eNews
Spelling B: ‘Batman’ to help you study
MUMBAI: Now, the caped crusader will help you in your studies. Spelling, adding, problem solving, among other activities, will be more fun for kids, in the six to eight year age group, with Batman.
Because American electronics company VTech, which creates Electronic Learning Products (ELP), is coming to Gotham City with a new VSmile game Smartridge.
This is based on The Batman, the animated series, from Warner Bros Animation.
VTech signed a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Comics to feature the Caped Crusader in a VSmile Smartridge for use with VTech’s award-winning VSmile TV Learning System and VSmile Pocket.
With Batman as their guide, children will engage in various fun, developmental activities that immerse them in a complete video game experience, while practicing the subjects they’re learning in school, including spelling, reading, math and problem solving.
VTech Electronics North America president William To says, “VTech is committed to creating electronic learning products that engage, educate and entertain children. Batman is a character that kids aspire to be. He is a self-made super hero whose attributes are a perfect fit with our product features and goals.”
VTech’s product puts kids in the middle of the action in Gotham City as Batman uses his unique combination of intelligence, technology and gadgetry to fight crime.
The VSmile TV Learning System combines a video game platform and educational content in a system that connects directly to the TV. Children navigate each game by using a handheld joystick with oversized buttons.
Building on last year’s successful debut of the award-winning VSmile TV Learning System, VTech recently announced the addition of the VSmile Pocket and 15 new Smartridges to the VSmile library for 2005.
VSmile Pocket, a handheld educational video game system for children aged 5+, offers high definition video gaming in an easy-to-hold, portable system.
The VSmile Smartridge library, has 25 titles and is compatible with both the VSmile TV Learning System and the VSmile Pocket.
eNews
India strengthens global enforcement to crack down on smuggling
CBIC ramps up tech-driven inspections and international partnerships to stop illicit trade
NEW DELHI: India is ramping up its battle against cross-border smuggling, with 42 Mutual Customs Cooperation Agreements already in place and 21 more in the pipeline with major trading partners, said Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Speaking at Ficci Cascade’s 5th Anti-Smuggling Day, Singh described smuggling as a sophisticated, technology-fuelled crime that threatens both the economy and national security.
“CBIC’s customs teams and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are stepping up efforts. In just the first three quarters of this year, we seized around 500 kilograms of gold, nearly 150 million illicit cigarettes, over 20 tonnes of red sanders, and substantial quantities of cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and cannabis. We also uncovered more than 100 wildlife trafficking cases, along with illegal arms, drones and counterfeit currency,” said CBIC member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Singh added that modern smuggling networks are flexible and tech-savvy, mixing old-school concealment with digital anonymity and complex financial schemes. “We are moving from simply intercepting shipments to dismantling the networks behind them. Advanced cargo screening, AI-driven analytics and risk-based inspections help us stop illegal goods before they hit the domestic market,” said CBIC member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Highlighting recent Union Budget initiatives, Singh noted that AI-powered image analysis and expanded container scanning will further boost enforcement, while GST simplification and customs reforms make legal trade easier and illicit trade harder.
Emphasising the need for global collaboration, Anil Rajput said, “Ficci Cascade, chairman, Anil Rajput, Strong partnerships, intelligence sharing and coordinated action are key. An International Anti-Smuggling Day recognised by the United Nations could give this fight a worldwide platform, and India is ready to lead.”
P C Jha added, “Ficci Cascade, advisor, P C Jha, Anti-Smuggling Day is more than a symbolic event. Smuggling thrives on organised networks and digital platforms. Effective enforcement must dismantle these networks and the financial flows that sustain them.”
Ficci Cascade research shows the economic impact is huge. A 2024 study estimates India’s illicit market at nearly Rs 8 lakh crore in 2022–23, with millions of legitimate jobs lost to unlawful trade.
The event featured two expert panels. The first focused on protecting the economy and borders through coordinated intelligence and technology, while the second explored international partnerships with representatives from Undoc, US Customs and the Indian enforcement community.
The day also celebrated young talent through the “Stand Against Smuggling” digital art competition, which drew over 10,000 entries nationwide, highlighting growing awareness and civic responsibility among youth.
Launched in 2022, Anti-Smuggling Day has quickly become a major platform for government, industry, international bodies and civil society to unite against illicit trade.
