NPCI Joins Hands With IISc Bangalore For Joint Research On Blockchain And AI Technology

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced the signing of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, for conducting joint research on Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The association will also propel further innovation through the establishment of the “NPCI–IISc Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Deep Tech Research & Development”.

The partnership will focus on scalable blockchain platforms and multi-modal analytics over fintech data. Faculty members from five departments at IISc will work with NPCI researchers on practical challenges related to these areas.

IISc is one of the oldest and premier institutes for pioneering advanced technological research in science, engineering, design and management in India. NPCI’s collaboration with the reputed institute is aimed at solving complex technological and engineering problem statements in the areas of scalability, privacy preserving designs, neural networks, Graph AI, Large Language Models (LLM), etc.

Speaking on the path-defining association, Vishal Kanvaty, Chief Technology Officer, NPCI, "At NPCI, we continuously explore new possibilities to augment the consumer experience by leveraging emerging technologies. This latest development marks an important step towards achieving that goal, and we take immense pride in collaborating with IISc. As our nation progresses towards digital sustainability, we recognize the significant potential for research in deep technologies such as blockchain and AI to further enhance the payment landscape, and we are grateful to have the bright minds assist us in this ambitious endeavour."

Prof Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, IISc, said, "We are delighted to partner with NPCI in the emerging areas of deep tech and fintech analytics. This partnership will not only foster cutting-edge research and the development of models and software prototypes, but also nurture professional development through workshops and training programmes. We look forward to the exciting outcomes that will emerge from this new Centre of Excellence." 

“The joint research envisioned between NPCI researchers and IISc faculty members working on distributed systems, cryptography and machine learning provides a unique opportunity for translational research that can enhance the scalability and effectiveness of the billion-scale platforms managed by NPCI,” said Prof Yogesh Simmhan, Associate Professor at the Department of Computational and Data Sciences, IISc.

About NPCI:

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was incorporated in 2008 as an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. NPCI has created a robust payment and settlement infrastructure in the country. It has changed the way payments are made in India through a bouquet of retail payment products such as RuPay card, Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) and Bharat BillPay.

NPCI is focused on bringing innovations in the retail payment systems through the use of technology and is relentlessly working to transform India into a digital economy. It is facilitating secure payment solutions with nationwide accessibility at minimal cost in furtherance of India’s aspiration to be a fully digital society.

For more information, visit: https://www.npci.org.in/

About Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore:

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established in 1909 by a visionary partnership between the industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Mysore royal family and the Government of India. Over the last 115 years, IISc has become India’s premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education. Its mandate is “to provide for advanced instruction and to conduct original investigations in all branches of knowledge as are likely to promote the material and industrial welfare of India.” In 2018, IISc was selected as an Institution of Eminence (IoE) by the Government of India, and it consistently figures among the top Indian institutions in world university rankings.

The Big 5 IPL Teams Sign PlayR As Their Official Global Exclusive Merchandise Partner

playR, one of the world’s leading sports and lifestyle brands has partnered with Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings to provide exclusive global merchandise for season 2023 onwards and Kolkata Knight Riders from season 2024 onwards. playR is also the Kitting and Clothing partner for Punjab Kings for season 2024.  

The range of merchandise offered by playR includes apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products for fans to showcase their love, loyalty and support towards their favourite IPL teams. 

Ravi Kukreja, Co-Founder - playR, Director iCOREts Private Limited expressed his excitement and said, “We are thrilled to announce our association with the CSK, MI, RR, PBKS and KKR and thank them for believing in us year after year. Each team has a different strategy of communicating with its loyal fan-base and we respect each and every team fan and playR is diligently working towards catering to each and every fan both domestic and international. From Team-wear Jersey, Fan-wear, Cricket Gear, Fitness and accessories products playR strives to create an almost exhaustive range of products that a Fan can experience as part of their daily life, year-round. Kudos to IPL and its teams that has revolutionised an almost non-existent sports merchandise market in India.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, "As we continue to grow globally it is imperative to build a wide range of merchandise that fans will cherish to own. We are happy to partner with playR to serve both current and new fans."

Mr Kasi Viswanathan, CEO, Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited said “We are delighted to have signed up playR as our Global Official Merchandise Partner. We are confident that with playR we can provide our legion of fans exciting and quality CSK merchandise that they can proudly sport.” 

Satish Menon, CEO of the Punjab Kings, stated, “We are extremely pleased to welcome playR as the Global Official Merchandise Partner.” We chose playR after months of study and careful consideration because it matches our principles and dedication to quality. What’s intriguing is the fact that playR as an organisation already has a variety of clothing and cricket equipment, and the company understands our needs and works to ensure that our brand is visible across platforms.

Zameer Kochar, Chief Marketing Officer, Rajasthan Royals said, “One of the core values at the Royals that we believe in is to cater to the needs of our supporters, and this global partnership will enable us to offer them a specially curated range of merchandise which they can proudly don while they cheer for the team.”

playR is a leading sport and lifestyle brand founded in 2021 and strives to provide customers with unique and edgy apparel, sports equipment, bicycles and accessories that celebrate their style and encourages them to express themselves. It also retails from its dedicated e-commerce store, as well as on multi- brand online stores. playR provides a wide range of products that includes t-shirts, jackets, shorts, tracksuits, bats, balls, leg-guards, gloves, bicycles, bags, yoga mats, bottles, etc., as well as limited-edition items. playR’s mission is to inspire customers to be creative, confident, and fearless by providing them with a unique and fashionable style. Their goal is to be one of the world’s leading providers of Lifestyle, Sports and Service Management.

playR also strives toward building long-term relationships with their customers and employees; they promote community service, and encourage the additional constant education of their employees. They feel it is extremely important to give back to the community that supports the operations, while also maintaining an atmosphere where the employees have the opportunity to improve as individuals

About playR : 

With the focus on “PLAYER FIRST” and with its slogan “LET’S PLAY”, playR strives to create “real” products — products that help make daily life healthier, more meaningful, and much more enjoyable. The products and services embody every ounce of their expertise and ideas. They are rooted in the mindset that sports are part of our daily life, part of our work, and even our way of life.

The wide range of products includes apparel such as t-shirts, jerseys, jackets , shorts, tracksuits; equipment such as bats, balls, gloves, pads; mountain, city, hybrid and road bicycles; accessories such as bags, yoga mats, bottles, etc., as well as limited-edition items. They are currently bootstrapped and present in over 350 retail stores globally and on all leading ecommerce sites apart from www.playR.in website, and aim to cross 800+ stores over a period of two years with a current growth rate of 100% year on year. Website : https://playR.in/

Tata Motors’ Flagship #DARK Series Now Available In Its New SUVs

* Launching the new Nexon.ev, Nexon, Harrier and Safari in #DARK

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer, standing true to its commitment of New Forever, today unveiled India’s #1 selling SUV brand – the Nexon in the iconic #DARK avatar for both its ICE and EV offerings. Adding to this successful range, the Company also launched their premium SUVs – The new Safari and the new Harrier in their #DARK versions. Available at a starting price of ? 11.45 Lakh for the new Nexon, the #DARK range has been a trend setter in the industry, exuding opulence and luxury since its launch.

Price table for the #DARK Range:

Product                                    Price starts at

New Nexon #DARK                   Rs 11.45 Lakh (Ex Showroom, Delhi)

New Nexon.ev #DARK               Rs 19.49 Lakh (Ex Showroom, All India)

New Harrier #DARK                  Rs 19.99 Lakh (Ex Showroom, Delhi)

New Safari #DARK                    Rs 20.69 Lakh (Ex Showroom, Delhi)

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The #DARK edition has truly captured the imagination of the new generation, reflecting their evolving tastes and preferences. Flaunting a captivating exterior design and a feature rich interior, the new #DARK family comprising of the Nexon.ev, Nexon, Harrier and the Safari are back and are better than ever. We are also excited to bring to you our newest campaign, especially conceptualised for this range which is sure to evoke a sense of exhilaration and empowerment, inviting individuals to explore the unparalleled capabilities of the new #DARK range, synonymous with luxury and superior craftsmanship."

Introduced with the Harrier in 2019 and extended across the portfolio in 2021, Tata Motors set a new benchmark in the industry with the #DARK. The #DARK has since elevated the style and premium appeal of the Tata passenger and electric vehicles portfolio, making it a compelling and unique proposition for customers to choose from. The #DARK range brings with it a host of exciting enhancements to India’s most loved SUVs with its signature #DARK mascot and dark exterior treatment, exclusive to this range.

Introducing the new #DARK Range:

Nexon.ev: India's no 1 EV, the Nexon.ev in its bold #DARK avatar boasts of a plethora of ground-breaking features that redefine the automotive experience. Its striking appearance characterized by a bold digital design language, accentuated by sharper lines, exude an unmistakable SUV persona. The exterior showcases a more muscular stance, with a robust body, elevating its exclusivity with the signature #DARK mascot and a distinctive dark exterior treatment.

The interiors of the SUV is clad in sophistication, featuring all-black leatherette bolstered seats meticulously designed for ultra-comfort. Safety takes center stage with innovative features such as SOS Calling function, Embedded Maps view in the Digital Cockpit, and a blind spot view monitor ensuring peace of mind on every journey. The Nexon.ev #DARK pushes the boundaries of technology with its game-changing features. Vehicle to Vehicle Charging and Vehicle to Load Technology redefine capability, while the inclusion of Aracade.ev, an inbuilt app suite with 15+ apps and a 31.24cm Cinematic touchscreen system by Harman cater to your entertainment needs.

The JBL cinematic sound system with 9 speakers delivers an immersive audio experience like no other. Performance-wise, the Nexon.ev #DARK sets new standards with the highest range in its segment, boasting an impressive ARAI certified 465km. Paddle shifters offer enhanced control using regenerative braking, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. Not to forget the smart digital lights with end-to-end DRL & tail lamps, illuminating the way forward with unparalleled clarity. With its bold design, futuristic technology, and uncompromising performance, the Nexon.ev #DARK stands as a true game-changer in the automotive landscape.

Nexon: The exterior design of the Nexon #DARK showcases a bold and aggressive SUV style, characterized by a chiseled hood, sleek LED lamps, and a dynamic stance. This distinctive look is further enhanced by the exclusive #DARK mascot and dark exterior treatment, setting it apart from the crowd. Inside the cabin, the Nexon #DARK maintains its SUV practicality while offering a modern and intuitive atmosphere. The focus has been on elevating the interior with luxurious and exclusive all-black aesthetics, featuring black leatherette seats adorned with #DARK badging embroidered on the headrests. The cabin is equipped with advanced technology, including a 'Hidden until lit' Capacitive Touch FATC panel, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience. The integration of Amazon Alexa and Tata Voice Assistant offers over 200 voice commands in six languages, providing unparalleled convenience and connectivity. Additionally, the Nexon #DARK features a Wireless Charger, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables and ensuring that your devices stay charged on the go. With its striking design, luxurious interiors, and advanced features, the Nexon #DARK sets a new standard for SUVs in its segment.

Harrier and Safari: These OMEGARC twins, comprising the dynamic and youthful 5-Seater Tata Harrier and the premium and luxurious Flagship 7-Seater Tata Safari in the new #DARK avatar, are further elevated with an array of premium features. The Harrier #DARK and Safari #DARK boast top-of-the-line advanced features, including pioneering 1st in segment features such as Welcome and Goodbye Signature Animation on Front & Rear LED DRLs, LED DRLs with Center Position Lamp in the Front, and a Driver Knee Air Bag for enhanced safety. The audio experience is taken to new heights with 10 JBL Speakers featuring Advanced Harman AudioworX, while the aesthetics are enhanced with R19 Alloy wheels featuring Aero inserts and a bold Piano Black Grille.

Both models offer a luxurious and comfortable driving experience with Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control, Touch-based Central Control Panel with multifunction, and Leatherette seats adorned with the #DARK logo on the headrests. Additionally, the Safari #DARK offers Comfort Headrests in the 2nd row for added relaxation during long journeys, along with 2nd Row Ventilated Seats for increased comfort and convenience. With these premium features and exclusive #DARK styling elements such as Bold Oberon Black exteriors, Blackstone Interior theme, and Piano black accents, the Harrier #DARK and Safari #DARK redefine luxury and sophistication in their respective segments.

For more information, please refer to the product notes on the media centre page.

Tata Motors' Amrutdhara Program Brings Hope To Water-Deprived Communities In Uttarakhand

Did you know that despite running the world’s largest community led groundwater management programme, Atal Bhujal Yojana, only half of our population (roughly 51%) has access to safe drinking water. However, the water stressed rural belt of Ranikhet and Almora, have successfully been able to find a solution to this problem with Amrutdhara initiative run by Tata Motors in collaboration with its NGO SMDF (Sumant Moolgaokar Development Foundation). The project has facilitated availability of portable drinking water to over 23,000 people in the past 13 years.

Tata Motors, through its NGO, (SMDF) is spearheading this community centric initiative christened as the Amrutdhara program. The organisation helped established a robust network of 146 infiltration wells in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand over the past 13 years. These wells, supported by the Gram Panchayat, have become a lifeline for the villagers, delivering 10.24 lakh litres of safe drinking water daily to over 3,654 households in the last decade. In addition to this sustainable approach towards utilising natural resources to draw water, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been installed across 11 Government schools too wherein 2200 students and teachers have access to clean water.

Highlighting the impact of the Amrutdhara programme, Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head, Tata Motors, said, "Access to clean drinking water is still a farfetched dream for many. While there are many initiatives taken by the Government bodies to provide access, the impact of participatory projects is sustainable as well as more successful around the world. In Uttarakhand, Tata Motors has been a driving force behind water access which has had a cascading effect in freeing up time for women's empowerment and boosting girls' enrolment in rural schools.  We take pride in the strides made in Uttarakhand and remain dedicated to expanding our efforts to create sustainable and positive change.”

Bookmark These Platinum Jewellery Trends Across Indian Market

With the onset of spring, it’s time to take the style game a notch higher with jewellery trends that have the runways blazing!  2024 is all experimenting with these new style trends and letting your jewellery take centre stage! This year jewellery isn’t simply about accentuating a look or just following but about adapting that trend to express your mood, mark your moments and create a statement that is sure to make heads turn.

Commenting on these trends, Pallavi Sharma, Business Director, PGI India, stated, "The landscape for women’s jewellery has really evolved over the years, creating a whole new segment that caters to modern women who seek contemporary designs that align with their lifestyle and serve as an extension of their personality. In 2024, being authentic will continue to maintain centre stage, with women playfully experimenting with jewellery that serves as a canvas for artistic expressions through fun patterns, unique materials combined with precious metals, bold colours and motifs representing pop culture. The art deco trend already has the runway buzzing. Stacking continues to be a favourite, encouraging women to mix and match different shapes, colours and motifs to create their own unique style story with wristwear, rings and even neckwear. This year is all about expressing oneself and as the mood is never constant, nor should the style statement. From sculptural minimalism to bold stacking, the style mantra for 2024 will be about experimenting and catering to every mood while staying true to one’s core.”

And as you browse through a plethora of options to update your jewellery closet, platinum jewellery emerges as the ideal choice to ace your style game for the year.  Be it the bold statement pieces or the versatile and more functional designs for frequent wear, exquisitely crafted pieces from Platinum EVARA by PGI offers something for every mood and occasion.

Crafted from 95% pure platinum, the subtle white sheen of intricately crafted platinum jewellery by Platinum Evara promises to take your style game to the next level as you experiment with new looks, try new trends or simply add to your collection of perfect everyday jewellery.

Below are our top 3 recommendations to ensure you sparkle and shine through 2024.

MINIMALISTIC YET BOLD

This year is about wearing your mood while staying aligned to your authentic self at all times. Being bold does not mean steering away from your love for the minimalistic, clean lines. ‘Sculptural Minimalism’ with clean, sculptural jewellery such as cuff bracelets, or organic shaped earrings with clean lines or bold statement platinum ringsadds a modernist, industrial feel to any look. These designs combine the powerful volume of organic form, akin to the intrinsic strength of platinum with the timeless elegance of a clean, minimalist look. Platinum with its natural white sheen, promises an understated elegance that remains untarnished through the tides of time.

THE ARTDECO LOOK

There is an increasing preference for jewellery that resonates as art and serve almost like a canvas. From mosaics, motifs and miniatures of pop culture aesthetically imbibed in the core design to the use of distinct materials like ceramics, onyx and gemstones to add a touch of colour and vintage vibe, there is a certain aesthetic that has the runway ablaze. Intricate patterns mirroring the mysteries of the universe encapsulated in a delicate platinum bracelet intertwined with diamonds to quirky pendants and charms - the allure of the artistic vibe is here to stay.

Platinum is denser than any other precious metal ensuring an exceptionally secure grip on diamonds and gemstones. Its pure white sheen lets precious stones shine with all their true brilliance.

STACKS AND CUFFS FOR THE WIN

The 2024 stacks trend comes with one rule, there are no rules! From pre-aligned ring combos to a curated mix and match stack, ring stacks create an illusion of boldly layered jewellery and is a perfect conversation starter as it tells a story and spotlights your personal style. Delicate, stacked neckpieces promise to instantly spotlight the elegant neckline of a stunning dress or a gorgeous Indo-western attire.Akin to the cuff or structured wristwear, that instantly adds a unique dimension to your overall look, creating an impact that reverberates long after you’ve left the party.  Cuff bracelets have been all over the runways for the past few seasons and can be found in various forms - thick, thin, dual toned, asymmetric or any other structured pattern.

The season’s latest Platinum EVARA collection is available across leading jewellery retail stores in India.

Website: https://platinumevara.com/ 

Brilliant Performance of Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream” By Stonehill’s High School Students

The high school students of Stonehill International School, Bangalore, performed A Midsummer Night's Dream - The Musical, at Bangalore International Centre from the 29th of February to the 2nd of March. An 80s take on Shakespeare’s classic, the play was a blend of romance, humour and fantasy. Set against the backdrop of the ‘80s, the play paid homage to Shakespeare’s genius while infusing the narrative with infectious energy and iconic music of the era.

The set, costumes, props, lighting, makeup, choreography and music were impeccably done in-house. Ms. Jennifer Browne, IB Diploma Coordinator, Stonehill International School, helmed the production, drawing on her extensive background in Theatre, including a course at the Guildford School of Acting, UK. A former child presenter on children's television and a seasoned actress in both theatre and television in the UK, Jennifer transitioned to directing youth theatre productions in her 20s. Now, as a teacher, she brings her wealth of experience to Stonehill, having directed numerous school productions over the years.

Drama/Theatre in the IB curriculum is a multifaceted course of study. It allows students to be creators, designers, directors and performers. A Midsummer Night’s Dream gave students a bigger platform to showcase their talent outside the school curriculum.

Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, commented, “It was heart-warming to see our students back on stage this year. They rose to the challenge of putting on a full-scale drama production. I was impressed with all aspects of the play from the set design to the choreography, and from the acting talent on display to the creativity and expertise of our directors. I'm already looking forward to what our teachers and students can come up with next year!"

About Stonehill International School:

Spread over 34 acres, nestled 20 minutes away from the Bangalore airport, the Stonehill campus is spacious, purpose-built, safe and highly conducive to learning. The international school is fully accredited by CIS/NEASC and the Australian Boarding Schools Association. Students from age three through secondary school enjoy a state-of-the-art campus that features extensive sports fields and facilities, a swimming pool, an equestrian centre, three boarding houses, two libraries, and a cafeteria. Stonehill offers education in a warm and friendly small school environment, where each student’s quest for individual excellence is a priority. The students and teachers at Stonehill come from India as well as over 35 different countries spanning the globe.

TCS TechBytes: TCS And BITES Launch 15th Edition Of Its IT Quiz For Engineering Students

* Conducted by Tata Consultancy Services and BITES, the IT Quiz will Test Students’ Knowledge in Emerging Technologies

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES), an autonomous body promoted by the Government of Karnataka in association with IT industries and educational institutions, announced the commencement of registrations for the 15th edition of TCS TechBytes – the Engineering IT Quiz. The quiz is open to engineering students (BE/ BTech) of all streams and semesters in Karnataka.

TCS TechBytes challenges and encourages students to expand their knowledge of information technology and its diverse applications across industries. The objective is to enhance awareness in emerging areas, enabling them to compete in the fast-paced technology-intensive industry.

Each institution can send up to 20 students to participate in the Regional Finals of the quiz. There is no participation fee. Entries have to be sent by the respective institutions on or before March 11, 2024, to: bitesitquiz@gmail.com. Ph: 080-41235889.

The Regional Level Quiz will be conducted at six locations: Mangaluru – March 19, Mysuru – March 21, Kalaburagi – March 26, Dharwad – March 28, Tumakuru –  April 2 and Bengaluru – April 5. The State Finals will also be held in Bengaluru on April 5, 2024.

Winners and runners-up of each regional round will receive gift vouchers worth Rs 12,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, as well as an opportunity to compete at the State Finals to be held in Bengaluru on April 5, 2024. At the finals, prizes include educational scholarships of Rs 85,000 for the winners and Rs 50,000 for the runners-up.

The quiz will focus on the application of technology across various sectors and aspects such as the technology environment, business, its people, new trends, legends, etc. It will also focus on emerging areas such as: artificial intelligence, digital, cloud computing, automation, biometrics, mobility, robotics, telecom, social media and big data, personalities – international and national, software products, history of IT and areas where IT has made an impact such as education, entertainment, books, multimedia, music, movies, internet, banking, advertising, sports, gaming, social networking, cell phones, etc. For more information visit www.bites.org.in.