renowned for its rigor and complexity, attracts top university teams from around the world, making Gemini’s performance a remarkable milestone in AI-assisted problem solving. By tackling problems that had stumped even the most skilled participants, Gemini showcased the growing potential of AI systems to complement human intellect in high-level programming and logical reasoning.

Experts note that Gemini’s success highlights the rapid advancements in AI, particularly in algorithmic thinking, pattern recognition, and computational speed. The model’s ability to navigate and solve complex coding challenges efficiently demonstrates how AI can augment education, research, and real-world applications where problem-solving under tight constraints is critical.

Gemini’s performance has sparked discussions across academic and tech communities about the evolving role of AI in competitive programming and other domains that were traditionally human-dominated. While AI’s involvement in such contests raises questions about the balance between human skill and machine intelligence, it also opens avenues for collaboration, where AI tools can assist students, researchers, and professionals in solving intricate problems more effectively.

As AI models like Gemini continue to evolve, their integration into learning environments, software development, and global competitions is expected to reshape how complex challenges are approached. The success at the ICPC World Finals marks a significant step forward, underlining the transformative potential of AI in advancing knowledge, innovation, and problem-solving at unprecedented scales.

Tags: GeminiGoogle

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Exclusive

EAM Jaishankar to Meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at UNGA Amid Trade and Visa Concerns

Observenow Desk

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations amid pressing trade and visa challenges. The meeting comes at a time when the U.S. has recently imposed a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, a move that has raised significant concerns in India’s IT and technology sectors, which heavily depend on these visas to deploy skilled professionals in key projects worldwide.

The discussions are expected to focus on the implications of the new visa fee, exploring potential solutions to ensure the smooth flow of Indian talent to the United States while safeguarding economic and technological collaboration. Both nations are likely to address the broader aspects of bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and policies that can enhance cooperation in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

Regional security and defense cooperation will also feature prominently in the dialogue. With evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and other strategic areas, India and the U.S. view these discussions as essential to maintaining stability and strengthening their strategic partnership. Analysts suggest that such high-level engagement underscores India’s proactive approach in diplomacy, ensuring that national interests are protected while fostering mutual understanding on global challenges.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio is being closely watched by governments, business leaders, and policy analysts. It is expected to set the tone for ongoing cooperation, addressing both immediate concerns like visa policies and long-term strategic objectives such as trade growth, technological innovation, and regional security. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications, reinforcing India-US ties and demonstrating the commitment of both countries to a balanced, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial partnership.

Tags: Dr. S. JaishankarUnited Nations General Assembly

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Technology

India Drives Meta’s $10 Billion Business Messaging Growth

Observenow Desk September 18, 2025

India has emerged as the leading market powering Meta’s $10 billion business messaging segment, driven primarily by WhatsApp’s paid messaging services and growing adoption among businesses. The company highlights that the country represents a major growth opportunity, with a significant portion of internet users yet to engage in online shopping.

Meta officials noted that Indian businesses are increasingly leveraging WhatsApp to connect with customers, facilitate transactions, and provide real-time support. Paid messaging solutions allow companies to scale communications while maintaining efficiency, contributing substantially to Meta’s revenue in the business messaging domain.

The growth in India reflects broader trends in digital commerce, as small and medium enterprises adopt messaging platforms to expand reach, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operations. With rising smartphone penetration and internet access, India continues to be a strategic market for Meta’s business-focused services.

Despite the strong uptake, Meta sees considerable untapped potential. A majority of Indian internet users have yet to shop online, indicating opportunities for businesses to integrate messaging with e-commerce, payment solutions, and customer service. This aligns with Meta’s strategy to develop tools that support digital transactions and business growth.

Analysts point out that India’s contribution to Meta’s business messaging segment underscores the country’s central role in the global digital economy. By offering innovative communication and commerce solutions, Meta is enabling businesses of all sizes to expand their digital presence while driving adoption of its paid services.

The company’s focus on India also emphasizes the need for localized solutions, tailored to meet the requirements of diverse industries and consumer preferences. As business messaging becomes increasingly central to digital commerce, India is expected to remain a key driver of Meta’s growth in this segment, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and business communication.

Tags: Meta

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BFSI

UCO Bank Cleared to Facilitate Trade Payments for Sanctioned Nayara Energy

Observenow Desk

UCO Bank has received government approval to facilitate trade payments for Nayara Energy, which is subject to sanctions by the European Union. The approval comes after major financial institutions avoided transactions with Nayara due to its partial ownership by Russian oil company Rosneft.

The decision enables UCO Bank to act as a channel for trade settlements, ensuring continuity of operations for Nayara Energy while adhering to regulatory guidelines. Operational details, including the choice of currency and transaction mechanisms, are currently being finalised by the bank and relevant authorities.

Officials noted that the move reflects the government’s efforts to safeguard domestic energy interests while navigating international sanctions frameworks. By allowing UCO Bank to support trade payments, India aims to maintain energy security and ensure uninterrupted supply chains for critical oil imports.

Industry analysts observe that such approvals are carefully structured to comply with national and international regulations, balancing the need for business continuity with sanctions obligations. UCO Bank’s role is expected to include monitoring transactions closely to ensure transparency and compliance.

The development also underscores the challenges faced by companies with partial foreign ownership in sanctioned sectors, as they often encounter difficulties in securing banking and trade services. By stepping in, UCO Bank provides a mechanism for Nayara Energy to continue operations without major disruptions.

While financial institutions globally remain cautious in dealing with sanctioned entities, this approval signals India’s intent to protect strategic economic and energy interests. It also highlights the evolving role of domestic banks in facilitating trade under complex international regulatory environments.

As the operational framework is finalised, UCO Bank’s facilitation is expected to stabilise trade flows for Nayara Energy, ensuring that the company can meet contractual obligations and sustain its business activities despite the EU sanctions.

Tags: Nayara EnergyUCO Bank

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