Toyota Kirloskar Motor Inaugurates Its 20th Center Of Excellence At Udupi, Karnataka

* Continues its contribution to “Skill India Mission” by opening the Center of Excellence at Udupi

Emphasizing its commitment towards the creation of a world-class skill pool including nurturing a mind-set for excellence in quality, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the setting up of a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Nitte Mahalinga Adyantaya Memorial Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Udupi, its 20th CoE in the State of Karnataka. Aimed at offering the students hands on experience about engines and powertrains and its functioning, the center will also provide the students with the opportunity to learn about advanced technologies and its applications thereby providing the much-needed practical exposure and knowledge enhancement.

The inauguration was graced by Shri. N. Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor,  Dr. M.S Moodithaya, Pro- Vice Chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University) and Dr. Niranjan N. Chiplunkar, Principal, NMAMIT and Mr. Sudeep S Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director & Chief Communication Officer, TKM along with other senior officials.

Drawing inspiration from Toyota’s aim of enhancing skill-levels of students and provide trained and competent work force for the automotive industry through holistic learning, the institute will have a robust curriculum to impart high quality skill education, by providing expert trainers, facilities, and equipment. The CoE set up within the campus will feature a Toyota engine, transmission, and powertrain as cut section and do-it-yourself models.

Commenting on Toyota’s support in developing world-class infrastructure and skill programs, Shri. N. Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University) said, “The initiative of Toyota of bridging the gap between industry and academia by providing hands-on experience is highly commendable. A collaboration between a corporate like Toyota and an institute like NMAMIT would be mutually beneficial as both organisations can contribute to the development of newer technologies understanding the current industrial needs. I would like to congratulate Toyota Kirloskar Motor for taking such an initiative to make the current engineering students industry-ready. Nitte management is happy to extend all the support in further strengthening of this collaboration.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sudeep S Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director & Chief Communication Officer, TKM said, “As an organization, we understand the emerging skill landscape and the gaps that exist in the formal training. Through this initiative our efforts are to plug the skill gap in the most practical way by giving hands on experience, which in turn will ensure the availability of skilled engineering resources to cater to the needs of the growing auto industry. In addition, the Center of Excellence will aim to foster experiential learning so that students can develop a better understanding of concepts and advanced technologies. We are happy to collaborate with NMAMIT and we hope that through this initiative we can create more learning opportunities for the students.”

Over its 25 years of existence in In India, TKM has been passionate about creating a scalable and sustainable skill initiatives focused to bridge the gap underlying India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector with evolving technologies and skilled manpower. These efforts also will ensure contribution to the country’s vision of achieving self-reliance through ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’. The company had last year announced Phase II of Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) which involved major enhancement of skilling infrastructure, with a goal to skill a larger number of students from rural backgrounds in advanced automotive technologies, thereby making them industry ready and employable.

Manish Patil Joins As ONGC New Director For Human Resource

Manish Patil has joined as the Director (Human Resource) of the Energy Maharatna Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC). He took over the charge of the post of Director (HR) of India’s largest energy company on May 5, 2023. 

A Mechanical Engineer from the Government Engineering College, Raipur, Mr Patil also holds an Executive MBA degree from the University of Ljubljana, an Advanced Diploma in Cyber Laws from Government Law College, apart from a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management (HRM).

Mr Patil is a thorough energy professional having worked across locations and functions with the downstream Maharatna and Fortune 500 energy Company, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil). He brings with him, rich and varied experience of over three decades, spanning Operations & Supplies, Information Systems and Management Services in HR. Mr Patil’s key profiles include being the Regional HR Head at IndianOil’s Northern Regional Office, followed by a fruitful stint as the Head of Institutional Business in the Southern Region. He has also served as an Executive Director of HR & CSR at IndianOil’s Corporate Office.

Mr Manish Patil’s extensive experience in the midstream and downstream sector will be an asset to the ONGC. Sharing his thoughts after taking over as Director (HR), ONGC, he said, “I look forward to contributing to the Company’s growth and transformation and leverage the rich talent pool of Team ONGC. These are exciting times for the energy sector and I am eager to work alongside 26,000 plus energy soldiers of ONGC in the country.”

University of Southern California Launches $1B-Plus Initiative For Computing - AI, Advanced Computation And Quantum Computing

* With an aggressive recruitment and fundraising effort, USC President Carol L. Folt launches the single largest comprehensive academic initiative in the university’s history: Frontiers of Computing. The initiative integrates computing throughout education and research to enhance digital literacy for all students as the university aims to hold its lead as a top provider of tech professionals.

USC President Carol L. Folt on Thursday announced a $1 billion-plus initiative for computing research and education across disciplines, with a focus on AI, machine learning and data science, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, gaming and block chain.

“I want every student who comes through our programs, whether they are in science, business, the humanities or the arts, to have a solid grounding in technology and the ethics of the work that they do,” Carol L. Folt, USC President said. “We will integrate digital literacy across disciplines to create responsible leaders for the workforce of the future.”

Seeded with a $260 million gift from the Lord Foundation of California, USC Frontiers of Computing encompasses a multipronged effort to push the boundaries of computing into a new era:

*   A new school: The USC School of Advanced Computing headquartered in a seven-story, 116,000 square-foot facility, the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall. The building, now under construction, will formally open in fall 2024.

* Recruitment: Hiring 30 new faculty in the first three years who are leaders in computer science and computing-based research, with 60 additional hires by 2030. The new faculty members will hold appointments in multiple schools at USC in recognition that computational methods, particularly AI, are transforming the way people live and work.

* Economic impact: USC Frontiers of Computing will bolster the university's influence on technology across various industries and expand its footprint in Silicon Beach on L.A.’s West side, which already is home to two of USC’s tech incubators, the Information Sciences Institute and Institute for Creative Technologies. (USC currently has a $9 billion economic footprint in the L.A. area, according to a study in 2017, and its impact is expanding to the East Coast. It recently opened the USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C.)

* Education: The initiative will broadly integrate computing across multiple disciplines and academic programs. USC aims to prepare students for a more tech-intensive world of work, spark new technological advances and shape responsible policy through new programs and course offerings, as well as through experiential education.

* bEthics: USC is instilling a culture of responsibility and conscience among students, faculty and its broader community across academic programs and research that will influence application, development, policy and research, says Ishwar K. Puri, senior vice president for research and innovation. The new Center for Generative A.I. and Society is prominent within the initiative’s ethics endeavor. The recently opened center draws together experts from across the university to navigate difficult discussions about ethics and responsibility and generative A.I.

Ishwar K. Puri, USC Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation said “This endeavor is a tremendous opportunity to apply new computing tools to accelerate and expand the impact of scientific discovery. It is not only the ability to solve problems that sets this apart, but the speed with which it can be done.”

USC leaders began developing Frontiers of Computing three years ago, before the recent rise of artificial intelligence and generative A.I.  USC already is the leading provider of tech talent for the nation. More than 1,300 students per year graduate with bachelor’s, master’s and PhDs in computer science.

“We all know the world is changing very fast right now,” Folt said. “We need to take that momentum of change — and couple it with USC’s history of innovation — to create what has never been done before. And we’re going to do it.” 

L&T Technology Services’ 6th Edition Of Engineering Hackathon TECHgium® Sees Record Participation

* Over 31,000 student registrations, 481 engineering colleges participated

TECHgium®, the popular academia-industry engineering innovation hackathon hosted by L&T Technology Services (LTTS), concluded its sixth edition on Thursday. More than 31,000 students registered from 481 engineering institutes across the country in the annual technology competition held at LTTS' Mysore campus.

TECHgium® is India’s largest innovation platform for engineering students with a prize money of INR 20 Lakhs with the top winner taking away INR 10 Lakhs. The two-day event focused on the themes of Sustainability, UAVs, medical diagnostics, compute vision, analytics, EVs and EV infrastructure, and wireless transmission. It aims at encouraging aspiring engineers to gain exposure to real-world problem statements and showcase their innovative ideas and solutions to address industry challenge statements.

Participants went through a rigorous process that lasted 9 months during which students were mentored by technical and subject matter experts from LTTS. After multiple rounds of evaluation and ideation, leading to the evolution of proofs-of-concept (PoCs), the final 25 engineering teams were shortlisted. The finalists exhibited and presented their working prototypes to a jury comprising industry veterans, academicians, and analysts who then shortlisted the top 3 winners of TECHgium®.

This year's TECHgium® saw the finalists presenting PoCs on a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including bio-composite material using alginate, autonomous warehouse robots, plug-in kit for ready charging, X-Ray based artifact detection and removal, and early detection of muscle cramps using Electromyography, among others.

Speaking about the 6th edition of TECHgium®, Abhishek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer & Board Member of L&T Technology Services, said, "TECHgium® provides an opportunity for aspiring young engineers to exchange ideas and collaborate. This year the event is all the more special since it was held at our Mysore campus, one of LTTS’ oldest campuses and a hub for engineering innovation. It is encouraging to see the level of enthusiasm and creativity displayed by young engineering minds. LTTS is proud to play a role in shaping the future of the nation with such innovative and out-of-the-box thinking.”

The team from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune was declared the winners of the 6th edition of TECHgium® 2023, for creating an Alginate based Bioplastic for food packaging application. The first runner-up was students from Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore for developing a plug-in kit for ready charging, while students from IIT Guwahati were adjudged the second runner-up for their solution on Electro-mechanical charging device for TPMS. There was also a special jury prize awarded to Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore for engineering an Autonomous Warehouse Robot.

TECHgium® has been a popular forum among students and faculty of engineering institutes across the country since its inception in 2016.  For more information on TECHgium® and future competitions, visit the official website at https://ltts.techgium.com/

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) is a listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited focused on Engineering and R&D (ER&D) services. We offer consultancy, design, development and testing services across the product and process development life cycle. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 of the world’s top ER&D companies, across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and the process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 22,200 employees spread across 22 global design centers, 28 global sales offices and 99 innovation labs as of March 31, 2023. For more information,  visit https://www.LTTS.com/ 

10K Tiago.Evs Delivered In Less Than Four Months Across India

* Tata Motors’ First Electric Hatch Becomes The Fastest EV To Achieve This Delivery Milestone

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer, today announced the achievement of the 10K delivery mark for the Tiago.ev, making it the Fastest EV to achieve this milestone in less than four months. This announcement comes shortly after the Tiago.ev became the ‘Fastest Booked EV in India’, receiving 10K bookings in just 24 hours and 20K bookings by December 2022.

Living up to its promise of democratizing the EV driving experience and spreading the quest for safe, clean and green mobility, the Tiago.ev has successfully made its way to 491 cities, covering a total of 11.2 million kms and saving 1.6 million grams of CO2 from emitting into the atmosphere. The Tiago.ev has not only become a segment disrupter that offers premium-ness, safety and technology features and an eco-friendly footprint but it is also a fun electric trendsetter that provides its users with a superior driving experience.

Tiago.ev owners have embarked on longer, intercity trips with their car, proving the confidence and the reliability it provides to them.  More than 1200 Tiago.evs have each been driven over 3000 kms with 600+ cars having each clocked 4000+ kms on Indian roads – a strong testament on the superiority of the product. The DC fast charging availability which can add 110kms of range in just 30mins makes these long journeys even more convenient. Furthermore, the low cost of ownership acts as an added advantage to the whole package. With almost 90% of the charging being done at home, all customers put together have already saved over INR 7 crore when compared to the running cost of ICE cars.

Commenting on this remarkable journey, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Head, Marketing, Sales and Service Strategy, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Tiago.ev since its launch has been creating milestones. From becoming the ‘Fastest Booked EV in India’ to becoming the fastest EV in India to achieve the 10K delivery mark, this electric hatch has left no stones unturned. The Tiago.ev was launched with an aim to democratize the EV experience. It was a result of our ambition to fast forward the ongoing evolution towards the future of mobility by introducing a car that would encourage rapid adoption of EVs. And, we are so happy to see our vision realise as 10K families said yes to Go.ev with the Tiago.ev. The trust in our offering is evident from the healthy demand the product witnesses, especially amongst young, career starting customers, who are well exposed to the recent developments in tech. Latest trends also showcase the affinity of young women drivers towards our car for the ease of driving it provides.”

“We would like to thank our customers as they are our biggest strength and the backbone of our EV community. Their constant support and trust has made us the leaders in this space and we promise to keep putting our best foot forward to make this community stronger going ahead.”

Based on the high-voltage state of the art, Ziptron technology, the Tiago.ev stands strong on 5 key pillars – Performance, Technology, Reliability, Charging and Comfort. It offers a digital drive, an ultimate customized driving experience with multi-mode regen, and two drive modes – City & Sport. The Tiago.ev has been particularly appreciated for its premium and convenient features such as the fully automatic climate control as standard, projector headlamps, cruise control, electric ORVMs with auto fold, Auto Headlamps and Rain Sensing Wipers, among others – features that are usually reserved for higher segment cars.

Boasting of multiple connected features as well, the Tiago.ev is the first in its category to offer telematics as standard feature on all trims. The ZConnect app offers 45 connected car features which include Remote AC ON/OFF with temperature setting, Remote geo fencing & car location tracking, Smart watch connectivity, Remote vehicle health diagnostics, Real-time charge status, Dynamic charger locator, Driving Style analytics amongst others. In addition to the above, customers will also enjoy an 8-speaker Harman Infotainment System with Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity.

The Tiago.ev is offered in various combinations of IP67 rated battery packs (water and dust resistant) and charging options including a 24kWh battery pack, delivering a Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) range of 315km for longer daily driving needs and a 19.2kWh battery pack for short and frequent trips, delivering an MIDC range of 257km. Keeping all stress at bay, the liquid cooled battery and motor also come with best in class warranty of 8 years or on completion of 160,000 kms.

Moreover, offering easy charging options, the Tiago.ev comes with 4 different charging solutions:

·       A 15A plug point for hassle free - anywhere anytime- charging

·       A standard 3.3kW AC charger

·       A 7.2kW AC home fast charger which can add 35kms range with just 30min of charging. It also aids full charging of the vehicle (from 10% - 100%) in 3 hr 36 mins

·       DC fast charging which can add 110kms of range with just 30mins of charging and can charge 10%- 80% in just 57 mins

For more detailed information on the product, visit – Tiagoev.tatamotors.com

Nexus Select Trust To Launch India's First Retail REIT IPO On May 9

 

* Nexus Select Trust REIT IPO's price band has been announced in the range of Rs 95–100 per unit.

Blackstone-backed Nexus Select Trust REIT Ltd's initial public offer will open for subscription on Tuesday, May 9, and close on Thursday, May 11 The company has fixed a price band of Rs 95–100 per unit. The bidding for anchor investors will open on May 8, 2023.

The public issue comprises fresh issuance of units aggregating up to Rs 1,400 crore and an offer for sale of units by the selling unitholders aggregating up to Rs 1,800 crore. The company had earlier planned to raise around Rs 4,000 crore through the initial share sale. The company aims to use the net proceeds towards partial or full repayment or prepayment and redemption of certain financial financial indebtedness of the asset special purpose vehicles and the investment entity; acquisition of stake and redemption of debt securities in certain asset SPVs; and general purposes, it said in its draft red herring prospectus.

The company is expected to be the first publicly listed consumption centre REIT, making it the first REIT retail asset offering in India. The current REITs—Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT and Brookfield India Real Estate Trust—listed on stock exchanges are all backed by office assets.

REITs aim to attract investment in the real estate sector by monetising and unlocking the value of the rent-yielding assets. Nexus Select Trust has a portfolio of 17 operational shopping malls in several cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai and Pune, covering an area of 9.8 million square feet.

Its portfolio of assets comprises 17 Grade A urban consumption centres with a total leasable area of 9.2 million sq. ft., two hotel assets and three office assets as of Dec. 31, 2022. The REIT counts Delhi's prominent Select Citywalk mall in its portfolio. The company's net loss narrowed to Rs 10.9 crore in fiscal 2022 in comparison with Rs 199 crore in fiscal 2021, while its revenue from operations rose to Rs 1,318 crore against Rs 906.9 crore. 

Wynford Investments Ltd., a portfolio company of Blackstone Funds, is the sponsor of Nexus Select Trust and Nexus Select Mall Management Pvt. is the manager. Axis Capital, IIFL Securities, Morgan Stanley, and BofA Securities India are among the book-running lead managers to the IPO.

Shares of Nexus Select Trust are expected to debut on the BSE and the NSE on May 19.

Sony Launches All New BRAVIA XR A80L OLED Series For A New Dimension Of Ultimate Picture And Sound

1.    Next Gen Cognitive Processor XR – Made to Entertain, providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favorite content

2.    Feel more depth and texture with pure blacks and peak brightness with XR OLED Contrast Pro

3.    With the latest XR 4K Upscaling, XR Clear image and XR OLED Motion technology enjoy 4K action that stays smooth, bright, and clear with no blur

4.    Packed with Triluminos Pro technology that delivers natural shades in every detail and the X-wide angle offers beautiful colors from any direction

5.    Enjoy superfluid Google TV user interface with handsfree voice search offering endless entertainment through 10,000+ Apps & games along with 700,000+ Movies and TV series. It also works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay2 and HomeKit

6.    A high impact gaming television, offering best-in-class gaming experience with Auto Genre Picture Mode and Auto HDR Tone mapping features along with HDMI 2.1 compatibility, 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

7.    With Handsfree voice search feature, you can interact with the TV to play your favorite shows and movies

8.    With A80L, Game Menu feature allows you easily access gaming status, settings and gaming assist functions all in one place

9.    A80L series now comes with BRAVIA CORE, to enjoy the largest collection of IMAX enhanced movies with highest quality Pure Stream™ upto 80mbps

10.  Explore an array of fun new TV experiences with BRAVIA CAM including gesture controls, ambient optimization and Google meet etc.

11.  Create your own cinema at home with exceptional visual and audio experience with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode

12.  Enjoy picture and sound in complete harmony as screen is the speaker with Acoustic Surface Audio+ and XR Surround with 3D surround upscaling 

13.  Supreme pictures and sound in every environment with Ambient optimization, Light sensor and Acoustic auto calibration technology

14.  A80L series is designed to perform in the toughest conditions with the XR protection PRO

15.  Easily immerse yourself into the picture with the minimum ‘One Slate’ design and the ‘Metal Flush Surface’ bezel

16.  Designed with the environment in mind

Sony India today announced the new BRAVIA XR A80L OLED series powered by the Cognitive Processor XR. The newly launched OLED TV series takes vision and sound to the next level with the ingenious Cognitive Processor XR that thinks like a human brain offering a complete immersion in an experience that thrills and moves you and feels just like the world around us. In addition to best-in-class, ultra-realistic picture quality, full of lifelike contrast, the new Cognitive Processor XR also offers incredible sound with Sound-from-Picture reality.

1.    Next Gen Cognitive Processor XR thinks like a human brain providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favorite content

The new BRAVIA XR OLED A80L series will be available in 210 cm (83), 195 cm (77), 164 cm (65) and 139 cm (55) screen size. The revolutionary processor on Using cognitive intelligence, Cognitive Processor XR™ enables your BRAVIA XR TV to reproduce pictures and sound in the same way you see and hear them in the real world for an incredibly lifelike experience. It understands how the human eye focuses, cross analyzing images to give real life depth, extraordinary contrast and beautifully vivid colors. Thanks to the unique Cognitive Processor XR™, your favorite content is recreated in a way that is so real that you can feel it. Whatever you are watching, will be upscaled close to 4K quality by the XR Processor XR™. Enjoy striking contrast on the OLED screen that's expertly controlled by the unique technology to deliver real life depth and pure blacks in every scene.

2.    Feel more depth and texture with pure blacks and dazzling light with XR OLED Contrast Pro

Graphic showing angled images of the high luminance panel and temperature distribution mapping on the left, and an angled image of a BRAVIA screen full of colour on the rightThe A80L series has XR OLED Contrast Pro which boosts colour and contrast in bright areas for exceptionally realistic pictures defined by absolute pure blacks and peak brightness. With a temperature sensor and high luminance panel, this OLED TV utilizes our Cognitive Processor XR™ to detect screen temperature and precisely control light so pixels in bright areas are illuminated simultaneously.

3.    Image of woman on skateboard at skate parkSplit screen of cat's head with right side showing the extra detail after XR 4K UpscalingWith the latest XR 4K Upscaling, XR Clear image and XR OLED Motion technology enjoy 4K action Split screen of bird in flight with right side showing how XR Clear Image reduces blur in fast-moving wingsthat stays smooth, bright and clear with no blur

The A80L series encompasses XR 4K upscaling technology so that you can enjoy entertainment close to 4K quality, whatever the content or source. The Cognitive Processor XR™ accesses a vast amount of data, intelligently recreating lost textures and detail for real world pictures. XR Clear image reduces noise utlilising zone division and dynamic frame analysis and minimizes blur. With OLED XR Motion Clarity technology powered by the Cognitive Processor XR™, the A80L series combats blur by detecting and cross analyzing key visual elements on successive frames. It creates and inserts extra frames between the original ones so you can enjoy smooth and clear action, even in fast-moving sequences.

4.    A80L has XR Triluminos Pro which delivers natural shades in every detail and the X-wide angle offers beautiful colors from any direction

Split screen showing two candle-shaped cones of colour, a smaller one on the left and a larger one on the right with the enhanced colours and textures of XR Triluminos ProSplit screen image showing detail on BRAVIA screen when watching from the front and the side

Powered by our Cognitive Processor XR™, XR Triluminos Pro enables A80L access over a billion colours and reproduce each one with the subtle differences seen in the real world. Together with our wide colour gamut panel and human-centric processor, it can detect colour from saturation, hue and brightness to deliver natural shades in every detail. With X-Wide Angle, watching televisions from the sides is now as satisfying as from the centre. This OLED panel keeps colours consistent and true, wherever you're watching.

5.    Enjoy superfluid Google TV user interface with handsfree voice search offering endless entertainment through 10,000+ Apps & games along with 700,000+ Movies and TV series. It also works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay2 and HomeKit

With new BRAVIA A80L series, download 10,000+apps, see 700,000+ movies and TV episodes, plus live TV, all in one place. Google TV brings everyone’s favourite content from across apps and subscriptions and organizes them. Searching is easy- just ask Google. Try saying, “Hey Google, find action movies” to search across apps. Customers can easily find something to watch with personalized recommendations and bookmark shows and movies by adding a watchlist from phone or laptop with Google Search and find everything in one place. BRAVIA A80L also supports Apple Home Kit and AirPlay that seamlessly integrates Apple devices like iPads and iPhones with the TV for effortless content streaming.

6.    With Handsfree voice search feature, you can interact with the TV to play your favorite shows and movies

Find your favorite content faster than ever using the power of your voice, no remote required. With hands-free voice control built into A80L OLED, forget the complicated navigation or tiresome typing, you can set aside the remote and just use your voice to search for entertainment, get answers, and control the TV and smart home devices. All you need is to say, “OK Google, turn on the TV” or “OK Google, what should I watch?” and see it happening.

7.   A high impact gaming television, offering best-in-class gaming experience with Auto Genre Picture Mode and Auto HDR Tone mapping features along with HDMI 2.1 compatibility, 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

Bring gaming to life like never before as A80L series is loaded with exclusive gaming features such as Game Menu, Auto Genre Picture Mode, Auto HDR Tone mapping supported by HDMI 2.1 compatibility, 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) offering jaw dropping graphics, awe-inspiring scenes and atmospheric sound. Auto Genre Picture Mode in A80L automatically switches into Game Mode with PS5™ to minimise lag and maximise responsiveness. It switches back to standard mode when watching movies for more expressive scenes. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping instantly optimises HDR settings during your PS5™ initial setup. Even in dark shadow and bright highlights, one can see fine details and true colour. With 4K/120fps, a Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, this television gives you ultra-smooth experience and clear movement for responsive gameplay.

With A80L, Game Menu feature allows you easily access gaming status, settings and gaming assist functions all in one place

The A80L series include an easy-to-use Game Menu where gamers can tailor their settings to their preferences, such as turning on or off VRR or Motion Blur Reduction with quick access. The Game Menu also allows users to increase the brightness in dark areas to easily spot objects and opponents with the black equalizer and can easily take aim on their opponents with six types of crosshairs. New this year is the ability to customize the size of the screen with the screen size feature to concentrate gaming with a smaller, focused screen.

8.    A80L series comes with BRAVIA CORE, to enjoy the largest collection of IMAX enhanced movies with highest quality Pure Stream™ upto 80mbps

The BRAVIA Core app is a pre-loaded movie service that allows for redemption of 10 current releases and classic blockbusters films with unlimited streaming of top movies upto 24 months. It gives you access to a large library of Sony Picture’s movies available to stream in near 4K Blu-ray technology. With BRAVIA A80L experience Pure Stream™, the highest streaming picture quality and access the largest collection of IMAX® Enhanced movies, everything you watch is delivered with stunning visuals and expressive sound quality. With the BRAVIA CORE Calibrated mode, your movie will automatically adjust to the optimal picture settings to create a truly exceptional at-home movie viewing experience.

Explore an array of fun new TV experiences with BRAVIA CAM including gesture controls, ambient optimization, and Google meet etc

Connect your BRAVIA XR A80L OLED TV with BRAVIA CAM (sold separately) for an even more immersive viewing experience. BRAVIA CAM recognizes where you are in the room and how far you are from the TV, then adjusts sound and picture settings so they're just right. You can also enjoy an array of fun new TV experiences with BRAVIA CAM including gesture controls, you can also catch up with your friends and family on the big screen via google meet feature. Detecting the distance between you and your TV, BRAVIA CAM adjusts TV brightness, so you can always enjoy perfect picture quality, no matter where you are in the room. A light and color sensor in the TV optimizes pictures to light conditions for the best possible viewing experience.

Create your own cinema at home with exceptional visual and audio experience with BRAVIA XR technology, Pure Stream™ and IMAX Enhanced

For the ultimate in picture quality, the A80L pairs the brilliance of 4K clarity with the brightness, color, and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR). With IMAX Enhanced this TV reproduces all the drama and excitement of the director’s imagination.

Enjoy picture and sound in complete harmony as screen is the speaker with Acoustic Surface Audio+ and XR Surround with 3D surround upscaling 

Split screen of a guitarist with left image showing how a conventional TV emits sound from beneath the screen and right image showing how a BRAVIA with Acoustic Surface Audio+ emits sound from the guitarist for more realism

With the new A80L, experience improved pictures and sound harmony. Under the XR Sound Position, the sound comes directly from the screen with Acoustic Surface Audio?™. Triple actuators behind the TV vibrate to create acoustics that move with the picture. The TV includes three actuators and two subwoofers, out of which two of the actuators are dedicated to treble, strengthening sound localization and surround sound. Two actuators on the sides also improve high frequency sound with clear and natural dialogue. Left and right subwoofers boost bass for immersive sound at home. With BRAVIA XR™, everything you watch gets the true surround sound treatment. XR Surround virtually creates surround sound from the sides and vertically using just the TV speakers, so you can experience 3D audio without the need for in-ceiling or up-firing speakers.

Supreme pictures and sound in every environment with Ambient optimization, Light sensor, and Acoustic auto calibration technology

The A80L with ambient optimization technology with light sensor automatically adjusts the picture brightness to room conditions, boosting brightness in light rooms and reducing it in dark ones so you get the perfect view. The unique ambient optimization technology with light sensor automatically adjusts picture and sound to your environment. The acoustic auto calibration technology detects your position and optimizes sound, so you can enjoy the same sound quality as if you are sitting right in front of the TV. Sound can change depending on your room environment. The OLED series also includes a light sensor that optimizes picture brightness to room conditions, boosting brightness in light rooms and reducing it in dark ones so you get the perfect view.

A80L series is designed to perform in the toughest conditions with the XR protection PRO

X-Protection PRO logosNew A80L OLED series built with the new and improved X-Protection PRO technology is made to last. Not only these televisions are equipped with superior dust and humidity protection as they also pass the highest standards of Sony's lightning tests, meaning your TV is safeguarded from lightning strikes and power surges. Keep enjoying seamless entertainment with a TV that lasts longer

Easily immerse yourself into the picture with the minimum ‘One Slate’ design and the ‘Metal Flush Surface’ bezel

The Minimalist one slate design with metal flush surface embraces the screen in a single pane of glass that’s naturally elegant and keeps viewers focused on the picture without distraction. A 3-way stand gives you the choice of a standard setting that focuses you on the picture, narrow setting for smaller shelves and soundbar setting for ideal positioning of your sound system. The stand is a new design with a diamond-shaped cross-section, which makes the appearance even thinner and lighter.

Designed with the environment in mind

The growing demand for ever larger TV screens comes with greater resource and energy use. Sony’s sustainability commitments are realizing efficiency gains from product development right through to watching TV. Keeping its commitment to decreasing plastic usage through its Road to Zero initiative. To reduce environmental impact, Sony is working on multiple aspects of the product life cycle, such as reduction of virgin plastic use, improvement of transportation efficiency, and reviewing energy consumption during use. Additionally, the new Eco Dashboard included on all 2023 models allows users to easily customize energy saving preferences and settings.

This will be available across all Sony Centers, major electronic stores and e-commerce portals in India.

As a part of the introductory offer, customers can now upgrade to their television viewing experience to new BRAVIA XR 65A80L OLED and avail an instant cashback of up to Rs.12,500/-. Apart from this, Sony is also offering a special two-year warranty on purchase of 65A80L OLED.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1994, Sony India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation in Japan, has positioned itself as a premium brand across product categories such as television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio and professional solutions. Sony India is committed to offer utmost customer satisfaction by providing unparalleled standards of sales and services.

Meghalaya Government Launches A “Helpline For Assistance" And Organises "Special Flights To Bring Back Stranded Citizens”

Due to the unfortunate situation in Manipur, the Government of Meghalaya is taking all possible measures in evacuating students and civilians from that state. With the use of special flights, Meghalaya is bringing its stranded people from Manipur, including 50 students from the Agriculture University, 10 students from Food Technology Institute, 25 members of the Lajong football team, and others. 

The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the PMO, Ministry of Home Affairs, DG Assam Rifles, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and private airlines, took all essential safety precautions to guarantee the passengers' safety throughout flight.  

As of Friday noon, more than 25 citizens are on the way to Meghalaya via Guwahati through different flights. Along with flights, special buses are bringing over 60 students to Meghalaya. 

Additionally, the Government of Meghalaya has also launched a helpline for citizens who may require further assistance. The helpline number is 1800-345-3644, and citizens can call for any kind of assistance they may need. Also, students of agriculture and food technology can reach out to the Nodal Officer, Shri Remdor Dkhar (+91 98631 14387), Dr. Paul Chyne (9863089972), can also be contacted for any queries regarding medical students.  

A delegation of three officials led by Dr. Ampareen M Lyngdoh (Minister, Government of Meghalaya), Shri Daniel Thangkiew (Political Secretary & OSD to Chief Minister) and Dr. Viveknanda Singh Rathore, IPS (SP, West Garo Hills) has travelled to Imphal for supporting the evacuation process.   

Speaking about the efforts made by the government, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “We are bringing back our stranded citizens through regular flights and chartered flights with special permission, who wish to return to Meghalaya. The Lajong football team has already been escorted to the airport, and we are making every effort to ensure the safe and timely return of all our citizens. I would like to urge the students from Meghalaya who are studying in Manipur and their parents to please don't panic and be calm. We are working closely with the Union & State governments, security agencies to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for the safe return of our students and citizens.” 

Nokia C12, The Most Affordable Smartphone On Amazon Great Summer Sale At Rs 5699

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announced that its recently-launched smartphone, the Nokia C12, is now available at just 5699 during the Great Summer Sale on Amazon. This is a limited time offer along with other major bank offers. The sale will continue till May 8th, 2023.

The Nokia C12 is an entry-level smartphone designed for consumers who want a reliable, affordable and easy-to-use device. Coming with all the C-series family reassurances, it provides a more efficient smartphone experience, making the promises of durability and security more accessible than ever. It brings elevated performance with Octa Core Processor, 2GB Virtual RAM, streamlined OS and enhanced imaging with Night and Portrait modes for both front & rear cameras. Plus, its resilient build has endured some of the toughest reliability tests around, so you can fully trust that Nokia C12 will stand the test of time.

Nokia C12 is available in Dark Cyan, Charcoal and Light Mint colours, and comes in 2/64 GB (plus 2GB of additional memory extension) storage configuration (support for up to 256 GB additional memory).

About HMD Global??

Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, HMD Global Oy (“HMD”) is the home of Nokia phones. HMD’s mission is providing accessible connectivity for everyone. HMD designs and markets a range of smartphones and feature phones and an expanding portfolio of innovative service offerings. With an ongoing commitment to security, durability, reliability, and quality across its range, HMD is the proud exclusive licensee of the Nokia brand for phones and tablets. For further information, see?https://www.hmdglobal.com/.

Vi Customers Can Now Get 5GB Extra Data On Recharges Done Through The Vi App

·         Users recharging with Rs 299 & above, get 5GB EXTRA (valid for 3 Days) at no extra cost

·         Recharges between Rs 199 and Rs 299 can get 2GB EXTRA (valid for 3 Days) at no extra cost

·         Vi customers can use the Data Bonanza to watch Cricket, Movies, Videos, listen to Music, Shop, Chat, Work or Study

Leading telecom operator, Vi has introduced an exciting ‘Maha’ recharge, offering its customers additional data at no extra cost by simply recharging through the Vi App.

Vi recharges worth Rs 299 & above are eligible for 5GB Extra data (valid for 3 Days) at no extra cost. Recharges between Rs 199 and Rs 299 can get 2GB Extra data (valid for 3 Days) at no extra cost. The limited period offer is currently available on all Vi prepaid recharges worth Rs. 199 and above only on Vi App.

Vi users can use the additional data to watch Movies, Live Stream Videos on Vi Movies & TV or cricket matches from the ongoing T20 tournament, listen to Music on Vi Music, Shop, Surf, Chat, Work or Study. Vi customers can also play Vi Games on the Vi App, that offers an immersive gaming experience with 1200+ android and HTML5 based mobile games across 10 popular genres.

In addition, Vi is currently running the Vi20FANfest challenge that gives customers a chance to win a smartphone every match day. One mega winner from the contest will win two tickets to the T20 Championship final match. Vi customers can play Vi20FANfest challenge on the Vi Facebook page- @ViOfficialFanWorld, the Vi Instagram page- viofficialfanworld, and on Vi Twitter page- @ViCustomerCare, during match hours.

About Vodafone Idea Limited:

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G, and 4G platforms. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid-band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave 5G spectrum in 16 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as an extensive on-ground presence. The company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India.

The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”. 

For more information, visit: www.MyVi.in

India’s Renowned UPSC Educator Avadh Ojha Joins Unacademy

-          Avadh Ojha, joins Unacademy as Vice President, UPSC Exams and will teach UPSC exam courses at Unacademy

-          He is among the most sought after Educators for UPSC exams

Unacademy, India’s largest learning platform*, today announced that one of the top UPSC Educators Avadh Ojha has joined the organisation as Vice President- UPSC Exams. Avadh Ojha’s will teach exclusively at the Unacademy Centre for UPSC in New Delhi. His classes will also be live-streamed on the online Unacademy platform.

He will be teaching History and mentoring UPSC Learners at the Unacademy centers and also on the online Unacademy platform. With an academic experience spanning nearly two decades, Avadh Ojha will impart his established methodologies to the Learners.

"At Unacademy, our top priority has always been to provide our learners with access to the most exceptional Educators. We take pride in collaborating with Educators who have made significant strides in their respective fields and share our commitment to making education accessible to all. We are thrilled to welcome Avadh Ojha, a distinguished Educator in the field of UPSC to Unacademy", commented Vivek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, Unacademy.

"At its core, education is about awakening the mind, while competition serves to test its potential. I hope to be able to enhance both in all learners. Unacademy has revolutionized the way India learns, and I'm excited to be part of this mission to democratise education for all. As an Educator on the platform, I will have the chance to help learners achieve their dream of becoming civil servants by providing them with the best possible knowledge and guidance, said Avadh Ojha, Vice President, Centres, Unacademy.

Avadh Ojha has mentored over 5,00,000 UPSC aspirants and groomed hundreds of aspirants to crack the coveted UPSC exam. His profound passion for history has driven him to share his expertise with students at all levels who are eager to learn.

Batches conducted by Avadh Ojha will commence on 15th May at the Unacademy Centre and the online platform (Unacademy App and website). The Unacademy Centre is located at Plot 3-B, Third Floor, Block 18 A, WEA, Karol Bagh New Delhi, Delhi, 110005.

MAHE To Host Neyge A Two-Day Exhibition To Promote Special Talks, Documentary Screenings, And Workshops

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) to organise a two-day exhibition, ‘Neyge’ which showcased special talks, documentary screenings, and workshops which be held on May 5th and 6th, 2023, under the auspices of Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences, MAHE, Manipal.

This project is a part of the Gandhi-King Exchange initiative launched by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The exhibition of Udupi Sarees aims to bring attention to the significance of sustainable fashion and conversations about conscious consumption, said the organizers of ‘Neyge.’ The two-day exhibition will include special talks on sustainable living with Udupi sarees by different scholars, academicians, and weavers, documentary screenings, workshops, etc. This is an attempt to bring Udupi sarees which are close to the philosophy of nature, to the younger generation.

The program will be inaugurated by Mrs. Indira Ballal, Philanthropist, at 10 am at Gandhian Centre, MAHE, on May 5th, 2023. Mrs. Mamata Rai, President Kadike Trust, will be the Guest of Honour, and Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor MAHE, will be presiding over the inauguration ceremony. This will be followed by documentary screenings. The event will include an exhibition of Udupi sarees, a photo exhibition, a history corner, a Yakshagana Corner, and a sale of Udupi sarees by the weavers.  

Next day (May 6th), Dr. Veena Rao, Head, Department of Design, MAHE, will conduct a workshop on sustainable clothing out of Banana fibre at 3.30 PM, and it will be followed by the valedictory program at 5 pm. Dr. Sulatha Bandhari, President of Manipal Mahila Samaj, will be the Chief Guest of the event. Udupi sarees which are a part of this region, are a type of handwoven sarees made of single-ply cotton yarns and natural dyes and cause little to no ecological damage. They are extremely light and comfortable to wear. The socio-technology of production of Udupi Sarees provides a promising model of financial, social, and environmental sustainability.

Gandhi-King Fellowship being awarded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, USA. The ultimate goal of the Gandhi-King Fellowship is to inspire and develop a network of aspiring young civic leaders from India and the USA to work together to advance civil rights, social justice, and inclusion locally, nationally, and internationally by exploring the history and legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lavanya N K, who is an alumna of GCPAS, MAHE and Roydon, a commerce graduate from Mumbai are the two recipients of Gandhi-King Fellowship who participated in the training program held at University of Alabama in 2022.

Club Mahindra Expands Its Portfolio With 17 New Properties Across Exotic Locations

~The Leading Vacation Ownership company adds Stunning Properties in Goa, Cambodia, Vietnam, Maldives, and More, Providing Members with Access to Exciting Destinations and Unique Experiences.~

Club Mahindra, the flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, is delighted to announce its latest inventory acquisitions across multiple destinations, including new properties and resorts in exotic locations around the world.

Among the latest additions to Club Mahindra's portfolio are some stunning properties, including the Court Yard Villa, River Villa, Isha Vilas  and Orchard Villa in Goa, Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa in Jambughoda, FCC Angkor by Avani &  Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Dulwich Estate in Panchgani, Citadines Regency Saigon, Citadines Marina Ha Long, Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi Residence & Citadines Marina Ha Long in Vietnam, Yashshree Lachung in Sikkim, Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan, Marriott Al Forsan Resort in Abu Dhabi, Starlit Suites Tirupati, Novotel Chiang Mai Nimman Journey hub in Thailand, and the Malahini Kuda Bandos Resort in North Male Atoll, Maldives. These properties offer a wide range of amenities and experiences, including spa services, cultural and adventure activities, scenic views, and much more.

Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, "We are thrilled to add these stunning properties to our inventory. Our members will now have access to even more exciting destinations with a range of experiences to choose from. At Club Mahindra, we are committed to providing unique experiences to our members, and these latest additions to our portfolio are a testament to that. We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the value of our membership and provide our members with more exciting options to choose from."

With this latest acquisition, Club Mahindra continues to expand its footprint, offering its members access to some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations around the world.

About Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading company in the leisure hospitality industry, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships. While Club Mahindra is the flagship brand with a 25-year membership, the other products offered by the company are – Bliss, Go Zest, Club Mahindra Fundays and Svaastha Spa.

As on December 31, 2022, MHRIL has 86 resorts across India & abroad and its subsidiary, Holiday Club Resorts Oy (HCR), Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe has 33 Timeshare Destinations with 9 Spa Resorts across Finland, Sweden and Spain.

Visit us at www.clubmahindra.com

About Mahindra

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. 

The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com/ Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room

World Password Day : Strong Passwords Can Keep Our Digital Lives Secure, Says Karmendra Kohli, CEO & Co-Founder of SecurEyes

By Manu Sharma

World Password Day is commemorated every year on the first Thursday of May, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of strong passwords and the role they play in keeping our digital lives secure. In today's digital age, where a large part of our lives is spent online, protecting our online accounts and personal information with strong passwords is crucial. This year's World Password Day aims to educate individuals and organizations about the latest best practices in password security and encourage them to adopt stronger password habits. 

As the menace of cyberattacks looms large over our increasingly digital world, it becomes imperative for individuals and organizations to stay abreast of the latest technological developments and cutting-edge security measures. In a recent interview, we had the opportunity to pick the brain of Mr. Karmendra Kohli, a distinguished luminary in the cybersecurity domain and the CEO & co-founder of SecurEyes, a renowned company that offers cybersecurity consulting, services, and products. Mr. Kohli's unparalleled proficiency in the field enables him to share profound insights on the current state of cyber threats and the latest advancements in cybersecurity technology, shedding light on how individuals and businesses can outsmart the nefarious tactics of hackers and safeguard their invaluable digital assets.

SecurEyes is an illustrious and preeminent enterprise that specializes in delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, encompassing consulting, bespoke services, and avant-garde products, and also extends its ambit to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training and education.

Siliconvillage.com :   What is the significance of observing World Password Day, and how does it help create awareness about the importance of strong password security?

Karmendra Kohli :

Passwords are still the most popular authentication technique used across the globe and are also one of the weakest security techniques being used. 

World password day emphasizes the need to ensure strong data protection mechanisms are enforced in view of the latest cyber security attacks happening across the globe and size of data breaches and their impact on organizations.

World Password Day is a reminder to celebrate strong data protection mechanisms.

World Password Day is celebrated to provide a warning to the world, and also to spread awareness that taking care of your passwords is vital to protecting yourself against identity theft. 

Digitization has exposed the information processing systems to attacks beyond physical boundaries and Strong passwords are imperative to keep your information safe from malicious attackers.

Siliconvillage.com : What are some innovative ways that individuals and organizations can ensure the security of their passwords without relying solely on traditional authentication methods?

Karmendra Kohli :

Ensure each account has a separate password and change passwords frequently.

Use passphrases that are easy to remember instead of easily guessable passwords.

Ensure passwords are at least 12-15 characters in length and is made up of a combination of Alphabets, numbers and special character.

Avoid using guessable names (family, pets) and dates (date of birth of family members) as these can be easily guessed. 

Use multi-factor authentication were ever required in addition to passwords.

Siliconvillage.com :  How are advancements in biometric technology impacting the way that individuals and organizations approach password security?

Karmendra Kohli : Advancements in biometric technology are having a significant impact on the way that individuals and organizations approach password security. Biometric technology is becoming increasingly popular in many sectors, including banking, healthcare, and government, to enhance security as biometric data is much more difficult to replicate or steal than traditional passwords or PIN codes. But the implementation of Biometric authentication solutions is more expensive, so the use of such techniques is still limited in comparison to password-based security.

Siliconvillage.com : What ethical considerations should be factored in when implementing additional security measures, such as facial recognition or FIDO security keys, to enhance password security?

Karmendra Kohli : All Biometric authentication techniques collect and use Personally identifiable information (PII) data that can be used to identify an Induvial and may result in violation of data privacy requirements if not handled appropriately. Also, collecting or using such PII without the consent of the user may lead to violation of certain laws and regulations resulting in fines and penalties. Any misuse of such data can also violate the rights of citizens and allow adversaries to perform unauthorized surveillance and may have grave consequences. 

Siliconvillage.com :  How are hackers evolving their methods for cracking passwords, and what can individuals and organizations do to stay ahead of these threats?

Karmendra Kohli : Hackers are continuously coming up with new methods for cracking passwords as technology advances and new security measures are put in place. Some of the common methods used by hackers to crack and steal passwords include brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and phishing scams.

With the advent of new and strong Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) processors, passwords cracking software has evolved to utilize the power of these GPUs to crack the passwords faster than conventional CPUs. As per a recent survey, current GPUs in the market can crack over 6000 passwords per second in comparison to a conventional CPU.

Brute force attacks involve using automated software to try every possible combination of characters until the password is cracked. Dictionary attacks use a list of commonly used passwords or words that may be used as passwords. Phishing scams involve tricking individuals into revealing their passwords through social engineering tactics.

To ensure individuals are protected against such attacks, it is important for users to understand the significance of strong passwords that are longer than 12-15 characters, use combination of Alphabets (upper & lower case), numbers and special characters. It is important to note that known English words that are related to users, like names of pets, family members, date of birth etc. which are easily available on social media should be avoided. Any AI based password cracking tool has the capabilities to identify and guess these passwords. Users must ensure the use of multi factor authentication and not just rely on passwords.

Also, to avoid falling prey to phishing attacks users must avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links.

Siliconvillage.com :  What impact has the widespread use of remote work had on password security, and what steps can organizations take to protect their data in this new work environment? 

Karmendra Kohli : Recent changes in the work environment after COVID pandemic had a significant impact on password security as workers were allowed to access organizational assets and data from remote locations. Along with other mechanisms, passwords remained the most important factor for user authentication. Some of the risks that were seen to password security include: sharing of passwords with colleagues or family, stealing of password due to use of insecure devices, insecure network connectivity, compromised systems, different levels of password security controls than the ones provided by trusted company networks.

With BYOD becoming popular, personal devices are used and shared between multiple family members with varying understanding of security which may compromise the security of the organization in turn. 

Prevention:

Organizations can ensure the use of VPN to access secure assets over insecure internet.

Using MDM (mobile devices management) software will ensure consistency of security controls implementation across all mobile devices within the organization.

Implement two-factor authentication and ensure alerts are sent to users about the access to critical resources from their accounts.

Enforce a strong password policy and ensure passwords are frequently changed. 

Ensure all users’ activity is logged and monitored as required.

Siliconvillage.com :  How can individuals and organizations balance the need for strong password security with the need for time efficiency?

Karmendra Kohli :

Consider the use of Password Manager software wherever necessary to ensure a smaller number of passwords have to be remembered and passwords are securely stored from attackers.

Organizations can implement Identity access management and Privileged Identity management and Single Sign ON (SSO) software to ensure passwords are automatically managed and updated by the software with minimum involvement of users and eliminate the effort of users to remember multiple passwords across various accounts they use on a daily basis.

Also, it is suggested to use separate passwords for each account and not repeat the passwords.

Use multi factor authentication in addition to passwords, e.g., OTP, Authenticator app.

Use passphrases to create strong and easy to remember passwords.

Lastly it is suggested to frequently update the passwords and check if your account details are found in any breach database. 

Siliconvillage.com :  What role do government regulations and industry standards play in setting best practices for password security, and how can individuals and organizations stay up to date with these guidelines?

Karmendra Kohli : Regulations from Govt entities and industry regulators plays a key role in enforcing security best practices that may otherwise be ignored by both organizations and individuals. Enforcing strong security requirements and practice of levying fines for non-compliance has ensured that all organizations provide the minimum baseline security controls to ensure the data of their clients, employees, suppliers and end users is secured, e.g. ensuring minimum length of password, forcing the use of Second factor authentication for critical activity, ensuring users are informed if their passwords are found in password breach databases, these help individuals in identifying and following best practices securing their personal and organizational data.

Most regulators publish any new regulations or changes/updates/amendments to regulations periodically on their web portals. Additionally, social media platforms have now become a great medium to stay updated about new regulations. Usually, summaries of the new/changed regulations are published on social media platforms like Linked-In, twitter and Instagram that provide links to the detailed regulations or guidelines.

Zee Media Corporation Limited Board Has Appointed Abhay Ojha As Chief Executive Officer From May 2, 2023

* AbhayJoined Zee Media Corporation Limited As A Chief Business Officer In 2022

* Zee Media had initiated the process of appointing Abhay Ojha as its CEO in February 2023 

ZEE Media Corporation Limited - one of India's leading media companies, announced the promotion of Mr. Abhay Ojha as its Chief Executive Officer on 2nd May 2023. He had joined ZMCL as the Chief Business Officer and P&L Head for all linear channels excluding WION and ZEE BUSINESS, thus ensuring the business growth graph moved upward steadily since 2022. 

Abhay brings with him over two decades of experience and is known for his strong leadership acumen, analytic skills for impactful business partnerships for Indian markets. He has been a proactive leader and planner with an exemplary work track record in strategized thinking, planning, projection, impactful marketing, key account management, pre-sales effort, and in-depth market analysis.

Prior to ZMCL, Abhay also worked with companies like Star TV, Shop CJ, ZEEL, IndusInd Media, Turner, and HUL. Taking into consideration the vast entrepreneurial exposure, in-depth knowledge about broadcast, digital transformation, short video application, social commerce and digital distribution, FMCG and Home Shopping, and the business success of ZMCL, the Board considered Ojha’s candidature for the post of CEO.

Speaking about his vision for ZMCL, Mr. Abhay Ojha, ZEE Media said, “It’s been a great learning experience at ZEE Media for over a year now. This also calls for a bigger responsibility for discovering new growth opportunities and avenues for the company. As a team, we look forward to drive the overall 360-degree network growth in terms of content, revenue, innovation, new partnerships, multiple workforce, etc, and continuing the legacy of making it a pioneer in the domain.”

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media and entertainment companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional entertainment genres, with 13 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

Bangalore Gastro Centre Will Be The First Hospital To Introduce A Gut Microbiome Testing Kit With The Support Of AI And Data Mining

* Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC) signs MOU with 3BIGS to transform the diagnostic experience in India

The Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC), a pioneer in top-quality specialist care for all digestive disorders, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 3BIGS from South Korea, a global healthcare leader in handling Biodata and Artificial Intelligence technology to transform the diagnostic experience in India. The agreement was sealed in the presence of Dr Yogananda Reddy, Director and Chief Gastroenterologist of Bangalore Gastro Centre and Dr Junhyung Park, Founder and CEO of 3BIGS. The collaboration aims to provide end-to-end customized diagnostic services from collecting samples to recommending a nutritionist/doctor to provide the right medical support. Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC) is the first hospital to establish this service in India. This collaboration will give access to the doctors from Bangalore Gastro Centre who will develop the gut microbiome test kit to help provide accurate results. This kit will soon be accessible by patients as well as a larger audience. 

Dr Yogananda Reddy, Director and Chief Gastroenterologist of Bangalore Gastro Centre, says, “It’s a great honour for us to collaborate with 3BIGS, who are pioneers in data mining, and experts in AI and bioinformatics. It is for the first time that a South Korean firm is collaborating with an Indian hospital to develop a gut microbe tech testing kit for the benefit of the people at large. This product will be accessible and affordable to all, and will help prevent the onset of gut issues and improve gut health as the first step to boosting overall health.” 

The Bangalore Gastro Centre (BGC) is known to be Karnataka's top gastro centre. It has a team of highly qualified professionals who can treat a range of gastrointestinal conditions ranging from acidity and liver problems to cancers. 

Dr Junhyung Park, Founder and CEO of 3BIGS, says, “We are highly privileged to collaborate with Bangalore Gastro Centre as they are known to be the best in providing world-class digestive healthcare facilities in India. There is an increase in cases of chronic digestive issues found among the younger population globally. And with an increase in cases, it is essential to get a quick and accurate diagnosis to avoid end-stage diseases.”

“We were looking at collaborating with a hospital that has a futuristic approach, believes in innovation and adopts advanced technology for seamless growth in the diagnostic market. This association will certainly change the dynamics of the healthcare industry in India.” 

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations Releases April’23 Vehicle Retail Data

Highlighs

FY'24 Kicks-off with Modest Vehicle Retail Performance in April. 

April sees a 4% decline in total vehicle retails, signalling a slow start to FY'24. 

Healthy YoY growth of 57% observed in 3-wheelers, while Tractor and CV experience marginal growth of 1% and 2%, respectively. 

2-wheelers and passenger vehicles face a setback, declining by 7% and 1% respectively. 

For the first time in eight months, passenger vehicles witness a YoY degrowth. 

Entry-level 2-wheeler segment continues to struggle, down by 19% compared to pre-COVID April 2019, contributing to a 12% decline in total vehicle retails. 

FADA urges GST Council to consider a GST rate reduction from 28% to 18% for 2-wheelers to help revive the struggling segment. 

OBD 2A norms lead to vehicle price increases, prompting advanced purchases in March. 

Unfavourable weather conditions in April, including untimely rains and hailstorms, cause crop damage in several states, exacerbating farmer concerns and potentially impacting entry-level 2-wheeler and passenger car sales. 

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for April’23.  

Commenting on April 2023's performance, FADA President Mr. Manish Raj Singhania stated, "Financial Year 2024 began on a subdued note, with the month of April experiencing a 4% YoY overall decline. Although the 3-wheeler segment enjoyed robust growth of 57% YoY, Tractor and CV segments only grew by a modest 1% and 2%, respectively. Meanwhile, the 2-wheeler and Passenger Vehicle categories experienced YoY degrowth of 7% and 1%, respectively. 

The 2-wheeler segment's continued low sales, with a 7% YoY decrease, can be attributed to limited supplies due to the OBD 2A shift, untimely rains, and pre-buying in March. Model mix availability, rural sentiment, and demand in the 2-wheeler motorcycle segment remain weak. The rural economy has yet to show significant progress. Compared to the pre-COVID April 2019, 2-wheeler sales are still down by 19%. 

Thanks to high demand in the e-rickshaw and passenger segments, the 3-wheeler segment has grown by 57% YoY and also surpassing pre-COVID levels at an healthy rate. 

The Passenger Vehicle segment, which achieved record sales in FY23, slowed down in April, with retails decreasing by 1% YoY. This was primarily due to last year's high base and the OBD 2A norms, which led to vehicle price increases and advanced purchases in March. Although supplies are improving, there is a significant mismatch between customer demand and available inventory. Furthermore, entry-level PVs have fewer buyers, suggesting that customers at the bottom of the pyramid are still hesitant to upgrade from 2-wheelers to 4-wheelers. For the first time in eight months, the PV segment witnessed a YoY degrowth, potentially signalling a tapering demand in this segment. 

The CV segment maintained positive momentum with a 2% YoY increase in retail sales. However, dealers reported that vehicle availability was a major concern due to the OBD 2A norms. The low base from last year also contributed to the positive growth." 

Near Term Outlook 

The 2-wheeler segment continues to face challenges, with entry-level vehicles attracting fewer buyers. FADA urges the GST Council to consider reducing GST on 2-wheelers from 28% to 18% to help revive this vital segment, which represents 75% of total auto sales volume. On the other hand, the upcoming marriage season in May is expected to bring about a sales resurgence, driven by an increase in customer inquiries. Additionally, as electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, customers are increasingly considering transitioning from internal combustion engines (ICE) to EVs, which may temporarily delay purchasing decisions. 

The Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment is witnessing strong demand in the M&HCV segment, supported by robust infrastructure projects taking place nationwide. Improved product supply from OEMs and customer adaptation to price shifts contribute to the segment's growth. 

In the Passenger Vehicle (PV) segment, rising inventory levels are raising concerns. FADA urges OEMs to recalibrate their inventory and prioritize the production and supply of products that are in high demand, ensuring a more efficient alignment between market demand and available inventory. This will ultimately benefit both customers and manufacturers. Despite the ongoing chip shortages and somewhat sluggish market conditions, the marriage season in May is expected to provide a slight boost in sales for the current month. 

Unfavourable weather conditions persist in May, including untimely rains and hailstorms, causing crop damage in multiple states. This exacerbates concerns for farmers and may potentially impact entry-level 2-wheeler and passenger car sales. 

Considering these factors, FADA maintains a cautious stance for the month of May. 

Key Findings from our Online Members Survey 

Inventory at the end of April’23 

Average inventory for Passenger Vehicles ranges from 37-39 days 39-41  

Average inventory for Two – Wheelers ranges from 15-20 days 12-15 

Liquidity 

Neutral              47.39% 

Good                 33.73% 

Bad                      18.88% 

Sentiment 

Neutral              43.37% 

Good                   34.14% 

Bad                      22.49% 

Dalmia Cement Launches New Brand – “Dalmia Supreme Cement”

* Strengthens Its Offerings In The Eastern Markets Of India – West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar And Jharkhand 

* The premium brand offers triple benefits - superior strength, faster setting and better workability for home construction.  

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL), a leading Indian cement major has announced the launch of its new brand, “Dalmia Supreme Cement” for the eastern states and will be available for retail consumers in the markets of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The premium brand is a high-quality Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) product type offering triple benefits of superior strength, faster setting and better workability, making it the perfect choice for constructing strong and durable houses. The brand will be sold through all existing retail channels in the eastern region. 

Commenting on the launch of the brand Mr. Rajiv Prasad, Sr. Executive Director and Head Sales, Logistics, Technical Services & Marketing, DCBL said, “We are excited to introduce Dalmia Supreme Cement in the eastern market. In line with the company’s customer centric approach, this new offering is to cater to the growing needs of a specialized product for Stronger, Faster and Better construction.  With its superior strength and durability, Dalmia Supreme cement is ideal for home construction projects. The new brand is an addition to our existing portfolio of established brands like Dalmia Cement, Dalmia DSP Cement, Konark Cement and Dalmia Infra Pro." 

Dalmia Supreme Cement is a specialized, best-in-class product that is formulated for all kinds of construction applications along with improved workability, higher density and offers better resistance against chemical attacks. It is made with fine pozzolanic material for superior strength and enables faster setting, directly and positively impacting construction cost. The LPP packaging is superior, thus ensuring higher shelf life. As part of Dalmia Cement portfolio, this product too has been designed through intensive research and development and combined with over eight decades of expertise in providing quality that lasts a lifetime. 

Dalmia Supreme with its superior strength and durability is ideal for home construction projects and would help in complimenting existing Dalmia DSP Cement which is our Dhalai Expert. Dalmia Cement (Bharat) not only delivers top quality cement but also extends superior technical services to its consumers as a post sales service in terms of Onsite Supervision, Engineering services and many more.  

Alongside its vision to become a Pan India cement company, Dalmia Bharat will continue to grow its strong presence in the East. The company owns manufacturing plants across all the four key states of the Eastern region. Apart from East, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) also has operations in South, North East, West and Central region as the fourth largest cement maker in the country with an installed capacity of 41.1Mnt. 

NueGo's Fleet of New, Electric Buses Set High Standards For Safety On The Road

* NueGo Prioritizes Passenger’s Safety By Using Advanced Safety Features In Its Buses

NueGo is India’s first premium electric AC coach service that promises its passengers a comfortable and safe travel experience. With safety being of utmost importance to the brand, every decision on every feature is taken to ensure that its passengers are safe and comfortable throughout their journey. 

One of the key safety measures taken by NueGo is conducting 25 electrical and mechanical checks before every departure to ensure that the buses are in top-notch condition. Additionally, the brand has installed real-time monitoring systems to always keep track of the bus and its drivers. This allows the brand to respond immediately in case of any unforeseen incidents. 

NueGo has also installed a state-of-the-art advanced collision prevention system called ADAS 

(Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) to prevent any accidents. The coaches are equipped with speed locks that ensure that they do not exceed 80 KMPH, and they also have best-in-class vehicle suspension to ensure a smooth ride. The brand also conducts breath analyzer tests on its bus drivers before departure to ensure that they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility said, “Safety and comfort are two of the most important factors in providing reliable transportation. We understand the importance of providing a reliable and secure transportation experience. Keeping these things in mind we have made it our top priority to design and manufacture buses that not only provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride, but also prioritize the safety and security of our passengers. That’s why we have invested heavily in advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride for all. We are committed to ensuring that every passenger feels secure and relaxed when riding our buses.” 

In addition to these safety measures, NueGo also has CCTV surveillance in place to monitor the buses and ensure passenger safety. The buses are equipped with advanced fire prevention and control systems, as well as battery temperature control systems to ensure that the buses are safe and comfortable for passengers. 

The brand has also set up lounges for safe and convenient boarding and deboarding of passengers. These lounges provide a comfortable environment for passengers to wait for their buses. 

NueGo is a brand that is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of its 

passengers. Before every trip, the brand takes several safety measures like 24x7 real-time monitoring of buses and drivers, installing advanced collision prevention systems, and CCTV surveillance to ensure passenger safety. The brand also goes the extra mile by providing lounges for safe and convenient boarding and deboarding of passengers, as well as best-in-class vehicle suspension to ensure a comfortable ride. 

About NueGo: 

NueGo is a game-changer in the Indian travel industry, offering a new, safe, and eco-friendly way to travel with its premium electric AC bus service. Focusing on safety, comfort, and sustainability, NueGo aims to provide passengers with a revolutionary travel experience. NueGo has a service planned to roll out across 30 cities wherein 350 state of art buses will redefine the mass transport sector by developing green routes offering world class travel experience for Indian customers.    

Booking a journey with NueGo is easy and convenient. Customers can seamlessly book tickets on their website, www.nuego.in, or download the NueGo app from the App Store or the Play Store. 

Trendlyne Launches Starfolio, A Free Baskets Investing Product

* Starfolio By Trendlyne Helps Investors Make Their Own Baskets For Stocks & ETFs, And Buy Superstar Portfolios

Trendlyne, India’s leading analytics platform for investors and traders launches Starfolio, a basket-investing product now available to investors and brokerages for free. With Starfolio, investors can buy featured Starfolio baskets or create their own baskets. They can add and remove stocks or ETFs in the basket, and also set stop loss and rebalancing reminders. Investors can buy and sell baskets via six connected brokers - IIFL, 5Paisa, Fyers, Motilal Oswal, Zerodha and Angel One.. 

Starfolio is also available for businesses as a widget and API plugins.   

Trendlyne, India’s analytics platform for investors and traders, has seen rapid growth in the past year, with over 300 million page/screen views over 12 months on its website and mobile app. It is now among the top 50 websites in India in the investing space; the Trendlyne Markets app, which launched recently on the Google Play store, already has high ratings and over half a million downloads.

Trendlyne’s B2B business counts India’s major brokerages among its customers, including ICICI Securities, Kotak Securities, HDFC Securities, 5Paisa, Motilal Oswal, IIFL, Fyers, SBI Capital, Edelweiss,  and several others. Trendlyne serves over 500 million APIs and page views every month to its B2B customers.

Amber Pabreja, the CEO and co-founder of Trendlyne said, “We launched Starfolio to complete the product loop from analytics to transactions for investors, so that they can manage their portfolios more easily on Trendlyne. Investors can now log onto Trendlyne and easily buy and sell their screeners, watchlists or lists of stocks, using their preferred brokers.”

Starfolio enables theme-based investing, management of different portfolios within a family, and management of portfolios on different broker accounts. For instance, a user may be investing in a theme like the auto sector. To do this, investors can create a basket of auto stocks from scratch, or export the watchlist of auto stocks they have created on Trendlyne into a Starfolio basket.

Once they have saved and invested in the basket, the analytics for these stocks is separately available from their overall portfolio. Tracking and comparison becomes a lot easier.

Tendlyne is a profitable company and the goal from the start has been to market-test products to build a sustainable business. Trendlyne has built cutting edge products in the stock market and mutual funds space, encompassing stock scores, screeners, backtesting, Alpha Alerts (real time alerts across structured and unstructured data), stock insights, as well as forward-looking products in consensus estimates and analyst calls.

Starfolio is the latest new product launch on the platform.

https://starfolio.trendlyne.com/

About Trendlyne:  

Launched in 2017 with the idea of democratizing stock market data for investors and traders, Trendlyne has gained a strong foothold in India in a short span of time and simplifies investing in the stock, derivatives, and mutual fund markets. These markets, awash as they are with news, ‘stock tips’, and management commentary, often prove confusing for investors. Trendlyne’s stock analysis platform offers unique and innovative products, many of which are first in the market. Trendlyne has built over 20+ data feeds of its own, which makes analysis possible on unstructured information like pdf filings and research reports. This gives them an edge over competitors and flexibility in building products.

https://trendlyne.com