Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
INDIA's Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended partnership with Primark to provide technology solutions for the global fashion retailer for the next five years.
The Indian IT firm has been working with Primark since 2016. The partnership focussed on improving cybersecurity, ensuring the stability and reliability of the retailer's processes and systems.
Primark employs over 80,000 people in 17 countries across Europe and the US.
Under the expanded agreement, TCS will revamp Primark's technology operations, aiming to accelerate its time-to-market and support the retailer's future growth plans.
Andrew Brothers, chief information officer at Primark, said that expanding the partnership with TCS will help build a robust and efficient IT environment to support Primark's growth.
“Working with TCS will provide us with the ongoing operational stability and accountability needed to scale our business. This will allow us to respond to market trends and customer preferences in a timely manner,” he said.
Shekar Krishnan, vice president and head of retail – UK and Europe, TCS, said, “The fashion industry is continually modernising its entire value chain—from conceptualisation, to design, to production and retailing – with innovation-led initiatives to achieve environmental, social, and governance goals. We’re thrilled to support Primark’s mission to offer affordable fashion for everyone and its global vision for growth.”
TCS employs 23,000 people across the UK and Ireland, and its clients include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Sainsbury’s, Nationwide, M&S, Asda, and Boots.
More than 20,000 photographs from 30 countries considered for this year’s shortlist
Nominees feature stars including Chappell Roan, Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX, Doja Cat and Burna Boy
Fans can vote for Music Moment of the Year until 23 September on the MPA website
Exhibition of all 40 nominated works runs at London’s Outernet from 19–23 September
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 has unveiled its nominees, showcasing striking images of international stars including Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Doja Cat. After reviewing over 20,000 submissions across 30 countries, the competition brings to light the growing prestige of music photography, with new categories introduced this year and a London exhibition bringing the work to the public.
Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 reveals nominees with stunning shots of Charli XCX and Doja Cat Greg Noire/Instagram/abbeyroadmpa
What are the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards?
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards, launched in 2022, are the world’s only global competition dedicated to music photography. Hosted by the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, the awards recognise the creativity and cultural impact of photographers capturing artists on stage, behind the scenes, and within club culture.
For 2025, two new categories, Portrait and Festivals, have been added, alongside a special guest category focused on Club Culture. The judging panel includes renowned names such as Rankin, Nile Rodgers and actor Joe Keery.
Among the shortlisted works are dramatic live shots and intimate portraits of some of the biggest names in music.
Greg Noire’s image of Doja Cat performing in striking furry costumes
Pupat Chenaksara’s rain-soaked shot of Charli XCX on stage
Kirby Gladstein’s photograph of Lana Del Rey in a gothic black bridal ensemble
Jez Pennington’s muddy festival moment with Enter Shikari
Phoebe Fox’s powerful portrait of The Cure frontman Robert Smith
Other artists captured in the nominations include Chappell Roan, Tyler the Creator, The 1975, Maggie Rogers, Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Central Cee and Burna Boy.
The nominated works will be displayed at Outernet London’s Now Pop One venue from 19 to 23 September, giving fans the chance to view all 40 shortlisted images. The free exhibition offers an immersive experience in the capital’s entertainment district, located near Charing Cross Road.
Visitors can also vote for their favourite picture in the Music Moment of the Year category through interactive screens at the venue or online via the awards’ official website. Public voting closes on 23 September.
The winners of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 will be revealed at a ceremony on 2 October at Abbey Road Studios in London. Dutch filmmaker and photographer Anton Corbijn, known for his decades-long collaborations with U2 and Depeche Mode, will be honoured with the prestigious Icon Award at this year’s event.
Mark Robertson, Abbey Road’s Director of Marketing and Creative, praised the “incredibly gifted community of photographers” whose work, he said, proves that music photography is not just documentation but an art form that helps shape popular culture.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)
Trump says he will speak to Modi in the coming weeks amid trade talks
Modi calls US and India "close friends and natural partners"
Trade officials from both countries may restart meetings in September
US-India trade reached $129 billion in 2024 with a $45.8 billion US deficit
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said on Tuesday his administration is continuing negotiations to address trade barriers with India and that he would speak to prime minister Narendra Modi, indicating a possible reset after recent friction.
Trump said he looked forward to speaking to Modi in the "upcoming weeks" and expressed confidence that the two sides could reach an agreement.
"I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries," he said in a post on social media.
Modi responds with optimism
On Wednesday, Modi said Washington and New Delhi "are close friends and natural partners." He added that teams from both sides were working to conclude the trade discussions soon.
"I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people," Modi said in a social media post.
India's shares rose over 0.5 per cent after the remarks from both leaders.
Trade deal uncertainty
Trump had said for months that a trade deal was close, but later doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, raising doubts about the future of the U.S.-India relationship.
In recent weeks, Trump and top US officials criticised India for buying oil from Russia, saying New Delhi was funding the war in Ukraine, a charge India denies.
At the same time, Modi has engaged with China and Russia. He visited China last month for a summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and was also seen with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Analysts cautious
"While the social media statements by Trump and Modi signal a potential rapprochement between the U.S. and India, it is still premature to assume that a resolution will arrive swiftly," Madhavi Arora, economist at Emkay Global, said.
"With Trump, we will need to wait for more concrete signals that a deal is in the offing."
Meetings to restart in September
Trade officials from India and the US may meet in September to restart in-person discussions, CNBC-TV18 reported, citing sources. A US trade negotiators’ visit to New Delhi scheduled for August 25-29 was cancelled after talks stalled.
India's trade ministry declined to comment on reports of new meetings.
According to US Census Bureau data, two-way goods trade between the US and India reached $129 billion in 2024, with a $45.8 billion US trade deficit.
Tariffs and EU pressure
Trump recently said India had offered to reduce tariffs on US goods to zero but described the offer as late, saying the country should have acted earlier.
Reuters reported that Trump urged the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on China and India as part of pressure tactics against Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Indian officials in New Delhi said they do not expect the EU to take measures against India and that assurances had been given that EU trade talks would not be disrupted.
Nikon ZR is the company’s first dedicated cinema mirrorless camera.
Built with RED technology and offering internal .R3D RAW recording.
Compact, minimal design with a 4-inch, 1,000-nit LCD display.
Priced at £2,196 / €2,349, targeting entry-level filmmakers and RED users seeking a B-cam.
Nikon enters the cinema arena with RED partnership
Nikon has officially launched the ZR, its first cinema-focused mirrorless camera and the debut model in the new Z Cinema line. It marks a significant step for the company following its acquisition of RED, bringing REDCODE RAW technology into a compact, sub-£3,000 body.
Seventeen years after Nikon’s D90 became the first DSLR to shoot video, the ZR is a chance for the brand to reassert itself in a field now dominated by Sony and Canon.
Compact body with some compromises
The Nikon ZR adopts a cinema-style design distinct from the existing Z mirrorless range. The body is minimal, stripped of features such as an EVF, mode dial, and top display. Its shallow grip and reliance on rigging accessories reflect its intended use as a cinema tool.
Notable design points:
Connectivity: Micro HDMI port instead of full HDMI.
Storage: Dual card slots – CFexpress Type B and microSD – located inside the battery compartment.
Mounting: Only a bottom 1/4"-20 thread, requiring cages for expanded use.
4-inch, 1,000-nit LCD display
One of the standout features is the large, bright, vari-angle 4-inch touchscreen, which can replace the need for an external monitor in many scenarios. For solo shooters and creators, it simplifies setups and offsets the fragility of the micro HDMI port.
Refined menus and new UI tools
Nikon’s familiar menu system is retained, but the ZR adds:
A new quick-access shortcut for zebras, waveforms, peaking, and brightness controls.
Vertical shooting UI rotation.
In-camera LUT support, with a built-in Rec.709 profile and the ability to load custom .cube LUTs.
Missing features include anamorphic de-squeeze and false colour, though these could arrive in future firmware updates.
Sensor, stabilisation and Dual ISO
At its core, the ZR uses a 24.5MP partially-stacked full-frame CMOS sensor – the same as the Z6III. It records:
6K RAW up to 60fps (full-frame).
4K at 120fps (cropped).
The camera also features:
IBIS (in-body stabilisation) for handheld flexibility, even with adapted lenses.
Dual ISO at ISO 800 and ISO 6400 when recording in RED Log3G10.
Internal .R3D RAW recording
For the first time in a mirrorless body, Nikon offers REDCODE RAW recording, in a new variant called .R3D NE (Nikon Edition). This enables REDWideGamutRGB colour space and Log3G10 gamma metadata.
At launch, editing support is limited – .R3D NE files require REDCINE-X PRO, though wider NLE compatibility is expected. For broader workflows, the ZR also supports Apple ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes RAW, H.265, and H.264.
32-bit audio recording
The ZR includes 32-bit float internal audio, compatible with its built-in mic, 3.5mm input, or via the new hot-shoe with digital audio interface – a rare feature at this price point.
Lens mount versatility
The ZR uses the Nikon Z mount, which is highly adaptable thanks to its wide diameter and short flange distance. It supports:
Native Nikon Z lenses with advanced autofocus and customisable controls.
Adapted cinema, vintage or third-party lenses, including PL and Sony E.
Who is it for?
The ZR is aimed at two main groups:
Aspiring cinematographers: Affordable, compact and versatile for events, social media, and indie filmmaking. Offers room to grow with RED workflows.
Existing RED users: As a B-camera, it complements RED’s V-RAPTOR X or KOMODO-X by sharing .R3D workflows, Z mount lenses, and CFexpress media.
Price and availability
The Nikon ZR will begin shipping next month at £2,196 / €2,349 (excluding VAT).
INDIA must take an investor-centric approach to attract global funding for its growing sustainable infrastructure needs, the UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) said in a report released in London on Monday.
The UKIIFB, co-chaired by NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation, completed one year this week. The group was launched in September last year to help bridge the gap between global investor interest and infrastructure projects in India.
Over the past year, the steering board of the group has consulted on projects such as national highways and regional rapid transport in India. The result is a report with proposals and recommendations to improve investor confidence and financing.
“The transformative UK-India Infrastructure Bridge, jointly steered by India's visionary policy think-tank NITI Aayog and the historic City of London Corporation, is unlocking vast international capital for India's infrastructure revolution,” said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog and Co-Chair of the UKIIFB.
“This landmark partnership draws on India's unmatched capacity for high-growth, sustainable ventures and aligns it with the UK's proven skills in project finance and strategic execution,” he said.
“Together, we are crafting a robust framework to accelerate India's ambitious goals in smart cities, renewable energy, and connectivity,” he added.
Subrahmanyam said the collaboration under the UKIIFB strengthens India’s progress towards becoming a global economic power by combining domestic leadership with international cooperation.
The UKIIFB aims to build bilateral collaboration in project finance to meet India’s demand for sustainable infrastructure growth. Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation and Co-Chair of the UKIIFB, said the initiative plays a “vital role” in mobilising capital for India’s critical infrastructure.
“This report makes a powerful case for action, outlining practical steps to make Indian infrastructure projects more attractive to global investors,” said Hayward, as he released the one-year report with Subrahmanyam.
“At its heart, the findings highlight a clear truth: international investors need clarity, confidence, and consistency – and India's growth ambitions deserve a financing model that matches their scale,” he said.
The report notes that India’s infrastructure demand is being driven by rapid urbanisation and a growing middle class. It adds that the target of USD 4.5 trillion investment in infrastructure by 2030 cannot be achieved through domestic investment alone.
For its second year, the UKIIFB has set out key proposals, including adopting an investor-centric approach to align with global investor priorities on risk, value and returns. It also calls for measures to address outdated perceptions of India’s infrastructure sector.
Other recommendations include aligning with global standards, enhancing transparency and risk management to build investor confidence, and creating a supportive environment for infrastructure development by fostering partnerships with local industry.
The City of London Corporation, the governing body of London’s financial district, leads the UK side of the partnership. The UKIIFB was launched as part of the UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) and is supported by a steering committee with members from the UK Treasury, construction, engineering and legal firms from both countries.
In its first year, the committee was tasked with advising policymakers on removing barriers to international private sector investment in Indian infrastructure and helping projects reach the stage where they are ready to attract investment.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Sitting at the centre of a long table, Trump was flanked by First Lady Melania Trump and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on one side, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on the other. (Photo: Getty Images)
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump praised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Google CEO Sundar Pichai during a White House dinner with top technology executives on Thursday. The two Indian-American leaders thanked him for his leadership and for policies in the technology and AI sectors.
Trump described the gathering as a “high IQ group,” calling the executives “the most brilliant people.” Sitting at the centre of a long table, Trump was flanked by First Lady Melania Trump and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on one side, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on the other. Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook sat across from him, while Nadella was seated toward one end of the table.
“It’s an honour to be here with this group of people. They’re leading a revolution in business and in genius and in every other work you can imagine,” Trump said.
After his remarks, Trump invited the technology leaders to share their thoughts.
Pichai said the “AI moment is one of the most transformative moments any of us have ever seen or will see in our lifetimes. So making sure the US is at the forefront.” He called the White House’s “AI Action Plan,” announced in July, a “great start.”
“We look forward to working together. And thanks for your leadership,” Pichai told Trump. “Great job you’re doing. Incredible, really,” Trump replied.
Turning to Nadella, Trump said the Microsoft chief “has done a pretty good job” and pointed to Microsoft stock rising from USD 28 to over USD 500. “What a job you’ve done,” Trump said.
Nadella thanked Trump “for bringing us all together” and for policies that support US leadership in technology. He added that market access and global trust in American technology were key.
“I think that everything that you are doing in terms of setting in place the platform where the rest of the world can not only use our technology, but trust our technology more than any other alternative, is perhaps the most important issue, and you and your policies are really helping a lot,” Nadella said.
Nadella also thanked the First Lady for hosting a discussion on AI and economic opportunity. Trump responded: “A really amazing job you’ve done.”
Earlier in the day, Melania Trump hosted a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education, joined by Pichai, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and other industry leaders.
Speaking after Nadella, Gates said he is now in the second phase of his career, “giving away all the wonderful money that Satya’s good work has helped multiply a lot,” drawing laughter from Trump.
During the dinner, Trump asked Pichai about Google’s investment plans. Pichai said the company would invest USD 250 billion in the US over the next two years. “It’s great. We are proud of you. A lot of jobs,” Trump responded.
Trump also asked Nadella about Microsoft’s investment. Nadella said the company invests about USD 75–80 billion each year in the US. “Very good, thank you very much,” Trump said.
Responding to media questions at the event, Trump repeated his claim that he had “settled” seven wars, without naming them. He added that three of those wars had lasted 31, 34 and 37 years. Trump also said he would soon speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding, “We are having a very good dialogue.”
Other attendees included Google co-founder Sergey Brin, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Oracle CEO Safra Catz.