Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bags Best Documentary Film Award At Culture Cinema Festival

* MAHE Documentary ‘Living Cultures Of Tulunadu -Bhuta’ Bagged The Best Film Award Under Social Practices Category In C2F2

Manipal Academy of Higher Education achieved a remarkable for its documentary, Living Cultures of Tulunadu - Bhuta, which has been honored with the Best Film Award under the Social Practices category at the prestigious Culture Cinema International Film Festival (C2F2). The award ceremony was held virtually on August 25, 2024.

The documentary was selected from a competitive pool of over 800 entries from across the globe and received official selection in July 2024. After two months of rigorous screening and evaluation by the festival’s esteemed jury, the top 10 films in 15 categories were chosen, with Living Cultures of Tulunadu - Bhuta emerging as the winner in its category.

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal also shared his thoughts & stated, “We are immensely proud of this achievement, the documentary not only reflects our commitment to cultural education but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting lesser-known traditions. It is heartening to see our students and faculty collaborate on projects that have a profound impact on both the academic and cultural landscapes as we will keep pushing boundaries of creativity.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, “This prestigious is award is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team in bringing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Tulunadu to the forefront. At MAHE, we strive to foster an environment where academic excellence and cultural preservation go hand in hand. The recognition from Culture Cinema International Film Festival is a significant milestone which will motivate us to continue our efforts in showcasing India’s vibrant cultural tapestry to the world.”

Praveen Shetty, Assistant Professor, Coordinator Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue, Dept of Humanities & Management & MIT, MAHE stated that “This is a remarkable achievement, and we are grateful to all the students & faculties who have provided their invaluable support. Our team has also been invited to participate in interactive sessions with students during the screenings, providing a platform for deeper discussions on the cultural themes explored in the film.”

C2F2-in-The-Campus, a unique initiative of the festival, aims to bring award-winning films to the youth in colleges and universities across India, allowing them to experience and engage with diverse global cultures. The films will be screened across several Universities: Bennett University, Greater NOIDA, Delhi Metropolitan Education, NOIDA, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, Presidency University, Bengaluru &RV University, Bengaluru. Culture Cinema Film Festival (C2F2) is organized to commemorate the UN-declared "World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development" that falls upon 21st May 2024. Held every year on 21st May, this day celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development. 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Marriott International Signs Agreement With The Icon Group To Debut The Fairfield By Marriott Brand In Mohali, Punjab Near Chandigarh

Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed agreement with The Icon Group to debut the Fairfield by Marriott brand in one of India’s most well-designed cities, Mohali, in Chandigarh. Expected to feature 106 keys, the hotel will be part of a mixed-use development project, encompassing a well-distributed retail space and a multiplex cinema. Anticipated to open in January 2027, the hotel’s design will take inspiration from its natural surroundings, delivering the beauty of simplicity for guests who appreciate an efficient and reliable stay experience.

“We are thrilled to work with The Icon Group to introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand to Mohali, a city poised for tremendous growth with its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and rapid urbanization,” said Ranju Alex- Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “This signing underscores our commitment to growing the presence of this trusted brand across the booming tier two and tier three markets of India while delivering on the brands principles of friendly service, reliability, and warm hospitality.”

Conveniently located only 20 minutes from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport and 10 minutes from the Mohali Railway Station, the hotel will make for an ideal choice for guests looking to maintain their routines while on the road, providing an effortless experience with its contemporary, uplifting design. The public areas are set to be designed with flexible social spaces where guests can connect with fellow travelers or unwind in the company of friends. Guests can also expect a harmonious blend of functionality, comfort, and enriching décor featuring natural materials and thoughtfully selected amenities.

Sharing their thoughts on this strategic signing Mr. Rajesh Puri & Mr. Ajay Sehgal, Managing Directors, ICON Group stated – “We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott international to introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand to Mohali.  Inspired by the beauty of simplicity and located within close proximity to key tourist attractions, cultural landmarks and business centers, this hotel is poised to deliver an inviting and seamless experience, becoming the destination of choice for travellers.

“We are thrilled to offer guests an inspiring travel experience in this dynamic city. By sharing our core values of integrity, teamwork, and leadership, this collaboration with Marriott International reflects our commitment to growth in the region. We look forward to a very promising journey ahead and our continued progress in the hospitality sector," added Nikhil Puri, Director ICON group.

Plans also include for the hotel to feature a convenient all-day dining restaurant, with nutritious and smart food options providing a healthy start to the day, as well as a fully equipped gym, for guests to maintain their fitness schedules while traveling.

Revolutionizing Blockchain Technology: MAI Labs Introduces KALP Studio, A Complete Infrastructure For Blockchain Development

MAI Labs is proud to announce the launch of KALP Studio, a revolutionary platform designed to democratize Blockchain and Web 3.0 development for developers of all experience levels. With the ability to build products on KALP DLT or even create entirely new chains, KALP Studio offers an unprecedented ecosystem

As a powerful platform, KALP Studio is a unique, all-in-one platform that offers a complete eco-system with pre-built DIY modules and robust infrastructure. It enables the fastest deployment of decentralized applications (dApps), adaptable to any industry or use case ripe for Blockchain disruption. Solutions built on KALP Studio are not only scalable and secure but also fully compliant, making them ideal for enterprise-grade innovations.

Mr. Mrityuanjaya Prajapati, Founder & CEO, KALP Studio, at the launch said, “By 2030, the Blockchain market is expected to cross $3.1 trillion, worldwide. The Blockchain industry still faces three major challenges in such a rapidly growing market. Firstly, there is a lack of availability of Blockchain experts to meet the expediting requirements. Secondly, the turnaround time within the market is too long. And thirdly, the overall cost of development is too high to adopt the advanced Blockchain technology. 

“The vision to build KALP Studio to address these challenges and support the Global Blockchain developers' community and businesses with a premium & wholesome infrastructure. Thus, the industry can leverage the full potential of the market with groundbreaking Blockchain & Web3 innovations.” Tapan Sangal, Founder of MAI Labs, highlighting some of the unique offering said, “KALP Studio is a revolutionary platform for the Blockchain industry. Being a chain-agnostic wholesome infrastructure with pre-built DIY modules, it can build disruptive industry solutions on Blockchain. It exponentially reduces costs and accelerate the project turnaround time. Overall, KALP Studio is an exclusive experience for developers with its advanced customization options and the best UI/UX.”

Considering the advance technology capabilities of the platform, KALP Studio is already selected as an exclusive platform for building Blockchain Projects, for “BUILD Hackathon”. 

About KALP Studio:

KALP Studio, a product of KALP Digital, is a one-stop Blockchain Development infrastructure. It has an extensive ready-to-use module library for (dApps), future-centric features, third party integration & advanced customization capabilities, the best UI/UX and a complete supportive ecosystem to develop anything Blockchain.  It can accelerate even the most innovative, scalable & complex Blockchain solutions development, seamlessly.

About MAI Labs:

MAI Labs is a deep tech company committed to democratizing and empowering users worldwide with accessible, innovative, and cutting-edge technologies. With a presence in the United States, India, Mauritius, Singapore and Dubai, MAI Labs leads a portfolio of ventures including MayaaVerse,Kalp Studio STOEX, MyIPR, and NIFTIQ among others, all dedicated to democratizing access and providing creative, immersive solutions. 

Tata Motors Showcases Safe, Smart And Sustainable Mass Mobility Solutions At Prawaas 4.0 In Bengaluru

* Unveils the all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M for green intra-city mass mobility

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, showcased an impressive array of cutting-edge mass mobility solutions at Prawaas 4.0 – a 3-day biennial event highlighting safe, smart and sustainable integrated mass mobility solutions in Bengaluru. The company unveiled an all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M – a zero-emission, intra-city electric bus designed and engineered to perfectly suit the requirements for urban mass mobility. Tata Motors also showcased a diverse range of passenger transport solutions including the Tata Magna EV, Tata Magic Bi-fuel, Tata Ultra Prime CNG, Tata Winger 9S, Tata CityRide Prime and Tata LPO 1822, all aimed at offering customized solutions in varied applications and duty cycles.

The all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M offers comfortable seating for 21 passengers and is perfectly suited to tackle narrow lanes and high-traffic urban landscapes with its easy manoeuvrability and ideal dimensions. It is powered by a 213kW electric motor and IP67-rated 200kWh Li-ion battery. It offers a range of up to 160 km in a single charge and comes with fast charging capability, enabling a full charge in just 2.5 hours. The fully electric drivetrain is complemented by advanced safety features, including an electronic braking system and electronic stability control. The bus is equipped with an Automatic Passenger Counter and boasts high safety and security standards with its Intelligent Transport System (ITS). Additionally, the Ultra EV 7M incorporates regenerative braking technology, further enhancing its efficiency and range. 

Commenting on the unveiling, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, "Prawaas 4.0's theme of safe, smart, and sustainable mobility perfectly aligns with our vision. This event provides us a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders and showcase our cutting-edge solutions. We are proud to present a wide range of exhibits that offer customised solutions in their respective segments, including our latest offering, the Ultra EV 7M, in the electric bus space. This all-new model is perfectly suited for both metros and smaller cities, addressing the unique demands of our customers. Our participation in Prawaas 4.0 underscores our dedication to providing innovative, efficient and sustainable mobility solutions that ensure high earning potential and profitability for our customers."

Tata Motors leads the charge in shaping the future of mobility with its clean and sustainable solutions across multiple powertrains and emission technologies. The company leads the market in electric buses segment, with over 2,900 e-buses deployed across India, covering an impressive cumulative distance of over 16 crore kilometres. Additionally, the company is a pioneer in advancing hydrogen fuel cell transport solutions within the country. With a wide range of alternate fuel powered vehicles, Tata Motors ensures lower operational costs and higher profitability for operators. Furthermore, Tata Motors enhances its solutions with Fleet Edge, a connected vehicle platform that leverages smart technologies to improve fleet management, vehicle uptime and safety.

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Shaquille O’Neal Swaps The Court For Cuisine In Abu Dhabi’s Street Food Series

* The NBA legend takes a light-hearted look around the city’s culinary gems on a thrilling tasting tour 

If you’ve been thinking of exploring some of the diverse flavours of Abu Dhabi’s delicious street food culture, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has already done the footwork for you.

The sporting legend swaps the court for cuisine in a series of films that sees Shaq discovering Abu Dhabi’s diverse street food scene while leaving his own food reviews as he explores the flavours and characters behind Emirati and Middle Eastern Street food.

Embark on a culinary adventure with Shaq through a series of films as he explores the heart and soul of Abu Dhabi's street food scene. From traditional Emirati dishes to Middle Eastern favourites, he's savouring every bite and sharing his discoveries through Google reviews.

Diving headfirst into the heart of Abu Dhabi's foodie-favourite street food spots, each episode of "Shaq's Abu Dhabi Street Food Journey," sees the larger-than-life personality immersed in the city as he explores eight different foodie hotspots. Here’s the first look à https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRSSOyEnZhI

Shaq first visits Al Dhafra restaurant, an authentic Emirati cuisine spot, with a group of locals, where he’ghuzs introduced to lamb ghouzi (a traditional Emirati rice dish). Shaq marvels at the mix of meat, rice and spices, and attributes the ingredient’s “teamwork” to making this a highlight dish. In upcoming episodes, he likens the tasty, sweet luqaimat (sweet dough balls with date syrup) at Luqaimat and Chebab to “mini basketballs” and gives his taste buds a more familiar treat at Mo’s Joint with their takeaway Classic Burger, giving a shout-out to its special Abu Dhabi sauce as “the MVP.”

But Shaq doesn't just eat the food – he gets in on the action! Inspired by the city's culinary creativity, he heads to Beit El Khetyar and creates a giant shawarma, a limited edition “Shaqwarma” that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Shaq's infectious enthusiasm and adventurous spirit match the melting pot of flavours that define Abu Dhabi's street food scene. With each bite, he uncovers different cultural influences that make this city's street food scene so unique.

Shaq also shares humorous and insightful commentary about his culinary adventures in Al Sultan Sweets (a crowd favourite Arabic sweets shop), India Palace Restaurant. (authentic Indian cuisine), Bu Tafish (a traditional seafood dining establishment since 1968) and Seashell (Abu Dhabi’s unique twist on fast food favourites).

A supersized NBA superstar partnered with a city steeped in a rich culinary street food heritage. Together, Shaquille O’Neal and Abu Dhabi make a truly unbeatable team.

Find out more à https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/article-hub/street-bites-with-shaq

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

 For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

HCL Tech - Steadfast Execution To Drive Consistent Performance

August 29, 2024

ADD

Information Technology   

Analyst Meet Update   

TARGET PRICE (Rs) : 1,850

We attended HCLT’s ‘Analyst Day’ to understand its growth strategy and business outlook. KTAs: 1) Mgmt highlighted that industry is at a major inflection point, with rising adoption of AI. HCLT is well placed to benefit from the growing addressable IT Services market (~USD2trn by 2030) and its investments in fast-growing areas like data and AI, SAP cloud services market, cyber security, cloud migration, etc which create opportunities for double-digit growth in the medium term. 2) It indicated that demand setting is a tad more optimistic vs a few months ago, esp in BFSI. It expects TMT to continue seeing faster growth than peers. 3) HCLT delivered superior performance, backed by its cultural DNA, balanced portfolio, client mining and participation in large deals, passionate people, and strong governance. It plans to improve market participation with better G2000 /future G2000 coverage which will help sustain and accelerate growth. We roll fwd TP to Sep-25E, and lift up our target multiple to 25x (23x earlier); retain ADD and raise TP to Rs1,850 at 25x its Sep-26E EPS.

Growth leadership to continue

HCLT has delivered industry-leading organic growth over the last 2 years. Management remains confident of sustaining growth leadership in coming years, on the back of a) cultural DNA—entrepreneurial and empowering environment, stable & home-grown leadership, innovation driven by engineering pedigree, art of the possible - pragmatic approach to solutions, b) its all-weather portfolio (right mix of discretionary and non-discretionary services and IP) made possible by the execution of its Mode 1-2-3 strategy since 2016, c) client experience – 22 clients with a >USD100mn relationship versus 16 in FY22; track record of winning and executing large deals, d) passionate people with expansion into near-shore (headcount grew to 24,797 vs 21,497 in FY22) and new vistas (it India new vistas headcount scaled up to 25,218 vs 19,291 in FY22), e) approach to ESG (diverse board—70% independent, gender-balanced). Mgmt highlighted that the industry is at major inflection point, with growing adoption of AI. HCLT is well placed to benefit from the expanding addressable IT Services market (~USD2trn by 2030) and its investments in fast-growing areas like data and AI, SAP cloud services market, cyber security, cloud migration, etc which create opportunities to potentially see double-digit growth over the medium term. The Data and AI segment is poised to clock 19.1% CAGR, with the SAP cloud platform services market seeing CAGR of 26%. The TMT segment is registering the fastest growth among peers which it expects to maintain over the next 2 years. CSP industry tech spending remains one of the highest and is expected to register 8% CAGR, as telcos are seeing major transformation into service-oriented players driven by data. Semiconductor engineering is a key driver for HCLT in the TMT. HCLT is well positioned to see benefits, as it has presence in the entire ecosystem – from chip to cloud, as also driving AI transformation. In the BFSI segment, HCLT is focusing on white spaces seen in insurance brokerage firms, specialized banks, and large central banks.

‘Project Ascend’ to drive margin improvement

HCLT has launched ‘Project Ascend’ that focuses on 7 tracks for driving efficiencies and improving margin. These tracks are: GenAI-led delivery transformation (coding productivity, operational/managed services automation); employee pyramid (gain traction with growth acceleration); upskilling/reskilling via AI-led customized learning programs to improve utilization and productivity; new vistas in India drive operations stability; G&A optimization; non-linear models (leveraging industry-focused solutions and accelerators); GDM (nearshore-offshore mix). Some of these savings though are expected to be offset by planned investments in GenAI solutions development and S&M.

ORRA Fine Jewellery Relaunches A Bigger Store In Mangalore, Karnataka

* ORRA Mangalore store is now bigger and grander, offering a new look, new designs, and a larger collection for our customers.

ORRA, India’s leading diamond jewellery brand, is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its latest store in Mangalore, Karnataka. Spanning 3200 square feet, designed to deliver an exceptional shopping experience in the store showcasing ORRA’s signature collections, with a special emphasis on the exclusive 73-faceted ORRA Crown Star, India’s brightest patented diamond. The store also has a bridal lounge dedicated to providing  a personalized experience for bride-to-be’s.

ORRA’s new store offers a diverse selection of exquisite jewellery collections to cater to various customer preferences and meet increasing demand. Among these opulent collections, we have the prestigious 'ORRA Crown Star' collection, featuring the 73-faceted diamond, which holds an exclusive patent in India and represents the pinnacle of brilliance and exclusivity. The store also showcases the contemporary 'Aekta' Wedding Collection, including the Astra, Desired, and Platinum lines. Each of these collections has unique features and captivating designs that embody ORRA’s commitment to excellence and quality. Additionally, introducing Solis - Always on Shine, the latest addition by ORRA that is designed to keep you effortlessly chic and classy in your everyday routine. From boardroom meetings to casual brunches and intimate self-care days, Solis offers everyday diamonds for every moment of the week, starting at ?9,999*.

To elevate these cherished moments in a woman's life, ORRA embarked on a journey to craft a diamond that exceeds all expectations. 

“We are excited to relaunch our larger store in Mangalore, Karnataka. This expansion reflects ORRA’s dedication to providing an unparalleled shopping experience for our customers, whether they are looking for the perfect gift or selecting exquisite pieces for their special day,” said Dipu Mehta, Managing Director of ORRA Fine Jewellery. He further added, “We are proud to have completed 20 remarkable years in Mangalore. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our customers, we have now moved to a larger store to serve you even better. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you to our new location and continue to be a part of us”.

ORRA's commitment to craftsmanship and elegance is beautifully showcased through their collections, ensuring that every piece tells a unique story of love and celebration. ORRA is known for providing 100% certified jewellery with complimentary insurance* and free lifetime maintenance. The brand offers a lifetime exchange, buy-back, a seven-day return policy and our diamonds are conflict-free. Additionally, ORRA provides a 6-month upgrade facility, and all its jewellery is BIS Hallmark Certified.

As part of the store launch celebration, ORRA will offer inaugural discounts, special offers and an exclusive bridal lounge for customers visiting the new store. 

*        Up to 25% off on diamond jewellery (for a limited period) * 

*        0% interest on EMI facilities* 

*        100% exchange value on old gold jewellery*

*terms and conditions apply 

About ORRA:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA is one of India's finest diamond jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 91 stores in 39 cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership and product innovation with five global design centers. 

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA—the Finest Diamond Destination. 

For more information, visit –  https://www.orra.co.in