Amplus Solar Retains Leadership Position In India’s Rooftop Solar Sector

Amplus Solar has once again been recognized as the market leader in the OPEX (Operating Expense) category for the rooftop solar sector. This marks the third consecutive recognition by the esteemed Bridge to India report, further solidifying Amplus Solar's position at the forefront of India's renewable energy transition.

This achievement comes during a pivotal shift in the renewable energy landscape, where the industry is increasingly moving towards large open access solutions. Despite this evolving trend, Amplus Solar continues to demonstrate resilience and innovation, ensuring its leadership and focus in the OPEX category, a business model that enables clients to adopt solar energy without any upfront capital investment.

Speaking on the milestone, Sharad Pungalia, MD & CEO at Amplus Solar, said: "We are honoured to be recognized as a market leader for the third consecutive year. This distinction serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to customer centricity, which not only drives our own growth but also contributes to the evolution of the industry as a whole. As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast on empowering businesses to become energy efficient, while collectively working towards a more sustainable future."

Amplus Solar’s OPEX model has been pivotal in empowering businesses across India, particularly in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors, to transition to renewable energy seamlessly. By taking on the capital and operational burden, Amplus has enabled its clients to focus on their core business operations while reducing their carbon footprints and operational costs.

 As the renewable energy sector in India continues to grow, Amplus Solar remains dedicated to driving innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnerships.

IIIT-Bangalore Hosts Prestigious Computer Vision Conference: ICVGIP 2024

International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore is hosting a prestigious conference, "Indian Conference on Computer Vision, Graphics and Image Processing 2024 (ICVGIP 2024)", from December 13 to 15 at IIIT-Bangalore. This is considered a prestigious conference in the area of Computer Vision, and its parent organization is IUPRAI (Indian Unit of Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence).

The Indian Conference on Computer Vision, Graphics and Image Processing (ICVGIP) is India’s premier conference in Computer Vision, Graphics, Image Processing and related fields. Starting in 1998, it was a biennial international conference till 2021, providing a forum for the presentation of technological advances and research findings in these areas. ICVGIP 2024, the 15th conference in this series, is being organized by IIIT-Bangalore in association with the Indian Unit for Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence (IUPRAI), an affiliate of the International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR). ICVGIP is being held annually from 2022 due to the huge growth in the community. ICVGIP is dedicated to fostering the community of computer vision, graphics and image processing researchers and enthusiasts in India and abroad. We strive to live up to this goal at every occurrence of this annual conference.

Over 300 participants from both Industry and Academia are expected to attend ICVGIP 2024 this year. The IUPRAI (Indian Unit of Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence) Doctoral Dissertation Award will also be given at the conference. This award recognizes and encourages excellence in research and writing by doctoral candidates in the fields of Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Image Processing, and Pattern Recognition. The award will consist of a citation and a cash prize.

In addition to paper presentations, the Doctoral Dissertation Award, a key highlight of this event, will be accompanied by plenary talks by distinguished speakers.

Plenary speakers and the title of their talk (https://icvgip.in/plenaryspeakers):

1.      Vasilis Ntziachristos, Professor and Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) - Technical University Munich, Germany and Director, Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) – Helmholtz Munich, Germany

              Title: Looking and Listening to Light: Advances in Optical and Optoacoustic Imaging

2.      Prof. Alan C. Bovik, Professor, The University of Texas at Austin

Title: On Visual Quality: Pictures, Videos, and GenAI

3.      Prof. SP Arun, Professor, Centre for Neuroscience, IISc Bangalore

Title: Towards a real conversation between vision in brains and machines

4.      Prof. George Drettakis, Senior Researcher, INRIA

Title: The 3D Gaussian Splatting Adventure: Past, Present and Future

5.      Prof. Arsha Nagrani, Staff Research Scientist, Google Deepmind

Title: Long Video Understanding in the age of large MLMs

6.      Prof. Deva Ramanan, Professor, Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University

Title: Multimodal Spatial Intelligence for Interacting in a Dynamic World

“The 15th edition of this prestigious conference ICVGIP 2024 is being organized by IIIT-Bangalore in association with the Indian Unit for Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence (IUPRAI), an affiliate of the International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR). ICVGIP is dedicated to fostering the community of computer vision, graphics and image processing researchers and enthusiasts in India and abroad.” said Prof. Viswanath Gopalakrishnan, IIIT-Bangalore.

“We are very happy that ICVGIP 2024 is happening at IIIT-Bangalore. This conference is very prestigious, and IIIT-B is the ideal venue to host it. We are witnessing excellent plenary talks and participation from over 300 attendees from both industry and academia,” said Prof. Debabrata Das, IIIT-Bangalore.

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, Bengaluru, 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, visit www.iiitb.ac.in

Atlassian Study Reveals 76% Of Indian knowledge Workers Report Year-End Project Pile-Up

* The new research highlights the need for asynchronous work and practices that keep work moving

As the year winds down, a familiar sense of urgency sets in for knowledge workers across India. Deadlines loom, projects accumulate, and the pressure to finish strong before the holidays intensifies. New research from Atlassian, a global leader in team collaboration and productivity software, reveals the extent of this year-end rush: an overwhelming 76% of Indian knowledge workers report having unfinished projects as the year comes to a close.

The global survey, which included responses from 6,000 workers across India, Australia, the US, France, Germany, and the UK, sheds light on the challenges faced by knowledge workers as the end-of-year crunch fast approaches. Among the 1,000+ Indian respondents, the main reasons for unfinished projects were:

Unexpected Challenges: 36% cited unforeseen hurdles as the leading cause for projects going unfinished.

Overcommitment: 32% admitted their teams had taken on more work than they could realistically manage.

Shifting Priorities: 31% pointed to changing goals and priorities as a significant factor in project setbacks.

Molly Sands, Head of Teamwork Lab, Atlassian said, "While the end of the year often brings pressure to wrap up projects, it’s also a chance to reassess your priorities. Many of us try to do too much at once, which slows us down and compromises quality. Instead, use this moment to let go of low impact projects, focus on the outcomes that truly matter, and set yourself up for a fresh, focused return. That kind of clarity and intention is invaluable.”

Key India findings from the report

The research uncovers a concerning trend: the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ phenomenon. While 36% maintain a ‘new year, same priorities’ approach, 25% admit to good intentions but poor follow-through. Nearly three in ten (28%) selectively circle back, and a worrying 10% confess that some projects simply get forgotten.

Generational differences are evident: Gen Z (14%) and Millennials (11%) are more likely to let projects slip, while Gen X shows greater focus on wrapping things up, with 40% aiming to complete tasks by year-end, compared to 29% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials.

Keeping projects moving, even when teams are apart

Asynchronous work keeps tasks moving forward without requiring all team members to be available at the same time. This is especially useful during the holiday season, when mismatched PTO schedules, competing priorities, and fluctuating energy levels can make it tough to coordinate, risking delays or stalled progress. Here are four tips for teams to pick up work, right where they left off in 2025:

Be realistic about your calendar: Assess your calendar to make sure you have enough focus time to get your most important work done.

If it doesn’t move the needle, scrap it now: Drop low-impact projects and focus on what truly matters to improve quality and outcomes.

Think async first: When pressure mounts, avoid defaulting to meetings - they're often unproductive. Instead, stay async and use tools like Loom for updates or FYIs.

Capture context now for clarity post-holidays: Async work needs clear documentation - progress, decisions, and next steps - in accessible formats to keep work moving across holiday schedules.

“Many companies lack the right tools and norms to support their employees during stressful periods. As a result, their teams automatically resort to meetings and synchronous ways of working,” says Sands. “In contrast, companies that rely on effective asynchronous working methods can act much faster. This approach not only reduces stress, but also improves workflow and gives employees the opportunity to start the new year with renewed focus and confidence.”

To read more about the new research,  visit the blog: https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/circle-back-season

About Atlassian

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our agile & DevOps, IT service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 300,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Salesforce - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira, Confluence and Loom at https://atlassian.com.

Experience The Joy Of Christmas Like Never Before At Phoenix Mall Of Asia

This festive season, Phoenix Mall of Asia welcomes everyone to embrace the festive spirit with a captivating array of activities and attractions this Christmas season. To bring the joy of Christmas to life the mall turned into a Christmas wonderland with stunning decorations, fascinating activities, and a festive heaven perfect for families and friends. From the dazzling 65-ft Christmas Tree to the magical European-themed market, this event promises unforgettable moments filled with cheer and celebration.

Here are the Christmas Chronicles, designed to enchant your evenings and celebrate the spirit of Christmas this festive season.

Spectacular 65 Ft Christmas Tree: Witness the spectacular Christmas tree in town, decked with shimmering lights and opulent ornaments.

Santa Meet & Greet: A delightful opportunity for children to meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes.

European Themed Christmas Market: Explore a bewitching winter wonderland offering crafts, gifts, Christmas decor, merchandise, and festive treats.

Snowfall Experience: Immerse yourself in the wonder of a snowfall spectacle, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive tunes.

Carol Singing & Musical Band Performance: Enjoy classic Christmas carols and a live performance by a top western band.

Festive Characters: Meet the jolly Snowman, playful Reindeers, and our delightful Elf duo, Sprinkles and Sparkles.

Event Details:

Dates: 13th, 14th, and 15th December 2024

Location: Grand Plaza, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bangalore North

Time: 5:00 PM onwards

Entry: Open to all, free entry.

Bengaluru’s Dayananda Sagar University Joins OPPO India’s ‘Generation Green’ initiative To Drive e-Waste Awareness Among Youth

* Over 9 Lakh students have taken the ‘Green Pledge’ since July 2024 

OPPO India, in collaboration with the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has expanded the nationwide electronic-waste awareness drive to Bengaluru, Karnataka under its ‘Generation Green’ programme (Managed by 1M1B). City’s Dayananda Sagar University has joined the initiative as an ‘Eco-Conscious Champion Institute’ to promote green skills among youth through activities like awareness sessions, e-surveys, and Green Day celebrations.

Under the programme, Dayananda Sagar University will educate students from more than 10 colleges and schools, and citizens from neighbouring villages, about the increasing challenge of electronic waste management and the need for effective disposal for a sustainable future. To mark the occasion, an e-waste awareness drive was organised at the University’s campus today where over 300 students engaged in awareness activities, such as Nukkad Nataks, Ideathon, and fashion show where e-waste was used as embellishments.

Over 5000 students were informed about effective e-waste disposal, including mobile phones, chargers, batteries, and wires. Present at the occasion were Mr Syed Khaja Mohiddin, Senior Environmental Zonal Officer, KSPCB, Ms. Anuka K Kumar, General Manager, Public Affairs, OPPO India, Dr. Amit R. Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, Dayanand Sagar University, and officials from the University and 1M1B.

Generation Green targets one million youth engagements by the end of 2024 to create a lasting impact on e-waste management and environmental preservation. Commenting on the same, Mr. Rakesh Bhardwaj, Head of Public Affairs at OPPO India said, “Generation Green embodies our commitment to Government of India's Net-Zero vision. In just a few months, we have engaged with over 1400 educational institutions across the country. Bengaluru, as a vital IT hub, plays a key role in this mission, and we deeply appreciate the enthusiasm and dedication of Dayananda Sagar University and its students in driving e-waste awareness in the region. With over 9 lakh Green Pledges already taken, we are well on track to engage a million students by year-end.”

“E-waste is one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges of our time, and the youth will play a pivotal role in addressing it,” said Mr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO, AICTE. “By creating awareness through programs like Generation Green, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility that will shape a sustainable tomorrow."

Dr. Amit R. Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, Dayanand Sagar University, said, "Partnering with OPPO India for this e-waste awareness drive, under the aegis of AICTE, is a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainability at University. Being named an Eco-Conscious Champion highlights University's vision and dedication to tackling the critical environmental challenges of our time. We are equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools to take the lead in building a more responsible and sustainable future. We strongly believe that educational institutions like us can serve as torchbearers for strengthening environmental awareness and responsibility among students."

Launched in September 2024, the national e-waste awareness drive kicked-off at Ramjas College, University of Delhi. Prominent education institutions such as St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Amity University Jharkhand, Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad, JECRC University, Jaipur, and SRM University-AP are already recognized as 'Eco-Conscious Champions’ under the programme.

The first phase of the campaign saw AICTE and OPPO India partner with 1M1B to promote sustainable practices among youth by offering green internships to students across India.  In the first phase, OPPO India onboarded sustainability champions from over 20 states and 3 Union Territories, who are now inspiring others to act for a cleaner sustainable future. Join the movement for a sustainable future, visit www.iamgenerationgreen.in and take the pledge.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

International Conference On Plant Biotechnology Begins At MAHE

The International Conference on Plant Biotechnology for Sustainable Productivity and Environment (ICPBSPE) conducted by the Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), was inaugurated today by Prof. Sharath Kumar Rao, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) of MAHE, alongside Prof. Yu-Chung Chiang, Distinguished Professor at National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, as the Guest of Honor, in the presence of Dr. B.S. Satish Rao, Director, MSLS, and Dr. A. Muthusamy, the Convener of the conference. With over 130 participants from across India and international speakers from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, and Sri Lanka, the event promises to be a landmark in advancing plant biotechnological innovations.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Rao highlighted the importance of scientific research and innovation for the sustainability of biodiversity and agricultural production, segueing with ‘One Health’ goals. The conference further highlights MAHE's commitment to innovation, with the year 2025 being designated as the Year of Excellence in Industry-Academia Collaboration, furthering partnerships between research and industrial sectors. This conference is a prelude to the groundbreaking advancements envisioned next year.

Organized around five themes, including plant biodiversity, conservation, genetics, stress interactions, and eco-friendly practices, the conference highlights the critical role of plant sciences in addressing food security and environmental challenges. Eminent speakers from academia and industry will discuss cutting-edge research and collaborative opportunities to bridge global agricultural gaps. This international gathering marks a significant step toward sustainable productivity and greener practices, reinforcing MAHE’s leadership in transformative education and research and is generously sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology-Government of India, HiMedia and SVR AgroImpex underscoring the growing synergy between academia and industry.

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.