Author: Rabindra

World Mental Health Day 2024: Promoting Community Support for Mental Well-Being

9TH October, 2024: World Mental Health Day 2024, observed on October 10, emphasizes the importance of mental well-being and advocates for increased awareness and support for mental health issues globally. This year’s theme focuses on the critical role of community support in fostering mental resilience. As mental health challenges continue to rise, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, communities are encouraged to come together to provide understanding, resources, and assistance to those in need.

 Various organizations and mental health advocates are organizing events and campaigns to promote open conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and highlight available resources. Workshops, webinars, and community activities aim to engage individuals and foster a sense of belonging and support. By emphasizing the power of community in mental health, the observance of this day seeks to inspire collective action and encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

 Rahul Sahay, Senior Vice President- HR, Virtusa Corporation

 “On World Mental Health Day 2024, with the theme ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,’ we emphasize the critical need for mental well-being in professional settings. At Virtusa, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of empathy, support, and open communication. Through initiatives that destigmatize mental health, provide expert counseling, and offer stress management resources, we create an environment where individuals can flourish. By creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging work culture, we also empower our employees’ mental health, where every individual feels valued, motivated, and equipped to excel professionally and personally. Providing a safe, secure, and healthy workspace for our workforce is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring they thrive in every aspect of their journey with us.”

 Rohan Sylvester, Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed India

 “At Indeed, we know how important mental well-being is, especially in today’s always-on world. With work spilling into personal time, stress and burnout are real concerns. In fact, according to our recent survey, 88% of employees surveyed say they’re contacted outside work hours, and 85% even when they’re on sick leave or holidays. Many worry that ignoring these messages could hurt their career growth. However, 79% of Indian employers think a “right to disconnect” policy would be a step in the right direction.

 Setting boundaries between work and personal life is more than a nice gesture—it’s essential for protecting mental health. By fostering a healthier work culture, businesses can not only reduce burnout but also show employees they care about their well-being. This will lead to happier teams and stronger retention.”

Comment on October 2024 Patch Tuesday: Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer, Tenable

“This month, Microsoft patched two zero-day vulnerabilities that were exploited in the wild.

“CVE-2024-43573 is a spoofing bug in the Windows MSHTML platform. It’s the fourth zero-day vulnerability in MSHTML that was exploited in the wild in 2024 – preceded by CVE-2024-30040, CVE-2024-38112, and CVE-2024-43461.

“CVE-2024-38112, a spoofing bug in MSHTML, was exploited by an advanced persistent threat (APT) actor called Void Banshee. Last month, it was discovered that Void Banshee utilized CVE-2024-38112 and CVE-2024-43461 as part of an exploit chain.

“We have no details at this time regarding the in-the-wild exploitation of CVE-2024-43573, but it highlights a valuable attack path being leveraged by threat actors currently. User interaction is required to exploit all of these MSHTML flaws, which typically utilises some type of social engineering.

“CVE-2024-43572 is a code execution flaw in Microsoft Management Console (MMC) that was also exploited in the wild as a zero-day. While we don’t have any specific details about the in-the-wild exploitation of CVE-2024-43572, this patch arrived a few months after researchers disclosed an attack technique called GrimResource that leveraged an old cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability combined with a specially crafted Microsoft Saved Console (MSC) file to gain code execution privileges. Although Microsoft patched a different MMC vulnerability in September (CVE-2024-38259) that was neither exploited in the wild nor publicly disclosed. Since the discovery of CVE-2024-43572, Microsoft now prevents untrusted MSC files from being opened on a system.”- Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer, Tenable

Diageo India partners with the SCPwD to train and place over 300 students under its ‘Learning for Life’ Program

Bengaluru Oct , 2024: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) among the country’s leading alco-bev companies has partnered with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) to train and place over 300 students in Food & Beverage Services under the ‘Learning for Life’ program. The convocation ceremony for the first batch of 22 students trained in the Bengaluru centre was held in the presence of Ms. Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resource Officer, Diageo India, Mr. Ravindra Singh CEO – SCPwD, Ms. Lizanne Pinto, Area Director of Human Resource, South & East India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Marriot International, Mr. Amlan Kumar Dasgupta Vice President – Skill Development, Royal Orchid and Regenta Hotel, and other senior leaders.

In 2023, Diageo India expanded its ‘Learning for Life’ programme to include Persons with Disability, preparing them for roles in the Business and Hospitality sector. The three-month long residential training program is conducted at SCPwD-affiliated training centres in Delhi NCR (Noida) and Bengaluru by certified trainers and assessors. Students are trained in Food and Beverage Services, Interpersonal skills, Employability skills and Communication skills- this ensures they are equipped with the support needed to meet demands of the hospitality sector. Post completion of the program, students are employed by SCPwD’s placement partners including Accor Hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel, Marriott Hotels India, Hotel Royal Orchid and Regenta, and QSR chains like La Pino’z Pizza and Compass Office Cafeterias, all of whom have come together to build a more inclusive hospitality industry.

Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resources Officer, Diageo India, said, “We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with SCPwD, advancing inclusion in line with our Spirit of Progress ESG action plan. Our ‘Learning for Life’ program seeks to support Persons with Disabilities, equipping them with vital skills and resources, while opening doors to employment and opportunity. We’re keen to work collaboratively, shaping a hospitality sector that works for all.

Ravindra Singh, CEO of the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD), added, “Diageo India’s leadership in driving inclusion and diversity sets an example for others to follow. Together, we are not just creating job opportunities but breaking down barriers that have previously limited Persons with Disabilities from gaining mainstream employment.”

One of the program’s beneficiaries, Ramya S, shared, “For the longest time, I wasn’t sure if someone like me could ever land a regular job. I worried about whether I had the right skills and how people would treat me at work. But the ‘Learning for Life’ program changed everything. It gave me the platform and the training I needed, and now I’m ready to join the hospitality industry with confidence and hopes for a bright future.”

Exciting Academic and Tech Events for Students in October 2024

Exciting Academic and Tech Events for Students in October 2024

As October approaches, students can look forward to a series of dynamic events that will challenge their knowledge, ignite creativity, and provide networking opportunities. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, competitor in college fests, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this month is packed with unmissable opportunities. From tech expos at premier universities to educational forums that help prepare students for their academic future, these events will allow you to test your skills, learn from industry leaders, and connect with like-minded peers. Here’s a look at the top events students should mark on their calendars this October!

1. TechX – The NorthCap University (Delhi Section)

TechX 2024 at The NorthCap University, hosted by IEEE Computer Society’s Delhi Section, is a must-attend event for technology enthusiasts. Set for October 15th from 9:30-5PM the event will feature technical sessions on emerging technologies, hands-on workshops, and a hackathon. It offers an interactive platform for students, professionals, and innovators to explore and engage with AI, machine learning, blockchain, and more. With opportunities for networking and learning, TechX is designed to empower the next generation of leaders in computing and tech innovation.

2. Muqabla 2024 – Vedatya Institue

Muqabla 2024, hosted by Vedatya Institute, is one of the most anticipated inter-college competitions this October. a vibrant platform for college students to showcase their creativity and skills across various professional domains, including hospitality, culinary arts, business, and design. Scheduled for 16th October 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this exciting event will take place at Vedatya Institute in Gurugram, Haryana. Participants can engage in a variety of competitions such as the Budding Chef Competition, where teams create innovative dishes, and the Joy of Draping, focusing on body adornment through cloth. Other challenges include the Blue Ocean Competition for entrepreneurial ideas, a Bartending & Mixology Competition, and a Service Recovery Showdown. Exciting awards, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and live entertainment await participants. Registration is available for both institutional and non-institutional teams.

3. World Technocon 2024

World Technocon 2024, held at IIT Delhi is a prominent global event showcasing technological innovation. The event features workshops, expos, and seminars covering cutting-edge topics like AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and the Metaverse. It brings together industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, and innovators to exchange knowledge and ideas. Alongside interactive sessions, attendees can explore exhibits on the latest advancements in AI, robotics, and green technology. Keynote speakers will share insights into emerging trends, fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation

From October 5-8 students can unlock their potential at the Rendezvous 2024 IIT Delhi During Fest Workshop Series, in partnership with World Technocon. Covering a wide range of innovative topics, from IoT with Arduino to the latest advancements in AI & Machine Learning, and the emerging Metaverse, this series is your entryway to the cutting edge of technology.

4. IIT Delhi Startup Networking Event (Invite Only) by AY Ventures
The IIT Delhi Startup Networking Event by AY Ventures, scheduled for October 12, 2024, is an exclusive invite-only gathering focused on fostering connections within the startup ecosystem. Designed for startup founders, investors, and industry leaders, the event will provide a unique platform for pitching innovative ideas, forming strategic partnerships, and discussing funding opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to network with venture capitalists, seasoned entrepreneurs, and mentors, making it a prime event for those looking to accelerate their startup’s growth and expand their professional network.

5. College Board India Forum 2024

The College Board India Forum 2024 will be held on October 16 at The Lalit in New Delhi. This event is an important gathering for educators and thought leaders in K12 and higher education. It offers a platform to explore key topics like the evolving role of assessments in admissions, the globalization of education, and reforms in secondary school curricula. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and breakout sessions aimed at addressing the challenges of transitioning students from high school to college. Networking opportunities will allow participants to exchange best practices and collaborate on initiatives to improve education outcomes in India.

From tech-driven innovations to academic competitions and professional forums, these events in October 2024 provide ample opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. Whether you’re a student, a tech enthusiast, or a startup founder, these are some of the must-attend events to mark on your calendar this month!

Zomato pays tribute to Kolkata’s Most Iconic Street Food Vendors during Durga Puja

National, 9th October 2024: To celebrate India’s vibrant food tradition during the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, has launched a heart-warming campaign to pay homage to Kolkata’s iconic street food vendors. This campaign aims to honor the unsung culinary heroes behind Kolkata’s beloved street food, especially during Durga Puja, when the city streets come alive with flavors that embody the spirit of community and celebration.

Recognizing that many beloved local food vendors remain undiscovered on delivery platforms like Zomato, the brand has taken a creative approach to spotlight them. At Street Number 104, Action Area 1B, Newtown, Kolkata (700156), Zomato has unveiled a 300-meter-long Alpana—a traditional Bengali folk art form. This grand artwork reflects the region’s cultural identity and highlights the importance of celebrating the city’s cherished culinary delights, even those not yet on delivery platforms. Co-created with local artisans, the meticulously and thoughtfully crafted artwork showcases the names and locations of some of the city’s most iconic street food vendors, making it easier than ever for food enthusiasts to seek out and savor their delectable offerings. This masterpiece not only infuses the city with festive spirit but also serves as a tribute to Kolkata’s street food legends.

“This campaign is our tribute to Kolkata’s iconic street vendors who are not necessarily on Zomato platform at the moment but are a key part of the city’s cultural fabric.” said Sahibjeet Singh, Marketing Head, Zomato.

OMG 2 Director Amit Rai: ‘The Story Finds You’ in Small Towns, Big Stories

Amit Rai is a writer and director who directed the 2023 film OMG 2. Before embarking on his filmmaking journey, Amit Rai was a teacher. His interest in plays and theatre soon blossomed, leading him to join the Center for Performing Arts, where he started learning Marathi. Studying Marathi literature deepened his understanding of literary works and enhanced his appreciation for them. He directed and acted in several Marathi plays, one of which provided him the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Girish Karnad.

He in the podcast Small Towns Big Stories talked about his journey of coming this far in the industry while facing the usual ups and downs.

Amit Rai fondly remembers moments from his childhood in the podcast and while talking about his early years said, “Local trains have taught me resilience. I can fall multiple times but can come out of it.” He credits his local train travelling for teaching him the courage not to be afraid to fail and fall.

The writer-director on the podcast admitted his admiration for Bimal Roy when asked about his favourite filmmakers. He expressed that he somehow used to arrange CDs of his Bengali films. Amit has also shared that he takes inspiration from Satyajit Ray.

Talking about his transition from theatre to Cinema, “The first Marathi Film I worked on was Tingya in 2008. The film did well. There was no transition, it was just a couple of friends who convinced me to meet the producer. I met them. I loved the story and I worked on the film.”

Amit Rai in the podcast, shared insights into his journey with Road to Sangam which was his first Hindi feature film. While sharing his journey he said, “ Paresh Rawal said yes to the film in just 9 minutes.” He also happily said that the film won him a lot of respect and gave a boost to his confidence. The film also won him the Gollapudi Srinivas National Award for best debutant director in 2009.

In the conversation, Amit Rai shared an inspiring insight for young directors from small towns: “One does not write a story; the story finds you.” He emphasised the importance of staying grounded, being prepared, and practising diligently. He advised to avoid comparisons and always work with honesty and passion.

When asked about factors that make him successful in this industry he says, “ Always approach your work with humility and work with honesty and compassion. During the interview, he also appreciated the Malayalam film industry for setting the standard high with each film they make.

Amit Rai also talked about his upcoming project which is an escape thriller set in Aurangzeb’s time. He wishes to experiment with each film that he works on and does not want to restrict himself to one single genre.

Dr Raj Nagarkar Becomes India’s 1st Oncologist on Cambridge Medical Robotics’ Advisory Board

Nashik, Oct Nashik, Oct 09: Dr Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services of HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) has become the first and only Indian doctor appointed to the Advisory Board of Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR). During his two-year term, Dr Nagarkar will focus on advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare solutions for patients in India. At the upcoming Global Advisory Board meeting in Cambridge later this month, he will participate in discussions on the latest advancements in robotic surgery and instrumentation.

Dr Raj Nagarkar, a specialist oncologist with over 23 years of experience, has performed more than 65,000 surgeries and treated over 2,50,000 cancer patients. He also holds a world record for completing over 1,100 successful robotic surgeries.

“It is a privilege and honour to join Cambridge Medical Robotics’ advisory board, and I am grateful to its leadership for this opportunity. My role will be to represent the Indian healthcare landscape, pushing for advancements and customizations in surgical technology that benefit patients. The agenda for the meeting includes exploring new developments in robotics, engaging in doctor and patient education, interacting with engineers for further innovations, and ensuring that this technology becomes widely accessible globally,” says Dr Raj Nagarkar.

CMR Surgical, a UK-based medical technology firm, specializes in robotic surgical systems. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, England, CMR is renowned for developing Versius, a next-generation minimally invasive robotic surgical system that enhances precision and flexibility during surgeries. The company aims to make robotic-assisted surgery both accessible and affordable for healthcare providers worldwide.

“India is an emerging market for robotic healthcare solutions, with a large population and increasing demands. Technology is becoming integral to healthcare in the country. CMR, which already has over 40 robot installations in India, is keen to expand its footprint further. This expansion will make technology-driven healthcare more accessible and affordable for Indian patients, while also ensuring improved surgical outcomes,” concludes Dr Nagarkar.

Embassy REIT Raises Rs2,000 Crores at 7.95% for NCD Refinancing

Chandigarh/Bengaluru, India, October 9, 2024

Embassy Office Parks REIT(‘Embassy REIT’), India’s first listed REIT and the largest office REIT in Asia by area, announced today that it has successfully raised ₹2,000 crores of coupon-bearing debt at an interest rate of ~7.95%. Embassy REIT will utilize the proceeds from this debt raise to repay its Non-Convertible Debentures (“NCDs”) of ₹2,000 crores maturing in October 2024.

Aravind Maiya, Chief Executive Officer of Embassy REIT, said,

“We are pleased to announce this fundraise of ₹2,000 crores, which has seen strong participation from mutual funds and banks. The attractive pricing on the term loans and the 3x oversubscription on the listed NCD issuances cements our reputation as the industry’s leading credit. This refinancing continues to allow us to optimally control our balance sheet and positions us to take advantage of future rate cuts to raise capital.”

Transaction Highlights

• NCD Issuance of ₹900 crores of Embassy REIT Series XI NCDs 2024 with effective interest rate of 7.87%
• Robust demand from Mutual Funds, Life and General Insurers resulting in NCD subscription of 3x
• Oversubscription led to a savings of ~10 basis points on the offered rate
• “CRISIL AAA/Stable” rating assigned by rating agency CRISIL to the NCDs issued
• ₹1,100 crores of term loans from leading PSU & MNC Banks at ~8.0% floating coupon
• Pricing reflects strong demand for REIT credit by banks looking to actively deploy capital
• All proceeds to be used to refinance existing Series V NCD maturing in October 2024

The third edition of Granules Green Heartfulness Run in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced

Mumbai/Hyderabad, 9th October 2024: Heartfulness in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Granules India Limited and supported by Fit India announced the third edition of Granules Green Heartfulness Run (GGHR) to be held on 17 November 2024 in a press conference held in city today. Mrs. Uma Chigurupati – Executive Director – Granules India Limited; Dr. Naina Jaiswal – International Table Tennis Player; Ms. Jyothika Sri Dandi – Paris Olympics 20244 4x400m women; and Mr. Sanjay Sehgal – Trustee, Heartfulness Institute were present at the press conference. Other partners for the marathon include Sports partner Decathlon, Timing Partner – Timing Miles, Marathon Partner – The Nile Mile.; Medical partner Medicover; and Association of Indian Universities (AIU) which will hold the run in 20 universities across 20 states in India. The marathon aims to promote both physical health and environmental sustainability. The third edition of Granules Green Heartfulness Run slated to be held aims to raise funds for planting over 15,000 trees through the “FORESTS by HEARTFULNESS” initiative. Additionally, it has objectives of community engagement, spreading Heartfulness practices, and contributing to ecological causes.

Mrs. Uma Chigurupati – Executive Director – Granules India Limited said, “Our generation and future generation must have quality lives. Granules Green Heartfulness Run is health, fitness and greening coming together at the same time.”

“This is an initiative that highlights the importance of protecting, preserving and nurturing the planet. Shri Ram Chandra Mission promotes holistic wellbeing. This run reminds us to reconnect with nature and be conscious towards the environment,” Dr. Naina Jaiswal – International Table Tennis Player.

Ms. Jyothika Sri Dandi – Paris Olympics 20244 4x400m women said, “Granules Green Heartfulness Run is thinking about nature through sports. As an athlete I hope to inspire other athletes to be a part of this initiative.”

Mr. Sanjay Sehgal – Trustee, Heartfulness Institute said, “Excellence of human endeavour and capability is sports. Granules Green Heartfulness Run demonstrates 1. Environment 2. Excellence. Sports and environment coming together is part our Heartfulness philosophy.”

The Granules Green Heartfulness Run typically features multiple race categories, which can range from shorter fun runs like 1.5km to more competitive distances like a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. To register for the 21 Km one must be 18 years of age or older on the event day; the lower age limit for a 10Km run is 15 years; 8 years or older for a 5 Km run and for 2Km run minors must give consent of their parents for participation.

The epicenter of Granules Green Heartfulness Run (GGHR) will take place in Hyderabad at Kanha Shanti Vanam. Over 90 other locations worldwide with a few international hosts are also there for the run with an expected participation of 100,000 from around the world, some even joining virtually, making it the biggest global green run.