Ecofluence’24 - 16th International Conference On Economics & Public Policy And Economics Research Championship

* Indian Ambassador & IBA Governing Council Member Dr. DEEPAK VOHRA And Neeti Aayog Member Dr. ARVIND VIRMANI (Minister of State Rank) Participation

Ecoflence ’24, an International Conference on Economics and Public Policy and Economics Research Championship, jointly presented by IBA and IEA was held at Indus Business Academy (IBA). The three day conference addressed the theme “Pathways in Economic and Public Policy in Digital Epoch”.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Shubendu Dey, Director-Indus business Academy and the welcome address was by Dr. Subhash Sharma mentor-IBA. Dr.Arvind Virmani, Member, Niti aayog {Minister of State Rank} delivered the keynote address and Dr. Anil Thakur, Convenor-Indian Economics Association also addressed the gathering.

IBA Governing Council Member and the Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra in his interaction with the media stressed that during his meetings with global economists, Indus  Business Academy has a pride of place in the top echelons of Management Institutes across the globe.  He mentioned that the presence of top-class Academicians in IBA enables the young minds at IBA to think beyond the books and become very analytical.

Dr. Manish Jain the founder and MD of IBA pointed out to the influence of Ecoflence-the economics conference-the economics conference over on the mindset of the country and the common man.

On the occasion, Dr. V.R. Panchamukhi was given Late Shri BML Jain Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. P.R. Panchamukhi and Dr. R.S. Deshpande was given IBA’s Distinguished Service and Excellence in Teaching and Research Awards.

Professor Prashant Kulkarni the conference Co-chair said that Ecofluence is a way to enlighten the public about economics and its importance in daily life.

The other notable dignitaries present included Dr. Ram Mishra, Director {Retd} IPE, Hyderabad and Dr. Bhanu Murthy, Director, Madras School of Economics, Dr. Ravindra Brahme, Gen Secretary IEA, Dr. R.S. Deshapande, Former Director ISEC, Dr. S.R.Keshava, Head PG Dept of Economics, BU, Dr. Pushkarni Panchamikhi Executive Dir-CREST, Dr.Basavaraj Nagoor, Professor of Economics, Karnataka University and Dr.Kala Seetharam Sridhar-Professor and Head, ISEC.

TiE Global Summit 2024 Kicks Off A Four-Day Celebration Of Innovation, Collaboration, And Global Entrepreneurship

Highlights:

* The KPMG-TiE report "Democratisation of Entrepreneurship" was launched, highlighting that 20% of MSME startups are women-led, 45% come from Tier II/III cities, and significant incubation is happening with the support of government schemes and initiatives.

* The TiE Women Deloitte report was also launched during the summit, highlighting key trends and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

At the TiE Global Summit, TiE Chapters and attendees embraced Bangalore’s tech spirit by digitally lighting the ceremonial lamp via QR code—blending tradition with innovation.

* The summit featured discussions on purpose-driven organizations, a partnership between UMass Amherst and TiE Boston to boost healthcare innovation and insights on balancing logic and emotion in leadership.

* The summit also showcased RIA, a humanoid robot created by a Bengaluru-based company, designed as a companion in conversation with the Hon’ble Minister for IT, Bt, RDPR, Shri Priyank Kharge

The TiE Global Summit 2024 (TGS24) commenced today at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), bringing together distinguished global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Organized by TiE Bangalore, the summit brings together global entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to explore key themes of innovation, collaboration, and the future of entrepreneurship. It is Supported by the Government of Karnataka (Department of E, IT, BT) as the State Partner and co-hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the summit aims to redefine the global entrepreneurship landscape under the theme "Putting Entrepreneurship First."

The summit began with the Antraprerna Summit on December 9, which laid the foundation for discussions on sustainability, innovation, and building entrepreneurial ecosystems. The sessions provided actionable insights into tackling global challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from an illustrious panel of dignitaries, including Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister of IT, BT, RDPR, Government of Karnataka; Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, New Jersey and Secretary of State; Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of E, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka;  Mr. Chris Hodges, U.S. Consul General, Chennai; Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Karnataka Vision Board and Founding Partner, Accel India; Shri BV Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; Dr. Sanjay Tyagi, Jurisdictional Director, STPI; Mr. Ashish Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE; Shri Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM); Mr. Amit Gupta, Global Chair, TiE Global; Mr. A.J. Patel, Chairman, TiE Global; Mr. Akhilesh Tuteja, Global Cyber Security Leader, KPMG; Mr. Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Chair of TGS24; and Ms. Lakshmi Pratury, CEO, INK Talks.

On the inauguration day, the summit featured an engaging session titled "Entrepreneurship Through the Lens of Storytellers," where Mr. Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Chair of TiE Global Summit 2024, conversed with renowned Indian film actor Vidya Balan and film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur. The session delved into their unconventional journeys, exploring the resilience required to overcome setbacks and the power of persistence. Vidya shared her belief in staying grounded and approaching every opportunity with a fresh perspective, while Siddharth highlighted the importance of intentionality and adapting to challenges. Both speakers drew fascinating parallels between storytelling and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the highs, lows, and the constant drive to innovate and learn.

In another captivating session at the TiE Global Summit 2024, legendary tennis champion and philanthropist Andre Agassi took the stage for the FutureSparks session, themed 'Marathon Mindset.' He shared his remarkable journey, from dropping out of 8th grade to pursue tennis full-time, to becoming a transformative figure in education by building 130 schools that have benefited over 80,000 children in the past decade. Agassi emphasized the value of hard work and work-life balance, explaining that while his father valued success through winning and money, he focused on listening to his children and holding them accountable. He spoke about the importance of curiosity in education and the willingness to take risks, which has allowed him to learn and grow throughout his life. He also highlighted the role of sports in shaping creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, stressing that losses are only valuable when you learn from them.

During the inauguration of the TiE Global Summit 2024, the KPMG-TiE report "Democratisation of Entrepreneurship" was unveiled, highlighting key insights such as 20% of MSME startups being women-led, 45% emerging from Tier II/III cities, and the important role of government-supported incubation programs in fostering entrepreneurship. Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, New Jersey and Secretary of State delivered a speech emphasizing the strong ties between New Jersey and India. She highlighted the state’s $11.3 billion in two-way trade and a 2,025% increase in Indian business interest since 2019. With its world-class universities, skilled workforce, and history of innovation, New Jersey offers ample opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs. Also, Mr. Ashish Chauhan, MD& CEO, National Stock Exchange, spoke about the transformative role of technology in India's financial markets, with the NSE empowering millions and driving wealth creation, underlining technology’s central role in India’s growth.

A major highlight of TGS24 is the TGS100 initiative, which showcases 100 early-stage startups selected from over 1,300 applications across 17 countries. These startups, spanning sectors like AI, Healthcare, Climate, and Social Impact, will pitch to a super-jury of investors and industry leaders for a chance to win a prize pool of INR 50 lakhs. Additionally, the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition, with 3,100+ women-led startups from 62 countries, will culminate with 43 finalists competing for top honors and a USD 50,000 prize pool.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the TiE Global Summit, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Bt, RDPR, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka views entrepreneurs as innovators and disruptors, whose transformative ideas are not only creating new markets and job opportunities but also shaping a more sustainable future. By equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools like mentorship and incubation, we aim to make entrepreneurship a natural choice, not just an aspiration. The Elevate program, run by the Government of Karnataka, supports startups with 50 lakh rupees in funding, with zero equity taken. To date, 983 startups have been funded through this initiative, with 32% hailing from Tier-1 and Tier-2 towns and 24% being women-led. I invite global entrepreneurs and think tanks to join hands with the Government of Karnataka in building a better, brighter, and bolder world.”

"Entrepreneurship is a transformative force—it's not just about starting businesses, but about shaping the future. Reflecting on the growth of India's financial markets, particularly with the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, technology stands as the driving engine behind this transformation. The NSE revolutionized the market with screen-based trading in 1994, and today it empowers millions of Indians to participate in wealth creation. As our nation continues to evolve, technology will remain the cornerstone of our growth. Whether you're a small business owner or a large corporation, India’s capital markets offer a platform for all, driving innovation and opportunity. The future belongs to those who innovate, and in India, that future is bright for entrepreneurs and investors alike." — Ashish Chauhan, MD&CEO, National Stock Exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Chair of TGS24, said, “As we gather here today, let us celebrate the energy and aspirations that drive us forward. Over the past 32 years, TiE has been a beacon of purpose, fostering entrepreneurship and building a better world. This journey has been fueled by the incredible power of our ecosystem – a collective force of government leaders, academia, financial institutions, investors, and entrepreneurs. Together, we have proven that nothing is impossible when the right minds come together. The connections we create here, the ideas we ignite, and the passion we share make TiE a global phenomenon. Today, we don't just light a lamp; we light the path for future entrepreneurs. It is the spirit of TiE – uniting the world, empowering innovation, and elevating entrepreneurship to new heights.”

At the inauguration ceremony Amit Gupta, Global Chair of TiE Global said, "The TiE Global Summit 2024 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to empower entrepreneurs across the globe. This summit is not just a platform for networking, but a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of innovation, transforming global challenges into opportunities, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth. By harnessing technology and fostering collaboration, we are shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for communities worldwide. Its transformative power lies in empowering millions, sparking groundbreaking ideas, and uplifting underrepresented voices. Together, we turn aspirations into impact, enabling communities to rise and thrive.”

TGS24 continues to embody the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship, fostering meaningful dialogue and partnerships that will shape the future of business and society.

Samsung Launches Enterprise Edition Flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra And Galaxy S24 Smartphones For Corporate India

·       Enterprise customers can now enjoy the luxury of hassle-free ownership with an industry-leading 3-year device warranty* support

·       Enterprise Edition devices deliver unparalleled security with a 1-year subscription** of Knox Security Suite, offering real-time defense-grade protection right out of the box

·       Enterprise customers are assured up to 7 years*** of OS updates and security maintenance release (SMR)# for complete peace of mind

·       Prices start at INR 78,999 for Enterprise Edition Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of the Enterprise Edition of its flagship range of mobile devices, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24.

Packed with all the Galaxy AI features that customers love, including Live Translate, Interpreter, Note Assist and Circle to Search with Google, these designed-for-business devices prioritise defense-grade security, extended product lifecycle and enhanced long-term support. The debut of the flagship Enterprise Edition smartphones comes close on the heels of the successful launch of the rugged Enterprise Exclusive Samsung XCover7 smartphone.

Today, with businesses running large, diverse teams across geographies, the Enterprise Edition flagship devices make it easier to configure, update, deploy and run mobile technology across organisations at scale. This ensures corporate customers are always securely connected with the latest reliable technology to keep their teams working even when on the move.

“Samsung’s Enterprise Edition Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24 meet the growing demand for reliable, secure, and manageable devices in India’s rapidly digitizing business environment. By ensuring data security, long-term device support, and fast deployment, these devices empower enterprises and give business leaders greater visibility, control, and confidence over their mobile fleets. Our goal is to enable businesses leverage technology seamlessly, securely, and sustainably, driving India's enterprise business growth,” said Akash Saxenaa, VP, Enterprise Business, Samsung India.

The Enterprise Edition Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a powerful 12GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity, while the Enterprise Edition Galaxy S24 offers an efficient 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option. These devices ensure uninterrupted performance with continuous and reliable patch management, stable device availability and consistent OS version updates.

Engineered for Maximum Security

The new Galaxy Enterprise Edition smartphones come with a 12-month subscription to the Knox Suite; enabling defense-grade security, streamlined EMM enrollment, and comprehensive device/OS management. It also offers data-driven device usage/security insights and tailored capabilities for frontline workers. The comprehensive solutions in a single bundle allow IT admins to secure, deploy, manage, analyze and troubleshoot Galaxy devices. The Knox Suite subscription from the second year is offered at 50% subsidized price.

Offers Extensive OS and Security Support

The Samsung Enterprise Edition fosters a secure environment for businesses by offering customers up to 7 years of continuous firmware updates. This commitment ensures that their mobile devices remain updated with the most recent Android and Samsung security patches, effectively defending against malicious threats such as malware, phishing schemes, and software malfunctions. By maintaining the integrity of Samsung devices, the Enterprise Edition enables companies to operate confidently and free from potential vulnerabilities.

Ensures Seamless Business Continuity

The Enterprise Edition Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24 provide organizations with a comprehensive 3-year warranty throughout India, ensuring consistent market availability and seamless integration of top-tier devices. This allows businesses to maintain their momentum towards growth without any disruptions, supported by stable devices designed to handle demanding usage patterns.

Enabling Users to Do More with Galaxy AI

The Enterprise Edition Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24 enhance communication with features such as Live Translate and Interpreter for real-time voice and text translations. Chat Assist improves conversational tones, while Note Assist generates summaries and templates in Samsung Notes. Transcript Assist utilizes AI and Speech-to-Text technology for transcription and translation of voice recordings.

Prices and Where to Buy

Corporate and institutional customers can buy the Enterprise Edition S24, S24 Ultra and rugged Galaxy XCover7 Smartphones at Samsung.com from Samsung Corporate+ portal: www.samsung.com/in/corporateplus 

*The period of 3 Years of device warranty will be globally effective from April, 2024 for all Enterprise Edition devices launched in 2024 and thereafter applicable only on S24(Onyx Black, 8/256GB) and S24 Ultra (Titanium Black, 12/256GB). Battery Standard Warranty is 12 Months and 6 Months Warranty for Accessories. 

**Get 1-year Knox Suite at zero cost from the date of activation; After 1-year, the subscription charges will be applicable depending upon the plan. Implementation charges may apply as governed by reseller for the time and effort in actuals. 

#Based on 2024 [GP2(/OE1] Security Maintenance Release Policy for All Galaxy devices. Security Maintenance Release frequency (monthly, quarterly) may vary depending on the model Samsung Galaxy 

***Enterprise Edition devices start receiving Security Maintenance Release (SMR) FOTA updates on the same day the monthly Android Security Bulletin is released [GP2(/OE2]. Samsung disclaims any warranty or representation that the operation of device will be error free or have longer life or durability.

Samsung Newsroom India

Samsung launches Enterprise Edition Flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Smartphones for Corporate Users in India

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.

JSW Paints Showcases The Transformative Power Of Color In Its Latest Hear-Warming Digital Campaign

TVC Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOsWXaVf2es

JSW Paints, the country’s leading environment-friendly paints company and a part of the US$ 24 billion JSW Group, encapsulates the power of transformation through paint in its latest digital film.

Titled ‘Room of Hope’ and conceptualized by TBWA\India, the film brings to life the journey of an orphanage that, with the help of vibrant colours, turns an empty, lifeless room into a beautiful homestay filled with promise and opportunity. The campaign has been launched across all digital platforms on Monday, December 9th

Capturing heart-warming stories of how acts of thoughtfulness can spark transformation - this film poignantly portrays the struggles of an orphanage striving to provide for its children while balancing limited resources. It explores how a simple idea of repurposing an unused room becomes a beacon of hope. With a fresh coat of JSW Paints playing the catalyst of positive change, the room is transformed into a warm and welcoming homestay.

The film eloquently conveys JSW Paints' brand philosophy of delivering beautiful messages, showcasing how a simple transformation can empower people to create opportunities for a better future.

Commenting on the new campaign, Mr. A S Sundaresan, Joint MD and CEO of JSW Paints said “A single act of transformation can spark endless possibilities. At JSW Paints, we believe in creating beauty through our products as well as through the stories we tell. This film reflects our philosophy of delivering beautiful messages and showing how thoughtful action can bring about positive transformation to create a better world.”

Mr. Ashish Rai, Chief Business Officer of JSW Paints, added "Extending our commitment beyond paints, we aim to create a positive impact on communities by unlocking the transformative power of colour. The ‘Room of Hope’ celebrates the resilience and vision of people who strive to make a difference, aligning with our values of fostering beauty and opportunity in every space we touch."

Govind Pandey, CEO, TBWA\India said, “A thought is beautiful when it makes new possibilities come to life.  JSW Paints believes in the power of ‘Khoobsoorat Soch’ to create these new possibilities that make an impact on our homes and lives.”

According to Russell Barrett, CCExpO, TBWA\India, “There are so many people doing such amazing work all around us. In this film JSW Paints demonstrates how a beautiful thought can help those very people who have dedicated their lives to making the world a more beautiful place.”

With its heart-warming narrative, ‘Room of Hope’ serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating beauty in spaces while fostering opportunities for growth and community well-being.

About JSW Paints: JSW Paints, India’s environment-friendly paints company, is part of the diversified US$24 billion JSW Group. As one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates, JSW Group is a leading player in multiple sectors, including steel, energy, infrastructure, defence, B2B e-commerce, realty, cement, sports and venture capital. Launched in May 2019, JSW Paints aims to inspire consumers to ‘Think Beautiful’ as beautiful thoughts make the world beautiful. It extends ‘Think beautiful’ to every aspect of the way the company conducts its business, right from offering environmental-friendly portfolio of water-based paints to its thoughtful disruption of ‘Any Colour One Price’ aimed at bringing pricing transparency to paints. The JSW Paints Buddy is another such initiative wherein consumers are offered personal attention & assistance in colour and product selection. The company currently has two manufacturing units, an Industrial Coatings facility at Vasind in Maharashtra and Decorative Paints facility at Vijayanagar in Karnataka with a combined capacity of 170,000KL per annum. Within a short span of time, it has already become the largest Industrial Coil Coatings company in India. JSW Paints is endorsed by well-known Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Dulquer Salmaan (south markets). 

WhatsAp Kicks-Off Bharat Yatra initiative To Train Small Businesses Across India

WhatsApp today kicked off WhatsApp Bharat Yatra, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing on-ground, in-person training to small businesses across India. The mobile bus tour is designed to help small businesses fully leverage the capabilities of WhatsApp, enhancing their digital skills and business growth potential.

Starting with Delhi-NCR, the bus will visit some of the region's most popular and busy markets such as Laxmi Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and Nehru Place, Malviya Nagar, Amar Colony, and Safdarjung Enclave. The journey will also cover key hubs in Gurgaon and Noida, including Sapphire Mall and Atta Market.

Following its tour in Delhi-NCR, the WhatsApp-branded bus will travel across India, reaching cities like Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nashik, Mysore, Vijayawada. Through this initiative, small and medium businesses (SMBs) will benefit from interactive demos, hands-on personalized training – to get support creating their Business Profile, setting up a catalog and creating an ad that clicks to start a WhatsApp chat – and expert guidance on leveraging the WhatsApp Business app's key features to establish their WhatsApp presence, better connect with their customers, close sales and grow their business. enhance their operations.

Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta in India said, “Small businesses are the backbone of India's economy, and with the right digital tools, they have the power to supercharge the country's digital transformation. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra is our commitment to helping these businesses unlock their full potential by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to digitally connect with their customers, grow and succeed. By meeting businesses where they are—both physically and digitally—we aim to create a meaningful, long-lasting impact across India's entrepreneurial landscape.”

Recently, WhatsApp introduced some new updates for small businesses, including Meta Verified, which helps businesses build credibility with customers. Additionally, businesses can now send customized messages to their customers, such as appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or even updates on a holiday sale, all in a faster and more efficient way.

For small businesses, WhatsApp has also started testing Meta AI, making it easier for them to activate AI directly from the WhatsApp Business app and engage with their customers more efficiently. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will provide in-person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app, helping businesses make the most of these updates. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will help businesses provide in- person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will help businesses provide in- person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app.

WhatsApp Bharat Yatra is the latest in a series of transformative initiatives by the brand aimed at empowering small businesses in India. With programs such as WhatsApp Se Wyapaar with CAIT to upskill 10 million traders, Digishaastra, powered by WhatsApp was launched by India SME Forum, Meta’s strategic partnership with ONDC, WhatsApp continues to champion digital transformation, ensuring India’s small businesses are at the forefront of the nation’s growing digital economy.

BSH Home Appliances Launches Its all-New Siemens Experience Centre In Bengaluru

BSH Home Appliances, a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, a global leader in the home appliance industry has unveiled the Siemens Experience Centre in Bengaluru. This state-of-the-art facility sets a new benchmark for customer engagement, offering a deeply immersive and personalized journey into Siemens' innovative, premium appliances.

The Siemens Experience Centre is designed to revolutionize how customers interact with home appliances. Personalized one-on-one consultations with in-house chefs and experts ensure that every visitor receives tailored guidance, from choosing the right products to understanding their features and receiving post-purchase support. This commitment to personalization underscores Siemens’ focus on making premium living accessible and deeply connected to individual needs. A standout feature is the Life Arena, a live kitchen where customers can engage with Siemens' appliances firsthand.  From exclusive masterclasses to live cooking demonstrations, visitors witness the unmatched possibilities of Siemens’ technology, turning everyday tasks into extraordinary experiences.  For those designing dream kitchens, architects and designers collaborate to craft bespoke spaces that integrate Siemens’ appliances seamlessly into homes. 

The Centre showcases Siemens’ range of connected appliances that integrate effortlessly into smart homes. From coffee machines with Home Connect app compatibility to dishwashers and washing machines offering unparalleled convenience, Siemens’ appliances are engineered to simplify life while delivering sophistication and performance. The dedicated studioLine section highlights exclusive, luxury options for discerning customers, accompanied by vibrant storytelling displays that bring every product’s innovation to life.  Customers also get to experience the revolutionary iQ700 range of built-in ovens, a game-changer in the world of cooking. With an industry-first integrated camera powered by AI, the iQ700 oven allows users to select their preferred browning levels, tailoring results to individual tastes and preferences. 

Bengaluru, renowned for its rapidly growing premium kitchen segment, is cementing its position as a hub for luxury living and innovation. Contributing an impressive 15% to the All India Siemens Built-in business, the city is a hotspot for globally acclaimed modular kitchen brands like Valcucine, Leicht Kitchens, SieMatic, and Poliform Kitchens. This thriving ecosystem of premium kitchen design aligns seamlessly with the city's booming luxury market.

According to the Henley & Partners' Centi-Millionaire Report 2024, Bengaluru is set to witness a staggering 150% rise in its centi-millionaire population, further driving demand for ultra-premium lifestyle experiences.

Saif Khan, MD & CEO of BSH Home Appliances India, expressed his excitement about the expansion in Bengaluru, stating, “We are excited to announce the opening of the Siemens Experience Centre in Bengaluru, a city that thrives on innovation and smart technology. This market reflects the aspirations of modern Indian consumers who value IoT-enabled appliances, energy efficiency, and premium living.  Bengaluru is a key market for us, playing a crucial role in our growth in premium appliances segment. We are proud to create a space where customers can engage deeply with our innovative appliances, discover personalized solutions, and elevate their home living experience to new heights. The Siemens Experience Centre is more than just a retail destination—it’s a hub of inspiration, collaboration, and innovation that underscores BSH’s commitment to consumer-centricity and premium living.”

Consumers can explore the range of Siemens appliances and experience the offerings firsthand by visiting the Experience Centre at No - 8, GF, 15th Cross, 6th phase, JP Nagar, Bengaluru – 560078.

The company now operates multiple experience centres across major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru as part of its commitment to providing unparalleled access to its luxury appliance portfolio across the country.

About BSH Hausgeräte GmbH

BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, with a total turnover of some EUR 14.8 billion and 60,000 employees in 2023, is a global leader in the home appliance industry. The company’s brand portfolio includes twelve well-known appliance brands like Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau and Neff as well as the ecosystem brand Home Connect and service brands. BSH produces at 38 factories and is represented in some 50 countries.  

BSH is a Bosch Group company. 

AICTE Chairman Inaugurates MIT Bengaluru’s Autonomous Mobility Hub, Featuring Cutting-Edge Electric Buggy

In a landmark event that marks a major leap in the future of transportation, the Center of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility was inaugurated today at MIT Bengaluru by AICTE Chairman Dr. T. G. Sitharam. This ambitious initiative, a collaboration between MIT Bengaluru, Decibel Lab Pvt. Ltd., and Virya AI (Maini Group), is set to drive cutting-edge advancements in autonomous mobility technologies.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a state-of-the-art autonomous six-seater electric buggy, jointly designed and developed by Virya AI in collaboration with the Center. This unveiling underscore the potential of autonomous mobility to transform transportation, offering safer, smarter, and sustainable solutions.

The Center, equipped with advanced tools such as LIDAR sensors, radar, high-resolution cameras, and cutting-edge simulation software, aims to foster innovation in autonomous vehicle systems. With a focus on safe and reliable autonomous mobility solutions, it will enable students, researchers, and industry professionals to collaborate on groundbreaking projects, ensuring India’s position at the forefront of this transformative industry.

The Center has been established in partnership with Decibel Lab Pvt. Ltd., whose expertise in building an autonomous mobility lab for four-wheeler vehicles will be instrumental, and Virya AI (Maini Group), which played a key role in developing the autonomous buggy unveiled today. Both collaborations reflect the Center’s emphasis on bridging the gap between academia and industry to create impactful solutions for real-world challenges.

Expressing his vision for the initiative, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “The Center of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility is a testament to MAHE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and cutting-edge research. This initiative will enable us to create transformative solutions in transportation while contributing to the development of sustainable and safe mobility systems. I am proud of our faculty and partners who have worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.”

Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, added, “Today marks a significant milestone for MIT Bengaluru. The inauguration of the Center represents a fusion of advanced technology, academic leadership, and industry expertise. With this Center, we aim to create a platform for innovation that not only addresses the challenges of autonomous mobility but also serves as a beacon for collaboration between academia and industry. The autonomous buggy unveiled today is just the beginning of what this Center can achieve. The centre also caters to exclusive laboratory for Sensor design, Algorithm development and  autonomous cyber security stack, it also plans to take up its development in autonomous assistive technology ”

The Center is led by Dr. Ujjwal Verma, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), and Dr. Mahipal Bukya, Assistant Director of IQAC, who have spearheaded its establishment. The facility will serve as a research and training hub for students and professionals alike, focusing on algorithm development, vehicle perception, and navigation in complex traffic environments. It will also facilitate collaborations with industry partners to upskill their workforce in autonomous vehicle technologies.

The Center’s efforts will be geared towards developing solutions that address pressing global challenges, such as urban congestion, traffic safety, and sustainability, while also nurturing the next generation of innovators and researchers in autonomous mobility.

The establishment of the Center of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility highlights MIT Bengaluru’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, the Center is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing autonomous mobility solutions and contributing to the global push for safer and more sustainable transportation systems.

With the support of leading industry partners like Decibel Lab Pvt. Ltd. and Virya AI, along with the leadership of MAHE and MIT Bengaluru, this initiative is expected to make significant contributions to India’s technological landscape and beyond.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. 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, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

MAHE Bengaluru, an off-campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future relevant learning ecosystem, on a new age tech enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.

About Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru (MIT B’LRU)

The Garden City of India, Bengaluru, is now home to a new engineering institution – “MIT Bengaluru” – the latest constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). MAHE is proud to open its doors in the bustling cosmopolitan IT hub of Bengaluru by establishing its new engineering campus: MIT Bengaluru. It is offering eight B Tech programs starting from 2021, with approval from the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), MHRD, Government of India. The eight approved programs are Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science and Engineering – Cyber Security, Computer Science and Engineering - Data Science, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology), MAHE is recognized as a deemed-to-be university since 1993 and has been accorded the status of Institute of Eminence (IoE) by MHRD, Government of India. Admission to MIT Bengaluru is based on a computer-based online entrance test, MET, conducted by the MAHE.