Gaming extravaganza At Pearl Academy Campuses, Powered By Dell Technologies And Alienware

As part of its Techathon, Pearl Academy is hosting the much-awaited Dell Technologies and Alienware gaming event, across all its campuses. The Alienware Arena at Pearl Academy promises an immersive and unparalleled experience for gaming and tech enthusiasts at its Delhi campus on January 8, followed by Jaipur, Mumbai, and Bengaluru on January 12, 15, and 18, respectively. The one-day offline celebration will feature EA FC 24 and Mortal Kombat esports tournaments. 

Dell and Alienware offer the best gaming experience to gamers and consumers in India. The Alienware and G-series range of powerful gaming devices reflect the companies’ core principles of bold innovation, high performance, iconic design, and premium quality.

Creating an adrenaline-pumping environment, the competition will offer thrilling showdowns with top-of-the-line Dell and Alienware gaming peripherals, including headsets, keyboards, and mice, up for grabs. Furthermore, every participant at the arena will receive exclusive Dell and Alienware merchandise, including t-shirts, caps, and wristbands as a token of appreciation.

The event will not only allow participants to showcase their skills but will also provide them an opportunity to interact and engage with gaming influencers like Aaditya D Sawant (Dynamo Gaming), Sahil Rana (AS Gaming), Anurag Singh (Game Flame), Mann Jain (TSG Mann) and Shashidhar M R (SMR Gaming).

Commenting on the partnership, Pujan Chadha, Director of Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, India, Dell Technologies, “Dell Technologies and Alienware have always been at the forefront of redefining the gaming experience, and the Alienware Arena on the campuses of Pearl Academy is evidence of our efforts to grow our relationship with students and future gamers while providing top-notch experiences for everyone. The Alienware Arena further strengthens our engagement with the Indian gaming community and enthusiasts cementing our innovation and leadership in the industry.”

“As we set the stage for a thrilling experience during Techathon, we invite all the tech and gaming enthusiasts to join us in celebrating the shared love and passion for the world of gaming and technology. The Alienware Arena is a platform to not only showcase your skills but also a chance to forge connections and witness the boundless possibilities that the world of gaming and technology holds. Being a part of this event reaffirms our commitment to foster creativity, and technological excellence and inspire the next generation of gamers and tech leaders,” said Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy.

About Pearl Academy:

Pearl Academy, a unit of Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), is India’s leading creative education institution as per industry surveys by ASSOCHAM, India Today- MDRA, Outlook-Drshti & I-CARE, The Week- Hansa, Business of Fashion, and The Economic Times. The institute offers 40+ under-graduate, post-graduate, and professional development programmes in fashion which includes design, business and media through its campuses in Delhi-South, Delhi-West, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. For 30 years, Pearl Academy has been a catalyst for success for its students through its unique Total Learning System, constructive tie-ups with industry bodies, and international universities that are strongly reflected in its placement record of over 99 % year-on-year. For more information, please visit: www.pearlacademy.com

Bandhan Multi Asset Allocation Fund Launched For Investors Seeking A Well-Rounded, Risk-Mitigated Portfolio

Bandhan Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bandhan Multi Asset Allocation Fund, an open-ended scheme that enables investment across diverse asset classes including Indian Equities, International Equities, Arbitrage, Fixed Income, Gold and Silver. Studies have established that asset allocation, rather than security selection or market timing, is the dominant factor impacting return variability. This new fund will adopt a multi-asset allocation strategy to optimize reward and risk by diversifying investments across various asset classes, each offering unique advantages in terms of growth, stability, and inflation protection. The New Fund Offer (NFO) is set to open on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, and will close on Wednesday, 24 January 2024. Investments in the Bandhan Multi Asset Allocation Fund can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors, investment advisors, online platforms, or directly at https://bandhanmutual.com/nfo/bandhan-multi-asset-allocation-fund/.

Highlighting the importance of a multi-asset allocation approach, especially at a time when select segments in equity markets have provided very strong past returns potentially leading to build-up of concentration risks for some investors, Vishal Kapoor, CEO of Bandhan AMC, commented, “Asset Allocation helps investors avoid behavioural pitfalls, such as market timing and performance chasing which can result in shorter holding periods, portfolio imbalances and eventually sub-optimal returns. Seasoned investors recognise that no single asset class has been a winner for consecutive periods, and hence, diversifying across asset classes brings greater stability and consistency of returns.  Bandhan Multi Asset Allocation Fund is crafted to offer investors a sophisticated, transparent, and effective way to achieve a well-diversified portfolio investing in 5 major asset classes and across 13 sub-asset classes. By expertly integrating major asset classes into a single well-curated fund, the fund aims for potential long-term growth, with relatively lower volatility. Investors seeking a long-term well-rounded portfolio for relatively stable returns may find this very attractive."

Target allocation for this Fund includes about 50% to Indian Equities across Large-cap, Mid-cap and Small-cap stocks, 15% to International Equities across the U.S., other developed markets as well as emerging markets, 15% to fully hedged Arbitrage strategies, 10% towards actively managed high-quality Fixed Income and 10% towards domestic Gold and Silver. The portfolio would be systematically rebalanced half yearly to the targeted allocation.

Narayana Health Insurance Receives License To Operate As A Standalone Health Insurance Company

Narayana Health Insurance Limited (Narayana Health), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Narayana Hrudayalaya Limited (Narayana Health), today announced that it has received a license to operate as a standalone health insurance company from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

“We are delighted to receive the license to operate as a standalone health insurance company,” said Dr. Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Hrudayalaya and Chairman of Narayana Health Insurance. “This is a major milestone for our company and will allow us to achieve our mission of making healthcare accessible to all. We are grateful for the support of IRDAI Chairman, Shri Debasish Panda, and the entire IRDAI team for their guidance.  This is the fastest approval for a health insurance license in recent times and shows that the Regulator and Government are serious in their commitment to increase insurance penetration across the country. We are motivated by the vision of Insurance for All by 2047 and believe that our company can play a significant role in achieving this goal.”

Narayana Health Insurance will focus on simplifying health insurance by creating comprehensive policies that are easy to understand. The company will leverage the investments made by Narayana Health in technology and AI over the years to create personalized care plans for its members and manage risks better.

“This is an important step in the evolution of Narayana Health from a Hospital operator to an integrated care provider,” said Viren Shetty, Vice Chairman of Narayana Hrudayalaya Limited and Director of Narayana Health Insurance Limited. “Our goal is to provide a seamless and integrated healthcare experience for our subscribers, and this license will allow us to offer a comprehensive suite of health insurance products and services. We believe that this will help us fulfil our purpose of keeping people healthy and providing affordable health care to underserved sections of society.”

The company is expected to commence business in a few months, with an initial focus on Karnataka market. 

About Narayana Health

Narayana Health is a leading healthcare provider in India. The company operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers across the country. Narayana Health is committed to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to all. For more information, please visit www.narayanahealth.org.

About Narayana Health Insurance

Narayana Health Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Narayana Health.

Elevate Your Comfort Quotient: Goldmedal Electricals Introduces Iconiq Water Heaters

Goldmedal Electricals, a pioneer among India's Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, proudly introduces the Iconiq and the Iconiq Digi Storage Water Heaters. With India’s winter season at its peak, these storage water heaters are a significant addition to the company’s product range.

The Iconiq Digi Storage Water Heater has advanced features such as a feather touch panel and a remote control that allows scheduling of baths, adjusting temperatures, setting timings, etc. Its digital panel displays the real-time temperature of the water. It also has multiple modes of operations such as ‘ECO’ for energy-conscious operation, ‘Timer’ for personalized heating schedules, and 'Clean' for routine maintenance. Moreover, the inbuilt auto memory saves the set temperature preferences at the set time for added convenience.

The Iconiq Storage Water Heater features an adjustable control knob and dual colour led indicators. Both, the Iconiq Storage Water Heater and the Iconiq Digi Storage Water Heater have an extra layer of safety that guarantees peace of mind with every use.

Other features of these water heaters include:

Preset Thermal Cutout: Prevents overheating of the water.

Incoloy 800 Glass Coated Heating Element: Helps in quick water heating.

PUF insulation: Keeps water hot for longer duration.

Pre Calibrated-Thermostat: Ensures safety against high temperatures.

Vitreous Enamel Titanium Glassline Coated Tank: Ensures anti–corrosion for long-lasting durability.

IPX4 Water Resistant: Signifies its water-resistant capabilities.

5 Star Rating: Ensures less power consumption at maximum efficiency.

Dynoflow Technology: For optimal water flow and consistent heating.

0.8 MPA High Working Pressure: Can withstand maximum water pressure.

Heavy Duty Magnesium Anode Rod: Protects the tank from rusting and corrosion.

4 IN 1 Multifunctional Valve: Releases excess pressure in the tank.

Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals said, “Goldmedal strives to provide products that enrich the comfort and aesthetic of every home. The Iconiq Water Heaters embody this vision with its advanced features and sleek design. It’s crafted not just to heat water but to do so efficiently and with a style that complements any modern household."

The Iconiq Storage Water Heater is available across various online platforms in multiple capacities. It comes in 10 L for ?11,785, 15 L for ?13,110, and 25 L for ?15,225. Similarly, the Iconiq Digi Storage Water Heater is priced at ?17,874 for the 15 L model and ?19,197 for the 25 L version.

The Iconiq Storage Water Heaters come with a comprehensive 10-year warranty on the inner tank, 4 years on the heating element and 2 years on the product.

Capri Global Capital Ltd. Redefines Rural Women's Development: Impacts Lives Of 50,000 Women Across 7 States/Region

Capri Global Capital Ltd., a leading non-banking financial company, is making waves in women's development & upskilling through its transformative CSR initiatives. Allocating an impressive INR 392 Lakhs this fiscal year, the philanthropic arm of Capri Global Capital Ltd. has partnered with renowned social organizations to champion women's development across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. 

In the financial year 2023-24 alone, Capri's CSR initiative has empowered over 50,000 women, and with an ambitious goal, it aims to reach an additional 2 Lakh women over the next 5 years. The initiative focuses on breaking barriers and creating a more equitable society through accessible and affordable financial services, community-led models, and initiatives that foster economic independence. 

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, the Managing Director of Capri Global Capital Ltd., emphasizes the imperative of effective collaboration between corporates, government, and civil society to overcome barriers such as limited access to finance, education, resources, and entrenched social norms. He states unequivocally that investing in women's economic empowerment is the key to achieving gender equality, poverty alleviation, and inclusive economic growth. 

Capri Global’s CSR initiative goes beyond rhetoric, manifesting in "Sustainable Agriculture Livelihood" projects across 4 states/region, with a vision to empower approximately 40,000 women farmers. Through regenerative agriculture, nutrition-sensitive practices, and digital technology training, the initiative seeks to ensure higher self-confidence, economic independence, and overall well-being in rural areas. 

Capri Global Capital Ltd's Livelihood Initiative focuses on communication, business, and life skills, facilitating better livelihood opportunities and sustainable income enhancement for 7,000 Small Holder Women Farmers (SHWF). The interventions include regenerative & nutrition-sensitive agriculture, livestock management, fruit orchards, and natural resource management (land development & irrigation) along with the broad principles of Agro Ecological Practices. 

In parallel, Capri’s CSR initiative amplifies its impact by collaborating with local women's cooperatives, creating a ripple effect that not only supports Small Holder Women Farmers (SHWF) but also promotes environmental sustainability. The project aims to increase the use of traditional agricultural practices, seed treatment in a traditional way, and the use of organic fertilizers such as Ghan-Jeevamrut. A homemade combination of cow urine and neem oil is employed to improve soil productivity and induce chemical-free agriculture products, fostering environmental awareness. The horticulture initiative has additionally contributed to improvements in maternal and child health. 

Moreover, the initiative includes mentorship programs connecting women entrepreneurs with industry experts, market linkages, fostering a supportive network for skill exchange, and professional growth. Community collectives are established to facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, empowering women with market trends and modern techniques. The initiative leverages partnerships with vocational training institutes to offer specialized courses, ensuring that women stay abreast of evolving industry standards, further enhancing their economic prospects. 

Capri Global Capital Ltd.'s multifaceted approach extends beyond conventional empowerment efforts, intertwining education, technology, mentorship, and environmental sustainability to create a holistic impact on the lives of low-income and underserved rural communities. 

By prioritizing the economic, academic, health, and livelihood empowerment of women, children, youth, and under-served marginalized sections of society, Capri Global Capital Ltd. aligns its focus with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequality. 

About Capri Global Capital Ltd: 

Capri Global Capital Limited (CGCL) is a diversified Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) and is part of the NIFTY Small cap 250 Index. The Company operates in high-growth segments such as MSME Loans, Affordable Housing Finance, Gold Loan, and Construction Finance. The Company also acts as a corporate distributor for car loan products of six leading commercial banks. CGCL offers its loan products to the unbanked and underserved masses across Northern and Western geographies of the country, through its strong network of 700+ branches spread across 12 States and Union Territories. The tech-enabled processes and recently introduced business analytics ensure that CGCL offers products tailored to meet the requirements of borrowers with a solid governance and risk-control framework. CGCL enjoys a robust credit rating of ‘CARE A+ (Outlook Stable)’ for its long-term borrowing program and NCDs and the highest rating of ‘IVR A1+’ for its short-term borrowing program. The Housing Finance business is rated ‘CARE A+ (Outlook Stable)’ for its long-term borrowing program. The Company has bagged ‘Best BFSI Brand 2021’ by The Economic Times and received certification as a Great Place to Work from Great Place to Work Institute for 2023-24 for a second consecutive year. 

For further information, visit:  www.capriloans.in  |  www.caprihomeloans.com 

WinZO Collaborates With Professors Of Top IITs, Stanford University, And California State University To Build A Statistical Games Model

* This marks a significant leap in the gaming industry, as the collaborative effort aims to establish transparent and unbiased models for distinguishing game of skill from betting and gambling 

WinZO, a vernacular skill-gaming platform, has taken a significant leap towards addressing a longstanding challenge in the gaming industry— a transparent, unbiased methodology in distinguishing between games of skill from games of chance. By collaborating with esteemed professors from technology institutions and statistics departments of institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras, as well as the Stanford University, the California State University, among others, WinZO has established a scientific methodology that can accurately differentiate between gaming activities requiring predominance of skill and those dependent on chance. This innovative initiative has the potential to resolve the crucial issue of skill versus chance, thereby enhancing overall transparency and fairness within the gaming industry. The collaboration with experts from renowned institutions underscores WinZO's commitment to fostering a gaming environment that is not only entertaining but also characterized by safety, accountability, and transparency in the classification of games based on skill and chance. 

Recently there have been concerns on the independence of the proposed Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs) in India’s online gaming sector in ensuring fair and unbiased assessments. SRBs access to confidential proprietary information of the new-age technology firms is also a potential threat to early stage innovations. This prompted WinZO to work with leading academicians across the world  to develop a highly scientific model that can be democratized and applied to any game without requiring access to proprietary data or violating the intellectual property rights of gaming companies to assess any  game’s skill level. 

The collaborative effort has resulted in the creation of statistical tests utilizing real game data, user behavior of over 100 million users, across billions of game plays, and other relevant factors to determine the prevalence of skill over chance in various games. This pioneering methodology is set to bring clarity to the distinction between skill and chance. The initiative also has the potential to reduce compliance burden for the online gaming sector and resolve regulatory challenges in the era of innovative and evolving business models.  

“As a gaming platform that publishes games of over 100 game developers, it was important for us to have a predictable, transparent, and accountable methodology to determine through a scientific methodology if the game is a game of skill. We worked with top statisticians and engineering departments globally to build and validate a method that can be used by any entrepreneur in partnership with these institutions now. By democratizing assessment of games on skill, we aim to empower startups and lower their financial challenges - something we faced during our early years. This marks a significant step forward in our journey to foster a gaming environment characterized by scientific rigor, collaboration, and objectivity," said Paavan Nanda, co-founder of WinZO.  

“WinZO's approach to answering industry’s pertinent questions around the validity of their games as skill-based in a scientific and scalable manner has a wider implication for the digital economy in India. This shows initiative from a private entity leveraging data to solve emerging regulatory challenges. The research is based on billions of game plays across millions of users and the methodology can be easily used by even early-stage companies. The collaborative effort with the best minds of the country has enabled us to construct statistical models that bring transparency and fairness to the forefront. By distinguishing skill from chance, we are setting new standards for the industry. The scientific rigor applied and validated through comprehensive statistical tests marks a revolutionary step in gaming,” Dr. Neelesh S Upadhye,  Dept of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM).  

"WinZO has drafted a scientific study to address industry questions around distinguishing games of skill from games of chance. This comprehensive research represents a pioneering initiative by a private entity, leveraging data and statistics to solve emerging regulatory and sectoral challenges. The research is based on billions of game plays across millions of users. Nevertheless, the methodology is transferable and can be used even by early-stage companies. A collaborative process, involving input from experts in the field, has empowered WinZO to develop a mathematical model that prioritizes transparency and fairness. Through the application of scientific rigor, validated by numerous statistical tests, WinZO is setting industry benchmarks in a groundbreaking advancement in the gaming domain by quantifying preponderance of skill over chance." Dr. Mike Orkin, Professor Emeritus, California State University 

WinZO also partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-D), the Delhi Technological University (DTU), the Netaji Subhash University of Technology (NSUT), and the IIITD to launch its new cyber security programme, Code Health and Security Evaluation (CHASE). The programme aimed to invest in and develop open-source technology and best practices that can be used by businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to protect against cyber actors who exploit product vulnerabilities to steal information, and money, and are developing capabilities to disrupt, destroy, or threaten the delivery of essential services. The online safety initiatives are a response to the growing internet penetration and digital transactions in t2-t5 Bharat.  

About WinZO 

WinZO is the largest interactive entertainment platform in India. Launched in early 2018, the Company partners with third-party developers to host games on their Android app, where users can enjoy personalized multiplayer gameplay experiences. The platform is available in 12 languages such as English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and Bhojpuri, with over 175 million registered users. The WinZO platform facilitates over 4 billion micro-transactions per month across a portfolio of 100+ games. WinZO is focused on building an enthusiastic community of gamers and gaming influencers in Tier 2 – 5 cities in India. The Company envisions a future where the WinZO platform can deliver a culturally relevant and enjoyable experience in the Indian gaming ecosystem, monetized through a unique micro-transaction model.?? 

WinZO, a series-C funded venture, has raised $100 million from Marquee gaming and entertainment investors such as Griffin Gaming partners, Courtside ventures, Maker’s fund, all of whom made their first investment in the Indian start-up ecosystem through WinZO. 

McAfee Unveils Advanced Deepfake Audio Detection Tech At CES 2024 To Defend Against Rise In AI-Generated Scams And Disinformation

Highlights

* Known as ‘Project Mockingbird,’ McAfee reveals advanced AI-detection capabilities that can empower consumers to discern what’s real and what’s fake in a time of malicious and misleading AI-generated content

* New AI-powered innovation from McAfee is over 90% accurate at detecting and exposing maliciously altered audio in videos.

* McAfee’s Project Mockingbird will give people a powerful tool to navigate their ever-evolving digital world.

* AI-powered combination of contextual, behavioral, and categorical detection models lays the foundation for safeguarding online integrity as deepfake-driven cyberbullying, reputation manipulation, and investment scams gain prominence.

Today, McAfee Corp., a global leader in online protection, announced its AI-powered Deepfake Audio Detection technology, known as Project Mockingbird, at the Consumer Electronics Show. This new, proprietary technology was developed to help defend consumers against the surging threat of cybercriminals utilizing fabricated, AI-generated audio to carry out scams that rob people of money and personal information, enable cyberbullying, and manipulate the public image of prominent figures.

Increasingly sophisticated and accessible Generative AI tools have made it easier for cybercriminals to create highly convincing scams, such as using voice cloning to impersonate a family member in distress, asking for money. Others, often called “cheapfakes,” may involve manipulating authentic videos, like newscasts or celebrity interviews, by splicing in fake audio to change the words coming out of someone’s mouth; this makes it appear that a trusted or known figure has said something different than what was originally said.

Anticipating the ever-growing challenge consumers face in distinguishing real from digitally manipulated content, McAfee Labs, the innovation and threat intelligence arm at McAfee, has developed an industry-leading advanced AI model trained to detect AI-generated audio. McAfee’s Project Mockingbird technology uses a combination of AI-powered contextual, behavioral, and categorical detection models to identify whether the audio in a video is likely AI-generated. With a 90% accuracy rate currently, McAfee can detect and protect against AI content that has been created for malicious “cheapfakes” or deepfakes, providing unmatched protection capabilities to consumers.

“With McAfee’s latest AI detection capabilities, we will provide customers a tool that operates at more than 90% accuracy to help people understand their digital world and assess the likelihood of content being different than it seems,” said Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer, McAfee. “So, much like a weather forecast indicating a 70% chance of rain helps you plan your day, our technology equips you with insights to make educated decisions about whether content is what it appears to be.”

“The use cases for this AI detection technology are far-ranging and will prove invaluable to consumers amidst a rise in AI-generated scams and disinformation. With McAfee’s deepfake audio detection capabilities, we’ll be putting the power of knowing what is real or fake directly into the hands of consumers. We’ll help consumers avoid ‘cheapfake’ scams where a cloned celebrity is claiming a new limited-time giveaway, and also make sure consumers know instantaneously when watching a video about a presidential candidate, whether it’s real or AI-generated for malicious purposes. This takes protection in the age of AI to a whole new level. We aim to give users the clarity and confidence to navigate the nuances in our new AI-driven world, to protect their online privacy and identity, and well-being,” continued Grobman.

McAfee is building on its rich history of AI innovation, the first public demos of Project Mockingbird, McAfee’s Deepfake Audio Detection technology, will be available onsite at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024. The unveiling of this new AI technology is also further evidence of McAfee’s focus on developing a comprehensive portfolio of AI models that are cross platform and serve multiple uses cases to safeguard consumers’ digital lives.

Why Project Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are a group of birds primarily known for mimicking or “mocking” the songs of other birds. While there’s no proven reason as to why Mockingbirds mock, one theory behind the behavior is that female birds may prefer males who sing more songs, so the males mock to trick them. Similarly, cybercriminals leverage Generative AI to “mock” or clone the voices of celebrities, influencers and even loved ones in order to defraud consumers.

Deep Concerns about Deepfake Technology

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the sophisticated nature of these scams, as they no longer trust that their senses and experiences are enough to determine whether what they’re seeing or hearing is real or fake.

For over a decade, McAfee has used AI to safeguard millions of global customers from online privacy and identity threats. By running multiple models in parallel, McAfee can perform a comprehensive analysis of problems from multiple angles. For example, structural models are used to understand the threat types, behavior models to understand what that threat does, and contextual models to trace the origin of the data underpinning a particular threat. Utilizing multiple models concurrently allows McAfee to provide customers with the most effective information and recommendations and reinforces the company’s commitment to protecting people’s privacy, identity, and personal information.

This document contains information on products, services and/or processes in development. All information provided here is subject to change without notice at McAfee’s sole discretion. Nothing in this document shall be considered an offer by McAfee, create obligations for McAfee, or create expectations of future releases which impact current purchase or partnership decisions.

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee’s consumer solutions adapt to users’ needs in an always online world, empowering them to live securely through integrated, intuitive solutions that protect their families and communities with the right security at the right moment. For more information, visit https://www.mcafee.com.