Riot Games To Host 'Convergence', Its First Ever International VALORANT Esports Tournament In India

* Convergence 2023 will bring together some of the best professional VALORANT teams in the world to compete on the same stage in India

Riot Games today announced plans to host Convergence, its first ever international VALORANT esports tournament in India in partnership with The Esports Club. The tournament is scheduled to take place between 14th to 17th December, 2023 at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore.

Convergence represents Riot’s first international VALORANT esports event in India, showcasing its commitment to the growing gaming culture in the country. The tournament will bring together some of the top VALORANT teams from around the world, such as Global Esports, FUT, Furia, Vitality, and GenG, to compete on the same stage in India. The aforementioned teams play in Riot's VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) in Asia, Europe and Americas, representing the pinnacle of professional VALORANT esports. They are set to compete against each other in the main event, commencing on December 14.

“Convergence is us at Riot saying thanks to our amazing fans in India, who have supported us since the launch of VALORANT in 2020. We have also since grown the India team to deliver such hyperlocal experiences to our players here. With Convergence, Indian fans will finally get to see some of their favorite VALORANT athletes perform in person and also interact with them off-stage. It will be a perfect ending to the 2023 VCT season and we are just getting started here in India for such international events.” said Sukamal Pegu, Esports Lead, India & South Asia, Riot Games.

“We are excited to partner with Riot Games to introduce their first ever international VALORANT tournament to the gaming community in India. This event will not only enhance the esports experiences in the country but also elevate India's presence on the global gaming stage.” said Vamsi Krishna, Founder and Managing Director, The Esports Club.

VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. It is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.

Riot Games has been actively engaged in fostering community engagement and enhancing the player experience with multiple initiatives over the past year. Recently, Riot Games celebrated the one-year anniversary of VALORANT’s first ever Indian agent Harbor by conducting a beach clean-up with the Indian gaming community, and also commemorated the third anniversary of VALORANT in India with BHARAT VALORANT celebrations.

About Riot Games:

Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, and led by CEO Dylan Jadeja, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, and has 4,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.

VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play. VALORANT is a free-to-play game and optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.

Godrej Interio's 'HomeScapes' Study Reveals That Over 50% Indians Are Emotionally Attached To The First Furniture They Purchased

In India, home decor goes far beyond the conventional aesthetics. It's a reflection of cultural values, emotional connections, and evolving home space dynamics, reveals, new research by Godrej Interio, a business of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group. Godrej Interio’s ‘HomeScapes’ study highlights how consumers’ personalities and values are uniquely expressed in their home and home décor choices.

The study ‘HomeScapes’, states that over half of the Indian consumers (58%) express a profound emotional attachment to the first piece of furniture they purchased independently. It is also interesting to note that nearly half of the respondents (44%) envisioned their first piece of furniture as a communal space, envisioning it as a hub for interactions with colleagues, family, and friends. 

The Homescapes Study by Godrej Interio revealed some very interesting facets of evolving consumer behavior thus throwing a spotlight on personal space and growth. According to the study, one-third of the respondents (33%) consider their home as a sanctuary, a place where they retreat for ‘me-time,’ sleep, meditation, self-care, or to spend time in their balcony garden. Whereas a substantial 74% of respondents believe that the furniture, furnishings, and decor they select for their homes not only reflect their personal growth but also signify their professional and financial progress.

The study also shows a linkage between personal space and social space in one’s home where nearly 48% of respondents engage in activities such as redecorating, cleaning, or refurbishing their homes prior to any big celebrations. The survey revealed that a lot of families are reviving a cherished tradition to improve bonding and attachment. 38% of respondents have reintroduced the tradition of "movie night" with friends and family on the living room couch.

According to Swapneel Nagarkar, Business Head & Senior Vice President, Godrej Interio, “This survey reveals the deep emotional connection between individual, their families and homes. Our research delves into consumers' sentiments regarding one of the most important aspect of their existence - their homes as an expression of their lives. The data from our survey demonstrates that people are now placing emphasis on both functionality and aesthetics, thus ensuring that their homes are not only efficient and well organized but also welcoming and beautifully adorned. At Godrej Interio, we take pride in crafting furniture that isn’t just visually appealing but also boasts features tailored to suit the modern Indian lifestyle - furniture that becomes an essential member of one’s home and lifestyle.”

The survey was conducted with 2822 Indians living across 7 cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Lucknow.

About Godrej Interio:

Godrej Interio is India’s leading premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufacturing and retail. 

Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and awarded with 34 India Design Mark Awards till date, GODREJ INTERIO aims to transform spaces with its thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the highest design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GODREJ INTERIO’s product portfolio comprises of a wide range of solutions 

Today, Godrej designs and manufactures furniture for office spaces, homes, educational institutes, healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture, the company offers Audio Visual and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product ranges revolves around comfort and aesthetics while delivering well-designed, long lasting and functional furniture solutions. In short, Godrej Interio helps the consumers to make every space the perfect setting for their myriad moods and moments.

Currently present in over 450 cities with 450 exclusive showrooms and 520 dealer outlets, is one of the largest divisions of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of India's largest engineering and customer product groups.

Godrej Interio has 7 manufacturing facilities situated at Mumbai, Khalapur, Haridwar, Shirwal, and Bhagwanpur. GODREJ INTERIO is widely known for its comprehensive sustainability certifications for its products in the furniture category.

IIM Udaipur Launches EMBA Program Offering Flexibility Through Multiple-Entry And Stage-Wise Completion

The Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIMU) launches its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, designed exclusively for ambitious professionals seeking uninterrupted career growth. Commencing on May 18, 2024, this two-year online program combines flexibility with academic excellence, featuring two one-week on-campus modules to foster networking and interaction. Managed and delivered directly by IIMU, the EMBA program employs a high-touch approach with live sessions, interactive learning experiences, and exclusive C-suite interactions, providing participants with valuable insights from industry leaders. This program will provide an ideation platform to encourage participants to discuss business ideas leading to possible new business ventures that would get support from the IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre.

The curriculum is a comprehensive 1250 contact hour program covering Business Foundations, Functional Foundations, and Managerial Toolkit, complemented by diverse electives. This is the first IIM EMBA Program to offer flexibility through multiple entry and stage-wise completion. Participants benefit from credit-based waivers, acknowledging their prior academic achievements. Upon completing the program, participants will receive a Master of Business Administration from IIM Udaipur. They will also be given the status of Alumni of IIM Udaipur.

Extending a welcome to potential professionals seeking a reputed degree with flexible options, Prof. Tushar Agrawal, Chairperson - EMBA Program, said, “Many professionals yearn for an opportunity to enhance their skill set, elevate their careers, and contribute meaningfully to their organisations without disrupting their current roles. The EMBA Program at IIM Udaipur is designed exclusively for modern-day working professionals seeking to elevate their careers without putting their current commitments on hold. Our program prioritises your needs and aspirations, offering unparalleled flexibility in learning formats and schedules. The Executive Master of Business Administration program at IIM Udaipur is not just about earning a degree; it’s about empowering professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead and excel in the dynamic business world.”

The admission cycle begins on November 15, 2023. Embark on unparalleled learning and career growth with IIM Udaipur's EMBA program. For more information, visit the IIMU EMBA Program website or contact the Admissions Office at 7230001227 (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM) or emba.admission@iimu.ac.in.

FarMart Takes The Green Route Towards The Future Of Food

FarMart, one of the leaders in sustainable and futuristic food supply network, has released its Impact Report - “Tracing Impact at FarMart” and continues to seize the spotlight for its extraordinary impact on agriculture. From green logistics to AI-powered food testing, FarMart boasts of unparalleled performance and is also recognized as India's fastest-growing tech company in 2022 by Deloitte.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future For Food

FarMart, now recognized for its ground-breaking achievements, remains steadfast in its mission to create a sustainable and tech-driven future for agriculture. The company's focus on innovation, community empowerment and environmental sustainability positions it to continue breaking new ground in the agri-tech sector.

Adding to its environmental commitment, every ton of food sold through FarMart emits 33% fewer emissions than the conventional food supply chain. Collaborating with 2,000 food businesses and establishing partnerships with suppliers in 7,000 pincodes, FarMart has, within five years, avoided 41,974 Metric Tons of CO2 emissions and prevented 28,350 Metric Tons of food waste until March 2023. FarMart is not only revolutionizing agriculture but also paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food ecosystem.

“At FarMart, our climate commitments are not separate from our core business. Sustainability is deeply integrated into our model, and we reduce carbon emissions with every transaction. In the next 5 years, FarMart aspires to be an industry leader in driving supply chain decarbonisation efforts for food businesses across the globe,” says Tannya Garg, Impact and ESG Head at FarMart.

Transforming Lives Through Unprecedented Growth

Impacting the lives of over 30 lakh farmers (150% increase from FY22) and counting, FarMart is not merely a platform—it's a catalyst for change. In the dynamic realm of agriculture, where every decision holds immense consequence, FarMart ensures that farmers receive real-time market rates on a daily basis, empowering them with invaluable insights. From 2021 to 2023, a staggering ?1,085 crore value transfer to farmers at fair market rates underscores FarMart's commitment to fostering economic growth at the grassroots level. FarMart is not just enhancing productivity but elevating the entire agricultural ecosystem. Furthermore, through efficient logistical arrangements and a strategic reduction in transport costs, FarMart has saved 20% of farmers' income, marking a significant stride towards sustainable and profitable farming. This, coupled with 17 lakh retailer-farmer SMS inputs, solidifies FarMart's position as the driving force behind positive and measurable change in Indian agriculture.

Deloitte has acknowledged FarMart's exceptional growth, naming it the fastest-growing tech company in India. Achieving a staggering year-over-year growth rate of 150%, FarMart is setting new benchmarks for efficiency and growth in the agri-tech sector.

Impact Report Unveiled

FarMart is proud to unveil its Impact Report, spotlighting the tangible and positive changes ushered in by its platform.

- Over 30 Lakh Farmers Empowered: Daily access to real-time market rates, along with the many tech-enabled services are empowering an ever-growing number of farmers, enabling informed decision-making and profit maximization.

- Rs 1,085 Crore Value Transfer: From 2021 to 2023, FarMart facilitated a fair market value transfer of ?1,085 crore to farmers, ensuring just compensation for their produce.

- 20% of Farmers' Income Saved: Efficient logistical arrangements and reduced transport costs led to a 20% saving in farmers' income, contributing to their financial well-being.

- 17 Lakh Retailer-Farmer SMS Inputs: FarMart's platform facilitated 17 lakh retailer-farmer SMS inputs, fostering communication and collaboration in the agricultural ecosystem.

Metrics Summary:

Environmental Impact:

* Reduction in food waste (MT) from 5237.13 (FY 2022) to 23112.86 (FY 2023)

* Cumulative amount of GHG emissions avoided (MT of CO2 eq.) increased from 7095.5 (FY 2022) to 41,974 (FY 2023), a 491% growth.

Community Empowerment and Reach:

*  Number of farmers reached increased from 12 Lakh (FY 2022) to 30 Lakh (FY 2023), a remarkable 150% increase.

* Number of village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) empowered increased from 60,122 (FY 2022) to 2,48,525 (FY 2023), posting a whopping 313% increase.

Economic Impact:

*   Value transferred to farmers at fair market price increased from ?1,900,600,000 (FY 2022) to ?8,951,300,000 (FY 2023)

*  Number of village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) empowered increased from 30000000 (FY 2022) to 138400000 (FY 2023), posting a 361% increase.

*  Earnings by logistics partners increased from ?3,993,289,000 (FY 2022) to ?10,847,574,000 (FY 2023)

HMD Global Has Regained Its No. 1 Position And Dominates Feature Phone Market: IDC Q3'23 Report

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has emerged as the undisputed leader in the feature phone market, securing the top position in market share by value and securing the second position by volume, according to the latest IDC Q3'23 report, yet again.

As per the IDC report, HMD Global commands an impressive 30.7% market share by value, a significant increase of 4.2% over Q2 FY23. In terms of volume, the brand holds a commendable 22.4% market share, marking a notable growth of 2.3% compared to the previous quarter.

Several strategic initiatives and implementations have contributed to HMD’s remarkable performance in the feature phone market. Some key factors include:

1. UPI Integration in Feature Phones: HMD has been at the forefront of innovation by integrating UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in Nokia feature phones. This move has not only enhanced the utility of feature phones but has also opened up new avenues for users to engage in secure and convenient digital transactions.

2. Refresh of Hero Models: successful refresh of its hero models with a new design identity, vibrant colors, and most importantly, a larger battery capacity. These enhancements not only align with consumer preferences but also ensure an extended and reliable user experience. A few hero models that were re-introduced with better specs are Nokia 105 2022, Nokia 110, Nokia 110 4G, Nokia 225 4G, Nokia Xpress Music, Nokia 5710 Xpress Audio with TWS and Nokia 2660 Flip.

3. User-Friendly Features and Experience: HMD has prioritized user-centric design and features, making their feature phones more accessible and enjoyable for a diverse user base. The focus on creating a user-friendly experience has resonated well with consumers, contributing to the brand's market dominance.

4. Robust Offline & Online Presence: HMD’s wide presence across Offline and Online stores has played a pivotal role in ensuring the widespread availability and visibility of its feature phones. This comprehensive approach has strengthened HMD's market presence and facilitated increased consumer access to Nokia Feature phones

HMD remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative mobile solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The brand looks forward to building on this success and continuing to lead the feature phone market.

Bengaluru’s Squadrone Infra And Mining Pvt Ltd Joins Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Mission

* To Deploy Advanced Drones for Area Mapping To Aid The Rescue Efforts

Bangalore based startup, Squadrone Infra and Mining Pvt Ltd specialists in aerial intelligence for mineral exploration, Mining, tunnelling, and infrastructure, has joined the rescue operations at Uttarkashi tunnel site. The company is set to deploy two advanced drones, operated by a team of six skilled Mining Engineers, drone pilots and Geotechnical experts  , capable of maneuvering drones within tunnels to map the area and assess the probabilities for safe rescue tunneling to aid in the efforts to rescue 41 laborers currently trapped since November 12th, 2023. Squadrone will employ its drone based geophysical and Emesent hovermap technology for underground applications and mapping remote and inaccessible areas. The emergency request to join the rescue operation came from Brig. Vishal Varma, DDG, Border Roads Organization who is spearheading the Silkyara Tunnel rescue mission.

“The deployed drones are equipped with cutting-edge Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. These features enable the generation of comprehensive data on the structure and geotechnical disturbances within tunnels and mines. This technology is utilized for underground and tunnel geotechnical applications, and it is instrumental in mapping the tunnel site to formulate an effective rescue plan. The integration of drone technology with AI and Machine Learning ensures accurate and enhanced visualization, enabling swift and effective decision-making for tunneling operations. This innovative approach not only expedites the rescue process but also enhances overall operational efficiency.” said Mr. Cyriac Joseph, Founder and CEO, Squadrone Infra and Mining Pvt. Ltd.

Squadrone’s onsite team will work in tandem with a dedicated backend team that will operate from the company’s headquarters in Bengaluru to provide crucial support and coordination to ensure seamless integration of data and insights. The team will play a crucial role in providing real-time feedback to the Geotechnical and rescue teams, contributing to the successful rescue mission.

Atlassian Launches Free Resource To Foster Responsible Tech Innovation

* The ‘Responsible Technology Review Template’ serves as a guide for companies to develop responsible AI programs 

Atlassian Corporation (NASDAQ:TEAM), a leading provider of team collaboration and productivity software including Jira Software, Confluence and Jira Service Management, has launched its Responsible Technology Review Template to support companies in building responsible AI and technology practices. The easy-to-use guide encourages teams to foster a shared understanding of how their projects affect employees, customers, and community stakeholders. 

Based on Atlassian's Responsible Technology Principles, the comprehensive resource will aid teams in identifying gaps where projects don’t align with responsible AI/tech principles or company values, giving them the opportunity to make improvements or fixes before products are shipped. It can also be used to assess technology being built or purchased for internal use, too. 

Each section of the template focuses on a different guiding principle alongside specific questions that prompt users to rate how well the project aligns with these principles. These are: 

Principle 1: Empower all humans: Technologies should be open, inclusive, fair, and just to reflect the fundamental rights we all share. 

Principle 2: Unleash potential (not inequity): If we use technologies responsibly and intentionally, we can contribute to better outcomes across our communities. 

Principle 3: Build for trust: Trust isn't just about ensuring the security and privacy of technology products, but is also earned and kept by demonstrating a commitment to reliability and performance. 

Principle 4: Open communication, no bullshit: With new technologies like AI, just telling users that a feature is AI-powered doesn’t mean much unless the user also understands what it means when the feature is in use, how to best interact with it, and how to respond to (and if needed, question) its outputs. 

Principle 5: Accountability is a team sport: Any tech is part of a larger ecosystem. It’s important to take user feedback seriously and to encourage other technology makers to adopt these practices, too. 

Erika Fisher, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Atlassian said, “At Atlassian, we know that we have a responsibility to develop and deploy technology responsibly. We also know that experimentation is critical to progress. Neither are mutually exclusive, so we are committed to supporting innovation within safe environments. 

“As we continue to reinforce and invest in that commitment, we hope we can bring others along with us by sharing our insights and learnings. With this template we wanted to present an alternative to the dense and resource-intensive guidance currently available by sharing a method that is equal parts aspirational and accessible to drive critical conversations and risk assessment”, she added. 

Atlassian has a cross-functional Responsible Tech Working Group with representatives across Engineering, Ethics, Human Rights, Sustainability, Privacy, Public Policy, Legal, and DEI teams. Alongside the launch of its Atlassian Intelligence capabilities earlier this year, the company published its Responsible Tech Principles that serve as the company’s North Star in how it builds and deploys new technologies safely and ethically. 

About Atlassian 

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our agile & DevOps, IT service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 265,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, Audi, Kiva, Deutsche Bank and Dropbox - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira Software, Confluence and Jira Service Management at https://atlassian.com.