14, Nov 2026
HONGQI EHS4 Set for Global Debut in Venice: Eastern Elegance Arrives in Europe
VENICE, Italy, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HONGQI, one of China’s leading automotive marques, will introduce its all-new all-electric SUV, HONGQI EHS4, to the European market. Making its global debut in Venice, Italy, on 16 November 2026, the EHS4 marks another milestone in the brand’s international expansion.
68 Years of Heritage: A Distinctive Expression of Modern Luxury
Founded in 1958, HONGQI has spent 68 years building its automotive heritage through independent innovation, engineering excellence, and craftsmanship. Guided by a longstanding commitment to quality and safety, the brand continues to bring its distinctive heritage to a global audience.
With its Munich Advanced Design Centre, HONGQI combines global design perspectives with its rich Eastern heritage. Guided by a European Neoclassical Design Philosophy, the EHS4 brings together Eastern design influences and global aesthetics. Developed around European consumer needs, it represents HONGQI’s first model tailored specifically for Europe.
HONGQI EHS4: A New Choice for All-Electric Mobility
Bringing together Eastern and Western design aesthetics, HONGQI EHS4 balances distinctive styling, driving comfort and everyday practicality. Its Celadon Paint draws inspiration from the refined beauty of traditional Longquan celadon, while the Eyes of Infinite Allure lighting design creates a distinctive visual identity. Inside, the Crystal Control Knob adds an elegant touch to the cabin.
With a driving range of up to 470 kilometres and fast-charging capability of approximately 20 minutes, the EHS4 is designed for convenient everyday electric mobility. Its 87.4% space utilization makes intelligent use of interior space, enhancing passenger comfort and practicality.
Safety and quality remain central to its development. Equipped with seven airbags and intelligent driver-assistance technologies, the EHS4 draws on FAW’s more than 70 years of automotive manufacturing expertise to deliver advanced technology, refined driving quality, and dependable vehicle performance.
Venice: A New Chapter in Europe
On 16 November 2026, HONGQI EHS4 will make its global debut at the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia in Venice. The event will bring together European dealers, media representatives, and industry guests to witness an important milestone in HONGQI’s European journey.
A distinctive expression of Eastern elegance, now coming to Europe.
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14, Nov 2026
Parul Singh and Senior Journalist Rakesh Kumar Singh extend greetings on Chhath Mahaparv
New Delhi, November 14, 2026:
On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Mahaparv, Mrs. Parul Singh, President of the Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi, and senior journalist Rakesh Kumar Singh extended their heartfelt greetings and best wishes to people across the country, particularly devotees observing the sacred festival.
Chhath Mahaparv is one of India’s most revered traditional festivals, dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated with immense devotion, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country, the four-day festival reflects faith, discipline, gratitude towards nature and the importance of family and community.
On the occasion of Lohanda and Kharna, the second day of the festival, the two extended their wishes to devotees observing the rituals and fasting. The occasion marks an important phase of Chhath celebrations, with devotees preparing traditional offerings and observing the rituals with deep faith and dedication.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Parul Singh said, “Chhath Mahaparv is a beautiful reflection of our rich cultural heritage, devotion and deep respect for nature. The festival teaches us the values of discipline, dedication, purity and gratitude. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all devotees and pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for everyone’s good health, happiness, prosperity and well-being.”
Senior journalist Rakesh Kumar Singh said, “Chhath Mahaparv holds a special place in India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. It reminds us of the importance of faith, perseverance, humility and our connection with nature. The festival brings families and communities together and strengthens the bonds of social harmony. I wish everyone celebrating Chhath Mahaparv peace, prosperity and happiness.”
Both also conveyed their best wishes to the devotees preparing for Sandhya Arghya, when prayers and offerings will be made to the setting Sun, followed by Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on the concluding day of the festival.
They expressed hope that the sacred occasion would bring happiness, prosperity and positivity to every household and further strengthen the country’s traditions of unity, devotion and cultural harmony.
14, Nov 2026
Beko Calls for Climate, Trade, and Finance Policies to Align as Carbon Rules Reshape Manufacturing
Fatih Özkadı and Barış Alparslan set out the company’s case for competitive, lower-carbon value
chains and the capital needed to build them.
ANTALYA, Türkiye, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Beko used its COP31 panels to make the case that climate, trade and industrial policies need to work together, and that finance has to follow, if climate action is to strengthen industrial competitiveness rather than erode it. Fatih Özkadı, Chief Sustainability, Quality, and Customer Care Officer, and Barış Alparslan, Chief Financial Officer, took that message to their panels during the summit’s first week.
Climate measures are being introduced alongside industrial policies, trade defence instruments and strategic autonomy goals. These priorities do not always align, and the result can be added costs and barriers across integrated supply chains. Carbon pricing and the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which entered its definitive phase at the start of 2026, are changing investment decisions, sourcing strategies and competitive conditions.
The European Commission has proposed extending CBAM to around 180 downstream products with high steel or aluminium content, including domestic appliances, from 1 January 2028, a proposal still to be adopted. That gives home appliance makers a direct stake in the debate.
“Climate, trade and industrial policies need to be designed together,” said Fatih Özkadı. “Manufacturers like us buy steel and aluminium, make finished products in several countries and compete in global markets. When carbon pricing, CBAM and industrial measures are not aligned, the costs add up and reduce what we can invest in decarbonisation. For manufacturers working across Türkiye and the EU, recognising carbon prices effectively paid in Türkiye, and keeping reporting practical would make a real difference. Any potential extension of CBAM to downstream products should be assessed product by product, taking account of the combined effects of climate, trade and industrial policies on competitiveness and the transition to cleaner production across integrated value chains.”
Beko makes appliances in both Türkiye and the EU, so it sees these rules from both sides. As Fatih Özkadı told the panel, Turkish and European industry have developed together over decades, and Turkish manufacturers invest, produce and create jobs within the EU. Beko’s own plants reflect that integration: three of them, its refrigerator and dishwasher plants in Türkiye and its washing machine plant in Romania, are part of the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, and the site in Romania also holds the Sustainability Lighthouse designation.
The transition needs investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, lower-carbon manufacturing, supply-chain transformation and new technologies. Climate finance has to reach projects that deliver measurable, scalable impact. COP31 is the first COP since the publication of the Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T, which sets out how climate finance for developing countries can be scaled up to USD 1.3 trillion a year by 2035.
In December 2025, Beko signed its first sustainability-linked loan, a €200 million five-year facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Its KPIs are linked to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing women’s representation in the workforce.
“Industrial decarbonisation is a capital question as much as a technical one,” said Barış Alparslan. “The challenge is not simply to mobilise more capital, but to turn credible transition plans into bankable projects. Manufacturers need long-term finance, appropriate risk-sharing structures and a cost of capital that reflects the time it takes to transform factories and supply chains. When the financing structure matches the economics of the transition, technically viable projects become financially investable. Our sustainability-linked loan with IFC demonstrates one way of connecting financing directly to measurable emissions and workforce outcomes.”
On the ground at COP31
On 10 November, Fatih Özkadı spoke on the panel “Building Competitive Green Value Chains: Industry, Trade and the Climate Transition” in the Green Zone, alongside Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of Türkiye, Peter Spiller, Partner of McKinsey & Company, Frankfurt am Main and Gamze Gökçen Pilevne of Mercedes-Benz Türk, Board Member of AHK Türkiye, with Dr Pınar Artıran, WTO Chair Holder at İstanbul Bilgi University, moderating. On 11 November, he moderated “Competitive Green Value Chains: Aligning Climate, Trade and Industrial Policies” at the Türkiye Pavilion in the Blue Zone, with Aik Hoe Lim, Director of the Trade and Environment Division at the World Trade Organization, Fatma Canan Nilüfer Dora, Deputy Director General for International Agreements and EU Affairs, Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, Peter Spiller, and Dr Pınar Artıran.
On 13 November, Barış Alparslan spoke on two panels at the Koç Holding Pavilion. “Financing Real-Economy Decarbonisation: From Green to Transition Finance” brought together Jean Marie Dumas, Head of Euro Credit and Investment Solutions at Amundi, Anjuli Pandit, Global Head of Sustainable Capital Markets at HSBC, and Orith Azoulay, Managing Director at Natixis, with Nicholas Pfaff, Deputy Chief Executive of ICMA, moderating. He also joined “Financing the Green Transition: Capital, Carbon & Competitiveness”, alongside Wagner Almeida, IFC Regional Director of Industry for the Middle East and Central Asia; Mürsel Akbulut, Head of the Climate Finance and Incentives Department at the Presidency of Climate Change; and Jacqui Powell, Managing Director, Corporate Sector, EBRD, with Perihan İnci, Vice President of TÜSİAD, moderating.
Beko is at COP31 alongside Koç Holding, COP31 Global Business Partner.
ABOUT BEKO
Beko is an international home appliance company with a strong global presence, operating through subsidiaries in more than 55 countries with a workforce of around 45,000 employees and production facilities spanning multiple regions—including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Beko has 22 brands owned or used with a limited license (Arçelik, Beko, Whirlpool*, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston*, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Defy, Dawlance, Hitachi*, Voltas Beko, Singer*, ElektraBregenz, Flavel, Bauknecht, Privileg, Altus, Ignis, Polar). Beko is the largest white goods company in Europe with its market share (based on volumes) and reached a consolidated turnover of 10.7 billion Euros in 2025. Beko’s 28 R&D and Design Centers & Offices across the globe are home to over 2,000 R&D employees and hold more than 4,500 international registered patent applications to date. The company has achieved the highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the seventh consecutive year (based on the results dated 16 October 2025).** The company has been recognized as the 89th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies and has been the sector leader for three consecutive years. Beko’s vision is ‘Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.’
*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.
**The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.
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14, Nov 2026
Jeypore Robbery: Family Held Hostage, Rs 25 Lakh and Gold Looted
Jeypore, Nov 14 (UDN): In a shocking incident in Odisha’s Koraput district, five armed miscreants allegedly held a family hostage for nearly four hours before fleeing with ₹25 lakh in cash and more than 400 grams of gold ornaments from their residence in Jeypore town.
The robbery took place on Friday night at the house of Satyanarayan Dalei in Lingaraj Nagar, triggering concern among residents over the safety of people in the locality.
According to the account of the incident, the accused knocked on the door and attacked Dalei when he opened it. They allegedly overpowered him, tied his hands and legs, and forced their way inside.
Family Threatened With Swords and Sharp Weapons
After entering the house, the miscreants allegedly threatened other family members with swords and sharp weapons, leaving them unable to resist.
The accused then searched the house and collected cash and gold ornaments. The family was reportedly kept under their control throughout the operation.
The robbers are said to have remained inside the residence for around four hours before escaping with the valuables.
Family Suspects Prior Recce
The family suspects that the accused may have surveyed the locality before carrying out the robbery, suggesting that the house could have been targeted after prior planning.
The incident has also prompted concerns among local residents, who have reportedly questioned the adequacy of police patrolling in the area.
Police Begin Probe to Trace Accused
Police have launched an investigation into the robbery and are working to identify and trace the five miscreants.
The exact circumstances surrounding the crime and the identities of those involved are yet to be established. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
14, Nov 2026
Kudumi Language, Bandana-Karam Holidays: Odisha CM Majhi Assures Community of Consideration
Mayurbhanj, Nov 14 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured the Kudumi community that its demands, including recognition of its language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and holidays for traditional festivals, would be considered by the state government.
Representational Image
Majhi gave the assurance during his visit to the National Bandana Parab at Aguada village in Mayurbhanj district on Friday. Thousands of members of the Kudumi community from Odisha and neighbouring states gathered at the event to celebrate their cultural heritage, customs and traditions.
The festival featured traditional Jhumar performances, while food stalls showcased indigenous Kudumi cuisine and traditional pithas. The Chief Minister also visited the stalls, interacted with vendors and enquired about the traditional delicacies on display.
CM Highlights Cultural Heritage and Social Harmony
Addressing the gathering, Majhi highlighted the importance of preserving community traditions and strengthening social bonds through cultural celebrations.
He said the Bandana festival was not only an occasion to celebrate the community’s heritage but also an opportunity to promote brotherhood and harmony among different sections of society.
The Chief Minister also referred to the importance of cow protection, describing it as a significant aspect of the festival. He appreciated the organisers for bringing people together and helping carry forward cultural traditions.
Kudumi Community Raises Long-Pending Demands
The Chief Minister’s visit brought renewed attention to several demands raised by members of the Kudumi community.
Community representatives welcomed his remarks on the demand for inclusion of the Kudumi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. They also expressed hope that the state government would consider declaring holidays for the Bandana and Karam festivals.
Residents said the assurances had raised expectations within the community and expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s participation in the programme.
The demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status was also raised by community members, who said they hoped the issue would receive attention in the future.
Three-Day Holiday Sought for Mahanta Festival
Another demand highlighted during the event was a three-day holiday for the Mahanta festival, which is observed over three days.
A community member said that the existing one-day holiday during Deepavali did not adequately cover the duration of the festival and urged the government to consider the demand.
The community also sought suitable holidays for its important cultural observances, particularly Bandana and Karam.
Community Welcomes Chief Minister’s Participation
Members of the Kudumi community described the programme as successful and expressed satisfaction over Majhi’s presence at the celebration.
They said the Chief Minister’s assurances on language recognition and festival holidays were encouraging, while stressing that the community would look forward to concrete action on its long-standing demands.
The National Bandana Parab served as a platform for celebrating Kudumi identity and traditions while bringing the community’s cultural and social demands into focus.
14, Nov 2026
Odisha Housing Department Tightens Monitoring of Building Plan Approvals, Sets Seven-Day Escalation Rule
Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has stepped up efforts to speed up building plan approvals, directing officials to clear pending applications within stipulated timelines and warning that deliberate delays or negligence will invite strict action.
Housing and Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee issued the directions during a review meeting at Kharavela Bhawan on Friday, where she assessed the status of applications pending under the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS).
The review covered Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with a focus on identifying bottlenecks and ensuring faster disposal of applications.
Pending Applications to Be Escalated
Padhee directed officials to prepare authority-wise and ULB-wise details of delayed applications and take immediate steps to clear them.
She specifically instructed that files remaining pending for more than seven days should be escalated to higher authorities wherever required. The department also stressed the need to strengthen digital file tracking and fix responsibility at every level to ensure accountability.
The warning signals a tougher approach towards delays in processing building plan applications, an important service for citizens, property owners and developers.
SUJOG Platform to Get Stronger Monitoring
Emphasising the role of digital systems in improving public service delivery, Padhee called for strengthening the SUJOG platform through better monitoring mechanisms.
She asked officials to avoid repeated and unnecessary queries that could prolong the approval process. Applicants should instead receive clear information about the documents required, applicable procedures and expected timelines.
The Additional Chief Secretary also called for making guidance materials readily available on digital platforms, including explanatory videos, so that applicants can understand the process and avoid errors while submitting applications.
Technical Institutions May Support Process Improvement
Padhee encouraged the department to draw on the technical expertise available in government engineering colleges and polytechnics to improve the building plan approval mechanism.
She urged the SUJOG team and concerned authorities to identify and resolve systemic problems affecting the process, while ensuring that applicants receive transparent and hassle-free services.
Focus on Accountability and Citizen Convenience
The latest directions underline the state government’s push to make building plan approvals more efficient through time-bound disposal, digital monitoring and greater administrative accountability.
With officials asked to act on pending files and escalate applications delayed beyond seven days, the department aims to reduce procedural bottlenecks and improve the overall experience for citizens seeking building plan approvals.
14, Nov 2026
The Future of Fashion: How Generative AI Is Redesigning the Apparel Industry
The fashion industry has always been driven by creativity, innovation, and changing consumer preferences. From traditional clothing designs to modern digital fashion, the industry continues to evolve with technology. One of the most significant technological developments transforming the fashion world today is Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI).
Generative AI is changing how fashion brands design clothes, predict trends, manufacture products, and connect with customers. It enables designers to create new patterns, experiment with unique styles, generate realistic clothing images, and develop personalized fashion experiences. As technology continues to advance, Generative AI is becoming an important tool in shaping the future of the apparel industry.
Understanding Generative AI in Fashion
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as images, designs, patterns, text, and videos, based on the data it has learned.
In the apparel industry, Generative AI can help designers develop innovative clothing concepts, explore different fabric combinations, create digital prototypes, and visualize garments before they are physically produced.
For example, a fashion designer can use an AI-powered tool to generate multiple dress designs by simply entering a text description, such as “a modern floral summer dress with sustainable fabric.” Within seconds, AI can generate several design ideas.
This technology saves time, encourages creativity, and makes the design process more efficient.
Transforming Fashion Design and Creativity
One of the biggest impacts of Generative AI is its ability to transform the fashion design process.
Traditionally, designing a garment involves sketching, selecting fabrics, creating patterns, and developing samples. These processes can take considerable time and resources.
Generative AI makes this process faster by:
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Creating multiple clothing designs from simple text prompts.
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Suggesting new colours, prints, textures, and patterns.
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Helping designers experiment with different styles.
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Generating innovative collections based on current trends.
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Supporting designers in developing unique fashion concepts.
AI does not replace human creativity; instead, it acts as a creative assistant that helps designers explore more possibilities.
Personalized Fashion and Customer Experience
Today’s consumers want clothing that reflects their personal style, preferences, and lifestyle. Generative AI helps fashion brands provide more personalized shopping experiences.
By analyzing customer preferences, purchase history, and browsing behaviour, AI systems can recommend clothing styles that match individual tastes.
For example, an online fashion platform can suggest outfits based on a customer’s preferred colours, body measurements, budget, and previous purchases.
AI can also support virtual try-on experiences, allowing customers to visualize how different outfits may look before purchasing them.
This improves customer satisfaction, reduces uncertainty while shopping, and creates a more engaging shopping experience.
AI-Powered Trend Forecasting
Fashion trends change rapidly. Identifying future trends is essential for brands to remain competitive.
Generative AI can analyze large amounts of information from social media, fashion shows, online searches, customer reviews, and shopping patterns.
Using this information, AI can help fashion companies identify:
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Emerging colours and patterns.
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Popular clothing styles.
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Changing consumer preferences.
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Seasonal fashion trends.
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Potential future market demands.
This allows brands to make better decisions about their upcoming collections and respond more quickly to changing fashion trends.
Revolutionizing Apparel Manufacturing
Generative AI is not limited to designing clothes; it is also influencing apparel manufacturing.
Fashion manufacturers can use AI-powered systems to improve production planning, optimize fabric usage, and reduce unnecessary material waste.
AI can help manufacturers by:
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Optimizing garment patterns to minimize fabric wastage.
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Supporting production planning and scheduling.
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Identifying possible design and manufacturing errors.
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Improving quality inspection through AI-powered image analysis.
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Reducing production time and operational costs.
When combined with automation and smart manufacturing technologies, AI can help create a more efficient and productive apparel industry.
Promoting Sustainability in Fashion
Sustainability is one of the biggest challenges facing the global fashion industry. Overproduction, textile waste, and excessive resource consumption have increased the need for environmentally responsible practices.
Generative AI can contribute to sustainable fashion in several ways.
First, AI-based demand forecasting can help brands estimate how much clothing consumers are likely to purchase, reducing unnecessary production.
Second, AI-powered design tools can help designers optimize fabric layouts and reduce material waste.
Third, virtual sampling and digital prototyping can reduce the need for multiple physical samples, saving fabric, water, energy, and transportation resources.
Therefore, Generative AI has the potential to support a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
Digital Fashion and Virtual Clothing
Another exciting development is the emergence of digital fashion.
Generative AI allows designers to create digital garments that exist in virtual environments. These garments can be used in virtual fashion shows, social media content, digital avatars, gaming environments, and virtual shopping platforms.
Digital fashion offers new opportunities for designers and fashion brands to experiment without producing physical garments.
It also provides a platform for creative expression, where designers can develop futuristic outfits, unusual textures, and imaginative clothing styles that may be difficult to manufacture in the real world.
Challenges of Generative AI in the Apparel Industry
Although Generative AI offers many benefits, its adoption also comes with certain challenges.
Copyright and intellectual property: AI-generated designs may raise questions about ownership, originality, and the use of existing designers’ work in training data.
Job transformation: Some traditional tasks may become automated, requiring fashion professionals to develop new digital and technical skills.
Data privacy: Using customer information for personalized recommendations requires responsible data management and privacy protection.
Quality and accuracy: AI-generated designs may look attractive digitally but may not always be practical to manufacture.
High implementation costs: Advanced AI tools, infrastructure, and employee training can be expensive for small fashion businesses.
To overcome these challenges, fashion companies must adopt AI responsibly while maintaining human creativity, ethical practices, and quality standards.
The Future of Generative AI in Fashion
The future of the apparel industry will likely involve closer collaboration between human designers and artificial intelligence.
As Generative AI technology develops, we can expect more advanced applications, including:
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AI-assisted fashion collections designed around individual customer preferences.
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More realistic virtual fitting rooms.
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Automated design-to-production workflows.
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Smart clothing recommendations.
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Greater use of digital samples and virtual fashion shows.
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More efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes.
In the coming years, fashion brands that successfully combine creativity, technology, and sustainability will have new opportunities to stand out in the competitive global market.
Conclusion
Generative AI is reshaping the apparel industry by transforming the way clothes are designed, produced, marketed, and purchased. From AI-powered design and personalized shopping to trend forecasting, digital fashion, and sustainable manufacturing, this technology is opening new possibilities for the fashion world.
However, the true potential of Generative AI lies not in replacing human designers but in empowering them with innovative tools to work more creatively and efficiently.
The future of fashion will be a combination of human imagination and artificial intelligence. As the industry continues to embrace digital transformation, Generative AI will play an increasingly important role in creating a smarter, more personalized, innovative, and sustainable apparel industry.
14, Nov 2026
DPDP Act: Consent Manager Registration Opens, ₹2 Crore Net Worth Required
New Delhi, Nov 14: The Centre has taken another major step towards strengthening digital data privacy in India with the commencement of the Consent Manager registration framework under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
Representational Image
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has opened the registration process for eligible Indian companies seeking to operate as Consent Managers, enabling individuals to exercise greater control over how their personal data is shared and used.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan formally launched an online registration portal, dpbi.gov.in, on Friday, November 13, through which eligible companies can submit their applications to the Data Protection Board of India.
Under the prescribed eligibility conditions, companies must be incorporated in India and possess adequate technical, operational and financial capabilities, including a minimum net worth of ₹2 crore.
What Are Consent Managers and How Will They Work?
Consent Managers will play an important role in India’s evolving digital privacy framework.
These are entities registered with the Data Protection Board of India that will provide individuals, referred to as Data Principals under the law, with a platform to give, review, manage and withdraw consent for the use of their personal data.
The system is designed to make consent management more transparent, accessible and interoperable, allowing individuals to exercise greater control over their digital information.
Consent Managers will also be accountable to the individuals whose consent they help manage, strengthening trust and responsibility within the country’s digital ecosystem.
Registration Process Opens for Eligible Indian Companies
With the launch of the online portal, eligible companies can now apply to the Data Protection Board of India for registration.
The Board will examine applications based on the prescribed eligibility requirements and assess whether applicants have the necessary financial strength, technological infrastructure and operational capacity to deliver secure and reliable consent management services.
Companies that successfully meet the conditions may receive registration. The Board will also publish the list of registered Consent Managers on its official website, allowing stakeholders to identify authorised service providers.
The minimum net worth requirement of ₹2 crore is intended to ensure that registered entities have sufficient financial resources to maintain accountable and dependable services.
Major DPDP Act Provisions to Come into Effect in May 2027
The commencement of the registration framework forms part of the Centre’s phased implementation of the DPDP Act and its accompanying rules.
Other important provisions relating to the rights of individuals, responsibilities of Data Fiduciaries and the Data Protection Board’s inquiry and penalty mechanisms are scheduled to come into effect on May 13, 2027.
The phased rollout is expected to provide organisations and other stakeholders with time to prepare for the new regulatory requirements.
Push to Strengthen India’s Digital Privacy Ecosystem
The registration initiative marks an important development in India’s efforts to establish a more transparent and accountable framework for handling personal data in the digital economy.
By enabling individuals to manage and withdraw consent through registered platforms, the framework aims to strengthen user control and improve accountability among entities processing personal information.
Further details about the DPDP Act, 2023, and the DPDP Rules, 2025, are available on the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s official website, meity.gov.in.
Eligible companies can access the registration portal at https://dpbi.gov.in to review the requirements and submit their applications.
14, Nov 2026
Welfare is the responsibility of the State, but financial sustainability cannot be ignored, says Symposium Chairman
Hyderabad, Nov 14: How can governments ensure that welfare programmes reach those who need them most while maintaining a balance between social priorities and long-term financial sustainability? How can essential welfare initiatives be distinguished from other forms of public spending? And how can compassion and responsible resource management work together to support inclusive development?
These important questions formed part of the discussion at The Humanity in Us, the seventh edition of Symposium, Hyderabad’s premier knowledge forum. The event brought together humanitarian and actor Sonu Sood and Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning social entrepreneur Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, for an engaging conversation on humanity, compassion and the transformative power of giving.
The event was organised on Friday evening at The Debut, HITEX, Hyderabad, in the presence of over 200 participants.
Sharing his thoughts on the relationship between welfare and financial responsibility, Mr. Girish Mallpani, Chairman of Symposium, observed that supporting the well-being of citizens remains an important responsibility of the State. At the same time, he noted that thoughtful planning and financial sustainability can help ensure that welfare initiatives continue to benefit communities over the long term.
He highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to public spending, taking into consideration each State’s revenue capacity, financial commitments and development priorities. He also emphasised the need to give due importance to essential welfare measures such as healthcare, education, nutrition and social security, while ensuring that adequate resources remain available for infrastructure, employment generation and other long-term development initiatives.
The larger consideration, he suggested, was how governments could continue addressing immediate social needs while creating opportunities that benefit future generations.
The discussion was moderated by independent journalist and former Executive Editor (South) of NDTV, Ms. Uma Sudhir.
Opening the conversation, she remarked that just as people dial 108 for an ambulance, 100 for police assistance and 101 for fire and rescue services, people in distress often turn to Sonu Sood for help.
Reflecting on his humanitarian journey, Ms. Uma Sudhir observed that Sonu Sood’s career had largely been about lights, action and camera, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new dimension to his life. Action came first, speed followed and focus came later, she remarked.
Recalling his experiences during the pandemic, Sonu Sood said that seeing migrant workers walking along highways with their children deeply moved him. He decided to continue helping them until the last person had reached their destination.
He attributed his humanitarian values to his upbringing. His mother helped students irrespective of their financial circumstances, while his father regularly organised community kitchens. These early influences shaped his belief in helping people in need.
Sharing his philosophy on charity, Sonu Sood said, “Charity should begin by addressing immediate suffering. When someone is hungry, give them food first. But don’t stop there; help them find opportunities to become self-reliant and build a better future.”
Anshu Gupta spoke about how his journey into social development began with a realisation that one of the most basic human needs — clothing — was largely missing from mainstream poverty alleviation and development programmes.
An earthquake in Uttarkashi in 1991 proved to be a turning point in his life. Recalling one of his experiences, he said he met a man wearing a jacket made from a jute gunny bag, desperately seeking basic woollen clothing to survive the cold.
Another incident in Delhi deeply affected him. He came across Habib Bhai, who collected unclaimed dead bodies in exchange for old clothes. These experiences exposed the overlooked struggles of people who lacked even basic clothing and the dignity that comes with it.
Anshu Gupta observed that while urban India was discarding huge quantities of surplus clothing and household articles, millions of people in rural and disaster-affected areas were struggling with acute shortages.
This realisation prompted him to focus on dignity rather than conventional charity. Instead of treating disadvantaged communities as passive recipients of donations, he developed a model that connected urban surplus with rural needs through community participation and dignity-driven exchange.
“I didn’t even know what an NGO was before I founded Goonj,” he recalled, explaining how sustained and thoughtful giving could restore human dignity.
Emphasising his approach to charity, Anshu Gupta said, “Charity should not create dependency. It should address the real needs of people, preserve their dignity and empower communities to find sustainable solutions for themselves.”
The discussion also explored the familiar philosophy, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”
Responding to how this principle should shape philanthropy, Sonu Sood stressed that immediate relief must not be overlooked, even as efforts are made to create opportunities for long-term self-reliance. Anshu Gupta emphasised that charity must go beyond distributing surplus resources and should address genuine needs while respecting the dignity and capabilities of communities.
Both speakers underlined that the purpose of charity is not merely to help people survive, but to empower them to live independently and with dignity. They also encouraged people to personally experience the process of giving, observing that simply writing a cheque may not provide the deeper understanding and satisfaction that comes from engaging directly with people in need.
Uma Sudhir highlighted the role of the Social Stock Exchange in creating transparent and institutionalised channels for directing investments towards social causes. She observed that non-profit organisations must also demonstrate accountability and transparency to earn public trust.
Referring to the recent ringing of the NSE bell by Hyderabad-based Grace Cancer Foundation, marking a milestone in social impact financing, Ms. Shruti Mallpani, Managing Trustee of Symposium and Executive Director of MPM Group, said the initiative demonstrated how social organisations could access structured financing through the Social Stock Exchange.
Grace Cancer Foundation raised ₹1 crore through its Social Stock Exchange listing to support early detection initiatives and 10,000 cancer screenings for underserved communities across North Telangana.
“This proves that there is a channel for good intentions. At the same time, it is equally important to preserve human dignity. People receiving assistance should never have to compromise their self-respect,” she observed.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, Wing Commander Asha Vashist, CEO of Symposium, explained the philosophy behind establishing the knowledge forum.
“I believe thoughtful conversations matter. In a world overflowing with opinions, we need spaces to listen, to question and to understand one another. That belief is the foundation of Symposium,” she said.
The discussion also touched upon the importance of ensuring that welfare expenditure remains aligned with the evolving needs of communities, while allowing sufficient room for long-term economic and social development.
Participants highlighted the value of a balanced approach that supports essential welfare programmes, encourages responsible resource allocation and creates opportunities for individuals and communities to become more self-reliant.
The larger message emerging from the dialogue was that compassion and financial prudence can complement each other. Welfare initiatives can make an even greater difference when they address immediate needs while also creating opportunities, strengthening livelihoods and helping people build independent and dignified lives.
On the occasion, a White Paper prepared based on the previous edition of Symposium was presented to Mr. S.P. Singh, IAS.
Over the last one year, Symposium has hosted six editions focusing on diverse subjects, including sports, the environment, spirituality, space technology and cyber security. With support from leading academic institutions, it has also published White Papers emerging from these deliberations.
The seventh edition, The Humanity in Us, continued this endeavour of bringing together thought leaders and practitioners to deliberate on issues of wider social relevance.
14, Nov 2026
Giriraj Singh Bats for Green Manufacturing During Welspun Plant Visit in Gujarat
Anjar (Gujarat), Nov 14: Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh has emphasised the need to balance industrial expansion with environmental conservation, stating that sustainable manufacturing and responsible use of natural resources are essential to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India.
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The minister made the remarks during his visit to Welspun World’s advanced manufacturing facility in Anjar, located in Gujarat’s Kutch district.
During the visit, Singh toured the manufacturing complex and reviewed its production operations, ranging from yarn spinning to the production of towels and bedsheets. He appreciated the integrated manufacturing system, modern machinery and advanced production facilities operating within a single campus.
Welspun Facility Showcases Sustainable Manufacturing
Impressed by the scale and technological capabilities of the facility, the Union Minister appreciated the company’s efforts to adopt environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
He particularly highlighted its initiatives in water recycling, green manufacturing and conservation of natural resources, especially considering the challenging climatic conditions of the Kutch region.
Describing the facility as an example of a ‘Manufacturing Facility in a Garden’, Singh observed that industrial development need not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
He said the manufacturing complex demonstrated how modern industries could combine technological innovation, economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Minister Plants Sapling, Highlights Environmental Responsibility
As part of the visit, Singh also planted a sapling on the factory premises to promote environmental awareness and the importance of protecting nature.
Emphasising the significance of trees, he said they are an invaluable natural heritage and their protection should be treated as a shared responsibility.
He called upon people from all sections of society to actively contribute towards conserving the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Sustainable Industry Key to Developed India Vision
The Union Minister stressed that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation requires more than industrial expansion and technological advancement.
According to him, maintaining ecological balance, adopting sustainable production methods and ensuring the responsible utilisation of natural resources must remain integral to the country’s development strategy.
He noted that the Welspun manufacturing complex offers an encouraging example of how industrial innovation and environmental protection can progress together.
Indian Textile Industry Strengthening Global Position
Singh further highlighted the growing international presence of India’s textile sector, noting that manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable and environment-friendly production practices.
He said the industry’s focus on modern technology, quality manufacturing and environmental responsibility is helping India strengthen its position in the global textile market.
The minister’s visit underlined the importance of promoting a manufacturing ecosystem where industrial competitiveness, innovation and environmental sustainability complement one another.
