UP42 And Geoawesomeness Unveil 2024 Report On The Adoption of Earth Observation

UP42, a leading geospatial developer platform and marketplace, together with Geoawesomeness, a long-established community about geospatial technologies, have released a special report unveiling insights into the adoption of Earth observation in 2024. This report, unveiled during an event on March 12th, is part of the EO Hub initiative, a journalistic collaboration between UP42 and Geoawesome.

“The EO Report echoes the sentiment that the growing versatility of Earth observation across different sectors is seeing significant growth, a trend we're closely monitoring at Geoawesomeness.” - said Aleks Buczkowski, Founder of Geoawesomeness. “EO is no longer a niche but a mainstream mode for enriching solutions to complex problems. At Geoawesomeness, we're dedicated to amplifying awareness and championing EO's transformative potential for a better world."

Conducted between September and December 2023, UP42 and Geoawesomeness ran a comprehensive industry survey that drew responses from professionals around the globe. The report provides an in-depth analysis of emerging trends, challenges, and the evolving landscape of EO data applications.

Key takeaways from the report include:

1.           77% of respondents use a combination of open and commercial data in their work

Open/free data sources, such as ESA’s SENTINEL program, are extremely important to the industry. However, many companies still turn to commercial data sources for higher resolution and revisit rates.

2.           20% of respondents said that data availability was the biggest industry challenge faced by their organization

Earth observation data is now easier to access than ever before, but there are still significant challenges holding us back.

3.           The highest primary use case among respondents was decision-making support (26%), followed by solutions development (25%)

Though the report gathered answers from a broad cross-section of industry professionals, these were our two most common use cases. "The EO Hub Report 2024 is a welcome validation of how Earth observation data is enabling better decision making,” said Jussi Koski, CPO at UP42. “We're thrilled to see growing interest in the adoption of EO across various sectors, further affirming UP42's role in enabling innovative solutions."

You can download the report here: https://up42.com/goingup/eo-hub-report

For more information on the EO Hub, visit https://Geoawesomeness.com/eo-hub/

About UP42

We founded UP42 in 2019 with a clear purpose: to provide quick and easy access to geospatial data and analytics. You’ll get the world’s leading providers of optical, radar, elevation, and aerial data, all in one place. Our developer-first platform offers flexible APIs and a Python SDK to help you build and scale your solutions. Search the catalog for existing imagery, or task a satellite to capture your desired area. Whatever your use case, UP42 is the one-stop-shop for all your geospatial data needs. Visit us at up42.com.

About Geoawesomeness

Geoawesomeness is a geospatial blog and community platform united by its belief in the power of location technology to transform the world for the better. We are a global team of over 175 authors sharing our passion and expertise about geospatial technologies and everything awesome around it. Visit www.geowesomeness.com

Kotak Organises 'Sehat Ka Safar' - Nationwide Health Checkup Drive For Truck Drivers

* Free health check-up camps to be organised in up to 30 cities across India

Kotak Mahindra Bank ("KMBL" / "Kotak") has unveiled the 2nd edition of 'Sehat Ka Safar', a Kotak Karma initiative, dedicated to prioritizing the physical well-being of truck drivers nationwide.

Under this initiative, Kotak is hosting complimentary health check-up camps tailored specifically for this vital workforce. These camps will offer free medical consultations and a range of tests, addressing the health and wellness needs of around 3,000 truck drivers across the country through ‘Sehat Ka Safar’. Services such as eye check-ups, assessments by physiotherapists/orthopedic specialists for posture evaluation, dental checks for initial screenings of oral cancer, and an overall health check covering blood pressure, blood sugar among others, will be provided. Alongside providing medications at no cost, Kotak is conducting awareness sessions on government welfare schemes aimed at enhancing the well-being of the drivers.

Amit Mohan, President – Logistics & Infrastructure at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “Truck drivers, often unsung heroes form the backbone of our economy, tirelessly transporting goods across the country. Unfortunately, their demanding schedules often leave little time for prioritising their own health. Our health check-up camps aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and offer essential guidance to these drivers. Building on the success of previous camps, we are optimistic that 'Sehat Ka Safar' will touch even more lives.”

Up to 30 health camps will be organised across Transport Hubs frequented by truck drivers. Each camp will be staffed by six members comprising doctors and nursing staff from Doctors4You. This initiative is set to extend its reach up to 30 cities, including locations such as Nashik, Moradabad, Kanpur, Rohtak, Faridabad, Bikaner, Bhilwara, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Vellore, Sankari, Calicut, Hyderabad - Auto Nagar, Hubli, Jorhat, Dhanbad, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, Raipur, Gandhidham, Indore, Gwalior, and Surendranagar – Halvad.

‘Sehat Ka Safar’ began in the year 2023. In its 1st edition, Kotak had organized 30 ‘Sehat Ka Safar’ medical camps which benefited close to 3,000 truck drivers, nationwide.

Kotak Karma is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) identity of Kotak Mahindra Group.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 31st December 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,869 branches and 3,239 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/.

Samsung Launches New Range 11 Kg AI EcobubbleTM Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machines That Save Up To 70% Energy

AI Wash feature in the washing machines senses wash load, water level, fabric softness, soil level and detergent to achieve best results quickly and efficiently

New AI EcobubbleTM washing machines comes with Wi-Fi Technology which gives convenience to monitor and control your Washing Machine anytime and anywhere through Samsung SmartThings

New range contributes significantly to water and energy conservation

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled a new range of AI EcobubbleTM fully automatic front load washing machines. This new range of washing machines is the first in the 11 kg segment to come with advanced features like AI Wash, Q-DriveTM and Auto Dispense that let you do your laundry 50% faster, offer 45.5% better fabric care and are up to 70% more energy-efficient.

AI EcobubbleTM is a perfect blend of Samsung’s Q-BubbleTM and QuickDriveTM technologies that make washing more intuitive and less time consuming. While Q-Bubble™ technology combines dynamic drum rotation with additional water shots to create more abundant and powerful bubbles for faster detergent penetration, QuickDriveTM reduces wash time by up to 50%. These features make the performance of AI EcobubbleTM improved and sustainable since it contributes significantly to water and energy conservation.

The new range, with Auto Dispense and AI Wash, is highly intuitive and smart. The AI Wash feature senses the weight of the load and optimizes the amount of water and detergent required. It detects the softness of the fabric and adjusts the wash and spin times to protect it.

“At Samsung, we focus on introducing technology that is not only intuitive but also sustainable. We have designed the new range keeping in mind the evolving needs of diverse consumers. Our first range in the 11 kg fully automatic front load washing machines segment is highly energy-efficient. Features like auto dispense, AI wash and Q-DriveTM, contribute in making washing an easier and simpler chore,” said Pushp Baishakhia, Senior Director, Digital Appliances Business, Samsung India.

“We are confident that through our new range of AI EcobubbleTM washing machines, Samsung will elevate the lifestyle and add value to lives of today’s consumers,” he said.

Modern Indian consumers are seeking laundry solutions that would reduce number of washing cycles, save water and have sufficient space for heavy laundry like beddings/curtains etc. The newly launched AI EcobubbleTM range of washing machines will provide consumers the convenience and wash care they need for the laundry.

The new range of AI EcobubbleTM washing machines can be monitored and controlled anytime and anywhere through the Samsung SmartThings App on your smartphone. These come with personalized features such as Habit Learning and Informative Display that remember a consumer’s usage habits, suggest cycles and display timely information. Samsung SmartThings offers additional wash programmes including advice on cycles, planning and troubleshooting. It also automatically selects the perfect drying course*.

The new line-up also comes equipped with a unique SpaceMaxTM technology that creates more space inside without increasing external dimensions.

Design & Colours

The EcobubbleTM fully automatic front load washing machine range will have a modern design with a rear control panel and will be available in Black colour.

Price & Availability

The new range will be available at a starting price of INR 67990 going up to INR 71990 from March 7, 2024.

Select models will be available on Samsung’s official online store Samsung.com Samsung Shop App, retail stores, and other ecommerce platforms.

Warranty & Offers

Equipped with Digital Inverter Technology, the new models come with 20-year warranty.

AI Ecobubble™ for saving up to 70% energy

The new model features the AI Ecobubble™, a very efficient and eco-friendly technology that turns detergent into bubbles. This quickly loosens dirt even at low temperatures, saving up to 70% energy, improving soil removal by 24% and giving 45.5% better fabric care. AI Ecobubble™ recognizes different fabrics and its properties, and optimizes a suitable wash cycle from the numerous data patterns. This helps protect the clothes by up to 20% with fabric sensing.

SpaceMax™ Design for more space

At 600 x 850 x 600 mm in size, the new 11-kg washing machine can easily fit into any space, making it an ideal choice for today’s consumers who seek to optimize their living spaces. Its SpaceMax™ Design creates more space inside that helps manage bigger laundry items.

QuickDrive™ for reduced washing time

Another unique feature is QuickDrive™ that can reduce the washing time by up to 50%. The unique

Q-Bubble™ technology combines dynamic drum rotation with additional water shots to create more abundant and powerful bubbles. This enables the detergent to penetrate faster and wash quickly and gently. The addition of the QuickDriveTM button makes its application more intuitive and easier.

Fabric sensing that cares for the clothes

The AI Wash feature detects the weight and determines the basic cycle based on the load. In addition to the detection of the load being less than 2kg, it also detects the fabric softness, recognizing the characteristics of the fabric to optimize the amount of bubbles, motor speed and the amount of rinsing required. Furthermore, its AI Drying feature selects the optimal drying cycle by analyzing the moisture content of the fabric during the drying process.

SuperSpeed with QuickDriveTM

Bringing super speed to the laundry chore, the new AI Ecobubble™ models wash a full load in 39 minutes with the help of QuickDriveTM technology. The rinsing time is shortened using Speed Spray and it accelerates the spin speed.

Durability

Digital Inverter Technology utilizes strong magnets for a quieter and more powerful performance of the washing machines, using lesser energy. This makes AI EcobubbleTM a more durable cleaning partner.

Maintenance on-the-go

Users also do not have to go through the tedious task of cleaning the sticky residue in the detergent drawer. The Stay Clean Drawer ensures that more of the detergent is washed away by powerful jets of water from its specially designed water flushing system.

* Auto Cycle Link is only available when both the washer and dryer have AI Control and Wi-Fi connected.

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, 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.

PNB Urges Its Customers To Update KYC By March 19,, 2024

 

In adherence to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, the Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has asked its customers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) information by 19.03.2024 to ensure smooth functioning of their accounts. This is applicable only for those customers whose accounts were due for KYC updation as of 31.12.2023.

As part of the KYC compliance exercise, PNB customers are requested to provide their updated information like identity proof, address proof, recent photo, PAN, income proof, mobile number (if not available) or any other KYC information to their base branch. It can be done through PNB ONE/Internet Banking Services (IBS)/registered e-mail/post or in person visit to any branch by 19.03.2024. Failure to update KYC details within the stipulated time may result in restrictions on account operations.

For any assistance, customer can visit their nearest PNB branch or check the official website https://www.pnbindia.in/ .

FWprota Kirloskar Motor Commits To Significant Increase In Women Workforce

In alignment with its dedication to cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced focused efforts to enhance gender diversity and Inclusion in its operations. Contributing to the larger goal of “Skill India Mission”, the company is also implementing a series of innovative initiatives aimed at not only enhancing the skillset of women but also empowering their holistic development.

While celebrating International Women’s Day, TKM announced the induction of 124 female team members and 55 female leaders into its manufacturing operations. These skilled individuals will play an integral role in driving the company's operations while exemplifying its commitment towards fostering a culture marked by diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Furthermore, TKM also organized skill contest for female members thus marking a significant new milestone. The contest encompassed a diverse array of skill categories, enabling participants to showcase their expertise across various manufacturing processes. A panel of industry experts from Toyota India evaluated participants based on criteria such as problem solving, creativity, and technical skill.

Commenting on this development, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President and Director for Finance and Administration said, “At TKM we are committed to contributing positively towards strengthening the Indian auto industry with a highly skilled, diverse, and globally competitive workforce. We believe that the vision of gender inclusivity extends beyond the organization's borders, encompassing the entire value chain and society at large. We are thrilled to welcome our new female team members and leaders into the manufacturing line. This resonates with our core belief that diversity and inclusion are not seen just as a corporate responsibility but reflects TKM’s strong commitment towards developing rural talent into world-class competitive technicians. We believe that this approach will not only offer them enhanced opportunities in both domestic and international markets but also contribute to producing mass happiness in the society.”

TKM has also established a Business Reform Team on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to spearhead these efforts. Following extensive benchmarking and leadership engagement, TKM has achieved significant progress thanks to the progressive and supportive measures by the State Government in facilitating the inclusion of women to work in shifts. Furthermore, these efforts are also well complemented by a comprehensive ecosystem assessment through an unconscious bias survey, leading to targeted sensitization programs.

As a strong step in the direction of supporting “Skill India Mission," Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently announced the expansion of its Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi. As a part of this expansion, the company announced doubling its intake from 600 to 1200 students which included upto 600 female students, providing opportunities for students from economically challenging backgrounds and rural areas in Karnataka, with a steadfast focus on enhancing gender diversity as a pivotal component of its expansion.

Through TTTI, TKM will train female students in knowledge (16%), skill (34%) and body and mind (50%) from economically challenging background and rural areas. The infrastructure has been upgraded with improved residential facilities for female students, new classrooms, and updated equipment to enrich skill training. These enhancements are designed to support a comprehensive learning and development experience for TTTI students.

Going forward, TKM remains committed to support the professional development and advancement of women workforce through targeted initiatives and programs, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their careers.

Cureskin Secures USD 20 Million In Series B Funding Led By HealthQuad With Participation From Existing Investors

·         The fresh funding further fuels the Company’s vision to widen access to quality dermatological care in India leveraging AI built over millions of datasets

·         Cureskin aims to disrupt the large and growing skin and hair care industry in India by providing high-quality, customised solutions through a comprehensive digital-first platform

Cureskin, an AI-driven dermatology platform that provides clinically validated skin & hair health solutions, has raised Series B funding of USD 20 million. The round was led by India’s leading digital health-focused venture capital fund, HealthQuad along with participation from existing marquee investors including JSW Ventures, Khosla Ventures and Sharrp Ventures. The latest investment brings Cureskin's total funding to USD 26 million, further fuelling its vision to widen access to quality dermatological care in India.

India grapples with a significant shortage of access to qualified dermatologists, leaving millions without quality skin care. At the same time, there is a significant and growing demand for such a solution in India due to its young and aspirational demographic.

Cureskin is expanding the skin and hair care market by bridging this gap by leveraging AI to scale the reach of dermatologists. Through its mobile app, Cureskin has treated over 15 Lakh customers so far for various conditions such as acne, hyper-pigmentation, post-acne issues, hair loss etc, with over 80% of customers in Tier 2 and 3 regions.

“We are delighted to have earned the backing of HealthQuad alongside our existing partners”, expressed Guna Kakulapati, CEO and Co-founder of Cureskin. “This investment reaffirms the growing demand for accessible expertise and quality care to solve skin & hair problems for people in India. These funds will help further enhance our AI capabilities, accelerate our growth and expand solution offerings. We aim to provide optimal skin and hair health to millions of individuals across the country.”

The domestic market is flooded with many beauty and personal care brands making it difficult for consumers to make product choices that are right for their skin and can effectively solve their concerns. Cureskin stands apart by offering dermat-prescribed, continuously-monitored, high-efficacy personalised solutions to every consumer at affordable prices.

Dr. Pinak Shrikhande, Managing Director, HealthQuad said “Lack of qualified dermatologists in Tier 3+ towns and lack of product knowledge leads to ineffective self-treatments. Cureskin is a comprehensive digital-first platform focused on customised skin and hair care treatments solving for the lack of access to dermatologists with a deep AI-led diagnosis while providing high-quality outcome-driven regimens at affordable prices. We are proud to be partners in Cureskin’s journey to create impact as it scales.”

"We are excited to be part of Cureskin and are deeply aligned with its vision of creating impact through widening access to qualified dermatological care pan-India. With more than 70% of the Company’s users currently coming from Tier 3+ locations, Cureskin is aligned with HealthQuad’s mission of solving the accessibility, affordability and quality issues in healthcare in India. We remain committed to partnering with transformational digital-first companies creating impact for the underserved,” added Charles–Antoine Janssen, Chief Investment Officer, HealthQuad.

JSW Ventures Managing Partner Sachin Tagra said, "The company has demonstrated exemplary execution capabilities. This capital will help the company continue scaling its operations, innovate further on AI development to build a stronger technology moat, and expand its distribution capabilities."

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as Exclusive Advisors to Cureskin for the transaction. 

Glaucoma-Related Blindness Continues To Rise In India Due To Delay In Detection; Eye Experts Urge For Early Screening And Treatment

According to various independent studies and data by hospitals, glaucoma-related blindness is continuing to rise in India due lack of awareness & delay in detection. Glaucoma is a very common eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerves due to high eye pressure, affects nearly 12 million people in India. Statistically, over 90% of glaucoma cases in the country go undetected, leading to irreversible blindness each year.

Commenting on the reasons for this surge, Dr. Shibi Dev B.N, Senior Consultant and Head of Department - Glaucoma, Nethradhama Super Speciality Hospital said, “A majority of glaucoma cases either go undiagnosed or are detected till advanced stage, as it doesn’t show symptoms and patients are unaware of the progressive damage to their optic nerve making the blindness irreversible at this point. Managing glaucoma in India comes with many critical challenges, including low awareness levels, undetected and undiagnosed cases, limited access to diagnostic and therapeutic services, and issues with treatment compliance. We have seen through various academic studies and research that glaucoma causes blindness in 1.5 million individuals, representing 5.5% of total blindness cases in India, making it the primary cause of irreversible blindness in the country. When patients begin to notice signs and symptoms of glaucoma, the disease has often already caused irreversible damage. Once vision is compromised due to the unhinged progress of the disease, it cannot be restored. Glaucoma, while chronic and currently incurable, can be managed and its progression slowed with medical and surgical intervention if detected early.”

Individuals particularly over 40 years, Positive family history of Glaucoma, History of eye injury, Inadvertent use of steroid medicines are at high risk, with one in 20 Indians in this age group either getting affected by glaucoma or at risk of developing it. However, Glaucoma can affect people even without any risk factor but at a lower rate.

While commenting on the treatment options, Dr. Shibi Dev said, “The first line of treatment for glaucoma management is to lower the intraocular pressure responsible for optic nerve damage. There are eye drops specifically designed to reduce eye pressure by better drainage of fluid from the eyes or reduce the production of fluids in the eye. Laser procedures are also available for reduction of Intraocular pressure. Other than these the most common mode of treatment is surgery. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS is the modern alternative to traditional trabeculectomy where the MIGS implant is inserted during phacoemulsification (Cataract) surgery, reducing the need for topical medications. It has a high success rate in lowering IOP (intraocular pressure) with minimal risk of complications in certain types of Glaucoma. MIGS ensures minimal tissue trauma and faster recovery for the patient.”

In a need to address these challenges about the increasing incidence of Glaucoma, Dr. Shibi Dev said, “There is a pressing need for increased public awareness, regular eye check-ups, and access to affordable and accessible treatment. We urge the government and international organizations to collaborate in addressing glaucoma as a public health issue, ensuring effective prevention, screening, and treatment services for all individuals.”

To reduce the disease burden, there has to come a major mindset change towards glaucoma management. Though it is a leading cause of blindness in the country, there isn’t much awareness about the disease making it easily unnoticeable. To create awareness on Glaucoma, World Glaucoma Week is celebrated worldwide and this year’s theme is ‘Uniting for the Glaucoma Free world.’ Regular eye check-ups are an essential part of glaucoma management. It is also important to educate patients about the long-term nature of glaucoma management and the benefits of consistent use of eye drops which will enhance treatment effectiveness. Launching campaigns and eye screenings are vital for increasing public awareness of glaucoma, its symptoms, and the significance of regular eye examinations says Dr. Shibi Dev.

To spread awareness about the disease, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is conducting multiple activities, along with setting up a helpline for people to reach out and know more about the disease. The helpline number is 080 37815876.