Saturday, October 26, 2024

Good News For Guests Seeking Green Mobility: NueGo Launches Electric Bus Service On Bangalore-Mysore Route


NueGo, India’s leading electric intercity brand by GreenCell Mobility, proudly announces the launch of a new intercity route between Bangalore and Mysore. The addition of this route reinforces NueGo's commitment to sustainable mass mobility while offering guests a premium and comfortable travel experience.

NueGo, a guest-centric brand, currently operates in 110+ cities across India. These 100% electric buses are equipped with comfortable seats, zero tailpipe emission capabilities, and undergo 25 rigorous safety checks, including mechanical and electrical inspections. With a range of over 250 km on a single charge, NueGo ensures a timely, safe, and comfortable journey for all its guests.

The Bangalore–Mysore route is part of NueGo's ongoing efforts to expand its network and promote sustainable travel in South India. By connecting these key cultural and economic centers, NueGo aims to foster sustainable tourism and provide smoother commutes within Karnataka.

Commenting on the brand’s expansion plans, Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD of GreenCell Mobility, said, “We are announcing an extensive expansion of NueGo’s services across the country. This move aligns with our mission to improve intercity travel along with a superior guest experience. With this new route, we aim to enhance connectivity for our guests while contributing to a greener future.”

In addition to promoting green mass mobility, NueGo recently concluded its Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) record expedition, which aimed to demonstrate the resilience of electric buses across diverse terrains and underscore the importance of public engagement in achieving sustainability goals.

Launched in 2022, NueGo operates over 250 buses running 450+ departures daily. The brand focuses on enhancing intercity travel through offerings such as Snack-on-the-go, superior in-cabin experience, and advanced safety features. NueGo’s well-trained staff and airport-like lounges in select cities add to the premium travel experience. Its app and website (www.nuego.in) also provide exclusive offers and discounts for its guests.

NueGo is also a leader in promoting women’s safety in India’s intercity bus travel. It is the first brand to introduce a dedicated Pink Seat feature for women during ticket booking, a 24x7 helpline for women guests, advanced security measures such as CCTV surveillance, GPS live tracking, driver breath analyzer tests, and speed locks set at 80 km/hr.

Power And Impact of Movie Theatres Cannot Be Duplicated: Actor Rajit Kapur On OTT Disruption at MIT-World Peace University Conference


* He was speaking at the sixth National Conference on Media and Journalism (NCMJ), organized by the Department of Media and Communication at MIT World Peace University.

Amid growing concerns about the relevance of movie theatres, as more people gravitate toward OTT platforms, celebrated actor and director Rajit Kapur emphasized that the power and impact of movie theatres cannot be replicated, despite advancements in technology.

Renowned for his performances in Byomkesh Bakshi, the acclaimed films Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda and The Making of the Mahatma, where he portrayed Mahatma Gandhi, Kapur shared his insights at the 6th edition of the National Conference on Media and Journalism (NCMJ), organized by the Department of Media and Communication at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU).

In his interactive session with students at MIT World Peace University, the veteran actor stressed the importance of movie theatres in the era of digital disruption caused by social media and OTT platforms.

He said, “In the movie theatre, you are allowing yourself to immerse in a space and letting that content, that story, that scene, overpower you, envelop you, involve you, take you in, and suck you in. And that you can't get from an iPad, a screen monitor, or a phone; I think we have to understand that. I also watch content on OTT platforms, but I just love the thought of going to the theatre and being immersed and enveloped in that story, so you come out of it. It's an experience. The power and impact of movie theatres cannot be duplicated, despite our progress in technology.”

The celebrated actor and director also discussed the growing influence of social media on young minds and the concerns surrounding it. He said that social media has become deeply ingrained in our lives today, and he acknowledged the concerns associated with it, making it essential to consider our responsibilities.

“While I fully support freedom of speech and expression, we must also acknowledge our social responsibility when we engage online. It’s not just about the filters we apply to our photos—what about the filters in our minds? People often post without considering the consequences of their words. Freedom of speech carries weight, especially when social media is literally in the palm of your hand. You must be mindful of what you share because every action has a reaction. Unfortunately, we sometimes lose sight of this balance. You, the youth, are the foundation of this country. Your actions, reactions, and mindset will shape the future of our nation. You are tomorrow, so please think carefully about the future you want and how you plan to shape it with the choices you make today,” he added.

Themed “Media and Society: The Emerging Landscape,” this flagship event focused on the evolving relationship between media and society, with discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of journalism.

The event began with an inspiring keynote speech from Prof. Dhiraj Singh, Associate Dean of the Department of Media and Communication. His address centered on the role of artificial intelligence in media, the influence of journalism in peacebuilding, and the future of digital cinema.

The inaugural program also featured industry veterans like Ravi Capoor, former CEO of Sansad TV, Suneet Bhave, President of the Pune Union of Working Journalists, and Siddharth Kak, renowned television producer and documentary filmmaker.

The event offered an enriching experience for students, featuring plenary sessions that delved into various aspects of media. One of the key sessions was “Media & Journalists as Peacemakers.” Another session was “The Art of Storytelling and Persuasion,” where journalists and communication professionals participated in thoughtful discussions.

Prof. (Dr.) R. M. Chitnis, Vice Chancellor of MIT-WPU, highlighted the growing importance of AI in media, urging future media professionals to adopt these technologies while maintaining ethical journalistic standards.

In his address, Siddharth Kak emphasized the responsibility of content creators, saying, "In today’s digital age, the power of storytelling lies in creativity and authenticity. We must always strive for truth in our narratives and be responsible for what we create."

Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, concluded the conference with a powerful message, stating, "Media has the power to shape society’s future. As students and professionals, we must ensure we use this power responsibly, focusing on truth, transparency, and the betterment of society. This conference has shown how vital it is to engage with the world in thoughtful and meaningful ways."

The conference was supported by key partners, including the Pune Union of Working Journalists, the R.K. Laxman Museum, and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia, bringing diverse perspectives into the conversation on media's societal impact. It provided an invaluable platform for students, educators, and professionals to engage in dynamic discussions through panel sessions, fireside chats, and interactive workshops, reinforcing the crucial role of media in today’s rapidly changing world.

IPRS Sustains Its Position As The 4th Largest Society By Revenue In Asia-Pacific Region As Per CISAC Global Collection Report 2024


* However low compliance and slow paid subscription growth restrict revenue potential

The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) continues to solidify its position as one of the top four revenue-generating societies in the Asia-Pacific region, as indicated by the recently released CISAC Global Collections Report 2024. The report reveals record-breaking global royalty collections, highlighting significant trends in the Indian and Asian music markets. The report reveals that global music collections reached an all-time high of €13.09 billion, representing a 7.6% increase compared to the previous year. While the Indian music landscape continues to expand with promising digital growth, issues related to low compliance and the slow growth of paid subscriptions on streaming platforms continue to hinder the revenue potential for creators and publishers in the Indian music industry.

In 2023, IPRS’s total collections surpassed INR 500 Crores, with digital revenues accounting for 74.2% of this figure. This impressive digital growth, 493.6% over the last five years, reflects India’s evolving digital consumption habits. India is one of the largest consumers of music globally, with millions accessing music daily through multiple digital and streaming platforms. Despite this, the number of paid subscribers in India remains disproportionately low compared to other major markets. The reliance on free, ad-supported tiers significantly limits the revenue generated from streaming, creating a value gap for artists and rights holders.

Another critical concern highlighted in the CISAC report is the issue of fair value and low compliance with copyright and licensing laws in India. Many broadcasters, venues, events and digital platforms fail to adhere to licensing requirements, leading to delayed payments to rights holders and missed opportunities for revenue growth.

The low compliance rate is a major concern for rights management organizations like IPRS, which have been working to improve transparency and strengthen the enforcement of copyright laws. Ensuring that music creators receive fair compensation for the use of their work remains a top priority, but it will require more collaborative efforts between industry players and policymakers to bridge the gaps in the current system.

While digital streaming dominates India's music revenues, the live music industry too holds significant untapped potential. Live and public performances, including concerts and festivals, rebounded strongly in 2023, contributing to a 22% increase in global collections. India, with its rich cultural diversity and growing appetite for live entertainment, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

However, the live music sector in India remains fragmented, with a vast number of organizers and venues across the country needing greater awareness and adoption of music licensing norms and best practices. Enhancing this understanding is essential to ensure that revenue flows equitably to the creators who form the foundation of the music ecosystem. While there is a broad exception in law for marriage-related events, where music usage does not require licensing, it is important to note that other live music performances still require proper licensing to ensure fair compensation for creators. IPRS is actively addressing this gap by promoting industry-wide compliance through its robust licensing network, aiming to diversify revenue streams beyond digital collections and support the thriving live music sector.

Commenting on the same Mr. Javed Akhtar, Chairman of IPRS said, “Our standing as one of the top revenue-generating societies in the Asia-Pacific region truly reflects the incredible creativity and talent that defines India’s music industry. While we are pleased with our growth in digital collections, there are important challenges that we must address, particularly around low compliance and adequate enforcement of copyright laws. We urge for greater support from the industry stakeholders and the administration to unlock the immense potential our music holds and solidify our position on the global stage.”

CISAC Director General Gadi ORON commented, “This Report gives a unique overview of the economic and cultural value of our global CISAC community. This year’s figures, for royalties’ collections by CISAC members in 2023, paint a positive picture of a healthy, stable and promising sector. Overall, collections on behalf of creators reached a new all-time high of EUR13.1bn, an impressive 7.6% increase. During the last five years, CISAC members have added over EUR3bn to the amounts they collect for authors and copyright holders. This, in itself, is a major achievement and shows the strength of the collective management system.”

Mr. Rakesh Nigam, the CEO of the Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS), added, “We are proud of the progress IPRS has made, but we recognize that significant challenges remain. The low compliance rate in India is a serious concern, as it directly affects the earnings of our creators. We are committed to working with industry players to ensure that licensing agreements are properly enforced, and that creators are fairly compensated for their work. At the same time, we see the huge possibilities the live music sector holds, and by focusing on its growth, we aim to complement our already robust digital revenues.”

The CISAC report serves as a reminder that while India’s music industry is thriving, key challenges such as low compliance and a lag in paid subscriptions need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth. Industry stakeholders, music users, and government agencies must collaborate to create a more supportive environment for the music ecosystem.

As the industry moves forward, IPRS remains committed to advocating for creators' rights and promoting the Indian music industry on the world stage. By addressing the current challenges, the industry can unlock new growth opportunities and ensure that India continues to be a key player in the global music economy.

HCIL Expands Its Campaign For Preventive Replacement Of Fuel Pump In India


Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) informed that it has expanded its previously announced campaign to voluntarily replace Fuel Pump in 90,468 old units of its select models in India. Additionally, the campaign will cover 2,204 units of old models which have undergone this part change earlier as spare part. 

The fuel pumps installed in these vehicles may contain defective impellers, which could, over time result in engine stopping or not starting. The replacement will be carried out free of cost at HCIL dealerships across India in a phased manner starting from 5th Nov 2024 and the owners are being contacted individually.

The customers can check whether their cars are covered under this campaign by submitting their 17-character alpha-numeric Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the special microsite which has been created on the company’s website (www.hondacarindia.com).

Further, customers who may have bought Fuel Pump Assy from the Honda Cars authorised dealerships between Jun’17 ~ Oct’23 through over the counter sale, also may get check their vehicle through Honda Cars dealership.

Herbalife India Partners With IRONMAN 70.3 GOA 2024 To Empower Athletes


* Continuing a Successful Association for the Third Consecutive Year

Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform has announced its partnership with IRONMAN 70.3 India, marking the third consecutive year of collaboration. This agreement underscores Herbalife's commitment to supporting athletic performance through premium sports nutrition.

The IRONMAN 70.3 event is a premier long-distance triathlon affiliated to the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). It covers a total distance of 113.0 km, including a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run. The race will take place in the scenic backdrop of Goa, providing athletes with both an exceptional experience and a demanding course.

Herbalife will provide nutritional support to athletes during the event, ensuring they have access to the products needed for optimal performance and hydration. Through this initiative, Herbalife aims to promote exercise as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in achieving sporting success or your wellness goals.

Panchali Upadhaya, Vice President – Sales, Marketing, and Associate Communications at Herbalife India, said, "We are truly honored to continue our collaboration with IRONMAN 70.3 India. At Herbalife, we believe in the transformative power of sports to uplift lives and create connections within our communities. Our passion drives us to support athletes and empower individuals, not just in their training but in their overall journey toward health and wellness. This partnership is a testament to our belief in the power of nutrition in helping everyone live their best lives.”

Deepak Raj, CEO of Yoska and franchise owner of the IRONMAN brand in India, added, “This long-standing association of Herbalife with IRONMAN 70.3 Goa is a testament to Herbalife's commitment to sports and sports nutrition to help athletes perform at their best. It aligns with the spirit of a globally renowned race like IRONMAN 70.3 Goa India and signifies a shared commitment to supporting sports enthusiasts and fostering a fitness culture across the nation. I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Herbalife for their continued support and partnership with IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, India.”

The profile of sports nutrition in India is rapidly increasing. The IMARC Group reports that the Indian sports nutrition market was valued at approximately USD 1.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach an estimated USD 3.1 billion by 2032. This growth is fueled by rising health consciousness, an increasing number of fitness enthusiasts, and a shift towards healthier lifestyles. Herbalife’s Sports Nutrition Portfolio ‘Herbalife24’ supports this trend by offering products designed to help athletes with recovery, hydration, and overall performance.

Herbalife sponsors over 150 athletes, teams, and leagues across the globe, supporting them with quality sports nutrition products at all stages of their training and competing. In India, Herbalife continues to support athletes like Virat Kohli (cricket), Smriti Mandhana (cricket), Lakshya Sen (badminton), Manika Batra (table tennis), Mary Kom (boxing), and para-badminton player Palak Kohli. Herbalife also supports major teams and sporting events including the Indian Olympics, Special Olympics and Commonwealth teams, IPL, Pro Kabaddi, Ironman 70.3 Goa 2024, and others. 

About Herbalife Ltd

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.

For more information, visit https://www.herbalife.com/en-in

Friday, October 25, 2024

Fastrack Launches ‘Afterhours’ Campaigns With Its First Sun Moon Chronographs For Men

 


* Fastrack’s new party collection with watches that keep the party going long after the festivities.

Fastrack, India’s go-to youth watch brand, is bringing fresh energy to the festive season with its latest “Afterhours” campaign. To capture the Afterhours vibe, Fastrack has launched the Opulence Collection—a chic party collection designed for those who want to keep ticking.

The collection comes in multiple style variants for both men and women, with a standout feature for men: Fastrack’s first-ever Sun-Moon chronograph. This unique design transitions seamlessly between day and night.

This campaign taps into those unforgettable moments that happen when the festivities end and the real party begins. We all love family traditions, but let’s be honest—the night gets real when it’s just you and your crew, the music’s still playing, and the afterparty kicks off.

The 'Afterhours' campaign celebrates those late-night stories—spontaneous dance-offs, deep conversations, and the moments that stay with you long after the night is over. It's about embracing the afterhours, where the night feels effortless, and the best memories are made.

For women, the collection features bracelet-style watches that easily go from family events to the afterparty. Whether you're catching up with cousins or partying with friends, these versatile pieces are the perfect plus-one—something to show off.

“We created 'Afterhours' for the generation that never calls it a night,” says Danny Jacob, Head of Marketing at Fastrack at Fastrack. “The campaign is all about the moments that define youth culture—the spontaneous fun, the real conversations, and the energy that keeps you going long after the official festivities are done. Our collection seamlessly transitions from day to night, making it the perfect accessory for both sides of the celebration.”

With prices starting from INR 5795/- this collection is accessible for everyone looking to elevate their festive game. You can find it at your nearest Fastrack store, shop online at Fastrack's official website, or visit Titan World and other authorized dealers across the nation.This festive season, own the afterparty with Fastrack—the ultimate accessory for unforgettable nights. When the lights go down, the fun is just getting started.

Why Women Need To Prioritize Iron Levels


By Anshul Jaibharat, Nutrition Advisor For Tata Salt Iron Health

Iron plays a vital role in many essential bodily functions, from carrying oxygen in the blood to supporting the immune system. However, iron deficiency remains a widespread nutritional problem, affecting women across the globe. Left untreated, it can lead to anaemia, causing fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. For this reason, women must pay close attention to their iron levels to maintain both their health and physical performance.

The risk of iron deficiency is higher for women due to blood loss during menstruation. Those experiencing symptoms such as general fatigue, breathlessness, irritability, pale skin, and headaches should consider getting their iron levels checked. Simple tests for haemoglobin and ferritin, a protein that stores iron, can help detect deficiencies early.

Maintaining adequate iron levels is crucial for more than just physical energy. Iron is also essential for cognitive function and the immune system. Insufficient iron can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Iron helps in the growth and maturation of immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are vital for fighting infections. Without enough iron, the immune system is compromised, and illness becomes more frequent.

Women who follow vegetarian or plant-based diets may struggle to get enough iron through food alone, as iron is more easily absorbed from animal products like meat, liver, and eggs. However, plant-based sources of iron, such as lentils, soybeans, nuts, spinach, and dried fruits like apricots and raisins, are excellent options. Combining these with Vitamin C-rich foods, like citrus fruits and bell peppers, helps improve iron absorption from vegetarian sources.

The data from the National Family Health Survey indicates a concerning trend in anaemia prevalence among adolescents in India, with rates among girls aged 15-19 rising from 54% in 2015-16 to 59% in 2019-21, while in contrast, boys are less susceptible that witnessed an increase from 29% to 31%. Hence, incorporating iron-fortified foods can be a practical solution. For instance, Tata Salt Iron Health provides 25% of the daily iron requirement per teaspoon, making it a convenient way to supplement iron intake. This fortified salt offers a simple solution for addressing widespread iron deficiency in a country where dietary habits often lack sufficient iron.

Recent studies have revealed a strong connection between iron deficiency and mental health. Individuals with iron deficiency or anaemia may experience various psychological symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, depression, and reduced cognitive abilities such as poor concentration.

Anaemia can significantly impair both mental and physical health, impacting an individual’s overall well-being. Therefore, everyone, especially women, should proactively manage their iron levels. A balanced diet, fortified foods, and regular testing can prevent the fatigue and health risks associated with iron deficiency, ensuring both peak physical performance and overall well-being. 

Yamaha Announces Exciting Diwali Offers On FZ Series, Fascino, And RayZR Models Across India


As India embraces the festive cheer of Diwali, India Yamaha Motor is delighted to offer special cashback offer along with Lower down payment schemes for its customers across the country. In keeping with the spirit of celebration, Yamaha’s Diwali offers bring attractive benefits on its popular 150cc FZ model range and 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooters, making this the perfect opportunity to own a Yamaha.

Diwali Offers and Schemes on Yamaha two-wheelers:

Cashback of up to INR 7,000 and low-down payment of INR 7,999 on FZ-S Fi Ver 4.0, FZ-S Fi Ver 3.0, and FZ Fi

Cashback of up to INR 4,000 and low-down payment of INR 2,999 on Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid

Yamaha’s diverse product portfolio includes premium motorcycles such as YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15M (155cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc), and FZ series bikes like FZ-S Fi Ver 4.0 (149cc), FZ-S Fi Ver 3.0 (149cc), FZ Fi (149cc), and FZ-X (149cc). Additionally, Yamaha offers a range of scooters including Aerox 155 version S (155cc), Aerox 155 (155cc), Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), and RayZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc).

Dozee Unveils Groundbreaking Study: AI-Powered Early Warning System Predicts Patient Deterioration Up To 16 Hours In Advance


* This Landmark Study, One of India’s Largest in Tertiary Care, Reaffirms Dozee’s Commitment to Solving Healthcare Challenges, Saving Lives, and Delivering Scalable, Affordable, World-Class Healthcare for All with Health AI.

Dozee, India’s Health AI leader, has unveiled the findings of a landmark study published in the internationally renowned journal Frontiers in Medical Technology. This journal is part of the prestigious Frontiers group. The study was conducted at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) and is one of the largest observational studies of its kind in Indian tertiary care. This study highlights the groundbreaking impact of Dozee’s AI-powered Early Warning System (EWS), demonstrating its ability to predict patient health deterioration up to 16 hours in advance, thereby providing healthcare professionals with a critical window to intervene early and potentially save lives.

In a nation with 2 million hospital beds, where approximately 1.9 million patients in general wards rely on manual spot checks for monitoring, Dozee’s AI-Powered Remote Patient Monitoring and Early Warning System (EWS) offers a revolutionary solution. This technology has the potential to transform care across 95% of hospital capacity, delivering life-saving continuous monitoring that ensures world-class healthcare at a fraction of the cost of ICU services.

The pioneering observational study monitored over 700 patients across 85,000 hours and demonstrated how Dozee’s Continuous Contactless Remote Patient Monitoring and Early Warning System (EWS) can revolutionize traditional manual processes. By delivering alerts up to 16 hours before a critical event, Dozee’s system empowers healthcare professionals to act earlier, improving patient outcomes while saving healthcare practitioners 2.4 hours per staff member per day. The study analyzed key metrics including alert sensitivity, specificity, average time from initial alert to deterioration, and healthcare practitioners' activity, providing robust clinical evidence of Dozee’s life-saving impact.

In many Indian hospitals, continuous monitoring is limited to ICUs, leaving general wards—where the majority of patients reside—vulnerable to undetected clinical deterioration. This study demonstrates that Dozee’s EWS bridges this gap by continuously tracking vitals such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. The results showed that Dozee's EWS predicted patient deterioration in 67% to 94% of cases, allowing healthcare providers to intervene long before conditions became critical. This early detection holds the potential to save 21 lakh lives annually and reduce healthcare costs by ?6400 crores.

Key Findings from the Study:

Dozee’s EWS alerted patients’ health deterioration about 16 hours in advance

Continuous monitoring saved 10% of healthcare practitioners’ time, equivalent to 2.4 hours per day.

Dr. Himanshu Dandu, Professor in the Department of Medicine at KGMU, emphasized the technology's potential to enhance critical care in resource-constrained environments. “This system enables early detection and continuous patient monitoring, providing a scalable and affordable solution tailored to the demands of healthcare systems facing heavy patient loads. The ability to detect signs of patient health deterioration can significantly improve their survival rates.”

Dr. Jean-Louis Teboul, a world-renowned intensivist and critical care expert from Paris-Saclay University, emphasized the global implications of the study, “What we have achieved in India has the potential to reshape healthcare globally. The challenges may differ, but the need for equitable, timely, and affordable care remains universal.”

“The results of this study affirm what we’ve always believed—this real-world evidence demonstrates technology’s ability to transform healthcare, making it more efficient, accessible, and equitable,” said Mr. Gaurav Parchani, CTO & Co-Founder of Dozee. “We’re not just solving a problem for India but laying the groundwork for global healthcare solutions.”

The study, authored by a distinguished team of experts from across the globe, including Dr. Himanshu Dandu and Dr. Ambuj Yadav from KGMU, along with Dozee’s clinical research team—Mr. Gaurav Parchani, Dr. Kumar Chokalingam, and Ms. Pooja Kadambi, Dr. Rajesh Mishra, an Intensivist and former ISCCM President, and Dr. Ahsina Jahan, Deputy Medical Director in charge of ICU and Emergency from Bangladesh. It has garnered international attention with contributions from Dr. Jean-Louis Teboul, Paris-Saclay Medical University and Dr. Jos M. Latour from University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.  The study findings emphasize that Dozee’s health AI offers more than a national solution; it addresses global healthcare gaps. Traditional models are proving unsustainable, and Dozee’s system provides a simple, scalable, and affordable solution that not only digitizes healthcare but could serve as a blueprint for global adoption.

Phoenix India Light Festival Begins At Phoenix Mall Of Asia: Invites All To Step Into A World Of Immersive Light And Wonder


* India’s first-of-its-kind interactive light festival to take place from October to December 2024 boosting the festive spirit

Phoenix Mall of Asia, renowned for its unparalleled shopping experience, culinary indulgence and cultural enrichment has proudly commenced the festive celebration today with the unveiling of Phoenix India Light Festival. Designed by Surreal Design Studio, this is the country’s first immersive lighting experience taking place at the heart of Bengaluru; promising to redefine the convergence of art and technology into a mesmerizing, interactive sensory experience, evoking a sense of storytelling, imagination and unbound happiness. The dazzling display of vibrant and interactive lights at the mall’s stunning plaza area, will transform the premises into a magical wonderland from October to December 2024, celebrating the festive spirit.

Marking a significant milestone in India’s cultural celebration, Phoenix India Light Festival (ILF) will display the transformative power of light through the combination of technology and creative brilliance, like never before. ILF will feature a curated collection of interactive light displays—from stunning tunnels of colours to psychedelic visual experiences—each crafted to engage the senses and ignite wonder. The launch of this first edition of India Light Festival during Diwali signifies the power of hope and connection fostered by the festival of light all across the country and ways Phoenix is committed to elevate the experience of its visitors to enjoy the festivities at its fullest and create lasting memories with loved ones.

During the India Light Festival, Phoenix Mall of Asia will be entirely adorned with stunning array of illuminated installations. Each décor element is designed to elevate the experience and create a magical, immersive atmosphere for visitors. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a monumental metal structure, the Prismatic Pavilion with neon lights and mesmerizing colours and geometry, which would create a dynamic and captivating visual experience from every angle. A centrally positioned ILF lit signage further enhances the visual impact. Followed by this, the Light tunnel decorated with curtain LED string lights will invite visitors to explore deeper into the mall, while blue neon lights illuminate the entrance, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue. Apart from this, there are two Shimmering Towers featuring metal structures with crystal string lights suspended beneath a mirrored acrylic ceiling, to cast a dazzling shimmer and creating an enchanting atmosphere. The visitors will also bask in the Radial Reflection, a metal structure with MDF cladding and mirror acrylic from inside with neon lights flushed in it, a Blooming Echoes, metal structure with sensor-based neon lights and lit heart in the center with ILF signage and six Prismatica installations with iridescent acrylic with neon lights inside, enhancing the festive ambience. The beautifully intricate décor will transform the space into a dynamic landscape of colour and light, evoking a sense of awe and wonder with every step.

Key Features of the Festival:

Interactive Installations: Engaging light displays that respond to visitors' actions.

Tunnel of Colour: A stunning, immersive space that invites exploration.

Psychedelic Visuals: Thought-provoking displays that challenge perception.

Sensory Journey: A curated experience designed to engage all senses and inspire wonder.

Ms. Ritu Mehta, Centre Director of Phoenix Mall of Asia and Senior VP - Marketing for South, expressed her excitement about the festival: “We, at Phoenix Mall of Asia are thrilled to bring the first-ever immersive light festival to India in this festive season. The Phoenix India Light Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of inspiration, creativity, and connection. This festival embodies our commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that our patrons are continuously amazed and keep experiencing pieces of global excellence. By introducing this immersive light festival, we elevate the festive atmosphere during Diwali while providing a unique and opulent experience that aligns with our top-of-the-line positioning. In the coming years, we hope to bring this celebration to different corners of India, spreading the festive glow from city to city across the seasons.”

Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathod, President - Malls (South), also shared his enthusiasm: “The Phoenix India Light Festival is a unique opportunity for us to showcase the transformative power of light. We aim to create an environment that fosters connection and joy, allowing our visitors to experience the magic of light in a new and exciting way. This festival is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and enriching experiences at Phoenix Mall of Asia.”

This initiative not only captivates visitors but also reaffirms Phoenix Mall of Asia's dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences that resonate with our discerning clientele. The Phoenix India Light Festival exemplifies the mall's mission to be a leader in the luxury retail landscape, setting new standards for elegance and engagement while continually striving to exceed expectations. Phoenix Mall of Asia welcomes everyone to the mesmerizing Phoenix India Light Festival. The celebration is open for all, opening doors for the visitors to step into a world where light shines brightly, bringing joy, inspiration, and connection to all who visit.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

ServiceNow Partners With Nvidia To Accelerate Enterprise Adoption Of Agentic AI


* Companies To Co?Develop Native AI Agents Using NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprints Within The ServiceNow Platform

* Together, ServiceNow and NVIDIA power GenAI to transform enterprise experiences and unlock unprecedented value for customers in industries around the world

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation today announced a major expansion to its strategic partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate enterprise adoption of Agentic AI. The companies will use NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprints to co?develop native AI Agents within the ServiceNow platform, creating use cases fueled by business knowledge that customers simply choose to turn on.

NVIDIA will collaborate with ServiceNow to map out multiple AI agent use cases. With six years of joint innovation on AI models, along with several previously announced strategic collaborations, ServiceNow and NVIDIA are reshaping how businesses integrate AI into their operations. 

The Now Platform is rapidly becoming a foundation for enterprise transformation in the evolving landscape of generative AI. By harnessing NVIDIA's advanced AI infrastructure—such as the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, including the NVIDIA NeMo framework and  NVIDIA NIM microservices running on NVIDIA DGX Cloud, and ServiceNow’s leading AI platform for business transformation, this partnership is supercharging productivity and streamlining complex workflows across industries. 

“GenAI is a massive tailwind for our industry, and ServiceNow and NVIDIA are bringing the next wave of agentic AI to enterprises everywhere,” said ServiceNow Chairman and CEO Bill McDermott. “The transformative potential of AI is unfolding for enterprises in real time. CEOs are looking to ServiceNow and NVIDIA to modernize their businesses and lead them into an AI?powered future. Together, our world?class product and engineering teams are shoulder?to?shoulder, putting AI to work for our customers.”

“The convergence of accelerated computing and generative AI is advancing a new era of enterprise transformation,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO, NVIDIA. “Together, NVIDIA and ServiceNow are readying organizations for agentic AI services to unlock unprecedented productivity across industries."

Enriching ServiceNow AI Agents with NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprints for Cybersecurity

With unified, real?time access to enterprise wide knowledge, tools, workflows, and data on the Now Platform, ServiceNow AI Agents – originally announced in September – can comprehend and interpret context, break down complex outcomes into smaller tasks, prioritize them, plan actions, and execute strategies to achieve desired results. Co?development between ServiceNow and NVIDIA will expand out?of?the?box AI agent use cases into additional solution areas, beginning with security vulnerability.

Leveraging NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprints, the companies will jointly develop Vulnerability Analysis for Container Security AI Agent to expand AI Agent capabilities beyond ticket resolutions to automate vulnerability analysis and make recommendations for human agents, with plans to add more throughout 2025. Customers will be able to quickly implement these turn?key AI Agents, simply by turning them on from ServiceNow AI Agent Studio once available in 2025.

ServiceNow AI Agents reinvent workflows across the enterprise, from small and specialized tasks like single issue resolution, to running an entire incident response workflow. Guardrails — built using NVIDIA NeMo Guardrails software — for robust oversight are built in to help ensure organizations can add the levels of governance they need for their unique business processes. Initial use cases for Customer Service Management (CSM) AI Agents and IT Service Management (ITSM) AI Agents are expected to reduce mean time to resolution and make live agents more productive.

From partnering with Hugging Face on open?access large language models (LLMs) for code generation to introducing telco?specific AI solutions and being early adopters of NVIDIA NIM microservices, ServiceNow and NVIDIA are defining the future of AI?powered business automation.

Accelerating the Value of GenAI Investments

ServiceNow and NVIDIA are showcasing the ability of enterprise AI to transform experiences and unlock unprecedented value for top innovators in industries around the world. By bringing NVIDIA’s AI?powered capabilities into ServiceNow Now Assist, customers such as American Honda, the National Science Foundation, Siemens, TRIMEDX, and joint customers of ServiceNow and Visa benefit from more intelligent, scalable, and efficient AI?driven solutions.

American Honda

American Honda is applying GenAI to improve deflection and efficiency of service, delivering a world class digital experience to their North American employees.

National Science Foundation

GenAI is also being adopted in the public sector. The U.S. federal government’s National Science Foundation is leveraging new GenAI solutions to support their mission to promote the progress of science by investing in research to expand knowledge in science, engineering, and education.

Siemens

As an AI Lighthouse customer with ServiceNow and NVIDIA, Siemens Global Business Services (GBS) is streamlining IT, HR, and customer service operations by deploying GenAI to boost speed and reliability across workflows, while cutting costs and increasing efficiency. For example, with case summarization, Siemens GBS has accelerated productivity, enabling them to close 72K cases annually.

TRIMEDX

TRIMEDX, a leading independent clinical asset management company, is using Now Assist to accelerate the development of core business ops, without having to hire additional developers at the same rate. In just the first three months after deploying GenAI, TRIMEDX benefitted from a 22% increase in developer productivity and is expanding their developer pool to citizen developers who are quickly learning new best practices.

Visa

Visa is at the forefront of payments technology, with operations in more than 200 countries and territories. As banks face an unprecedented surge in credit card disputes, including $11 billion worth of disputed charges last year alone1, Visa and ServiceNow have joined forces to launch ServiceNow Disputes Management, Built with Visa. Integrated with Now Assist for Banking, this solution is powering faster dispute self?service and deflection, which enhances productivity, streamlines compliance, and elevates the customer experience, all critical to Visa and its customers.

Top business outcomes benefit multiple personas, including employees through increased self?service options, customer service agents through summarization and resolution note generation, and system administrators and developers through several types of code, analytics, and playbook generation. Using ServiceNow domain specific models and powered by NVIDIA capabilities, customers are realizing real business results.

Availability

The first use cases for ServiceNow AI Agents are available to selected customers as part of the Xanadu release.

The Vulnerability Analysis for Container Security AI Agent, co?developed by NVIDIA and ServiceNow, will be available early 2025.

About ServiceNow

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is putting AI to work for people. We move with the pace of innovation to help customers transform organizations across every industry while upholding a trustworthy, human centered approach to deploying our products and services at scale. Our AI platform for business transformation connects people, processes, data, and devices to increase productivity and maximize business outcomes. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com.

50 Years Of CERELAC In India; Announces Introduction Of CERELAC No Refined Sugar Recipes


CERELAC, Nestlé’s cereal-based complementary food has entered its 50th year in India. The first batch of CERELAC was manufactured by Nestlé India’s flagship factory in Moga, Punjab on 15th September 1975. Today, hundreds of dedicated employees continue to manufacture quality nutrition products with the same tender care and passion at the Moga factory in Punjab and Samalkha factory in Haryana.

Over the past five decades, CERELAC has maintained its commitment to use high quality ingredients, including grains and milk that are sourced locally. Every batch of CERELAC undergoes rigorous quality checks (over 40 quality tests) to ensure that every pack is safe for consumption.

Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in reducing micronutrient deficiencies. Appropriate intake of these micronutrients can support well-being. Since its introduction in India, CERELAC has been offering complementary food for infants above 6 months. CERELAC has 15 nutrients*, which includes vitamins and minerals, that can be offered in addition to home food as per the guidance of healthcare practitioner.

CERELAC’s nutrition product recipes are developed in collaboration with Nestlé's global R&D network, together with local expertise and international innovation.

Over the last 5 years, added sugar has been reduced in CERELAC by up to 30% as a part of its innovation journey. Nestlé has achieved the ambition of introducing ‘CERELAC’ variants with no refined sugar. This was initiated three years ago and has culminated this year with the introduction of new CERELAC variants with no refined sugar. The expanded CERELAC range in India will now consist of 21 variants, of which 14 variants will have no refined sugar. Of these 14 variants, 7 will be available by end of November 2024 and the balance will be available in the coming weeks.

CERELAC's journey is not just about providing safe nutrition; Nestlé is also about fostering a sense of community and responsibility. Nestlé India works closely with local farmers, upskilling and training them to ensure sustainable and responsible sourcing of ingredients, reducing its carbon footprint and preserving the planet for future generations. Through the successful implementation of Zer' Eau technology in Moga and Samalkha factory, water extracted from milk is recycled to reduce groundwater consumption every year, thereby reducing reliance on groundwater.

CERELAC’s journey in India has been made possible because of the trust, support and partnerships that Nestlé has forged over many decades with farmers, suppliers, and distributors across India. Nestlé India will continue to leverage Nestlé's global R&D network to keep innovating its products and offering more options to its consumers that are contemporary, nutritious and in line with local taste and preferences.

Nestlé India will continue to leverage Nestlé's global R&D network to keep innovating its products and offering more options to its consumers that are contemporary, nutritious and in line with local taste and preferences. 

Manipal Marathon 2025 Gears Up For Its 7th Edition & Opens Registrations


Manipal Academy of Higher Education proudly announces the 7th edition of the renowned Manipal Marathon, scheduled for February 9, 2025, and the commencement of registrations for those eager to participate. Following the massive success of last year, which saw over 15,000 participants, the 2025 edition is expected to reach new heights, with its theme, ‘Innovation in Motion: Embracing Technology for Health and Fitness’.

As one of India’s largest student-organized marathons, the event promises certified routes, vibrant post-race celebrations, and meaningful contributions. The Manipal Marathon has become a beacon of excellence and inclusion, welcoming more than 15,000 participants in previous years. For the 2025 event, the organizers are setting an ambitious goal to gather over 20,000 participants from across the country, making it a historic occasion for the marathon and for charitable causes in India.

Event Details:

Date: 9th Feb 2025

Time: 5.00 am onwards

Venue: KMC Greens, Manipal, Karnataka

Registration: Open Now at Manipal Marathon Registration [https://manipalmarathon.in/

Race Day Highlights:

Certified race routes showcasing the captivating landscapes of Manipal and the Udupi coastline.

International certification by the IAAF AIMS, ensuring a world-class running experience.

A grand carnival atmosphere post-race, celebrating the spirit of the community.

Attractive prize money for top finishers across various categories.

The Manipal Marathon goes beyond being just a race—it’s a symbol of unity, awareness, and the enduring human spirit. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a beginner, this event unites all runners under a common goal of humanity and shared achievement.

Be part of this milestone event in 2025, combining sports and social awareness. Take on the challenge, join the community, and make a difference.

Register now to stand with us all the way!

Tata Neu’s Lending Marketplace Crosses 1 Lakh Instant Personal Loans Milestone, Disburses Over INR. 1,000 Crore


·         Launches festive 'Loan Utsav' until November 30, all successful loan applicants can receive 1,000 NeuCoins and become eligible to win a gold coin daily

·         Expands product suite to include Gold Loans, with Loans against Mutual Funds and Home Loans to follow

Tata Digital today announced a significant milestone of disbursing over 1 lakh personal loans through its lending partners on Tata Neu, amounting to more than INR. 1,000 crore. This achievement underscores the platform's growing popularity and commitment to providing accessible financial solutions to customers across India.

To celebrate this achievement, Tata Neu has launched its festive 'Loan Utsav,' where successful loan applicants can receive 1,000 NeuCoins (1 NeuCoin = 1 rupee saving), and become eligible to win a Gold Coin daily. Tata Neu has now also expanded its loan offerings beyond personal loans. The platform now also provides gold loans, with loans against mutual funds and home loans to follow shortly.

Tata Neu’s loan offerings allow customers to meet their diverse financial needs with the convenience of a fully digital, paperless application process that can be completed in less than 10 minutes. Upon approval by the lenders, the loan amount is instantly transferred to the customer's bank account, making it an ideal solution for urgent financial requirements.

“Tata Neu’s lending marketplace has reached a significant milestone, surpassing INR. 1,000 crore in total loans disbursed. This achievement is a testament to our customers' confidence in our offerings and our unwavering commitment to providing accessible and seamless financial solutions," said Gaurav Hazrati, Chief Business Officer, Financial Services, Tata Digital. "We remain dedicated to further expanding our financial services offerings and strengthening our partnerships with lenders to offer a comprehensive loan portfolio that aligns with our customers' evolving needs."

Commenting on the collaboration, Vivek Chopra, COO, Retail Finance, Tata Capital said, “With Tata Neu, we are proud to offer lending solutions that empower individuals to achieve their financial goals. By integrating our services with Tata Neu's robust platform, we’re able to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience. This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing credit accessibility and convenience for millions of customers across India.” 

Sushma Abburi, Chief Business Officer, MoneyView added, "We are excited about our partnership with Tata Digital, which enables us to deliver personalized loan products through its innovative platform. Together, we provide a seamless experience for customers, making it easier for them to access the financial solutions they need."

The strength of Tata Digital’s lending marketplace on Tata Neu lies in its extensive network of trusted lending partners Tata Capital, Aditya Birla Finance Limited, MoneyView, Kreditbee, Prefr, Ring, Cashe, IndiaGold, Rupeek, and Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., along with being an early adopter of ONDC’s loan offerings. These partnerships provide customers with a wide range of loan options – both secured and unsecured, featuring competitive interest rates and minimal processing fees. Additionally, Tata Digital offers free credit score reports on Tata Neu to enhance the overall value proposition for its customers.

About Tata Digital: 

Tata Digital is a future-ready company that focuses on creating consumer-centric, high-engagement digital products. Tata Neu, its core app, aims to be the trusted partner of every consumer by providing a holistic presence across various touchpoints. It offers a one-stop shop for the consumer's daily needs and aspirations with from essentials like groceries, medicines, bill payments, UPI, gift cards, and financial services such as loans, insurance, investment, and India's most popular co-branded credit card, to lifestyle-oriented offerings like fashion, consumer electronics, travel, and entertainment. Tata Digital includes subsidiaries like Supermarket Grocery Supplies Pvt Ltd (BigBasket), Infiniti Retail (Croma), Tata 1MG Healthcare Solutions Pvt Ltd, Tata Unistore Limited (Tata CLiQ), Tata Payments Limited, Tata Fintech Pvt. Ltd., among others. Founded in March 2019, Tata Digital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited. For more information, visit www.tatadigital.in. 

Dual Recognition In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (DEI) For HDFC Life By Avtar And Seramount


HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, has been recognised by Avtar and Seramount among the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI). This accolade celebrates companies that create supportive ecosystems for women, and HDFC Life was honoured among 12 companies in the BFSI sector.

Additionally, HDFC Life has also received the ‘Exemplars of Inclusion’ recognition in the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI), which highlights organisations that excel in fostering inclusion for not only women but also people with disabilities (PwD), the LGBTQ+ community, and diverse generations and cultures.

These accolades underscore the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the culture of HDFC Life as an organisation. The Company believes in equal opportunities for all and constantly strives to create and sustain an environment of equality, addressing challenges and initiating efforts that encourage individuals to express themselves freely, grow and showcase their abilities in their respective domains.

Vibhash Naik – Chief Human Resources Officer, HDFC Life, stated “We are honoured with the dual recognition. These accolades are a testament to our organisational culture of Excellence, People Engagement, Integrity, Customer Centricity, and Collaboration. We believe that our employees make us what we are. Their happiness and growth contribute to our growth as an organisation. We remain true to our motto of ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’ both in what we offer to customers and in how we support our employees.”

About HDFC Life

Founded in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Be A #SatarkNagrik And Outsmart Sneaky AI-Powered Scams


Scammers are leveling up with technology, but you can always stay ahead by staying alert.  In the spirit of strengthening a Cyber Secure Bharat, Visa highlights 5 emerging AI-powered scams and smart tips to ensure tricksters don’t catch you off guard.

1. Fake products fantasy: AI has enabled scammers to create convincing fake websites that steal personal and financial data, enticing shoppers with attractive offers that may not exist. Always shop on trusted websites and use secure digital payment methods such as tokenised cards that protect your personal information and come with robust dispute resolution.

2. Deepfake Video Calls: With AI generated video calls, fraudsters may pose as acquaintances or authorities, manipulating vulnerable users into making large ticket payments. They may also create a cloned voice in less than 3 seconds[1]. The key is to not panic by the false sense of urgency of such calls. Disconnect the call immediately and verify the request through other trusted channels.

3. Document Forgery Fraud: AI tools can produce fake documents like bank statements and corporate records. Don't be misled by authentic-looking documents if they are from unverified sources. Always verify with the relevant authority or your bank before taking any action.

4. Synthetic Identity Fraud: AI can blend real and fabricated data to create synthetic identities that could bypass traditional fraud detection systems. These forged profiles often use stolen personal information to create seemingly legitimate accounts. Use advanced security measures such as biometric authentication and multi-factor authentication for validation.

5. AI-Powered Phishing Emails: AI is now helping scammers craft phishing emails and smishing (SMS) techniques with flawless language and formatting, that mimic legitimate business situations. These emails may contain links leading to fake websites that steal personal information or inject malware. Be wary of unusual sender addresses and avoid clicking on any links without verifying their legitimacy.

Stay alert. Be a #SatarkNagrik and protect yourself from AI-driven frauds. Don’t let scammers get the better of you!

PNB Launches Exclusive Offers This Festive Season


Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has rolled out a range of exciting credit card offers for its customers to enrich their festive season experience with both savings and convenience. Cardholders can enjoy exclusive cashback and attractive discounts on consumer durables, travel bookings, dining experiences, food and grocery deliveries, and EMI-based purchases made at Pine Labs POS terminals.

Offers on EMI-based purchases across all Pine Labs POS Terminals:

Vijay Sales: 10% discount or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum transaction of Rs 15,000 across all categories.

Voltas: Up to 12.5% cashback or up to Rs 5,000 on consumer durables.

Lloyd: Up to 22.5% cashback or up to Rs 6,000 on consumer durables.

IFB: Up to 20% cashback or up to Rs 9,000 on consumer durables.

Godrej: Up to 20% cashback on refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, air conditioners, air coolers, and dishwashers.

Bosch: Up to 20% cashback on refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, cooking appliances, and vacuum cleaners.

Whirlpool: Up to 20% cashback up to Rs 12,000 on refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, dishwashers, and water purifiers.

Daikin: Up to 5% cashback or up to Rs2,500 on air conditioners.

TCL: Up to 10% cashback or up to Rs10,000 on televisions, audio systems, washing machines, and air conditioners.

Offers on Dining Experience, Food & Grocery Delivery:

Zomato (Dine-in): 10% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum offer value of Rs 2,500. Valid once per card per month, all days.

Zomato (Food Delivery): 15% off or up to Rs 100 on a minimum order value of Rs 399. Valid twice per card per month, all days.

Swiggy (Food Delivery): Flat Rs 75 off on orders above Rs399. Valid twice per user per month, all days.

Blinkit (Grocery Delivery): 15% off or up to Rs 250 on a minimum order value of Rs 699. Valid once per card per month, all days.

Offers on Flight Bookings:

Domestic Flights:

MakeMyTrip: Flat 12% off or up to Rs 1,500 on a minimum booking of Rs 3,000.

Goibibo: Flat 12% off or up to Rs 1,500 on a minimum booking of Rs 3,000.

EaseMyTrip: Flat 12% off or up to Rs 2,000.

Paytm: Flat 15% off or up to Rs 1,500 on a minimum booking of Rs 4,000.

International Flights:

MakeMyTrip: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs 10,000.

Goibibo: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs 10,000.

EaseMyTrip: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 5,000.

Paytm: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs10,000.

Offers on Hotel Bookings:

Domestic Hotels:

MakeMyTrip: Flat 15% off or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs 2,000.

Goibibo: Flat 15% off or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs 2,000.

EaseMyTrip: Flat 20% off or up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs 2,000.

International Hotels:

MakeMyTrip: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 10,000 or Flat 15% off on selected hotels with a minimum booking of Rs 5,000.

Goibibo: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 10,000 or Flat 15% off on selected hotels with a minimum booking of Rs 5,000.

EaseMyTrip: Flat 20% off, up to Rs 5,000 on a minimum booking of Rs 2,000.

Offers on Cab Bookings:

MakeMyTrip: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum booking of Rs 2,000.

Goibibo: Flat 10% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum booking of Rs 2,000.

Offers on Bus Bookings:

MakeMyTrip: Flat 8% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum booking of Rs 500.

Goibibo: Flat 8% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum booking of Rs 500.

EaseMyTrip: Flat 15% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum booking of Rs 500.

Paytm: Flat 15% off or up to Rs 500 on a minimum booking of Rs 500.

The PNB Festive Season Offers are valid till 31 December 2024.

Sangeet Paryani And Nisha Lulla On The Next Episode Of Just Talk Sneakers!


Sneaker kingpin Sangeet Paryani of Superkicks and Bollywood stylist Nisha Lulla reveal their untold sneaker stories on this unique talk show for sneakerheads.

Zee Café is all set to drop another exciting episode of Just Talk Sneakers, featuring sneaker guru Sangeet Paryani and fashion maven Nisha Lulla. The first two episodes, which showcased renowned actors like Tanuj Virwani and influencer couple Manav Chhabra and Unnati Malharkar, received a lot of love. And there are even more exciting guests lined up in the coming weeks! Get ready for sneaker talk that will knock your socks off, airing on 27th October at 8:30 PM.

Sangeet Paryani is the founder of Superkicks, India's go-to sneaker destination, known for curating top international brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma. Nisha Lulla, on the other hand, is a celebrated costume designer and fashion stylist who has styled some of the biggest names in Bollywood. Together, they’ll dive into their personal sneaker stories, style philosophies, and the rise of sneaker culture in India.

Hosted by RJ Mihir Joshi, Just Talk Sneakers dives deep into the sneaker culture sweeping across India. This week's episode promises exclusive insights into the evolving sneaker scene, along with fun stories from two style icons who know it inside out.

Catch it this Sunday at 8:30 PM, only on Zee Café! Sneaker lovers, this one’s for you!

This Dhanteras And Diwali, Shine Brighter With ORRA Fine Jewellery’s Exquisite Festive Collection


As the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras and Diwali approaches, the essence of tradition and cultural celebration comes alive in every home throughout the nation. The festival of lights holds profound significance with people embracing cultural heritage and by purchasing in jewellery and inviting wealth and prosperity. In an effort to enhance the joyous celebration of Dhanteras, ORRA Fine Jewellery is excited to unveil exclusive collection, intricately designed for this festive season.

These exceptional festive jewellery will not only represent a dedication to uphold tradition, but also accentuate the charm of contemporary design. These designs are crafted to make a powerful impression, whether teamed with a sequin saree, your authentic silk sarees, Paithanis, or any festive attire. They promise to mesmerize and take your celebrations up a notch, adding a touch of elegance.

Mr. Dipu Mehta, Managing Director of ORRA Fine Jewellery, shares, "At ORRA, we deeply value the cultural importance of jewellery in India, and our newest collection perfectly merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design. These necklaces not only narrate a unique tale but also cater to individual style and aesthetics, while embodying the festive spirit of celebration and joy that characterises the season."

With the new collections, be it traditional or contemporary, ORRA is aiming to enhance age-old customs with carefully crafted designs, while also catering to the changing preferences of our valued customers. In keeping with the Dhanteras and Diwali tradition of buying jewellery, ORRA has also developed plans tailored for younger customers who wish to participate in this significant custom. This season, customers can explore stunning collections through customized EMI plans and avail exclusive discounts.

As part of Dhanteras & Diwali celebrations, ORRA Fine Jewellery is pleased to extend the following exclusive offers to valued customers:

·       Upto 25% off on Diamond Jewellery

·       Flat 20% off on Diamond Bangles

·       Flat 25% off on making charges of Gold Jewellery

·       0% interest EMI

·       0% deduction on old gold jewellery

*Terms and Conditions apply

About ORRA:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it meta morphed into ORRA. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA is one of India's finest bridal jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 95 Stores across 40 Cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership, and product innovation with 5 global design centers.

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA - The Finest Diamond Destination.

For more information, visit – https://www.orra.co.in

MIT Professor Embarks On 44th Indian Scientific Expedition To Antarctica To Study Climate Change Impacts


Dr. Anish Kumar Warrier, a Professor of Geology and the Coordinator of the Centre for Climate Studies at MIT's Department of Civil Engineering, is set to embark on a groundbreaking scientific journey as part of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. Dr. Warrier, alongside an international team of scientists, will head to East Antarctica in October 2024 for a critical research project nicknamed STAPLES (Spatio-Temporal Investigations of Polar Lacustrine Systems).

The eight-member team, comprising experts from India, Japan, and Belgium, will conduct a joint field campaign to investigate the region’s climate history. Their primary focus will be collecting sediment cores from lakes in East Antarctica, which hold valuable information about the Earth's past climate, ice-sheet fluctuations, and historical sea levels. By analyzing these sediment samples, the researchers aim to unlock crucial insights into how ice sheets have behaved over time and how sea levels have responded to natural climate variability.

The data gathered during this expedition will deepen our understanding of the past and provide critical input for climate models that predict future sea-level changes. As climate change accelerates, these predictions will help global policymakers and scientists make informed decisions to address its consequences.

This will mark Dr. Warrier’s fifth expedition to Antarctica, underlining his extensive experience and commitment to polar research. The expedition is financially supported by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an institution under India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Commenting on this remarkable achievement, Commander (Dr) Anil Rana, Director of Manipal Institute of Technology, said, "Dr. Warrier’s participation in such a prestigious and critical international scientific endeavor is a testament to his expertise and dedication. His work in Antarctica will enhance our understanding of climate change and elevate MIT's global standing as a leader in scientific research. We are incredibly proud of his contributions and wish him and the team great success in their mission."

Given the importance of predicting the future impacts of climate change, this mission represents a significant step toward understanding and mitigating the global effects of rising sea levels.

Fossil Strengthens Retail Presence In South India With New Bengaluru Store At Phoenix Mall Of Asia


~The New Fossil Store in Phoenix Mall Of Asia marks the 25th Exclusive Retail Outlet in India and 7th in the city, Encouraging Brand Accessibility and Customer Experience

Strengthening its presence in India, Fossil, a global leader in lifestyle accessories, proudly announces the opening of its latest retail store at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru. This marks the 7th Fossil retail store in the city further consolidating the brand’s presence in Bengaluru. This new location also represents a significant step in Fossil’s commitment to bringing its premium brand experience closer to customers across key markets.

"Bengaluru's vibrant retail landscape and fashion-conscious consumers make it an ideal location for our newest store," said Johnson Varghese, Managing Director of Fossil India. He further added, "The appetite for cutting-edge fashion and timeless style among Bengaluru's consumers has driven us to expand further. We’re excited to launch our 7th store in this dynamic city at Phoenix Mall of Asia. With this, we are not only offering a curated space for customers to explore our latest collections but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering a premium, personalized shopping experience. We’re thrilled to continue our growth journey in India, and this new store is a key milestone in enhancing our brand’s accessibility and presence across the country”.

The new store will feature Fossil's statement timepieces, such as watches, handbags, and accessories, all designed to give a unique and enhanced shopping experience. Being the  25th exclusive store in India, this expansion reflects Fossil’s commitment to bringing timeless craftsmanship closer to the customers while creating immersive shopping experiences that resonate with India's discerning consumers.

As Fossil India continues its expansion, each store opening reinforces the brand's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design.  The new location at Phoenix Mall of Asia provides customers with a premium shopping destination where they can explore and experience the latest collections in an engaging environment.

About Fossil:

FOSSIL

Fossil is a leading global lifestyle accessories brand inspired by creativity and ingenuity, dedicated to connecting people to what matters most: time. Fossil takes pride in creating timeless and exceptionally crafted watches, leather goods and jewelry—designed to accompany you on every journey life presents. As a trailblazer in the industry, Fossil brings innovation and style to its accessories, while also working diligently to Make Time For Good™, a platform created to enact positive change for the brand’s people and communities.

MAHE FAIMER International Institute Launches 10th Batch: Empowering Leaders In Health Professions Education


The MAHE FAIMER International Institute for Leadership in Interprofessional Education (M-FIILIPE) has officially launched its 10th batch, marking a significant milestone in shaping the future of healthcare professionals. This program is dedicated to empowering leaders and innovators through a strong emphasis on interprofessional education (IPE), which is essential for transforming healthcare practices and educational methodologies.

In his keynote address, Dr. P Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE the chief guest, underscored the critical need for collaborative interprofessional research across the fellows’ organizations. He encouraged participants to engage in positive leadership and leverage MAHE’s research vertical for both personal and professional growth.

Prof. John HV Gilbert, Professor Emeritus from British Columbia and the Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair in Interprofessional Education of M-FIILIPE, praised the regional institute as one of the most unique FAIMER Regional Institutes globally. He highlighted the impressive outcomes of previous fellows, who have produced influential research papers with significant policy implications for sustainability in healthcare.

Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Director of M-FIILIPE, emphasized the vertical growth of fellows and the establishment of various centers aligned with Competency-Based Medical Education across India. "Our fellows are our pride, and their aspirations are vital for the future of healthcare quality," she stated, noting the participation of 24 fellows from 11 states and 2 countries who are committed to making a positive impact.

Dr. Tatiyana Mandal expressed gratitude to the administrative officials and global leaders in IPE, motivating the fellows with her insights and experiences. FAIMER faculty from various Regional Institutes contributed to the event by discussing innovative approaches to interprofessional education. As the 10th batch of fellows embarks on this transformative journey, M-FIILIPE continues to pave the way for a collaborative and effective healthcare system.

Zoho Corporation To Leverage NVIDIA NeMo To Build LLMs


Zoho Corporation, a global technology company headquartered in Chennai, announced today that it will be leveraging the NVIDIA AI accelerated computing platform - which includes NVIDIA NeMo, part of NVIDIA AI Enterprise software – to build and deploy its large language models (LLMs) in its SaaS applications. Once the LLMs are built and deployed, they will be available to Zoho Corporation's 700,000+ customers across ManageEngine and Zoho.com globally. Over the past year, the company has invested more than USD 10 million in NVIDIA's AI technology and GPUs, and plans to invest an additional USD 10 million in the coming year. The announcement was made during NVIDIA AI Summit in Mumbai.

Ramprakash Ramamoorthy, Director of AI at Zoho Corporation, commented, "Many  LLMs on the market today are designed for consumer use, offering limited value for businesses. At Zoho, our mission is to develop LLMs tailored specifically for a wide range of business use cases. Owning our entire tech stack, with products spanning various business functions, allows us to integrate the essential element that makes AI truly effective: context.”

Zoho prioritises user privacy from the outset to create models that are compliant with privacy regulations from the ground up, rather than retrofitting them later. Its goal is to help businesses realize ROI swiftly and effectively by leveraging the full stack of NVIDIA AI software and accelerated computing to increase throughput and reduce latency.

Zoho has been building its own AI technology for over a decade and adding it contextually to its wide portfolio of over 100 products across its ManageEngine and Zoho divisions. Its approach to AI is multi-modal, geared towards deriving contextual intelligence that can help users make business decisions. The company is building narrow, small and medium language models, which are distinct from LLMs. This provides options for using different size models in order to provide better results across a variety of use cases. Relying on multiple models also means that businesses that do not have a large amount of data can still benefit from AI. Privacy is also a core tenet in Zoho's AI strategy, and its LLM models will not be trained on customer data.

“The ability to choose from a range of AI model sizes empowers businesses to tailor their AI solutions precisely to their needs, balancing performance with cost-effectiveness,” said Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, Asia South at NVIDIA. “With NVIDIA’s AI software and accelerated computing platform, Zoho is building a broad range of models to help serve the diverse needs of its business customers.”

Through this collaboration, Zoho will be accelerating its LLMs on the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform with NVIDIA Hopper  GPUs, using the NVIDIA NeMo end-to-end platform for developing custom generative AI—including LLMs, multimodal, vision, and speech AI. Additionally, Zoho is testing NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM to optimize its LLMs for deployment, and has already seen a 60% increase in throughput and 35% reduction in latency compared with a previously used open-source framework. The company is also accelerating other workloads like speech-to-text on NVIDIA accelerated computing infrastructure.

About Zoho Corporation

Zoho Corporation is a privately-held, profitable technology company. Founded in 1996, it is headquartered in Chennai, India. Zoho Corp. has more than 15,000 employees globally. It is the parent company of prominent technology brands including ManageEngine, Zoho, TrainerCentral, Qntrl, and Zakya.

Turkish Technic Provides Redelivery Check For IndiGo’s Airbus A320neo


Turkish Technic, a leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and IndiGo, India’s largest airline, have signed an agreement covering the Redelivery Checks of 7 Airbus A320neos.

Under this agreement, Turkish Technic will provide Redelivery Check services for Airbus A320neo aircraft at Turkish Technic facilities in ?stanbul Atatürk Airport as well as Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with the first aircraft arriving in October 2024.

Regarding the agreement, Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, said: ‘‘We are pleased to further expand our partnership with IndiGo. This agreement stands as a testament to our technical expertise in aircraft services. With years of experience under our belt, we are fully equipped to ensure the smooth and timely redelivery of IndiGo’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, contributing to their continued operational success. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration and exploring new opportunities with IndiGo.”

Commenting on the continuation of the partnership, Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, COO of IndiGo said: "We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency through our partnership with Turkish Technic. This agreement for the Redelivery Checks of our Airbus A320neo underlines our trust in Turkish Technic's expertise and capabilities. This collaboration will support the seamless redelivery process, ensuring our aircraft are maintained to the highest global standards."

Operating as a one-stop MRO company with high-quality support, competitive turnaround times, and comprehensive in-house capabilities at its state-of-the-art hangars, Turkish Technic provides maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering, modification, tailor-made component supply and reconfiguration to many domestic and international customers at five locations.

About Turkish Technic

Turkish Technic (IATP: TKT), an association of Turkish Airlines group companies (Istanbul Stock Exchange: THYAO), is one of the world’s leading aviation services providers, where comprehensive maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, and reconfiguration services are performed with a highly qualified workforce of 11.350 staff within Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Istanbul Airport facilities on two separate continents. Aside from its engineering and maintenance activities, Turkish Technic supports aircraft operators and owners globally with encompassing component pooling, design, certification, and production services. For more information: visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, X, Youtube, Linkedin, and Instagram.

About IndiGo

IndiGo is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 370+ aircraft, the airline is operating around 2100 daily flights and connecting 85+ domestic destinations and 30+ international destinations. India by IndiGo! For more information, please visit http://www.goindigo.in/ or download our mobile app. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.