IIIT-Bangalore Celebrates Nearly 4000 AI-Skilled Graduates At The Largest Graduation Ceremony With upGrad

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), a deemed to be University has recently concluded one of the largest graduating cohorts of the year with nearly 4000 learners joining from India and globally. 

The event honored learners - both India and International, completing various online certifications and postgraduate programs in Data Science, Software Development, and Machine Learning & AI. Over 800 learners attended physically at the campus, while another 3000 joined the live stream from over different cities in India and globally.

Dr. Vivek Raghavan, Co-Founder of Sarvam AI, graced the ceremony as the chief guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson upGrad and an ensemble leadership like Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, Prof. V Sridhar, Faculty in-charge CPE at IIIT-Bangalore, Commodore SR Sridhar, (Retd.), Registrar, IIIT-Bangalore and Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean Academics, IIIT-Bangalore.

Dr. Vivek Raghavan, Co-Founder, Sarvam AI, "Learning is a lifelong process. We must continuously reinvent ourselves, acquiring new skills to stay relevant. Embrace curiosity and be open to new opportunities, as the tools of today, like generative AI, are transforming industries. It is our responsibility to leverage these technologies efficiently. The power of AI has the potential to democratize education and healthcare, making them accessible to all. India's youth will drive this transformation, making us a leader in AI adoption."

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said, "You have a critical role in shaping the future of our nation. Your hard work will not only drive your success but also support India's ambitious goal of reaching a $1 trillion digital economy by 2026. Through collaboration, continuous learning, and leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, we can strive towards excellence and make meaningful contributions to society."

Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson upGrad highlighted the nearly decade-long partnership between upGrad and IIIT-B, emphasizing their shared commitment to building a knowledge economy. "This partnership started in 2016 is a testament to IIIT-B's visionary approach, recognizing the revolutionary potential of online education. All the learners have made a wise choice in pursuing curiosity and continuous learning. Life is about the choices we make, and these choices will define us. Time is a valuable resource—balance action with reflection as technology and the world evolve rapidly. In this fast-paced environment, taking moments to reflect will keep you grounded and focused on your personal and professional growth."

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). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. 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.

For more information about IIIT-Bangalore, please visit www.iiitb.ac.in

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development Company. upGrad offers a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorates. Additionally, select programs are tailored for enterprise clients under the B2B model, along with other recruitment and staffing services. To date, upGrad has enrolled 10 million+ learners from 70+ countries, boasts a network of 300+ direct global university partners, wide line-up of 2500+ pathway connections, and an enterprise arm with 3000 corporate partners, worldwide. www.upgrad.com

KALP Studio Unveils BUILD: An Initiative To Drive And Empower Global Blockchain & Web 3.0 Community

·       BUILD, an initiative by KALP Studio, is a global powerhouse for Blockchain & Web3.0 community.

·       Unveiling “BUILD Hackathon” (18th – 23rd Sept.) with “Developers & Business Summit” (24th – 25th Sept.), co-hosted by the KALP Studio & Maharashtra DAO

KALP Studio is proud to announce its initiative, BUILD, to enrich and consolidate global Blockchain & Web3.0 communities. BUILD was conceived with a clear vision – a dynamic hub for developers, businesses, investors, and thought leaders, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth across the blockchain ecosystem. At its core, BUILD is guided by a singular mission: “Innovate, Build, Network!”

BUILD is designed to foster innovations and future of limitless potential of the Blockchain and Web 3.0 industry. It is unlocking potential at every level, empowering all industry stakeholders to leverage global opportunities. BUILD is set to reshape how the industry collaborates, support peers, and leverage opportunities, providing a single platform for sharing ideas, accessing mentorship, networking, knowledge, research, and much more.

To celebrate the launch of BUILD, an event series, including a Virtual Hackathon and Developers and Business Summit will be held from 18-25 September respectively. This event series is, co-hosted by Maharashtra DAO and KALP Studio. With free registration, the hackathon invites Innovators, developers, and professionals interested in Blockchain, Web 2.0, Web 3.0, and gaming to participate as teams of 1 to 4 members.

The winners of the BUILD hackathon will be awarded with cash prize pool of INR 1,00,000, certification of excellence & training program completion, gain opportunities for mentorship, networking, and potential fundings. The award ceremony is on 24th at Radisson Chandigarh followed by Business Summit, where CXOs are invited for networking & exploring business opportunities. interested participants can register themselves at https://build.kalp.studio/hackathon/2024/chandigarh

Mrityunjaya Prajapati, Founder & CEO, KALP Studio, at the launch said, “BUILD is about uniting the global blockchain community and empowering it with knowledge, supportive ecosystem, technology, & networking. It’s a community-driven space where all stakeholders from Blockchain, Web3.0, and associated domains can come together to innovate, collaborate, and grow. Our mission is to empower the next generation of blockchain innovators.”

Tapan Sangal, Founder of MAI Labs, highlighting some of the unique offering said, “At MAI LABS, we have always been committed to driving meaningful change in the Blockchain ecosystem. BUILD offers a unique platform for global collaboration, for innovations, talent, & resources. The future of blockchain lies in community-driven efforts like BUILD, where the focus is on working together to solve real-world challenges and create sustainable growth.”

With a focus on building the community by the community, BUILD is poised to become a cornerstone for blockchain and Web 3.0 growth and collaboration.

For more information on BUILD and to register for the hackathon, visit build.kalp.studio

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, ready to launch an enterprise application, third party integration & advanced customization capabilities, the best UI/UX and a complete supportive ecosystem to develop anything on 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, STOEX, MyIPR, and NIFTIQ among others, all dedicated to democratizing access and providing creative, immersive solutions.

AGS Transact Technologies Boosts ATM Security For 26,000+ Machines With GMV’s Enhanced Solutions

AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), one of the leading providers of integrated omni-channel payment solutions in India, providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients, today announced that it is strengthening security measures across 26,000+ ATMs in its network. The company has started implementing the latest security upgrades released by GMV, a Europe-based global leader in advanced technology solutions.

This security enhancement aligns with AGS Transact’s commitment to proactively meet regulatory guidelines mandating stringent security protocols for ATMs. Further, it ensures that AGS Transact’s customers benefit from secure and innovative payment solutions, reinforcing operational excellence and customer trust.

GMV’s solutions are designed to address the growing challenges in financial sector. AGS Transact has integrated several newly released features from GMV, specifically aimed at enhancing ATM security and operational efficiency. These features enable the company to protect both its ATM infrastructure and customers from existing and emerging threats. Some key enhancements, developed with feedback from the user community, include:

1) Whitelisting of ATM processes to prevent any unauthorised modification

2) ACL Merger Tool streamlining access control management across the ATM network

3) Hard Disk Encryption for stronger protection against potential hardware breaches

4) Gateway and Server Log Harvesting from Server’s Console improving operational monitoring and incident response

5) Support for M.2 Disks in ATMs improving ATM performance and reliability

6) Support for SQL Server 2022 Database enabling compatibility for more efficient ATM transactions

The initial partnership with GMV, established in 2017, allowed AGS Transact to leverage advanced security solutions to protect its ATM infrastructure from evolving threats. These upgrades are part of Company’s ongoing strategy to remain ahead of potential threats in the rapidly evolving digital and payment landscape, ensuring safe and reliable financial transactions for its customers.

As of June 30, 2024, AGS Transact Technologies has a total installed base of 73,000+ ATMs & CRMs. Its state-of-the-art transaction switching software processed ~625 million switching transactions in FY24.

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop prepaid solutions for consumers across segments.

AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. As of June 30, 2024, the company has deployed 2,48,834 payment terminals and was one of the largest deployers of PoS terminals at petroleum retail outlets in India, having rolled out 41,777 terminals at various petroleum retail outlets. For more information, please visit www.agsindia.com

Manipal-GoK Bioincubator Wins "Best Incubator" Award At Global Bio India 2024

Manipal -GoK Bioincubator has been recognized as the "Best Incubator" in the Tier 2 Cities category by the Biotech Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. This prestigious award was presented during the Global Bio India 2024 event, held on 14th September 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The Manipal-GoK Bioincubator is a collaborative initiative of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), supported by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Government of Karnataka, and BIRAC. Established in 2019, the Bioincubator features world-class infrastructure spanning 20,000 sq. ft. and focuses on key areas such as Biopharma, Biomedical Devices, Dental Innovation, Biotechnology, and Healthcare. The incubator provides a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering professional services that help transform innovative ideas into scalable, technology-driven enterprises.

The Bioincubator offers cutting-edge incubation facilities, advanced infrastructure, and high-end instrumentation, along with strong networking and mentorship support from clinicians, engineers, business experts, and investors. It helps startups with proof of concept, validation, clinical trials, and commercialization, ultimately turning innovative ideas into successful technology-based enterprises. Additionally, the Bioincubator provides seed funding for promising ideas and products, with access to angel investors and venture capitalists.

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, expressed his pride in the recognition, stating: "It is a matter of immense pride that the Manipal-GoK Bioincubator has been recognized as the 'Best Incubator' in the Tier 2 Cities category at Global Bio India 2024. We are deeply grateful to our top leadership and all stakeholders of this vibrant ecosystem whose passion, innovation, and tireless efforts have made this recognition possible. We look forward to the future with enthusiasm and remain committed to fostering even more groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to make a lasting impact on the world."

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, highlighted the importance of the achievement, stating: "This achievement reflects MAHE’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and supporting innovative startups through our facilities, infrastructure, and resources. It is a proud moment for our entire MAHE ecosystem, which has worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of innovators."

Dr. Manesh Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the Manipal-GoK Bioincubator, also shared his thoughts on the award: "This achievement reflects MAHE’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and supporting innovative startups through our facilities, infrastructure, and resources. It is a proud moment for our entire MAHE ecosystem, which has worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of innovators."

With this recognition, the Manipal-GoK Bioincubator reinforces its dedication to creating a thriving ecosystem for startups and innovators, continuing to make a lasting global impact.

Department of Student Affairs, Manipal Academy of Higher Education MAHE, Launches Life Skills Course For Students

The Department of Student Affairs at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has launched a comprehensive "Life Skills Course" for students, meeting the mandatory requirements set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for Higher Education Institutions. This innovative course aims to equip students with crucial life skills that will foster both their personal and professional growth.

The launch event was honored by the presence of MAHE's Honorable Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, who officially launched the course. Also gracing the occasion were the Registrar, Dr. P. Giridhar Kini; Pro-Vice Chancellors, Dr. Narayan Sabhahit and Dr. Sharath Rao K; and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Raviraja N.S.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education said, “Lifelong learning extends far beyond the boundaries of academic success; it encompasses the development of essential skills and the cultivation of resilience that empower students to navigate all facets of life effectively. The newly launched Life Skills Course at MAHE embodies this philosophy, reinforcing our dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals. By providing students with practical tools and knowledge, we prepare them not only for their professional careers but also for the personal challenges they will encounter. This course stands as a reflection of MAHE's ongoing commitment to holistic education, ensuring our students are equipped to face the future with confidence and adaptability.”

Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. The event also saw the presence of Deputy Directors Prof. Roshan David, Dr. Rashmi Yogesh Pai, and Dr. Arvind Pandey. Dr. Manoj Kumar Nagasampige, Director of Online Education at MAHE, provided an insightful demonstration of the Learning Management System (LMS) through which the Life Skills Course will be delivered. As an online course, it is accessible to all MAHE students, ensuring broad participation and engagement. The Directorate of Online Education was instrumental in facilitating the recording of these sessions.

The event witnessed active participation from student representatives, Heads of Institutions (HOIs), resource persons, and invitees across MAHE's four campuses. Dr. Rayan served as the Master of Ceremonies, contributing to the seamless flow of the program.

By launching this Life Skills Course, MAHE reaffirms its dedication to holistic student development, empowering students with practical knowledge and skills essential for successfully navigating both academic and real-world challenges.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

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.

RS India Celebrates 30 Years Of Excellence And Innovation

RS, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, proudly marks its 30th anniversary in India, celebrating three decades of excellence, innovation, and commitment in the country. Since its inception in March 1994 with a modest team of eight, RS India has grown into a leading distributor in the industrial sector, with a robust team of 125 professionals and ambitious plans for further expansion. 

Over the years, the company has seen remarkable growth, expanding from an initial annual revenue of INR 1.02 crore in 1994-95 to an impressive INR 125 crore in 2024. This success reflects its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality electronic and industrial components, solidifying its position as the preferred choice for numerous businesses across the nation.

Shiv Bhambri, CEO at RS India, reflecting on his 20-year tenure, said, "RS India has been a key player in reshaping the industrial landscape over the past 30 years. We've transitioned from traditional offline purchases to implementing global procurement strategies like vendor consolidation and B2B eCommerce. Our commitment to supporting the academic community, especially during COVID-19, highlights our dedication to making a positive impact."

RS India is deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Our purpose of making amazing happen for a better world reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit. Our 2030 ESG action plan, 'For a Better World', is designed to deliver long-term value for all our stakeholders. This commitment has earned RS a place among the Top 100 ESG companies worldwide. We also engage in student projects at various engineering colleges & universities including the IIT’s and CSR activities, highlighting our dedication to educational growth and community development.

Keith Rice, Vice President RS Emerging Markets, RS Group said, "As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our gratitude to our customers, partners, and employees for their continued support. Our focus remains on driving Continuous Improvement (CI) and enhancing customer satisfaction, demonstrated by our improved Net Promoter Score (NPS). We are equally committed to sustainability, with green initiatives across the supply chain reinforcing our goal to make a positive impact. We eagerly anticipate a future filled with further innovation and success."

As we enter the next phase of growth, our commitment is to double the customer base, support the Make in India initiative, drive innovation in industrial procurement, and promote inclusivity and diversity. By embracing new technologies such as Big Data, AI, Blockchain, and System Architecture, our aim is to remain at the forefront of the industry. The goal is to integrate ESG objectives with supply chain optimization, utilizing AI and digitalization to streamline and standardize sustainability practices.

RS India continues to evolve with the launch of the RS Mobile App, the cutting-edge tool is designed to streamline operations for businesses exporting goods from the UK around the world, offering instant access to a vast catalogue of over 750,000 electronic, electrical, mechanical, test & measurement and PPE products. With real-time stock and price information, the newly launched RS Mobile app embodies our ongoing commitment to efficiency, customer satisfaction, and technological advancement.

As we look to the future, the vision is to continue its double-digit growth through digital transformation in the B2B industrial space while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

About RS:

RS Group plc is a digitally enabled global distributor of product and service solutions for industrial customers. We help 1.1 million customers across the world satisfy their maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) needs, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and associated electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, enhancing customer experience, driving operational excellence and simplifying the supply chain at every step.

Through our great people and increased use of technology, we provide industrial MRO solutions that seamlessly combine services, products and digital – essential for the successful running of our customers’ businesses. Operating sustainably through efficient, physical processes and digital infrastructure, the way we support our customers forms part of our ongoing purpose to make amazing happen for a better world.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

Yamaha Unveils Exclusive 2024 MotoGP Editions Of R15M And MT-15 Version 2.0

As As a part of its thrilling ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. today introduced the 2024 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition models that include the SuperSport R15M and the hyper-naked MT-15 Version 2.0. The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition model range will be available exclusively at the Blue Square Showrooms across the country.

The latest Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition of the R15M and MT-15 Version 2.0 showcases the rousing MotoGP livery on the tank shrouds, the fuel tank and side panels, outlining its Racing DNA and racing legacy. These special edition models, replete with their thoroughbred decals, deliver powerful performance from their 155cc fuel-injected, liquid cooled engines that produce a maximum torque of 14.2N and a maximum power of 13.5 kW.

While the R15M is engineered with an unwavering track-oriented design, the hyper-naked MT-15 Version 2.0 flaunts agility and is ideal street motorcycle. Parallelly, both the motorcycles offer powerful performance, all thanks to its Fuel-injected 155cc engine, along with the unique technologies such as Traction Control System, Assist and Slipper Clutch, Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), Telescopic Upside-Down Fork (USD Fork) in Front Suspension and Linked-Type Monocross Suspension at the rear, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, the R15M offers Quick Shifter, fully digital colour TFT screen, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Music & Volume control, upgraded switchgear and LED license plate light to the riders.

These 2024 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP limited editions of the R15M and the MT-15 Version 2.0 will appeal to riders who are looking to covet their own unique premium motorcycles with genuine racing livery and segment-leading performance.