The Vice Chairman And CEO JH Han Visits Noida Factory, Signaling Growing Importance Of India For Samsung

* J H Han’s Second Trip To India This Year Marks The Strengthening Of Samsung’s Relationship With The Country

* Noida factory is one of Samsung’s biggest facilities, manufacturing for Indian and global markets

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, is currently on his second visit to India this year. The trip signals the growing importance of the country for the South Korean giant, and includes Han’s visit to the company’s Noida factory — where Samsung manufactures smartphones, tablets and refrigerators.

"India is one of the biggest and fastest-growing markets globally and offers a huge opportunity for Samsung,” said Han. “We were among the first companies to invest in India, and I am happy that the Noida factory has emerged as one of our biggest facilities, manufacturing not only for India, but for the world.”

Samsung unveiled its “AI for All” vision — which aims to improve the lives of consumers by bringing artificial intelligence and hyper-connectivity through open collaboration — at the start of the year.

This year, Samsung’s Galaxy AI-powered premium smartphones and Bespoke AI home appliances — such as refrigerators, ACs and washing machines — have together created a unique connected devices ecosystem, enabling consumers to save energy besides providing convenience, connectivity and comfort.

This ‘One Samsung’ experience driven by advanced technology has helped create differentiation for the company’s products and is driving strong consumer interest in segments such as premium refrigerators, which has been growing rapidly over the past years in India as consumers shift to big capacity refrigerators providing enhanced features. Samsung continues to show leadership, introducing premium products into the market with Bespoke design and AI features.

Han also praised the contributions that India-based R&D teams are making in the development of new products and services.

“India has a large population of tech-savvy young consumers that inspire us to innovate,” Han added. “I am proud that many young, enterprising engineers who are playing an important role in the development of AI are working at our R&D centers in India.”

While Samsung is deeply dedicated to its commitment to “Make in India” through its two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants at Noida and Sriperumbudur, it is equally invested in a design center in Noida and three Research and Development (R&D) facilities. Of the three R&D facilities, which drive innovation for both local and global products, two are located in Noida and one in Bengaluru.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

IIIT-Bangalore Achieves Top 10 Ranking Among India's Technical Universities

International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) is proud to announce its impressive achievement in the India Today 2024 rankings, securing the 9th position among the top technical universities in India. This prestigious ranking is a testament to IIIT-B's commitment to academic excellence, research and holistic student development.

The India Today magazine conducted a thorough and rigorous survey to evaluate the top technical universities across the country. The main criteria of consideration included courses, fees, admission, placement, cut-off and aspects related to curriculum, research, innovation, faculty, governance, student support etc. IIIT-Bangalore excelled in these areas, demonstrating its dedication to providing a world-class education and encouraging a dynamic learning environment. IIIT-Bangalore is committed to providing a safe and supportive educational environment through its Student Support and Governance Cells, including the Anti-Ragging Cell, Internal Complaints Committee and Internal Quality Assurance Cell.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, expressed his pride in the institution's accomplishment. "This ranking is a significant milestone for IIIT-Bangalore. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students. We are committed to maintaining our high standards of education and continuing to produce graduates who are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern world."

IIIT-Bangalore offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in various fields of information technology and computer science. The institute's curriculum is designed to be industry-relevant, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, hands-on projects, and cutting-edge research has made IIIT-B a preferred choice for aspiring technologists.

The institute's fee structure is designed to be accessible to students from various socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, the transparent and merit-based admission process ensures that the most deserving and talented students have the opportunity to study at IIIT-B. The placement cell at IIIT-Bangalore ensures lucrative job opportunities for its graduates. The institute's strong industry connections and robust placement programs have resulted in high placement rates and attractive salary packages for students. Leading tech companies and organizations frequently recruit from IIIT-B, recognizing the caliber and expertise of its graduates.

The high cut-off scores for admission at IIIT-Bangalore reflect the institute's commitment to admitting academically excellent students. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the best and brightest minds become part of the IIIT-B community, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment.

IIIT-Bangalore is dedicated to further enhancing its academic offerings, research initiatives and industry collaborations. The institute aims to continue climbing the ranks of top technical universities and solidifying its position as a leader in information technology education in India.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations. The institute’s specially designed courses make the students’ cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

InsideFPV Signs Strategic Development MoU With Israel-Based UAV Dynamix, To Supply 10,000 Drones

* The agreement will also focus on combining the technological prowess of the continental partners in the future

* This development comes in the aftermath of InsideFPV surpassing the Guinness World Record for highest flight time of a drone in a single charge

InsideFPV, Indian deep tech drone company revolutionizing consumer, agriculture and defence drones, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAV Dynamix, an Israel-based drone company. InsideFPV is also committed to supply an estimated quantity of 10,000 drones to UAV Dynamix over the next decade.

The objective of the MoU is to combine the technological prowess of both companies to create innovative drone solutions to drive global expansion. The partnership signifies a significant opportunity for exchanging technologies, encompassing hardware and software. It will also emphasize the development of relevant and efficient solutions using innovative technologies from both companies. In the last few years, InsideFPV’s drones have garnered significant validation and popularity among Indian defence forces in numerous demonstrations, and the goal is to establish a reliable outlook among key foreign defence partners, amplifying growth. The agreement also aligns with InsideFPV's long-term vision to become the leading global drone manufacturer, pushing the boundaries through innovation, originality, and execution.

The Indian drone company has recently achieved a new milestone through its modernistic drones, by registering a flight time of 141 minutes on a single charge. Currently, the Indian drone company plans to break the Guinness World Record. The Indian drone company’s record-setting flight has been achieved through the company’s extensive research efforts since 2020, including countless work hours to rigorous field testing.

Presently, the Indian drone company has 3+ design rights and technology. It has recently achieved another milestone in controlling drones from anywhere in the world with recently controlled from  7,000 kilometers away ((Netherlands, Oman, and Bangalore), which highlights InsideFPV’s phase 1 development for its defence vertical. Additionally, InsideFPV’s dedicated research department has achieved significant success in developing extended battery life for drones.

Mr. Arth Chowdhary, CEO of InsideFPV, offered his take on the collaboration in detail, saying, “As a company dedicated to solving problems through extensive R&D, we tackled the issue of flight time, leading to significant improvements. Recognizing India's nascent stage in drone technology, we established drone labs in schools and colleges. Our agreement to supply 10,000 drones underscores our commitment to India's Make in India initiative and vision to become a global drone manufacturing hub. We eagerly anticipate further advancements in the drone sector by doing R&D.”

Mr. Tal Appelbaum, CEO of UAV Dynamix, emphasized the growing needs of UAVs in various aspects of modern aviation, saying, “From surveillance to surveying operations, the growing dependence of UAVs is critical to shape the future of modern aviation. InsideFPV represents India’s technological brilliance, and coupled with UAV Dynamix’s substantial experience in the sector and extensive network of international pilots, drone technology in aerial imagery, surveillance and surveying will mark a sizable contribution to the future of this sector”

The Gujarat-based firm has also launched Drone Labs, a research laboratory that offers training and exposure in drones to army schools, students through diverse interactive learning initiatives. Its objective is not only to raise awareness regarding drones, but to supplement the passion for STEM education through hands-on learning with Drone Arena. This is done by exposing learners to electronics, coding and robotics through advanced drone platforms, curriculum support, teacher training, and technical assistance. The Drone Labs is powered by InsideFPV’s advanced simulator, allowing anyone to learn to fly drones in a risk-free environment. This training program offers beginners to practice in multiple scenarios, helping them to build confidence and muscle memory. This initiative has no eligibility criteria, and anyone can undergo this training irrespective of age, gender or educational qualification.

About InsideFPV

InsideFPV is the leading  Indian drone manufacturer dedicated to transforming global drone technology. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, InsideFPV continues to lead the industry with its advanced drone solutions in consumer, defence and agriculture  sector with  educational initiatives.

InsideFPV is a funded startup and has raised over 3.85 crores in two rounds backed by IPV, Soonicorn Ventures, Mumbai Angels, Dlabs at ISB Hyderabad, also the founders of Fasal and Managing Directors of Blackstone Group and KPMG. It has also featured in Shark Tank India Season 2, garnering significant interest. InsideFPV has also been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 award, under the Consumer Technology segment.

TKM & TKM-Employees Union Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Competitiveness, Holistic Employee Wellbeing

In the spirit of further nurturing employee welfare, societal progress, and overall company growth, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) on July 24th, 2024 with its Employees Union. The agreement aims to cultivate a positive work environment founded on the principles of "Mutual Trust and Respect" for all stakeholders.

The MoS, encompassing the issues outlined in the Charter of Demand for the fiscal years 2024-2026, was formally ratified before Dr. Manjunath G, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, senior TKM management, and the Office Bearers & Executive Committee members of the TKM Employees Union.

Strongly backed by the Toyota values and principles, both parties expressed commitment to work based on philosophy of Mutual Trust and Responsibility towards promoting maximum flexibility, productivity, good work-life balance, to ensure the making of highest quality of products and services. Key provisions of the settlement include:

Direct wage increase of Rs.16,000/- (for 2 years) for Mid-Batch members, resulting in a Cost to Company (CTC) increase of Rs.19,500 for over a period of two years.

Ex-gratia/Bonus of 25% (90 Days) annual Gross salary.

Expansion of Medical Insurance coverage for employees and their dependants.

Interest free loan of Rs.8 Lakhs for Car purchase, among other benefits.

Continuous improvement of workplace to enhance workplace Safety and ergonomics of employees.

Sustained efforts from Union and Team Members to continue with flexibility and productivity improvement which is essential for success in Automobile industry.

Dr. G Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, who presided the signing of the settlement said “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Employees Union for their commendable efforts in smoothly arriving at a mutually beneficial settlement. The seamless coordination by both the parties has set a remarkable example for Industrial Relations in the State of Karnataka.  He also appreciated Toyota’s Philosophy of Mutual Trust & Respect which emphasise the importance of contribution by Employees and thereby achieving the successful results leading to recognition by Management with appropriate benefit in a timely manner. We urge TKM and its Employee Union to continue working together towards sustained excellence and contribute to the overall growth of Karnataka."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive  Vice President, Finance & Administration and Mr B Padmanabha, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing , Toyota Kirloskar Motor reiterated that Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains steadfast in their commitment to create a positive work environment, provide a good work life balance as well as ensure well-being and growth of the employees. Over the last 25 plus years in the country, TKM has always worked together with the people to ensure each member’s opinion and contribution are deeply valued & respected.  Further the people are the most valuable assets for which the Company’s endeavour is to foster a stable environment and world-class working conditions balanced with the progress of the company's vision of “Producing Mass Happiness for all”. Due to commendable joint efforts by both Union and Management, TKM will take a big leap with the introduction of new plant (Plant-3) within the same campus which will create more job opportunities in the State of Karnataka and ensure to grow India and grow with India. 

Mr. S R Deepak, President and Mr. Ravi R, General Secretary of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Union expressed happiness over the successful signing of the Memorandum of Settlement with the Company. As a people centric company, TKM has always prioritized the welfare and growth of its employees. For the first time in the history of TKM with joint efforts of Union and Management they have set the record for best settlement in the History of TKM within fastest duration of 3 months.  Also the Management has recognized the contribution of employees by announcing 90 days bonus (25% wage of annual gross salary) and this will help the Union to motivate their employees to do more and contribute to create a harmonious work environment and progress of both Company and its employees.

SecurEyes' CSR Wing, SE Parivartan Launches Its 'Go Green Go' Clean Campaign In Whitefield

SecurEyes’ latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, SE Parivarthan, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. the CSR event engaged the employees of SecurEyes and the local community in Whitefield, Bangalore, through activities aimed at promoting cleaner, greener living.

Addressing the media Ms. Uma Pendyala, Business Head - Operations, said, "We are incredibly proud of our team's dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. SE Parivarthan is more than just an event; it is a movement that aims to inspire every individual to take responsibility for their surroundings and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Mr. Karmendra Kohli, CEO of SecurEyes, added, “Our CSR initiatives, including SE Parivarthan, reflect our core values of staying connected to our roots and giving back to society. Through these efforts, we hope to remind everyone of the pressing environmental issues we face and encourage collective action to protect our natural resources.”

The event took place at Seegehalli Lake, Whitefield. Employees of SecurEyes and citizens of Whitefield gathered at Seegehalli Lake for an intensive clean-up drive, removing waste and debris to restore the area's natural beauty. This initiative improved the local environment and raised awareness among residents about the importance of maintaining clean and sustainable surroundings.

Captivating the audience, SE Parivarthan highlighted the urgent need to protect our planet and adopt eco-friendly practices.

SE Parivarthan is part of SecurEyes’ broader CSR mission. It includes previous initiatives like SE-Cyber Shiksha, educating students on cyber security, and SE-CARE, supporting underprivileged children and senior citizens. These projects mark SecurEyes’ commitment to societal welfare and its proactive role in driving meaningful change.

Renowned Astronomer And Shaw Prize Winner Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni Delivers Inspiring Lecture At Bangalore Town Hall

The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) hosted a public lecture titled The Dynamic Night Sky by Prof. Shri Kulkarni, the 2024 Shaw Prize winner for Astronomy. Supported by the Murty Trust, the event attracted over 400 attendees on Sunday, 28 July 2024, at the nearly century-old Bangalore Town Hall.

ShriLecturing

Prof. Kulkarni, originally from Karnataka, is the George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Caltech. He began his lecture with a brief welcome in Kannada, specifically acknowledging the surprise of meeting his childhood school teachers and classmates in the audience. Moving on to his style of research and its outcomes, he discussed physics versus phenomenology and the groundbreaking discoveries of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), a state-of-the-art robotic camera at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory. Prof. Kulkarni’s talk shed light on the development of the ZTF, its role in exploring the optical night sky, and how advancements in astro-informatics, machine learning, and AI are revolutionizing the study of dynamic cosmic phenomena. After his talk, there was a flurry of audience questions about his work, especially on the life and death of stars. Additionally, Prof. Kulkarni was pleased to answer questions about his childhood in Hubli and his early days as a researcher at IIT Delhi. He encouraged the younger generation to follow their hearts in seeking self-awareness and making the best career choices for themselves.

The audience comprised a diverse mix of astronomy enthusiasts, students, researchers, and the general public. The event was free of charge, and refreshments were served after the talk. Shuttle transportation from the Majestic Metro Station was a popular option for attendees.

ShrinRajesh

The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) is an initiative of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) that aims to foster scientific research and promote education in the theoretical sciences. The Murty Trust aims to support the restoration of nature, preservation of culture, and advancement of science, all towards the benefit of Indian society.

For more information, visit https://www.icts.res.in/lectures/PLjul2024

Tata Memorial Study Finds Nimotuzumab Significantly Increases Survival In Head And Neck Cancer

A study conducted by Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has shown that adding Nimotuzumab to the standard treatment regimen significantly improves the 10-year overall survival rate for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The results of the Phase III study on 536 patients confirmed that Nimotuzumab not only improves progression-free survival but also maintains a good quality of life for long-term survivors, making it a potential therapeutic choice for this disease in India.

Patients with head and neck cancer who received Nimotuzumab in combination with concurrent radiotherapy and cisplatin had a 10-year overall survival rate of 33.5%, compared to 22.5% who received only radiotherapy and cisplatin. The median overall survival improved from 2.78 years in the standard treatment arm to 3.69 years in the Nimotuzumab arm. Furthermore, the study found no significant increase in late-term adverse events, highlighting the safety and tolerability of Nimotuzumab.

Head and neck cancers account for one-third of the cancer burden in India with more than 65% of patients presenting with loco-regional advanced disease that is often unresectable and necessitates medical management. In the locally advanced setting, no other targeted therapy can be combined with concurrent chemoradiation with the intent to cure, making this a significant advancement in the management of head and neck cancer.

Dr. Kumar Prabhash, Professor and Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, said, “The findings of this study are promising for patients with head and neck cancer. By adding Nimotuzumab to the existing therapy regimen, we have noticed a significant rise in long-term survival rates while maintaining patient quality of life.”

Dr. K Govind Babu, Senior Medical Oncologist, HCG Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “The first study ‘BEST Trial’ conducted with Nimotuzumab at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, showed encouraging results with 100% overall response rate. More than 50% patients were surviving at five years of follow up, who received Nimotuzumab in combination with concurrent chemoradiation. The long-term follow-up data from TATA study reinforces the findings in a large patient pool with significant survival outcomes at 10 years.”

Dr. Neera Gupta, General Manager, Medical Affairs & Clinical Development, Eris Lifesciences, said, “We are proud to have supported this pivotal study that brings new hope for patients with head and neck cancer. These patients frequently experience a compromised quality of life due to the impact on vital functions, including speaking and swallowing. The findings show that adding Nimotuzumab to concurrent chemoradiation improves progression-free survival and overall survival while also preserving quality of life.”

The Nimotuzumab study supported earlier by Biocon and now Eris Lifesciences was an open-label, investigator-initiated, phase III randomized trial conducted from 2012 to 2018, involving 536 adult patients. It evaluated the benefits of adding nimotuzumab to standard treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC). Patients were randomized to receive either radical radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin (CRT) or the same regimen plus weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT). The long term follow up data evaluated 10-year overall survival, with a median follow-up of 8.86 years. The study found that patients who received the weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT) lived longer overall, with a 10-year survival rate of 33.5% compared to 22.5% for those who received standard (CRT) treatment alone, indicating a significant improvement with nimotuzumab addition. Importantly, adding nimotuzumab did not increase the risk of long-term side effects.

This benefit was particularly noticeable in patients whose tumors were not caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The study concluded that nimotuzumab enhances long-term overall survival without increasing late-term adverse events, particularly benefiting HPV-negative patients.

This study, with its demonstrated efficacy and safety, offers a significant advancement in the fight against head and neck cancer in India. Eris Lifesciences is committed to providing effective treatment solutions to ensure better health and well-being for patients with head and neck cancer.

About Eris Lifesciences Ltd (BSE: 540596, NSE: ERIS):

Established in 2007, Eris Lifesciences Ltd. is a publicly listed Indian pharma company and ranks among the Top-20 companies in the Indian Pharmaceutical Market. The company has a domestic branded formulations revenue of INR 3,000+ crore p.a. as per AWACS. Since inception, the company has been focused on chronic/ lifestyle therapies and on high-end super-specialist doctors and consulting physicians. 17 years into the business, the company retains its fundamental strengths in terms of a chronic and sub-chronic focused brand portfolio (80% of sales) and high prescription ranks with super-specialists.

Eris has a fully integrated business model with WHO GMP manufacturing facilities in Guwahati and Gujarat that cater to ~ 60% of its revenue and a pan-India distribution network of over 2,000 stockists and 5,00,000+ chemists. Over 6,500+ employees work out of its corporate offices, the field and manufacturing facilities.

Eris’ operating revenue and profits have doubled in the last 5 years. The company has invested over INR 3,500 crore inorganically in the last 2 years and successfully diversified into several new therapies including Dermatology, Insulins, Nephrology, Oncology and Critical Care. The business model continues to profitable and cash-accretive with an average operating margin of 35% and cash conversion ratio of over 70% over the last 5 years.