KMC Manipal Welcomes New MBBS Students At MedOrient 2024 Inaugural Ceremony

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, part of the prestigious Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), hosted a grand inaugural event on October 14, 2024, to welcome the new MBBS Batch of 2024-25. Held at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, the event marked the beginning of an important academic journey for the students who attended the ceremony with their families, faculty members, and dignitaries in celebration of this milestone.

Chief Guests of the ceremony were Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) of MAHE, with Dr. Raviraja N.S., Chief Operating Officer of MAHE Manipal, attending as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital Manipal, serving as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of what the students could expect in the coming years. He warmly welcomed the new batch of students, emphasizing KMC’s commitment to shaping not only competent doctors but also compassionate human beings. He highlighted the importance of balancing academic excellence with empathy, urging students to take advantage of every opportunity provided by the institution and to remain committed to the core values of the medical profession—compassion, empathy, and service.

The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a tribute to Dr. TMA Pai, the visionary founder of MAHE. The highlight of the event was the White Coat Ceremony, Conducted by Dr Anil K. Bhat, Associate Dean, KMC, Manipal a symbolic rite of passage into the medical profession. The new students donned their white coats and took the Charaka Shapath, pledging to adhere to the ethical principles of medicine throughout their careers.

In his keynote address, Dr. Sharath K. Rao emphasized the responsibility that comes with entering the medical profession. “Today marks the start of a journey where knowledge meets compassion. As future doctors, you will be the source of hope and healing for your patients. Remember that while your academic excellence is crucial, your empathy and integrity will define your career,” he said, encouraging the students to remain committed to both learning and service.

Dr. Raviraja N.S., in his address as the Guest of Honour, highlighted KMC’s legacy of academic excellence and urged the students to embrace the challenges ahead. “Medical education requires perseverance, dedication, and a continuous thirst for knowledge. At Kasturba Medical College, we will provide you with every opportunity to grow and succeed, but it is your passion and hard work that will truly determine your future,” he remarked, motivating the students to strive for success both academically and personally.

The event also featured a special address by Dr. Avinash Shetty, who officially welcomed the batch by releasing the Student Handbook and handing over the white coats. “The white coat you wear today is a symbol of trust, responsibility, and service. Embrace it with integrity, and always strive to serve the community with the highest ethical standards,” he said.

Students and their parents also had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions organized by faculty members and students of KMC, which showcased the rich history, academic achievements, and research contributions of the institution. These exhibitions provided a glimpse into the wide range of opportunities available to students at KMC, from cutting-edge research to cultural and co-curricular activities, fostering a deeper connection between the students, their families, and the institution.

Throughout the day, students attended several informative and engaging sessions designed to help them transition into medical school life. These sessions focused on peer mentoring, the importance of research, and the value of co-curricular and cultural activities, ensuring that students are well-prepared to thrive both academically and socially. A panel discussion titled "What I Wish I Knew When I Entered Medical School" provided valuable insights from senior students and faculty, offering practical advice to help the new students navigate the challenges ahead.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kanthilatha Pai. To symbolize the beginning of their new journey at KMC, students participated in a sapling planting ceremony at Endpoint, marking the start of their academic careers and their connection to the institution. The successful inauguration ceremony left students and their families excited and motivated for the journey ahead, as Kasturba Medical College reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in medical education and its role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Globally, Tax And Regulation For Skill-Based Games, Fantasy Sports, & Games of Chance Vary Widely: USISPF-TMT Report

* The report stated that the treatment of the entire online gaming industry as a homogeneous industry and the conflation of online skill gaming with games of chance (or gambling) have stunted the growth of India’s online skill gaming industry.

India's online gaming sector, currently valued at USD 3.1 billion, has the potential to expand to a staggering USD 60 billion by 2034. However, challenges surrounding regulation and taxation persist. India stands out for its high tax rate, imposing a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for all formats on the total deposits made by players. This practice stands in contrast with global practices that tax, regulate, define and distinguish Games of Skills from Games of Chance. Several countries further carve out Fantasy Sports as a distinct category within games of skill and regulate and tax them separately, according to the report “Path Ahead for Online Skill Gaming in India: Unpacking Global Standards for Regulating and Taxing Online Skill Gaming” by the United States India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and TMT Law Practice. The report highlights the regulatory frameworks and taxation policies in 12 key gaming markets, including the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Denmark, and Belgium. The report also highlighted that the United Nations Central Product Classification (UN CPC), which forms the basis for taxation in domestic jurisdictions globally, defines online gaming separately from online gambling.

The UNCPC is a globally recognized system that ensures consistent classification of products, including online games and online gambling. Under UNCPC, online games (Entry 84391) and online gambling (Entry 96921 read with Entry 96929) are treated as mutually exclusive categories with no overlap. Online games include role-playing games (RPGs), strategy games, action games, and card games played on the internet even when played with entry fee or real money, excluding any form of gambling. Online gambling covers services like lotteries, lottos, off-track betting, and casino services. The report also notes that the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) categorizes gambling separately from fantasy sports and skill-based games. For instance, Skillz US INC, which offers skill-based games, has a separate NAICS code compared to DraftKings, which offers fantasy sports games.

Key Global Insights:

The report reveals that all 12 countries have a separate legal definition for games of chance, ensuring a clear distinction from skill gaming formats. 8 of the 12 countries’ laws or the regulator, also define fantasy sports for distinct regulation and/ or taxation. Notably, skill-based games receive unique treatment in all the 12 countries, treating them as a separate, standalone category. The tax rates for skill-based games are generally lower than those for games of chance. Across all nations, skill-based games are taxed on platform fees or Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), ranging from 2% to 25%. Within skill based games, fantasy sports are taxed higher than other games of skill owing to the difference in business models and format. This is similar to India’s previous GST regime, which taxed online skill gaming at 18% of platform fee, akin to other digital services. France has transitioned from taxing on total pooled amount to taxing on platform fee to align with international best practices and prevent users from migrating to illegal offshore platforms.

Additionally, skill-based games do not require permits, licenses or whitelisting and are largely unlicensed. Games of chance, on the other hand, are either illegal or licensed and regulated. Fantasy sports may also require permits or licenses from relevant authorities in 9 of the 12 jurisdictions studied, with exceptions being Romania,  Brazil, and Germany. The findings highlight the regulatory approaches and tax structures in the global gaming industry, with significant differences depending on whether a game is classified as a game of chance, fantasy sports, or skill-based.

The report emphasizes that adopting platform revenue or the commission collected as the tax base is crucial not only for ensuring fair taxation but also for preventing the proliferation of unregulated, untaxed illegal offshore markets that could undermine both industry viability and government revenue. The report also advocates for a more nuanced approach to taxation in India. Aligning with global best practices could help mitigate the risks of over-taxation and support the sustainable growth of the online gaming sector. Such an approach should take into account that the online gaming sector is not homogenous and globally, it is subcategorized, taxed, and regulated on the basis of formats and not monetization models. This nuanced understanding of the sector will unlock the growth of the industry and provide highest GST revenue in the long run. The report concluded that there is an urgent need to distinguish between games of skill and games of chance and to tax the skill-based online gaming sector based on platform fees in line with the global benchmarks.

“The US has been a significant contributor to India's gaming sector, with $1.7 billion out of the total $2.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) coming from the US alone. This reflects the immense confidence global investors have in India’s rapidly growing gaming market, which is projected to become a $60 billion opportunity by 2034. Notably, 90% of this FDI is in the pay-to-play segment, which also accounts for 85% of the sector's overall valuation. With a large consumer base of over 600 million gamers, this space is rapidly being monetized and presents a substantial export opportunity. However, for Indian companies to compete on a global stage, we need a level playing field with progressive tax and regulatory policies that align with international standards. Our benchmarking of global gaming markets reveals how other countries have segmented, defined, taxed, and regulated the gaming industry based on formats. It is clear that, globally, there is a distinct separation between games of skill and games of chance, with skill-based games often receiving conducive treatment. Moreover, even within skill-based games, further differentiation is made to ensure appropriate regulatory frameworks that cater to separate business models. Sharing these insights will help ensure India’s gaming industry reaches its full potential while maintaining investor confidence,” said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO, USISPF.

"India's current approach to taxing and regulating online gaming under a one-size-fits-all framework poses significant challenges for the industry’s growth. By conflating skill-based games with games of chance, we are stifling innovation and international competitiveness. A more nuanced regulatory and taxation regime, similar to those adopted in global markets, would not only provide clarity but also foster sustainable growth in the online gaming sector. It’s imperative that India aligns its policies with international best practices to fully unlock the sector’s potential and attract more global investment," said Abhishek Malhotra, partner, TMT Law Practice.

About the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF): The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is committed to creating the most powerful partnership between the United States and India. As the only independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening the US-India partnership in Washington, D.C., and in New Delhi, USISPF is the trusted partner for businesses, non-profit organizations, the diaspora, and the governments of India and the United States.

About TMT Law Practice: TMT Law Practice is a leading law firm specializing in the dynamic and rapidly evolving Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sectors. Renowned for its deep expertise, the firm provides comprehensive legal solutions tailored to emerging industries such as Online Gaming, Cybersecurity, IoT, and AI.

Kinetic Green Announces New Limited Edition Of Its Electric 3- Wheeler, Safar Smart & Exciting Festive And Financing Offers!

Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, India's premier electric two-wheeler (e2W) and electric three-wheeler (e3W) manufacturer, is thrilled to announce a limited edition of Safar Smart passenger vehicle available in both lead acid and lithium battery variants. Designed for customers who require dual functionality, it offers space for both passengers and cargo. It features a hard top roof with a dedicated carrier, allowing passengers to travel comfortably while securely storing their goods on top. Additionally, it includes a new music system, floor mats, and stylish wheel caps—all for just ?5,000 more than the standard model.

In alignment with the upcoming festive season, Kinetic Green is also offering special deals across its entire e3W range, combining affordability with enhanced features to deliver exceptional value. These electric three-wheelers, including the special edition, are paired with attractive financing options from leading partners, making ownership easy and accessible. These offers can be availed at dealerships starting from the first day of Navratri.

Kinetic Green has teamed up with two prominent financiers, Cholamandalam Finance and ReVfin Finance, to offer an appealing financing package, making it convenient for customers to own their desired e3W. For instance, the Kinetic Green Passenger Safar Smart Lead Acid e3W now requires a down payment as low as ?29,000, with EMIs starting at ?8,200. Similarly, the Kinetic Green Lithium Battery version comes with a down payment of ?32,000 and EMIs from ?8,500. In addition to this, customers can choose either a one-year warranty and 18 months loan term for the lead acid e3W or a three-year warranty and three-year loan period for the lithium model, based on their individual preferences and usage patterns. These initiatives will ensure that e3W ownership becomes easier and more accessible while offering a seamless buying experience for consumers.

Commenting on these initiatives, Mr. Debashish Mitra, President of Kinetic Green’s 3 Wheeler Business said, “This is an exciting opportunity as we aim to make electric vehicles more accessible by offering attractive financing and choice of batteries for their Kinetic Green electric three-wheelers. These options will enable people to switch to sustainable mobility with ease. By making electric vehicles more accessible and feature - loaded, we hope to encourage a larger segment of the population to embrace sustainable transportation solutions and decarbonize last mile connectivity in India."

As part of its growth strategy, the three-wheeler division aims to achieve significant milestones by expanding its dealership network from 200 in 2024 to 400 dealers by 2025 end. Kinetic Green is also targeting a strong revenue of ?250 to ?300 crore in the three-wheeler segment for the 2024-25 financial year, strengthening its market presence and driving business growth.

About Kinetic Green:

Kinetic Green is one of the leading players in India’s electric vehicle sector, offering a wide range of electric 3-wheelers and electric 2-wheelers – manufactured in a 42-acre production facility in Supa, Maharashtra - to promote green mobility for the masses. For electric golfcarts and buggies, the company has formed a Joint Venture with the world’s leading luxury brand, Tonino Lamborghini of Italy. Helmed by Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, a third-generation scion of the Firodia family, Kinetic Green is dedicated to building a robust pan-India EV ecosystem and developing sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Backed by over half a century of engineering excellence of the Kinetic Group, Kinetic Green has made its EVs accessible, thus democratizing electric mobility with quality products that feature top-tier technology and safety. Kinetic Green has had several firsts to its name, including being the first company to develop ARAI approved electric three-wheelers and the first to offer Lithium-ion battery technology in their electric three wheelers in India. The company recently secured $25 million in its Series A funding round and plans to raise another $15 million shortly.

Meta And Ayushmann Khurrana Join Hands To Empower People Against Online Scams

* The safety campaign is in collaboration with MeitY, I4C and MIB and supports the Government's goal of combating scams and cyber frauds

Meta today launched its safety campaign ‘Scams se Bacho’ and has partnered with Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana to educate people on how to stay safe from online scams and promote safer digital practices. Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Meta’s campaign emphasizes the company’s commitment to safeguard people online, supporting the Government's goal to combat the rising cases of scams and cyber frauds in the country. 

The educational campaign showcases some of the most common scams people face in their daily lives, encouraging people to stay alert and exercise caution before they take any action. The film further  highlights the host of safety features on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp that empower users to take control of their online safety. You can see the full film here: https://www.facebook.com/MetaIndia/videos/1082499483221216/.

In the film, Ayushmann Khurrana stars as a vigilant wedding guest who encounters people at the brink of falling prey to scams and saves the day with his quick thinking and comedic flair. Highlighting Meta’s safety features like Two-factor authentication, Block and Report, WhatsApp’s group privacy settings, the campaign is an important reminder of how Meta’s in-built product features and safety tools equip people with the necessary safeguards to help protect them from online scams, frauds and account compromising threats. 

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Ayushmann Khurrana said, “In today's digital landscape, with the rampant increase of online scams and frauds that sometimes can seem very convincing - it's crucial that we stay vigilant and educate ourselves about how to stay safe. I’m thrilled to be a part of Meta’s safety initiative that aims to drive awareness around how people can safeguard themselves from potential cyber scams. It's an important reminder to think twice before you act and use Meta’s safety tools at your disposal, empowering you to take control of your online safety.”  

Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Meta India, added, “We recognize the severity of the rising incidents of online scams and believe combatting this issue requires concrete and cooperative measures across the ecosystem. Meta continues to invest in technology and resources to stay ahead of scammers and our safety campaign ‘Scams se Bacho’ is an extension of our efforts to educate users about the safety tools and features they have at their fingertips to protect themselves from scams online. We hope this campaign resonates with our users and equips them with the information they need to secure themselves along with reinforcing consumer habits that can help them stay safe and protect their friends and family.”

Showcasing a wide range of scams ranging from OTP scams that compromise personal accounts and confidential information, Impersonation scams where scammers create a sense of urgency to trick people into giving them money, trading and investment scams promising unreasonable returns and fake loans apps and offers – the campaign demonstrates how Meta’s simple yet effective safety features can help secure people from online scams and frauds.  

Meta has over 40,000 people working on safety and security globally, with more than $20 billion invested in teams and technology since 2016. This includes 15,000 content reviewers who review content across Facebook, Instagram and Threads in more than 70 languages - including 20 Indian languages. Over the past three years, Meta has launched 50+ safety tools and features to promote online safety and we’re always looking at new ways to help educate consumers about online safety, as well as finding new methods to strengthen our systems against scam content.

Elevate Your Workspace With The Sleek And Functional Glow Desk 02

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India's leading Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) manufacturers, proudly introduces the Glow Desk 02, a 3-in-1 CCT portable table lamp that combines modern design with practical features. Designed to seamlessly fit into both home and office environments, the Glow Desk 02 is crafted with durable ABS housing, ensuring both style and longevity.

This versatile lamp features a flexible arm that allows users to direct light exactly where it's needed. Whether for reading, working, or creating ambient lighting, the Glow Desk 02 offers precise control with its touch-sensitive switch, three brightness levels, and adjustable Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) settings, making it ideal for various tasks and environments.

Key Features of Glow Desk 02 Include:

Durable ABS Housing with Anti-Glare Diffuser: The sleek design and anti-glare diffuser ensures optimal lighting without strain

Flexible Arm: The lamp can be easily adjusted to achieve the perfect angle of illumination, offering complete control over lighting direction

Touch-Sensitive Switch: Allows for effortless operation, including brightness adjustments and on/off control with just a touch

3-Step Dimming & CCT Settings: Choose between three brightness levels (25%, 50%, 100%) and adjust the colour temperature to match your environment or activity

Colour Changing Touch Bar: Features a colour-changing touch bar for mood lighting, allowing you to cycle through various colour modes

USB Charging: Offers convenient USB charging, making the lamp suitable for different environments without needing a constant power supply

Speaking about the launch of the Glow Desk 02, Mr. Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal, commented, "As a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering smart, efficient, and visually appealing lighting solutions, the Glow Desk 02 stands out with its versatile features and sleek design. We are confident that this innovative lamp will elevate any workspace, whether at home or in the office, enhancing both functionality and style."

The Glow Desk 02 is now available on Amazon at just Rs 2,285/-. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty.

Oktoberfest Fun Awaits At GALA, BLVD Club By Embassy!

Get ready to experience the vibrant and festive spirit of Oktoberfest at GALA, hosted by the exclusive BLVD Club by Embassy on the 20th of October from 1 PM onwards. A perfect event for family and friends, this lively celebration promises an afternoon filled with entertainment, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and exciting activities for everyone.

Menu Highlights

Oktoberfest at GALA will feature an array of mouth-watering treats including hot dogs, pizza, sliders, and freshly baked pretzels—perfect for indulging as you soak in the festive atmosphere. Pair these delicious bites with refreshing beverages to complete the ultimate Oktoberfest experience.

Live Music Performances

Adding to the festivities will be electrifying live performances by Cold Sweat, a renowned band from Sri Lanka, and the talented Strange Brew band. Their high-energy sets will keep the crowd dancing and entertained throughout the event.

Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or just looking for a fun-filled day, there’s something for everyone!

Event Details:

Date: 20th October 2024

Time: 1 PM onwards

Venue: BLVD Club by Embassy, GALA

Open to: Members and guests

Dress Code: Festive casual

For more information or to RSVP, contact: +91 9731101414

Yamaha Commits To Expand Green Cover By 6,000 Sqm In Greater Noida

* In collaboration with Forest Division Gautam Budha Nagar, India Yamaha Motor will plant and maintain 21,000 trees across 6,000 sqm. area at the Wetland Buffer Zone 2 in Greater Noida

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. is proud to announce an increased investment in environmental activities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which strives to give back to society and the environment. The company intends a more extensive approach under this drive and offers a stronger commitment, which includes the planting of 21,000 trees across 6,000 square metres of land in the Wetland Buffer Zone 2, Greater Noida in collaboration with the Forest Division Gautam Budha Nagar. These initiatives align with Yamaha’s commitment to build a sustainable future through the absorption of carbon emissions and the subsequent achievement of carbon neutrality. 

This effort is part of a four-year contract with the Gautam Budha Nagar Forest Division, involving plantation in the first year and subsequent maintenance over the next three years for the larger benefit of the society.

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies said, "As part of Yamaha Motor Group’s Environmental Plan 2050, we are committed to addressing climate change, promoting resource recycling, and preserving biodiversity. Our recent Miyawaki forest initiative in Noida, planted over a wetland buffer zone, underscores our focus on enhancing green cover and contributing to the conservation of natural ecosystems. Sustainability remains at the core of our growth strategy in India, and this initiative is a testament to our commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.”

In the year 2022, Yamaha initiated the tree planting effort with the help of the Miyawaki method, which uses native species ensuring rapid growth and high-density greenery, at Wetland Buffer Zone 1 in Greater Noida. It was a three-year project and the initiative involved planting 7,000 saplings over 2,000 square metres of land. As of 2024, the saplings have grown into fully-grown trees, transforming the area into a dense forest within just two years. The success of this project demonstrates the effectiveness of the planting and reflects Yamaha’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Such initiatives not only highlight Yamaha’s dedication to fostering a green environment but also aim to create long-term benefits for future generations through environmental stewardship and the promotion of carbon neutrality. Yamaha places great value on communicating with all its stakeholders and strives to contribute to the ecological-friendly development of society through its business activities which are built on the foundation of its corporate philosophy towards sustainability.

About Yamaha Motor India group of companies:

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for the domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively. Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15M (155cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZ-S Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZ-S Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), maxi-scooter Aerox Version S (155cc), Aerox (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc).