Popees Baby Care Launches 93rd Store in Kerala
Popees Baby Care marked another milestone by opening its 93rd outlet at Pettah Junction, Kanjirappally, Kerala. The inauguration featured a symbolic first sale, with store owner Kanthi Bhaskaran gifting baby products to twin children, Lakhiya and Lanika.
With operations dating back to 2003, Popees has grown into a prominent baby care brand employing over 2,000 people and offering a wide range of children's products.
Following recent openings in the UAE, the brand is accelerating its global footprint. Popees plans to launch 10 more stores in Dubai this year, with further expansion in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar underway. The company already has a showroom and office in the UK, and preparations are ongoing to enter the Australian market in 2025.
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First Post
3 hours ago
- First Post
Trump administration launches review of Biden-era AUKUS submarine deal with Australia, UK
President Donald Trump's administration has launched a formal review of a defense pact that former President Joe Biden made with Australia and the United Kingdom allowing Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines read more The administration of President Donald Trump has initiated a formal review of the AUKUS defence agreement, an alliance forged by former President Joe Biden with Australia and the United Kingdom to equip Australia with conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines. Led by the Pentagon, the review could unsettle Australia which views the submarine deal as vital amid rising concerns over China's growing military presence in the region. The move may also complicate Britain's defence strategy, as AUKUS plays a key role in its planned submarine fleet expansion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We are reviewing AUKUS as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda,' the official said of the review, which was first reported by Financial Times. 'Any changes to the administration's approach for AUKUS will be communicated through official channels, when appropriate.' AUKUS, formed in 2021 to address shared worries about China's growing power, is designed to allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines and other advanced weapons such as hypersonic missiles. Vocal skeptics of the AUKUS deal among Trump's senior policy officials include Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy advisor. In a 2024 talk with Britain's Policy Exchange think-tank, Colby cautioned that U.S. military submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and that U.S. industry could not produce enough of them to meet American demand. They would also be central to U.S. military strategy in any confrontation with China centered in the First Island Chain, an area that runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas. 'My concern is why are we giving away this crown jewel asset when we most need it,' Colby said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Australian and UK embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The US National Security Council also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Only six nations currently operate nuclear-powered submarines: the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, France, and India. Under the AUKUS pact, Australia is set to join that exclusive group by 2032, when it is expected to receive Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. Ahead of that, the U.S. and UK will begin rotational deployments of their submarines at an Australian naval base in Western Australia, starting in 2027. Subsequently, Australia and Britain—supported by the United States—will jointly design and construct a new class of nuclear-powered submarines. The first of these is slated for delivery to the UK in the late 2030s and to Australia in the early 2040s. While Australia has not confirmed whether its submarines would participate in a potential US-China conflict, experts point to its longstanding military ties with Washington, including troop deployments to the Vietnam War, as a sign of likely alignment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I think we can make a decent bet that Australia would be there with us in the event of a conflict,' Colby said last year. Speaking in Congress on Tuesday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said 'we're having honest conversations with our allies.' On Australia, Hegseth said: 'We want to make sure those capabilities are part of how they use them with their submarines but also how they integrate with us as allies.' With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Indian Express
From football fields to the classrooms of Deakin University, Australia
— Anushka Samuel My journey to Australia's Deakin University began long before I took the flight to Australia. It was nurtured on football fields, during years of representing India at the national and international tournaments. My passion for sports guided every decision I made, and it eventually led me to explore ways I could stay connected to football off the field. That was when I discovered the Master of Business (Sport Management) programme at Deakin University. I completed my Class 12 in 2018 from Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, with a specialisation in the Commerce stream. Thereafter, I pursued my undergraduate degree at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship. My decision to study in Australia was not just about a degree; it was about immersing myself in a sporting culture that breathes opportunity. Melbourne, the sports capital of Australia, hosts the AFL, cricket, basketball, netball, the Australian Open, the Grand Prix, and the A-League. Deakin's strong industry partnerships, research-based curriculum, and opportunities for hands-on experience made it the ideal choice to enhance my skills and transition from athlete to sports management professional. Moreover, my support circle — friends from the Indian sports circuit who had studied at Deakin — highly recommended it, further solidifying my decision. The admission process to study in Australia was relatively straightforward, thanks to the guidance from IDP Nehru Place, an education consultancy. They helped me streamline my documentation and meet all necessary requirements. – Academic records: Class 12 marksheet, semester-wise transcripts, and UG degree certificate. – Proof of extracurricular and professional achievements (especially in sports). – IELTS score (minimum average of 7). – Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to the Australian Embassy. – Financial documents: parents' bank statements, employment details, and loan documents (if applicable). – Documentation covering work experience to bridge any academic gap. The consultancy support made the application process structured and stress-free, allowing me to focus on my transition from athlete to student. I also applied for and received an academic scholarship offering a 20 per cent tuition fee reduction, based on my postgraduate academic performance. Deakin University offers this standard scholarship to meritorious students. There is also the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship, which offers up to 100 per cent funding. However, it has a highly competitive selection process with limited recipients each year. I did not apply for a loan, as my parents had proactively saved for my postgraduate studies in Australia. Their financial planning ensured a smooth transition without the need for additional financial support. Landing in Australia was a whirlwind of emotions — exciting yet slightly overwhelming. The first week was filled with orientation activities at the university, which were informative and structured. The sessions covered course structure, assessments, university clubs, and support systems, creating a welcoming environment for international students. Accommodation was initially a challenge to secure remotely. While most students opt for shared housing to reduce costs, I chose a single occupancy setup for privacy and comfort, though this did come with a higher cost. Fortunately, having friends and family in Melbourne helped me settle in faster, making the transition smoother. Thanks to my international football experience, I didn't experience major culture shock. However, managing everyday tasks like cooking, budgeting, and commuting was a gradual learning curve. One moment that stood out was a local woman who, seeing me struggle with my bags at a grocery store, not only helped me carry them to my tram stop but also shared tips on local stores and cafés. These small gestures made the city feel like home. The academic environment in Australia is far more concept-driven and practical. There's a strong emphasis on independent research, presentations, and group work. Weekly assignments, often two per week, keep students engaged, making time management a crucial skill. While my UG education provided a solid foundation, studying abroad helped me evolve into a more independent, critical thinker. The system encourages innovation over rote memorisation, preparing students for real-world challenges. Additionally, at Deakin, professors genuinely care about students' growth. My mentor, Scott Field, has played a crucial role in shaping my professional path, offering guidance on career development and networking in the sports industry. To support myself financially and stay connected to my passion, I coach U-15 girls at Eastern Lions Soccer Club three times a week. I work around five hours per week, earning between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on the session. Interestingly, coaching was never part of my initial plan. However, after being approached by a supervisor from a local club, I decided to give it a try. I soon realised how fulfilling it was to guide young athletes and bring structure to their training. Many of the girls had never followed structured warm-ups or cooldowns before, something I immediately implemented based on my playing experience. This unexpected opportunity has given me immense satisfaction by contributing to grassroots sports development in Australia. Studying abroad has transformed the way I approach life. It has taught me to be self-reliant, resilient, and disciplined, especially in managing time and finances. Balancing coursework, part-time work, and personal responsibilities has helped me develop a strong sense of accountability. People back home now see me through a different lens — respecting the effort it takes to live and thrive independently in a foreign country. The experience has also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and broadened my worldview. My professors and colleagues at Deakin have also shown genuine curiosity about my journey in Indian football, often engaging me in discussions about what I would change if I returned home. These conversations have pushed me to reflect deeply and have made me feel seen, heard, and encouraged to share my insights. Studying abroad is an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth. However, it is vital to do your research — choose a programme and country that align with your career aspirations and personal values. Once you're in, embrace every opportunity with an open mind and a determined heart. Whether it is through academics, industry exposure, or unexpected opportunities like coaching, Deakin has provided me with a gateway into a field I'm passionate about. My journey from being a national footballer to stepping into sports management is just beginning, and I look forward to making a lasting impact in the industry. (This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics) Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
Economic Times
19 hours ago
- Economic Times
Stocks offer restrained response to US-China trade framework
Live Events AUCTION ANGST (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Share markets and the dollar on Wednesday offered a guarded welcome to the latest signs of progress in U.S.-China trade talks, while awaiting more detail of what was decided and whether it would stick for long. Bond investors were also hunkered down for a reading in U.S. inflation that could show the early impact of tariffs on prices, and a Treasury auction that will test demand for the in London, negotiators from Washington and Beijing said they had "agreed a framework on trade" that would be taken back to their leaders.U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added the implementation plan should result in restrictions on rare earths and magnets being resolved, but again offered no specifics."Even though details are scant, as long as the two sides are talking, I think markets will be happy," said Carol Kong, a currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia."It will still be very hard and it will take a long time for both sides to reach a comprehensive trade agreement," she added. "That sort of comprehensive deal usually takes years to be reached, so I'm sceptical that a framework reached at the meeting in London will be comprehensive."The law was another hurdle as a federal appeals court allowed President Donald Trump's most sweeping tariffs to remain in effect on Tuesday while it reviews a lower court decision blocking who have been badly burned by trade turmoil before, offered a cautious response and MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2%.Japan's Nikkei added 0.4% and Australian stocks firmed 0.4%.EUROSTOXX 50 futures, FTSE futures and DAX futures were all down 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures both lost 0.1%.The reaction in currency markets was equally restrained, with the dollar dipping 0.1% on the Japanese yen to 144.73. The euro edged up to $1.1433 and the dollar index held steady at investors had other things to worry about and yields on 10-year Treasuries were little changed at 4.467%. An auction of $39 billion in 10-year notes is due later in the day and the market is anxious to see if foreign buyers turn about huge U.S. budget deficits and debt have combined with unease over the White House's erratic trade policies to see investors demand a higher term premium for holding on U.S. consumer prices for May might also show some initial upward pressure from tariffs, though analysts assume it will take a few months to fully show in the forecasts are for the headline CPI to rise 0.2% and the core 0.3%, which would nudge the annual rates up to 2.5% and 2.9% higher would be a setback to hopes for another rate cuts from the Federal Reserve and could see bonds sell off. Markets imply little chance the Fed will ease at its meeting next week or in July, but have priced around a 60% chance of a move in commodity markets, gold edged up 0.3% to $3,333 an ounce. [GOL/]Oil prices eased back from near seven-week highs ahead of U.s. inventory data. [O/R]Brent dropped 31 cents to $66.56 a barrel, while U.S. crude eased 28 cents to $64.71 per barrel.
