A high school student from India, Arav Agarwal (17), took centre stage this September at the IEEE ICRA@40 conference in Amsterdam, presenting Smart Auditory Item Locator (also nicknamed as Third Eye)-a deceptively simple device that’s transforming the lives of the visually impaired.

Arav Agarwal

Imagine losing your keys or wallet and finding them instantly using sound cues tailored to your surroundings. That’s this device in action. Designed with the blind community in mind, Third Eye is a sleek, user-friendly gadget that helps users locate misplaced items through intuitive auditory feedback. Arav’s creation isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s a demonstration of how practical ideas can bring profound changes to everyday life.

As the youngest presenter at the conference, Arav showcased his innovative device that is solving a real problem. As per data from 2023, 2.2 billion people across the world were reported to be visually impaired. Managing day to day errands for these people is a task laden with dependencies on multiple folk. This tech enabled innovation could come in extremely handy in such cases. Smart Auditory Item Locator isn’t about flashy technology-it’s about creating tools that empower.

Arav is a published researcher and has presented his case study on the sustainability of electric vs. internal combustion engine cars in Curieux Journal, showcasing his knack for tackling global challenges. Through devices like Third Eye and community-driven projects with Parivartan, an NGO he cofounded, Arav is attempting to make innovation accessible, impactful, and inclusive.

MMTC-PAMP, Indias only LBMA-accredited gold & silver refiner has been recognized as one of the top 10 companies among an elite selection of 200 fast-growing enterprises at the Forbes India’s D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit (DGEMS) 2024 held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. The company earned this distinguished recognition, following a rigorous evaluation process encompassing preliminary assessment and detailed nomination reviews.

Mr. Vikas Singh, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP, shares valuable insights during a panel discussion at the “Forbes India DGEMS 2024”

MMTC-PAMP was selected in the list of top 10 companies as a result of its success, achievements and impactful contributions in transforming Indias precious metals ecosystem. The company was awarded this recognition due to its consistent commitment to innovation, scalability, and global excellence in the precious metals industry.

Speaking on the honour and recognition of this award, Mr. Vikas Singh, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP, said, “Forbes DGEMS 2024 is an ideal platform for brands from diverse fields to engage, interact, and discuss innovative ideas. Being selected among the coveted Top 10 companies-list out of the Select 200 companies is a great honour and privilege. This achievement reflects MMTC-PAMP’s sustained growth as India’s most trusted and leading brand for the purest gold and silver. It highlights our dedication to serving our customers with excellence while also showcasing India’s growing prominence in the global precious metals market.”

MMTC-PAMP’s Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Vikas Singh was also part of a panel discussion, “Ready for Global Conquest”. As a distinguished panellist at the summit, Mr. Vikas Singh shared insights on successful business practices that can be replicated globally. The exclusive founders-only forum brought together 200 of the most innovative and scalable companies from across industries.

The Forbes India D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit is an annual event that creates a unique platform for companies with globally scalable offerings to connect and collaborate. The summit aims to facilitate a borderless ecosystem for entrepreneurs through interactive sessions with global thought leaders and networking opportunities.

The gathering also witnessed prominent names like Mr Vikram Handa, Founder & Managing Director, Epsilon Advanced Materials; Mr Dinakar Munagala, CEO, Blaize; Mr Vipul Joshi, CFO, Ideaforge and many more.

MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for refining, brand and sustainability. Also, MMTC-PAMP is Indias First Precious Metals Company to have Science-based Emissions Reduction Targets Approved by the SBTi. MMTC-PAMP also has been recognised by the Asia and India Book of Records as the country’s only brand providing the purest gold and silver coins and bars with 999.9+ purity levels and positive weight tolerance to consumers.

About MMTC-PAMP

A joint venture between Switzerland-based bullion refinery, PAMP SA, and MMTC Ltd., a Miniratna and Government of India Undertaking. MMTC-PAMP is the only LBMA-accredited gold & silver good delivery refiner in India and is accepted across global commodity exchanges and central banks. The company seamlessly marries Swiss excellence with Indian insights. MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd. is internationally recognized as an industry leader in bringing global standards of excellence to the Indian precious metals industry.

MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for Refining, Brand and Sustainability. Notably, MMTC-PAMP is Indias First Precious Metals Company to have Science-based Emissions Reduction Targets Approved by SBTI. Recognized by the Asia and India Book of Records, MMTC-PAMP is acclaimed as the country’s only brand providing the purest gold and silver coins and bars with 99.99%+ purity levels and positive weight tolerance to consumers. Adding to its laurels, MMTC-PAMP was honoured as India’s Most Trusted Brand of the Nation at The Brand Story- Indian Brand and Leadership Conclave & Awards, 2024.

FIL Industries Private Limited, a diversified business enterprise recently participated in the 16th Edition of Confederation of Indian Industry “CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat‘. This was held from 15-18^th November 2024 at Vrindavan Grounds, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the event.

FIL Industries at CII AgroTech 2024

CIIs flagship initiative in agro technology, featured a large exhibition and knowledge sessions that attracted global participation, as well as significant involvement from the Indian agriculture and farming sectors including FIL Industries. This year’s theme was ‘Harvesting Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture‘.

With a prime focus on accelerating the growth of agriculture and food processing through technological interventions, sustainable practices, knowledge sharing, and farmer engagement, it aimed to foster strategic partnerships and provide substantial opportunities to strengthen bilateral agri-trade relationships and drive new engagements in the sector.

A key highlight was the International Pavilion and Netherlands was the partner country at this edition. The pavilion showcased the expertise of overseas participants in agriculture, agri-technology, and food processing. It helped facilitate networking and business linkages with Indian counterparts and the farming community, exploring potential collaborations.

As an associate sponsor, FIL Industries projected itself as an end-to-end player in the agriculture value chain. Brochures and information on FIL’s Crop Protection, Crop Nutrition, Apple Cluster, Post Harvest Management, FMCG, and FILAVAL [rootstock nursery] businesses were disseminated. Visitors were also provided with samples of apple juice concentrate, fruit juices, cocoa powder, crop protection and crop nutrition products.

Mr Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII J&K and Group Executive Director, FIL Industries Private Limited participated in the inaugural session of the event and the CEO Roundtable on “Future of Farming” which also brought together several industry CEOs and policy makers to discuss the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies like precision agriculture, AI, and IoT, alongside sustainable farming practices.

Speaking on the future of farming and sustainable agriculture in India at the CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat forum Mr. Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII J&K and Group Executive Director, FIL Industries Private Limited said, “CII Agro tech Krishi Bharat is a great platform for showcasing what the farming community and industry can do together. I think it is important for regions across the country to come and participate in events like this to understand and learn from each other. Coming from J&K, which is driven by horticulture, this is also a platform where we meet our peers, fellow industrialists and farmers and also learn about best practices that are adopted at the field level. All in all, it is a great exposure for us as a business, as it provides valuable insight into what a farmer needs in Uttar Pradesh in the horticulture sector.”

He further added, “From an industry engagement point of view is critical is the fact that agriculture is a long-term endeavour. Today we are at a cusp of a new revolution, a food revolution driven by climate change and vagaries that did not exist before. So, industry and academia have to come together to address this challenge. From a farmer’s perspective I have always believed that the farmer is the biggest risk taker so there is a lot of onus on us to work in tandem with farmers to reduce the risk for them. Ultimately our aim is to create a livelihood at the farm level and that livelihood in turn would create greater agricultural productivity.”

About FIL Group

FIL Group was founded in 1989 by the late Syed Mohammad Iqbal Bukhari, to provide global products to the agriculture industry in India. Today, under the stewardship of the second and third generation, FIL has successfully emerged as a growth oriented, diversified company while unifying elements between the source of the product and the final customer. FIL is now the largest apple integrator in India, having the distinction of being the biggest producer of apple juice concentrate in Asia and has further developed an entire range of new agri products including a landmark JV, the first FDI for development of an apple rootstock nursery in India, with French companies Dalival SAS and FIATS as well as an strategic partnership with KIMITEC – a Spain based biotechnology group and the founder of the MAAVi Innovation Centre, Europe’s largest biotechnological innovation hub; as exclusive partner for Kimitec for Apple across India – (J&K/HP/Uttarakhand/Northeast). The partnership with Kimitec will also explore opportunities in upscaling and bio-waste management solutions through a JV. The group now has six manufacturing and 13 distribution facilities across India for its agri and beverage businesses. FIL has also set up its flagship lifestyle and mountain adventure destination with the longest and highest CEN certified ropeway at Patnitop in J&K, India. It has also commenced work on India’s longest ropeway system at a length over 5.5 km connecting the twin cities of Dehradun and Mussoorie.

FIL Industries is a diversified business enterprise committed to creating a holistic impact across agriculture, food & beverage, travel, and health.

At FIL, the aim is to enable people – from farmers to retailers, craftsmen to customers, tourists and commuters – with innovative and sustainable solutions to transform their lives.

For more information on FIL: www.filindustries.com.

Much has been speculated about the disruption AI may bring to traditional white-collar jobs, especially in fields like finance, HR, legal, and back-office functions. As generative AI advances, the concerns about job displacement are real, but they’re not new. Just as the internet transformed retail and customer service, generative AI promises a new wave of change.

Girish Juneja, SVP & Chief Digital Officer, Dover Corp

Two key questions arise: Is generative AI as revolutionary as the internet and mobile technology were over the past decades And if so, how should young professionals prepare for a future shaped by AI

During his India visit, Girish Juneja SVP & Chief Digital Officer, emphasized that AI has the potential to reshape industries, enhance productivity, and create new job opportunities. He underscored the need for balanced governance, collaboration between businesses and governments, and education reforms to prepare future generations for AI-driven economies. “AI will be as transformative as the advent of electricity, impacting every industry,” he remarked, stressing the importance of fostering innovation responsibly.

First, while the full impact of generative AI remains to be seen, its potential is undeniable. As the technology matures, combining AI with intelligent agents could automate tasks previously performed by entry-level employees, such as data entry, basic software development, content creation, and even some forms of customer service. Though today’s AI still requires human oversight, ongoing advancements may push it toward greater autonomy, especially when integrated with risk management frameworks and stronger governance.

Preparing for the AI-Driven Job Market

What does this mean for young professionals entering an AI-transformed workforce Despite the fears, there are compelling reasons to believe that they’ll have opportunities to grow in careers shaped by AI rather than overshadowed by it. Here are three strategies to stay relevant and thrive:

1. Embrace AI as an Asset, Not a Threat: Many young professionals are already experimenting with prompt engineering, making use of AI tools to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. By adopting AI as an ally to increase productivity, professionals can enhance their value to employers, who are eager to harness the advantages that a tech-savvy workforce offers.

2. Cultivate Domain-Specific Knowledge and Skills: While generative AI is effective with broad data sets, it lacks deep, industry-specific expertise. As businesses rely on domain experts to maintain competitive advantages, professionals with specialized knowledge will remain invaluable. The expansion of AI training datasets will likely create new roles, inviting young professionals to contribute domain expertise that AI models can then build on, amplifying their importance in the workforce.

3. Look Ahead to Emerging Business Models: The rise of generative AI will inevitably lead to the creation of new companies and industries, just as ride-sharing apps emerged from the mobile revolution. AI-focused startups and innovative applications are expected to flourish, opening new roles in fields and business models that don’t yet exist. Those who are proactive in learning and adapting will have a head start in these new industries.

The Real Risk: Stagnation

Much like the shift from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, there is a real risk for those unwilling to adapt. The initial phases of AI integration may feel manageable, but change can be abrupt. For professionals who don’t actively engage with these technologies, there could be sudden, significant setbacks.

The advice for young professionals is clear: embrace AI, not only by familiarizing themselves with the technology but by deepening their specialized knowledge and always thinking about how to contribute to the business value. By staying adaptable and forward-looking, they can ensure their careers will grow alongside technological advancements rather than be diminished by them.

About Dover

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $7 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine whats possible.

Website www.dovercorporation.com/dover-india.

Urban Pulse Innovations Pvt. Ltd., a visionary thinking company founded by Tanuj Varshney and his father, Pradeep Varshney, is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Pick’n’Treat Mobile Application. This innovative platform is designed to address two of India’s most critical issues: food waste and hunger-by transforming surplus food from restaurants, cafes, and households into an accessible resource for millions of Indians struggling with food insecurity.

Mr. Tanuj Varshney, Director – Urban Pulse Innovations Private Limited, Founder Pick’n’Treat

About Urban Pulse Innovations Pvt. Ltd.

Founded by Tanuj and Pradeep Varshney, Urban Pulse Innovations is driven by a mission to create impactful solutions for India’s most pressing national challenges. The company focuses on bridging the urban-rural divide and addressing key issues related to food distribution, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. Through the launch of Pick’n’Treat, Urban Pulse Innovations aims to create a sustainable future for India, one meal at a time.

The Vision Behind Pick’n’Treat

Pick’n’Treat was inspired by the Prime Minister’s call to address food waste and the staggering levels of food insecurity in India. Despite 68 million tonnes of food being wasted every year, nearly 197 million people in India still face hunger. By reducing food waste and promoting sustainable food consumption, the app aims to mitigate environmental damage, including the significant methane emissions caused by food waste, particularly in urban centers like Delhi.

Introducing Pick’n’Treat: A Game-Changing Solution

The Pick’n’Treat app provides a user-friendly platform with a dual focus: tackling food waste while helping those who are undernourished. Here’s how it works:

Food Surplus Marketplace: Local restaurants, bakeries, and cafes can list surplus meals at discounted prices (up to 50% off or more). Users can buy delicious, high-quality food at a fraction of the cost, all while helping reduce food waste.

Food Donation Platform: The app enables users to donate excess food from their homes. Partnered NGOs then collect and distribute the food to vulnerable communities, ensuring that no food goes to waste.

Consumer Education on Sustainability: Pick’n’Treat helps educate consumers about the nutritional value of food by promoting the consumption of “imperfect” produce. The app encourages people to embrace the idea that looks don’t matter when it comes to nutrition-fruits and vegetables that might be blemished or misshapen are just as healthy and nourishing as their more polished counterparts.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Urban Pulse Innovations plans to expand Pick’n’Treat to cities across India, inviting more restaurants, cafes, NGOs, and individuals to join the movement. The company is committed to raising awareness about food waste and its environmental and social implications, educating both businesses and consumers about the importance of sustainable food consumption.

Quotes from the Founders

Tanuj Varshney, Co-founder, “India’s food waste crisis is not just a challenge-it’s a call to action. Every day, millions of meals are wasted while millions more go hungry. With Pick’n’Treat, we’re turning that waste into opportunity-helping to feed the hungry, protect the environment, and create a culture where every meal counts. The power to change the future lies in how we choose to value food today.”

Pradeep Varshney, Co-founder,“Indias food waste is a massive problem, but it also presents a powerful opportunity to build a better, more sustainable future. Pick’n’Treat isnt just about saving food-its about saving lives, reducing emissions, and teaching the next generation the true value of food. Together, we can make waste a thing of the past and turn every meal into a resource for change.”

Join the Movement

With the launch of *Pick’n’Treat*, Urban Pulse Innovations invites the public to become part of a nationwide movement to reduce food waste, feed the hungry, and protect the environment. Download the app today and make a real difference in the fight against hunger and food waste.

About Urban Pulse Innovations Pvt. Ltd.

Urban Pulse Innovations is committed to creating transformative solutions that address Indias critical social and environmental challenges. By focusing on sustainable development and inclusive growth, the company aims to improve the quality of life for both urban and rural communities. Through innovation and compassion, Urban Pulse strives to make India a global leader in sustainability and social equity.

Times Prime, Indias premium lifestyle membership platform, announced an exclusive partnership with Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming service. This collaboration will benefit Times Prime members – with four months of free Spotify Premium membership, completely free.

Spotify to Offer Exclusive 4-Month Free Premium Membership for Times Prime members

Spotify Premium allows users to listen to their favourite music in high quality, without any advertisements. They can play songs in any order, discover new music through the Radio feature, dive into their Sound Capsule to see what their listening looks like each month.

“At Times Prime, were dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our members, and our collaboration with Spotify Premium perfectly aligns with this vision,” said Harshita Singh, Founding Business Head of Times Prime. “With ad-free music and limitless audio entertainment, this partnership adds a dynamic new dimension to our lifestyle offerings.”

With Spotify Premium, members can unlock features like offline downloads and high-quality streaming, delivering a truly immersive listening experience. As an all-access pass to premium content, Times Prime continues to provide unmatched value and an enriched lifestyle for its members.

About Times Prime

Times Prime is an all-in-one digital lifestyle membership offered by Times Internet. It aims to upgrade members lifestyles by providing premium experiences and benefits across categories. With an extensive range of benefits on a single platform, from shopping to entertainment and lifestyle, brands like Starbucks, Myntra, Uber, Disney+ Hotstar, Google One, and many more, Times Prime keeps delighting its members. The idea is – instead of paying for different subscription services, pay for one — and you can access all of these at once. In addition to these comprehensive offerings, Times Prime curates exclusive events and experiences, including movie screenings, live sessions with experts, and dining events.

For more information, visit: www.TimesPrime.com.

Massil Technologies, a leading IT services provider specializing in rapid system integrations and API management, is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with KrakenD, a high-performance API gateway solution. With this partnership, Massil is set to deliver advanced API gateway solutions designed specifically to the needs of customers in the India and Middle East regions. This is another feather in the cap for Massil because it is now the official reseller and certified integration partner for KrakenD in these regions.

Massil Technologies Teams up with KrakenD as Value Added Reseller

Massil Technologies, founded in 2016, has established itself as a trusted provider of technology services, across wide spectrum of industries such as BFSI, healthcare, logistics, and telecom. With their customer-first approach and strong expertise in API management, Massil drives digital transformation for businesses leveraging cutting-edge technologies and delivering robust & scalable solutions.

Through this strategic alliance, Massil’s expert technical team-possessing deep expertise in both the Community and Enterprise Editions of KrakenD’s API gateway-will offer seamless API deployments, improved performance, and rapid support. This collaboration empowers businesses in India and the Middle East to optimize their API infrastructure, ensuring security, scalability, and efficiency.

“We are excited to partner with KrakenD and bring their advanced API gateway solutions to our customers in India & the Middle East,” said Satish Perna, CEO of Massil Technologies. “At Massil, we are committed to helping businesses scale fast and achieve efficiency faster through rapid system integration and API management. This partnership aligns with our mission to deliver robust, customer-centric solutions that enable our clients to pace up their digital transformation.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Massil Technologies as our exclusive partner in India and the Middle East. With their deep expertise in API management and rapid IT system integration, Massil is perfectly positioned to bring KrakenD’s cutting-edge solutions to customers in these regions, helping them achieve seamless API performance and scalability,” said Albert Lombarte, CEO of KrakenD.

About Massil

Founded in 2016, Massil Technologies is based in Hyderabad, India, and specializes in delivering rapid IT system integrations and cloud services. Their expertise spans multiple industries including BFSI, healthcare, logistics, and telecom. Known for their customer-centric approach, Massil has a reputation for driving digital transformation through API management, system integration, and advanced intelligent technologies.

For more information, please visit www.massiltechnologies.com.

About KrakenD

Started in 2016 as an open-source API Gateway, KrakenD delivers high performance and scalability for API traffic management. Established as a company in 2021, KrakenD now offers Community and Enterprise Editions, empowering organizations globally and valued in finance, healthcare, and government for secure, on-premise solutions. Supporting both legacy and modern systems, KrakenD is a trusted choice for businesses with strict security needs.

For more information, please visit www.krakend.io.

Clean-tech startup, Neo San Pvt. Ltd. recently participated at IFAT India 2024 – a leading global trade fair for environmental technologies held annually in Mumbai. Neo San took this opportunity to launch the second variant, the Neo-AX, among their upcoming range of decentralised high-efficiency incinerators having differing capacities, tailor-made for diverse waste profiles and industries.

Neo-AX product image by Neo San

The Neo-AX targets challenging non-recyclable dry-waste categories; bio-medical waste, municipal solid-waste, sanitary and major industrial waste types, through efficient on-site incineration. Widely scalable, this machine can be deployed easily at hospitals, clinics, townships, factories, universities, airports, apartments etc. It encompasses the proper handling, treatment and disposal of any waste that is hazardous or has low to no recycling value.

The device features multiple automation systems, robust safety features, and is coupled with metallic seals, making it extremely versatile in the waste-types it can handle. The AX can handle a wide variety of waste in bulk quantities, within minutes, using a fraction of the energy currently used in waste-handling.

Consuming minimal energy, these systems safely dispose of waste for less than ₹1-2 per kilogram of electricity used. This could save institutions and corporations large amounts of capital currently deployed towards having this waste handled. The AX can handle from 50 kilos a day, all the way to 200 kilos a day based on the model, and can also be operated 24 hours a day.

To effectively manage sanitary, medicinal, and hazardous dry waste, the Neo-AX incinerator operates at 1200C, producing sterile ash with low environmental impact. The reduced overall emissions in the system would be a huge shift forward from traditional practices, in which dumping/open-burning and the attached logistical burden is highly polluting and expensive.

Additionally, integrated IoT systems provide real-time tracking and reporting of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) parameters by offering insights into the quantity of waste processed and total carbon emissions generated, ensuring transparent and accountable waste management practices and enabling practical carbon audits which are becoming increasingly important for companies.

Neo San’s innovations in this single machine range from aerodynamic systems for cooling the machine to creating high amounts of heat energy using less than a unit of electricity. Combining these sub-systems enhances the temperature capacity and durability of the heating module, giving it the ability to be used across a range of industries that require heating. It can be used for large-scale heaters, industrial boilers and other energy generating applications.

This product is the first of a series of industrial incinerators that Neo San aims to launch to market this year, to tackle the growing problems of consumption and waste. Land-use is one such major problem that the company foresees. These machines will save the government large amounts of resources, land being the major one; reducing the need for existing or future landfills or dumpsites and replacing them for commercial, agricultural or industrial application(s). Also large savings from the reduced vehicular movement and fuel consumption would be a big step towards sustainability.

About Neo San
Neo San is a clean technology company currently building decentralised solutions in waste-management. Involved in the research and manufacturing of high-efficiency incinerators, Neo San aims to decarbonize the world’s most polluting industries, in order to create a sustainable future where industrial activity no longer harms our planet. Hence, dedicated to leveraging technology for positive societal impact, Neo San offers pioneering cost-efficient, energy-saving solutions for industrial applications while addressing pressing environmental changes.

PlayboxTV has launched PlayboxTV ONE, a cutting-edge Android TV box with plans starting from of Rs. 149. It is aimed to transform ordinary televisions into smart entertainment hubs. Designed to meet the evolving needs of viewers as an all-in-one solution and elevate the entertainment experience for millions across India. PlayboxTV will offer its users access to 30+ OTTs including premium platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Sony LIV, Zee5 etc. Along with this you can also enjoy 400+ live TV channels, 200+ games, sports and podcasts.

Ab India ka har TV banega Super Smart TV

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) there are 320 million households in India out of which only 182 million households have access to television sets including linear and non-linear services. By 2026 this figure is expected to rise to 202 million.

Founder and CEO of PlayboxTV Mr. Aamir Mulani said, “PlayboxTV ONE is an innovative and affordable entertainment solution for all content enthusiasts out there. India has approximately 64 million cable TV users and 65 million DTH users. PlayboxTV ONE provides a great opportunity for both the users to upgrade to a more superior product through their LCOs and ISPs.”

Powered by Android, this box is packed with features like dual wifi, a bluetooth remote with voice command, 4K video quality, quad core processor and Mali450 Graphics. The multiport system allows it to be more compatible. These features offer easy access to popular streaming platforms, apps, and games, enhancing the viewing experience with smooth navigation, high-quality visuals, and immersive sound.

This offering includes content for people across the spectrum, from Kids content to a dedicated bhakti section. Together this diverse range offering allows the customer to stream movies, binge-watch web series, enjoy live sports, and even play games, all from a single device. The personalized recommendations and the ability to customize your watchlist helps the customers to highly personalise the product.

The box is free for cable operators and ISPs with subscription plans starting from Rs.149 per month over a minimal refundable deposit for the box. In times of technological advancements, PlayboxTV is offering an opportunity for the cable TV users to upgrade to an android powered box. PlayboxTV targets a huge market with approximately 130 million people still using Cable TV and DTH service in their homes.

As winter approaches, Hong Kong is set to dazzle visitors with an enchanting lineup of festive celebrations, promising joy for families, couples, and friends alike. From spectacular light displays to immersive experiences, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting global travellers to dive into the vibrant holiday spirit.

Clockwise: Clockenflap festival, Christmas Market at West Kowloon Cultural District, the big screen at The Grounds, Christmas Town, and World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong WinterFest: A Seasonal Celebration for All

Kick off your winter adventures at the Hong Kong WinterFest, hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), a mega celebration that captures the essence of Christmas. From 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) will transform into a vibrant hub of seasonal traditions and festivities for visitors of all ages, centred around a show-stopping Christmas tree and whimsical decorations in the Christmas Town, located at the Harbourside Lawn – West, WestK Art Park. Don’t miss the limited-time breathtaking “Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics” over Victoria Harbour on select nights, promising an unforgettable spectacle of lights and colours against one of the world’s most iconic skylines.

In celebration of HKTB’s Hong Kong WinterFest, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will host WestK Christmas Market from 22 November to 9 December 2024 (Fridays to Sundays), and from 12 to 29 December 2024.

Set against the stunning backdrop of WestK Art Park’s picturesque harbourside and lush lawn, the Christmas Market will showcase a delightful array of international festive culinary treats and a curated selection of Christmas gifts. Visitors will be enchanted by a dazzling display of lights and vibrant live music and performances, creating a joyful atmosphere that spreads Christmas cheer throughout the WestK Art Park.

Theme Parks Light up with Immersive Family-Friendly Experiences

This holiday season, Hong Kong’s major theme parks will welcome families with a range of colourful, immersive festive activations.

Hong Kong Disneyland will brighten your holiday with the magic of “A Disney Christmas” this season. From 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, guests can immerse in a series of holiday traditions and seasonal celebrations with experiences including the first-ever snowy Christmas in the World of Frozen, while the Castle of Magical Dreams will sparkle with song as it hosts “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!”, featuring classic Christmas and Disney songs. Those looking for a bright start to 2025 can join the New Year’s Eve Countdown with Disney friends, while seasonal dining, merchandise and themed accommodation complete an unforgettable family holiday experience.

Ocean Park Hong Kong is bursting with festive cheer following the joyful birth of Hong Kong’s first-ever giant panda twin cubs on 15 August 2024, alongside the arrival of two new giant pandas from Sichuan on 26 September 2024. And this December, families are invited to join the celebrations while exploring a delightful array of panda-themed activities. Visitors can embark on a fascinating journey into the panda world, featuring captivating panda-themed photo spots, stunning lighting displays, and engaging art installations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s a Date: Romantic Winter Festivities for Couples

For couples seeking a romantic way to embrace winter, the much-loved AIA Carnival returns from 18 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, featuring a thrilling mix of booths, games, and amusement rides perfect for igniting the excitement of the season. Also returning this winter is The Grounds open-air cinema, where from 8 November to 22 December 2024, visitors can cosy up and enjoy a curated selection of films under starlit skies, all while savouring gourmet treats from BaseHall. For those seeking a more intimate experience, why not take a romantic stroll through Hong Kong’s lively streets Wander hand-in-hand beneath the holiday illuminations in Harbour City and Lee Tung Avenue, adding a magical touch to your winter evenings.

Vibe with Your Tribe with an Outdoor Winter Experience

Gather your friends and elevate your winter vibes at Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, debuting on 9-10 November 2024 at the Central Harbourfront. Presented by Hypebeast, a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture, bringing Hypefest back to its headquarters in Hong Kong. This two-day festival will showcase star-studded music acts, headlined by South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou and French electronic legends JUSTICE, alongside immersive brand pop-ups and a vibrant beats and bites area – the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

Meanwhile, Clockenflap, Hong Kongs biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, returns at Central Harbourfront from 29 November to 1 December 2024. This years festival features nearly a hundred music and arts performances, showcasing a stellar lineup of international heavyweights like Jack White, Central Cee, Air, St. Vincent and Suede, plus regional superstars like Creepy Nuts, yama, Sakurazaka46 and many more. Showcasing the full, world-class festival experience that fans in the city and around the world have come to know and love, Clockenflap will once again feature a spectacular outdoor environment with multiple stages, immersive art installations and a mouthwatering array of top-quality F&B outlets. Dont miss out on one of the best music festivals in Asia!

For those seeking an urban adventure, Pokmon GO City Safari is coming to Hong Kong on 7 and 8 December. Over two days, players can explore vibrant city landmarks and hidden gems while catching a variety of Pokmon, including event-exclusive species. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui will also feature Pokmon-themed photo spots and souvenir booths that give out Pikachu and Eevee sun visors, making it a perfect outdoor activity for families and friends to enjoy during the cooler months of early December.

Indulge in Christmas Feasts and Seasonal Drinks

No festive celebration is complete without indulging in seasonal culinary delights. Enjoy the exquisite “Teas of Hope” Afternoon Tea presented by The Peninsula from 9 November to 13, 27-30 December 2024, featuring a menu by Chef de Cuisine Kay Ng, which includes sweet pastries, finger sandwiches, and the hotel’s renowned raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

But the festive flavours don’t stop there! Hotels such as Regent Hong Kong, Rosewood Hong Kong, and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, along with numerous restaurants around town, are rolling out their own Christmas offerings to satisfy every palate and budget.

Throughout the city, bars will also be mixing up seasonal drinks, perfect for a festive night out with friends. Visit The Aubrey in Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong for seasonal drinks like “Leaving The Port” and “Uno’s Grasshopper”, or explore award-winning spots like Bar Leone and COA for exceptional beverages and vibrant atmospheres.

Travellers looking for a winter escape need look no further than Hong Kong this season, where festive cheer and vibrant celebrations await at every turn. To start planning your unforgettable holiday filled with joy, laughter, and festive spirit, head to www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/hong-kong-winterfest.html.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.