Kanataka's CM And Deputy CM Jointly Inaugurate The 5th Edition Of Bengaluru GAFX 2024

The Fifth Edition of Bengaluru GAFX, India’s flagship event in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) sector, organized by the Ministry of ITBT, Karnataka, and ABAI, today inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka. The event took place in the august presence of Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka today at the Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bangalore. This year's focal theme, 'Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC,' serves as a unifying force, bringing together the Animation, Visual Effects, Games & Comics (AVGC) industry for an audience of knowledge exchange. The event aims to create a common platform, fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and government to deliberate the learnings, trends, challenges, and future roadmap of the AVGC sector.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by guest of honour, Shri Rizwan Arshad, Minister of Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Shri Prithul Kumar, IRTS, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India & Interim Managing Director, National Film Development Corp. (NFDC); Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman Axilor Ventures, Co-founder Infosys, President Infosys Science Foundation; Mr. Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France in Bangalore; Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru; Ms. Nivruti Rai, MD, and CEO Invest India; Mr. Rajan Navani, Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys; Mr. Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, Asia South – NVIDIA; Mr. Sai Srinivas Kiran Garimella; Co-Founder, MPL;  Mr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Punnaryug Artvision Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sudhir Kamath, COO, Nazara Technologies; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Dept. of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka; Mr. Biren Ghose, Country Head, Technicolor India and President, ABAI; Shri Darshan H V, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka; Mr. RK Chand, Executive Director, The Mill India & Secretary, ABAI.

A patron of Bengaluru GAFX 2024, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka said “Karnataka, a pioneer in evolving India's AVGC policies, is committed to securing a future where it not only maintains the state’s leadership in traditional IT-BPM but emerges as a global powerhouse in AVGC-XR. With a vision to create 30,000 jobs by 2028, we shall leverage our existing strengths and additionaly establish a center of excellence for Gaming. The state is also looking to help establish AVGC-XR-focused incubators. Bengaluru GAFX epitomizes our dedication to becoming a global skilling epicenter, aiming to position Karnataka as the world's #1 hub for creativity and technological advancement. The Bengaluru GAFX B2B Forum acts as a catalyst, propelling local talent onto the global stage, and defining Karnataka as the leader in AVGC-XR intellectual property creation.”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shri Biren Ghose, ABAI President & Country Head, Technicolor India, said: “Bengaluru GAFX 2024, is a celebration of our wins and exploring new avenues for the all-round growth of AVGC in India. With diverse sessions, competitions, and networking opportunities, Bengaluru GAFX 2024 will witness a stellar lineup of speakers comprising industry veterans and thought leaders. The AVGC industry is on a continuous growth spree, and events like GAFX bring together studios, producers, and investors, creating a hub for gaming, film, animation, AR/VR, and comics. It's more than an event; it's a platform where innovation meets opportunity, shaping the future of India's creative narrative on a global scale.

Bengaluru GAFX 2024 is set to host 120 sessions and 200 speakers, including more than 20 renowned international speakers hailing from 10 different countries. This impressive lineup features industry veterans and thought leaders, including winners of prestigious awards such as Oscars, British Arrows, VES Awards, Cannes Golds, and esteemed Indian accolades. Bengaluru GAFX stands out as a unique event in the AVGC industry, facilitating the convergence of Indian and international synergy. Both international and Indian studios, along with industry veterans, will present some of the largest and most critically acclaimed titles during the event.

VFX: This edition will see some leading Indian & international names in the world of visual effects. Some mind-blowing visual effects showcases from Hollywood that wowed audiences the world over will be presented at GAFX including the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Antman & Wasp Quantamania, and The Fast & the Furious X. As well as the Making of Blockbuster LEO's Photoreal Hyena VFX by multiple-Oscar winning studio MPC’s Jateen Thakkar & Nimish N Shah, the Making of Jurassic World by Industrial Light and Magic, London and Srinivas Mohan- the VFX Supervisor for RRR. The rise of VFX content in the Indian regional landscape will be further underscored by showcases from Ghost, Jawan, Animal, PS2, Charlie 777 and Vikrant Rona.

Animation: Cutting-edge animation presentations and showcase include the animation of Oscar-nominated movie Nimona by DNEG, Delivering Spectacular Animated Features from India by Oscar-nominated studio Mikros Animation, and Independent Global Animation Films by Assemblage, as well as How to secure your IP for Content Creators by Zebu Animation. Greengold Animation will present its unique work on the Making of Chhota Bheem Live Action movie.

Gaming: Kalari Capital’s Vani Kola & Invest India CEO Nivruti Rai are slated to address the incredibly exciting gaming landscape of India in the session ‘Investor Speak - Strategies for Staying Relevant and Resilient in the Indian Gaming Startup Ecosystem.’ Leaders of the Gaming ecosystem Kris Gopalkrishnan- Chairman Axilor Ventures, Co-founder Infosys, President Infosys Science Foundation & Rajan Navani- Vice Chairman & Managing Director at JetLine Group of Companies; Founder & CEO JetSynthesys will address the gathering on The Indian Video Gaming and Esports Industry. MPL, Nazara Technologies, Nodwin Games and Technicolor Games will present insightful panels and showcases on topics ranging from the ecosystem, technologies, talent and game art & animation.

Moreover, the Bengaluru GAFX B2B Forum stands as a distinctive platform meticulously designed to connect IP owners, developers, content creators, and production houses aspiring to produce groundbreaking content. This event acts as an exclusive interface, attracting selected international and national studios, producers, broadcasters, distributors, and financiers. Esteemed industry figures like Rajeshwari Roy, Associate Chief Producer & Head of Content - Animation, Digital & Broadcast Media at Ramoji Group, Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz, Creator of Nickelodeon’s hit international franchise Shimmer and Shine, and Russell Tracy Jr. from Mikros Animation will contribute to the stellar industry lineup at this marketplace forum.

A diverse range of competitions is thoughtfully curated to engage the talents and potential of students and emerging professionals, representing the future workforce of India. Spanning from traditional artistry like Clay Sculpting to the digital realms of Sculpting and Painting, and venturing into the intricate world of 3D Character Animation, these competitions are carefully crafted by industry leaders. The primary objective is to nurture a sustained ecosystem that promotes a culture of progression, skill enrichment, and mentorship within the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) realm in India.

In its fourth edition, Bengaluru GAFX and the B2B Forum continue to shape the future of the AVGC-XR industry, providing a platform that facilitates collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas on a global scale. The event is organized with a steering committee covering all individual domains of VFX, Animation, and Gaming. GAFX will also witness the participation of AVGC trade associations from other states, including TVAGA from Telangana.

For more information, visit: http://gafx.in/

Photo Caption: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah along with other dignitaries inaugurated the 5th edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2024 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

The Pant Project Retail Expansion Across Bengaluru

* One of India’s fastest growing D2C brands opens second store after the stupendous success of the first store at Mumbai

Having spent the first three years of its existence as a digital-only business, The Pant Project, in partnership with Litestore, recently opened its second physical retail store in the bustling, vibrant neighbourhood of Jayanagar in Bengaluru.  

The brand was founded in 2020. And with changing times, decided to venture into a brick and mortar store. “The Pant Project’s  decision to open a physical store is a smart business decision and is a direct reaction to customer requests for a place to touch, see, and try on a wide variety of fabrics, designs, patterns, and colours,” says Dhruv Toshniwal, founder of The Pant Project. With more than 250 different bottom wear styles, including formals, chinos, cargos, jeans, joggers, shorts and more, the company offers both ready-to-wear and custom-made trousers for men and women.

The degree of ease, elegance, and innovation that customers have encountered when purchasing the brand online is the foundation around which their expectations of the in-store experience are built. “Even though a lot of people still prefer to shop online, The Pant Project is planning to increase its omni channel presence in India because it knows how important it is to have a physical presence too”, adds Udit Toshniwal, Co-founder.

The Brand offers unique Pants for every occasion, explore the Bengaluru store where customers can explore the unique features like the all-weather essentials which visitors can spray and test for water repellency or the ripstop pants which customers can test for tear strength.

Building trust and reinforcing the brand's dedication to providing outstanding quality is the main aim of TPP, and the exceptional quality will be delivered by face-to-face interactions with trained stylists. A network of brick-and-mortar establishments that foster community and provide exceptional customer service is the goal of the The Pant Project.

The first store's success has prompted the brand to consider opening additional locations in various cities across India, and Bengaluru will pave the path for many more such stores across the country.

Visa Accelerator Program 2024 Now Open For Applications From Indian Fintechs

* The fourth edition of the program invites applications from growth-stage startups to solve payments and commerce challenges of tomorrow

Visa (NYSE: V), the global leader in digital payments, today announced the launch of the fourth edition of Visa Accelerator Program with an open call for applications. The initiative aims to enable startups in India to unlock growth potential by collaborating with Visa’s payments experts. The 2024 edition focuses on new opportunity areas – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Global Money Movement and Loyalty of the Future, with an emphasis on areas like Digital Acceptance for Micro, Small and Medium Businesses (MSMBs) and Embedded Finance.

Speaking on the launch of the program, Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager, Visa India and South Asia, said, “We are delighted to invite up-and-coming payment innovations of the country to the Visa Accelerator Program and power their solutions with Visa. The Program offers startups a unique opportunity to work with our subject matter experts to enhance and test their solutions with real-world opportunities, building a runway for growth. We aim to drive the next wave of momentum for global payments by enabling seamless, safe money movement through positive payments experiences.”

Tailored for companies in the pivotal expansion stage, the program will emphasise on development of proof of concept, product solutioning and fast-tracked commercialisation, arming startups with potential collaboration and accelerated growth. A select group of startups from across the Asia-Pacific region will, through the program, address evolving challenges of the payment ecosystem. They will also co-develop, test, and iterate new solutions and leverage Visa’s extensive network of financial institutions, merchants and digital partners to pursue tangible go-to-market opportunities.

Launched in 2020, the Visa Accelerator Program has consistently supported advanced stage startups with experienced mentors, cutting-edge technology, and opened doors to investment opportunities. In 2023, of the seven startups selected, two were India-based companies – Transpure and Twid.

Applications for this edition of the Program opened on January 8, 2024, and will close on March 8, 2024. The selected startups will engage in the program from May to November 2024, culminating with a Demo Day later.

Startups interested to know more and submit applications can visit - www.visa.com.sg/apaccelerator

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Johnson Controls India’s Security Products Division Brings More Made In India Security Cameras; Gears Up To Meet Rise In Domestic Demand

* The Illustra Standard Gen3 Line of cameras are 75% made in India, and the company aims to widen the portfolio of security products manufactured in India in the near future. 

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has launched Illustra Standard Gen3 – a range of cutting-edge security cameras designed and primarily manufactured in India. The company aims to fully manufacture its security products in India in the coming years, in alignment with the Government’s Make in India initiative.

Commenting on the announcement, Rajeev Samanta, GM Sales – South Asia, Security Products, Johnson Controls India, said, “We are proud to introduce our cutting-edge line of domestic security cameras, a testament to our unwavering commitment to India's Make in India initiative. These cameras, manufactured in India with over 75% local components, not only highlight our dedication to self-sufficiency but also reinforce our position as a key player in the global manufacturing landscape. The launch of the Illustra Standard Gen3 cameras is a step towards augmenting our role in enhancing security and catalysing India's journey towards becoming a technological powerhouse. Our vision aligns with the country's aspirations, and we are poised to make a lasting impact on the security industry and beyond.”

Recent years have seen a significant growth in security and safety through widespread adoption of surveillance systems. This ranges from home security to enterprise applications in facilities like warehouses, manufacturing plants, and large offices, to large-scale public use such as in transportation hubs - airports, railways - and smart cities.. The valuation of the Indian CCTV market size is estimated at USD 3.98 billion in 2024, and projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.60%, taking the market valuation to 10.17 billion in 2029. The consumer market for surveillance products also saw a sharp rise last year. According to market research, India’s Home Security shipments saw a 48% YoY rise in Q1 of 2023. 

In contrast to other sectors like Telecom and IT, the Indian video surveillance market is comparatively fragmented, requiring products that offer an array of features tailored to meet the needs of end users. Additionally, given the reliance on global markets for surveillance products, there is an increased emphasis on domestic production of these security solutions. This includes applications in government enterprises and smart city projects, which are required to utilise domestically developed solutions and products.   

The launch of the Illustra Standard Gen3 line is a significant step towards strengthening the domestic manufacturing ecosystem to meet this uptick in demand. Backed by robust security measures that ensure protection against potential vulnerabilities and unauthorised access, the cameras are developed by the Johnson Controls India’s local engineering teams, in close collaboration with the global teams. Designed to meet security needs across industries, the new line encompasses access control, video surveillance, cloud solutions, and intrusion detection. These cater to a wide array of sectors, including defence, government, private enterprises, airports, and transportation projects. 

Johnson Controls India’s security products division expanded its domestic manufacturing capabilities in 2023, having consistently deployed its solutions across industries in India for more than two decades. So far, these sectors include aviation, education, roadways and transportation, healthcare, to name a few. Johnson Controls aims to widen its portfolio of cameras and security solutions manufactured in India, including access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems. The company aims to not only serve the Indian market but also cater to global markets, such as the Middle East and Latin America. 

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. 

Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centres, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering. 

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry. 

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @JohnsonControls on social platforms.

Disha Parmar & Rahul Vaidya Use India's Sofest Diaper For Their Baby – Pampers Premium Care

* Pampers India launches the new and improved Pampers Premium Care which is an all-in-one diaper and voted India’s #1 SOFTEST DIAPER. It is so soft that it feels like the baby is wearing nothing at all. The launch event was graced by celeb couple and new parents Disha Parmar and Rahul Vaidya, other parents and mom influencers

India’s largest selling diaper brand, Pampers, from the house of P&G, is worn by millions of babies every day, ensuring happy bottoms, happy babies and happy parents across India. Today, they launched the new and improved Premium Care range of diaper pants, which has been voted by Moms across India as the #1 softest and #1 all-in-one diaper.

Choosing the right diaper is one of the most important decisions a new parent makes, as babies spend majority of their day in diapers, often more than they spend in their parents’ arms. Moms and Dads are always concerned about the baby’s skin and comfort. They want a diaper in which the baby can play and move comfortably all day and sleep peacefully at night. After all, play and a good night’s sleep are very important for a baby’s growth and development.

With its unique 360 degree cottony softness, the new and improved Pampers Premium Care Diaper is soooo soft, that it makes babies feel like they are wearing nothing at all, while getting all the benefits of the all-in-one diaper. It has an inbuilt anti-rash blanket and lotion with aloe vera to protect the baby’s delicate skin from rashes. While the 10 million micropores in each diaper allow the baby’s skin to breathe; the double protection via cuffs at thigh area and magic gel offers up to 100% leakage prevention keeps the baby dry all-day and night. The diaper absorbs 2x faster than any ordinary diaper. And when it’s time to change, the wetness indicator turns from yellow to blue!

Every feature of the diaper is developed and designed to enable parents to have a worry-free and easy diapering journey for their little ones. Talking about this latest innovation, Chetna Soni, Vice President & Category Leader, Babycare, Procter & Gamble India, said “At Pampers, we strongly believe in learning from our consumers and creating products to ensure that both babies and parents have a happy diapering experience. As a result, over the years, we have been able to deliver on diverse consumer needs and create innovations which offer unmatched superior performance. When we spoke to parents, they shared with us that they seek a diaper that helps their baby play and move in daytime and have restful sleep at night, protecting their skin from any rashes or discomfort. This led to the launch of the new and improved Pampers Premium Care Diaper Pants. With 360 degree softness and a host of other features, it is so soft and comfortable that babies will feel that they are wearing nothing at all while getting all the benefits of our newest all-in-one diaper. Our unwavering commitment to addressing parental concerns and continuous innovation has solidified Pampers as the #1 diaper brand, in India and globally, nurturing happy and healthy babies.”

The launch event titled ‘India’s Softest Experience for Parents & Babies’ was attended by celeb couple and new parents Disha Parmar and Rahul Vaidya, as well as other influencers, mommy communities and Pampers moms. Attendees enjoyed first of its kind multi-sensory experience which included a ‘Diaper Walk’ showcasing every feature and technological innovation in detail to parents, to introduce them and assure them of Pampers’ superiority and innovations. This touch-and-feel experience curated by Pampers allowed parents to feel first-hand the softness of the new diapers and experience the different benefits. There was also a 360-degree immersive audio-visual experience sharing the story of the brand and a play area created for toddlers and infants in partnership with Skillmatics – India’s leading innovative toy and game company dedicated to developing learning and play experiences for children of all ages.

“As parents, we only want the best for our little Navya. Her skin is so soft and vulnerable at this stage that even the slightest discomfort can make her break out in a rash. We have been using Pampers Premium Care diapers from day 1, right from the hospital when she was born and it has been our constant companion. It is so soft and ensures there is no leakage. Navya is at a stage when she is becoming very active. Our key priority is to ensure she can play and move around with utmost comfort. She happily spends her full day in the Pampers Premium Care diaper. Watching her comfortable all day and starting to be so active and playful when in her diaper, makes us truly feel like she is wearing nothing at all with Pampers Premium Care, while getting all the benefits of this amazing diaper.” said popular TV Actress and new Mom Disha Parmar.

New dad, singer and host Rahul Vaidya added, “Both Navya and I enjoy diaper changing time. The new and improved Premium care diaper is sooo soft with its 360 degree cottony softness, that does not just protect her skin but also makes it a pleasurable experience for me when I change her diapers. I also love the wetness indicator. The moment it turns from yellow to blue, I know it’s time for a change, making diapering duty so easy especially for a first time parent. Navya is playful and comfortable all day in them and as new parents, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

*Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited claim based on research conducted by Mavensensum in Oct'23 among 413 random diapering Moms with baby (0-2 yrs) across India.

NTPC Limited Certified As A Top Employer 2024 In India By The Top Employers Institute

The 2024 Top Employers have been announced and NTPC Limited has been certified as a Top Employer in India by the Top Employers Institute.

Shri Dillip Kumar Patel, Director (HR), received the Award on behalf of NTPC at the Top Employers 2024 Certification Celebration Event held on 25th January, 2024, at Singapore.

Top Employers Institute is the global HR authority on certifying excellence in HR best practices. For over 33 years, the firm has been dedicated to accelerating the impact of HR strategies to enrich the world of work through certification, benchmarking, aligning and connecting Top Employers around the globe.

NTPC completed the following steps in order to qualify for the certification: HR Best Practice Survey, Validation and Audit. NTPC’s performance score was rated against an international standard and NTPC has achieved Top Employer status.

The HR Best Practice Survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more. The survey is based on an international standard so participants are measured against globally applicable best practice. The process involved various stages of validation and rigorous assessment Participants must successfully complete the various stages in the Certification Process and achieve the required score for certification as an official Top Employer.

Being certified as a Top Employer showcases NTPC’s dedication to a better world of work which is exhibited through its “People before PLF (Plant Load Factor)” approach and progressive HR policies and people practices which contribute towards the actualization of the organizational vision and creating positive organizational outcomes and enhanced employee engagement.

The ‘Mphasis AVAS Walk For Arcause 4.0’ Focused On Advocating Inclusive Approaches For People With Disabilities

Mphasis (F1 Foundation) in collaboration with AVAS and Ethos Foundation conceptualised the 'Mphasis AVAS Walk for Arcause 4.0', a 335-kilometre walk from Chennai to Bengaluru, undertaken by Gita Balakrishnan, a 55 year old architect, aimed at raising awareness about creating inclusive environments for individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The last lap of this unique journey took place on the 28th of January from a significant location - The Spastics Society of Karnataka, a nonprofit organization formed through the shared passion of its members, committed to dedicating their lives to the well-being and advancement of individuals with developmental disabilities. Together with a group of avid runners and other supporters, Gita completed the last 5 kilometres of this journey arriving at Bangalore’s landmark Cubbon Park.

From Cubbon park, a commemorative walk ensued with the guests of honour for the occasion Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director at National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People and Mr. Raghavendra, who became the first Indian para-fencer to bag a medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships. Raghavendra won the silver medal in Men's Individual Wheelchair Epee Category B (2022). Students with disabilities from the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and employees of Mitti Cafe committed to the cause of employment and livelihoods for people with special needs, the Fourth Wave Foundation and EKanksh Trust were amongst the organisations championing the cause who joined this momentous occasion. Walking in solidarity were representatives from Mphasis  (F1 Foundation), AVAS, Ethos Foundation, Indian Institute of Architects, the Council of Architecture, India, the Indian Institute of Interior Designers, students, academicians and people from different walks of life.

The gathering finally reached the point of culmination - the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), which is entirely accessible for people with disabilities. Ms. Rama Krishnamachari, who was the accessibility auditor and consultant for the museum, took people on a detailed tour of the premises focusing on the various aspects that deem a space inclusive. The program began with an invocation by children from the Spastics Society of Karnataka, followed by Mr. Srikanth Karra, Chief Administrative Officer, Mphasis addressing the audience after which Gita spoke on the intent, learnings and findings from the initiative. The discussions that followed were punctuated by a Dance by Saisha of Spastics Society of Karnataka, a recitation by children of Samarthanam and a song by a group from AVAS. The event came to a close with questions to the audience urging them to cultivate empathy and to encourage those in a position to make a difference, to ensure that their actions only uphold the Fundamental Right to Equality for all citizens around them or impacted by them regardless of abilities or disabilities.

This initiative is supported by the Indian Institute of Architects, the Council of Architecture, India, the Indian Institute of Interior Designers, Vidya Sagar and National Association of Students of Architecture. Other partners of this initiative include Saint-Gobain, Nippon Paint, TVS Ronin, Samarthyam, Wheeling Happiness, SPA Bhopal, and BVDU, Pune.