Author: Rabindra

Special Edition: Rs30 Tickets for Mahindra Independence-Rock 30th Anniversary Sold Out in 90 Minutes

Mumbai, 12th September 2024: To be unapologetic has been the norm for Mahindra Independence Rock since its inception. Bruce Dickinson, lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, once famously said, “Kids get bored easily. They have got to get out and get their hands dirty: make things, dismantle things, fix things.” With ‘Dirty 30’, India’s bedrock of mainstream rock is celebrating the ethos of the festival, which encapsulates the anti-establishment rigour of the rock genre, on November 16 and 17, 2024. As the festival is ready to set the ball rolling, Mahindra I-Rock had an early bird surprise for the fans with limited edition ₹30 tickets to mark the 30th edition. In a meta moment, the milestone edition set another one with all the limited tickets being sold out within 90 minutes. With a loyal fanbase of rockers, the edition witnessed the limited tickets being sold out, without any aggressive marketing, through just an instagram post!

The sprawling, open-air Bayview Lawns in Mazagon will house the 30th Edition of Mahindra I-Rock. During the 29th edition, the acts sent the rockers into a trance, along with the surprise act of Parikrama featuring Farhad Wadia. This year, brace yourself for the most riotous edition of all time, with the attendees warming up for some trippiest acts, serving a mix of genres and languages!

While the theme ‘Dirty 30’ will persist throughout the festival, I-Rock will continue its tradition of unifying the multi-faceted spirit of a legacy which challenged the popular conventions of music in India. Guitar-ripping riffs with pounding drums and cymbals will cause a musical rampage. The frontmen will ignite a fire with their persona and deathcore growls, making it a memorable and euphoric night!

Mumbai, or Bombay as it is nostalgically called, in 1971, was sensing a peculiar music becoming a part of the lifestyle of the city folks. In the conservative lanes of Matunga, near Shanmukhananda Hall, hip, young, and high-spirited rockers were eagerly waiting for the gates of the Simla Beat Contest and their fates to open. The competition served as the predecessor to Independence Rock, a cultural reset for the country’s music.

Poetic Justice

Farhad Wadia, the tour de force behind I-Rock, became the flagbearer of the rock wave in the country. When St. Xavier’s College principal’s strict policy cancelled his and other bands’ performances, Wadia’s determination birthed the movement out of the womb of rebellion, a poetic justice moment, as the first edition was held during the Independence Day celebration of the country.

Hall Of Fame

Independence Rock has transformed the grammar of the festival scene in India, especially for rock music. It has become a pilgrimage for rockers and metalheads. This mecca for rock enthusiasts fulfilled the vows of artists like AR Rahman, Indus Creed, Hanumankind of T.ill Apes, and others who came to become global sensations.

Weathering The Storm

In 2001, Farhad was anxious about the effect of heavy downpours in the city on the festival. Dejected, Farhad went to the festival venue, and to his shock, he witnessed young, drenched, and hungry folks crowding the ticket counter, restoring faith in the power of rock ‘n’ roll and the city, too.

Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through

I-Rock has been a journey, joyous and tumultuous alike. Though the movement came to a standstill in 2013, it was an omen of renewed energy in the rock scene. Almost a decade later, the tide re-emerged with new vigour and new companions as Hyperlink Brand Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Insider.in joined forces to fortify the festival’s position, reviving the look of India’s oldest and loudest rock fest with Bayview Lawns in Mazagon being the new venue for the festival. This is not it as the festival has managed each year to topple the previous experience with a fresher and more majestic one as the years passed by!

Mr. Farhad Wadia, Founder of Independence Rock, said, “My love affair with rock music began long back, and I-Rock became a channel to express that love and reverence for the genre. It has been a fulfilling journey to see an act of rebellion culminate into 30 editions of a universal, raw, and intimate sonic odyssey that has grown into a big platform, accommodating artists across the nation. We have levelled up and brought some interesting acts on board for the 30th edition, setting a new benchmark for experiential concerts. These thirty years have been nothing short of arduous efforts, sweat, and most importantly, love. To sum it up, I would like to quote a lyric from a Black Sabbath song, which goes, ‘Love is life and hating is living death.’ ”

Wadia, along with Mahindra and Hyperlink Solutions, has laboured to take the experience of the fans up another notch. Through the evolutionary years of rock in the world and India, it has always been reinvented, as the genre itself stands for challenging the conventional.

Mr. Jay Shah, Vice President of Cultural Outreach at Mahindra Group, said, “Mahindra Group has always strived to push the cultural envelope in the country and initiate an important dialogue around arts and culture. By joining forces with Farhad and Hyperlink Brand Solutions, we are instilling life again in a genre that has caused transformation across the globe, and Mahindra Group is more than happy to associate with the 30th edition milestone of I-Rock, working as a catalyst for reshaping the sonic experiences of Indians and scaling the volume of the festival as we enter a new decade of India’s loudest rock event.”

Mr. VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said, “Hyperlink Solutions’ vision lies in promulgating any medium that transforms the storytelling experience for its audience. All these years, since the inception of the festival, Farhad Wadia and I-Rock have contributed to creating a cultural wave that revolutionised rock in the country. It is a great pleasure to further promote the indigenous talent at Independence Rock that goes on to pave the way for others on the global stage. With this 30th Edition, Farhad and Hyperlink Solutions are all set to create a transcendental musical experience for the audience and a rite of passage for the performers and audience alike.”

As the festival kicks off, the rockers will witness the deafening riffs, sending shockwaves and thrill in the throng of rockers and metalheads. There will be flashy pyrotechnics, and artists merging with the crowds like bats out of hell! The intermix of cultures and genres will transport you from Mazagon to the vibrant lanes of New Orleans, and the island rhythms of reggae in Jamaica.

From raw rock to neo-soul, the music and food bind the audience together for a sublime evening of timeless beats. I-Rock is all set to celebrate the 30th Edition, marking the transition from a niche event to a nationally celebrated rock affair. The festival’s appeal has brought multiple generations together to revel in the magic of the genre.

realme unveils NARZO 70 Turbo 5G with Turbo Performance along with realme Buds N1

Bengaluru, September 12, 2024: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, today announced the launch of the realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G and realme Buds N1. The latest additions to the realme NARZO series and AIoT devices are set to redefine the standards of quality in their respective segments.

The new realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is a strategic step to introduce the Turbo concept for the young, tech-savvy consumers seeking high-performance devices that fit their lifestyle and aspirations. The device, powered by innovative Turbo Technology, redefines performance in the value-driven smartphone segment, exceeding the expectations of demanding users who prioritize power. The new Turbo Technology ensures enhanced processing speeds and a smooth user experience, making it particularly appealing for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Commenting on the launch, a realme spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to introduce the realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G and realme Buds N1 to our product portfolio. These devices embody our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and premium features to our gen-z users. As we continue to expand our footprint, reaching over 70 million users in India, we believe these products will set new benchmarks in the smartphone and AIoT industry.”

Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing & Communications, MediaTek, said, “The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy is a flagship-grade chipset utilizing advanced 4nm process technology. The SoC seamlessly integrates high performance with energy efficiency, thereby facilitating stable and smooth high-frame-rate gaming for extended periods. The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G, which is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, offers swift multitasking, and exceptional photography capabilities. The SoC also incorporates a suite of Hyper Engine optimisations which allow the processor to prioritize network connectivity during gaming – be it on WiFi or 5G – and leverage advanced features such as VRS within an ever growing library of games.”

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G offers Turbo performance and is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset and the segment’s largest stainless Steel VC cooling system. It offers a fast gaming experience with 90fps and GT Mode + GT Gaming Features. The device boasts the segment’s largest Dynamic RAM of up to 12GB + 14GB & 256GB ROM for ample storage. It features a 120Hz OLED Esports Display with the largest 92.65% screen-to-body ratio, housed in a 7.6mm ultra-slim, motorsport-inspired design weighing just 185g. The phone is equipped with a 50MP AI Camera, a 16MP Selfie Camera, and supports 45W Ultra Fast Charge with a 5000mAh massive battery. Additional features include IP65 Dust & Water Resistance, Rainwater Smart Touch, Dual Stereo Speakers, Air Gesture,and various AI Features. The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is available in three stunning colors: Turbo Yellow, Turbo Green, Turbo Purple and three storage variants.

SRM Global Hospitals Achieves Milestone with Rare Hernia Surgery on 28-Day-Old Infant, Fourth Known Case in the World

Mumbai/Chennai, 12 September 2024: SRM Global Hospitals successfully performed a complex, three-part emergency surgery to save the life of a critically premature baby boy with Amyand’s hernia, a rare condition where the appendix is located in the groin—only the fourth case of its kind in medical history in the world.

The boy, born at just 28 weeks, underwent surgery on the 23rd day after his birth while under general anesthesia. The procedure was successful, and post-operatively, the child recovered well, gaining weight to reach 2.06 kg and was discharged in good general condition.

It was a highly challenging surgery as the boy, like any other premature baby, had an immature airway that made anesthesia more difficult and required precise management. Furthermore, the delicate tissues required careful surgical handling to avoid damage. Additionally, the low birth weight of the infant necessitated specialized postoperative care in the NICU to ensure proper recovery and support.

The three parts of the surgery were: inguinal exploration, performed to examine and assess the groin area; appendectomy, to remove the appendix; and herniotomy, to repair the hernia by removing the hernia sac and fixing the defect in the abdominal wall. The entire procedure lasted for an hour. The pediatric surgery team, led by Dr. M. Saravana Balaji and Dr. N. Prathiba, carried out the procedure with the assistance of the anesthesia team, including Dr. K. Anand and Dr. Dheepak Kumaran, along with NICU doctors Dr. S. Subash and Dr. Ashok C.

Commenting on the surgical feat, Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Global Hospitals, said, “Successfully treating this critically premature baby with Amyand’s hernia—something seen only three times worldwide—highlights our team’s expertise. This complex surgery was a big challenge, but our skilled surgeons, anesthesia team, and NICU specialists handled it with incredible care. This case shows our hospital’s ability to tackle even the rarest conditions and set new standards in medical care.”

In his comments, Dr. Saravana Balaji said, “The newborn had been in the Neonatal ICU since birth. The baby developed obstructed right inguinoscrotal swelling on the 23rd day. We had to do emergency surgery, as the condition was life-threatening. While neonatal hernias are relatively common in preterm babies, Amyand’s hernia is exceptionally rare. It affects only about 0.42% of these infants. Even rarer is the perforated appendix, occurring in just 0.1% of Amyand’s hernia cases. To date, only three such cases have been reported globally. Our prompt intervention was crucial in addressing this complex and rare condition.”

CABI by SKIL Sets New Benchmark in Airport Transfers with Premium Service at Unbeatable Pricing

Mumbai, September 2024 – CABI by SKIL, a part of the 24-year-old SKIL Group, proudly announces their premium airport transfer service, now available at a flat and all-inclusive rate, which is as low as Rs. 15.72/- per km. This initiative is a significant milestone in delivering corporate-level reliability, safety, and comfort directly to consumers at an incredibly affordable price, revolutionizing the airport transfer experience in India.

Powered by SKIL Group‘s legacy of delivering top-notch cab hire services to over 200 global corporates and across 250 cities, CABI by SKIL offers the same trusted, on-time performance that corporate clients have relied on for decades. With this new offering, they are transitioning from a Business-to-Business (B2B) model to a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) service, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a seamless, hassle-free experience.

A common hindrance for travelers availing airport transfers is late arrivals, driver cancellations, surge pricing, or substandard vehicle conditions. CABI by SKIL ensures on-time pickups, clean and hygienic vehicles, professional drivers, and complete safety, all at a flat rate across all cities. Whether the journey is 5 km or 60 km, the cab rides’ pricing remains the same.

“This launch reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of our customers,” said Vikash Kejriwal, COO of CABI by SKIL. “We recognized the demand for a simple, flat-rate pricing model that eliminates the uncertainty of airport commutes. Whether you’re heading to the airport or returning home, CABI by SKIL ensures a smooth journey with no hidden fees, surge pricing, or night surcharges.”

Currently operational at 10 major airports, CABI by SKIL is on an ambitious path to expand its services to 100 airports within the next 180 days. This service is designed to provide affordable luxury with the highest standards of reliability and safety, offering a valuable alternative to other market options. CABI by SKIL’s commitment to customer satisfaction is also reflected in its special inaugural offer, with a 50% discount on all rides for the next 30 days, up until the 30th of September. This offer is available to everyone, and there are no restrictions on sharing the coupon code – CABI50.

New Akamai Study Reveals 87percent of DNBs Now Place Security Above Cost and Scalability in Cloud Provider Selection

Bangalore, India | September 12, 2024 – Akamai Technologies, Inc., the cloud company that powers and protects life online, today revealed in a new study that Asia’s digital native businesses (DNBs) face growing security and technology complexity challenges as they accelerate cloud adoption, posing a risk to sustained business growth.

In the study, titled Asia’s Digital Native Businesses Prioritise Security for Sustainable Growth, DNBs are defined by their aggressive technology adoption. These businesses move at the speed of tech to keep up with customer demands to work, live, and play online. Akamai’s study reveals that 9 in 10 DNBs prioritize efficiency and productivity over the next 12 months and are investing in technologies such as cloud computing and application program interface (API)-enabled microservices. According to IDC, DNBs are expected to spend up to $128.9 billion on technology by 2026, with the highest spend growth rate in cloud-based technologies at 37.3%.

“Cutting-edge tech is at the core of DNA for digital native businesses — but this is both an opportunity and a challenge. Accelerated tech adoption is the potential Achilles’ heel for DNBs, with IT complexity ramping up to expose critical cyber risks that threaten cloud implementations and potentially business performance,” said Jay Jenkins, Chief Technology Officer for Akamai Cloud Computing. “For DNBs who are ‘born in the cloud’ to leverage their full potential, these businesses must find ways to maximize cloud performance and embrace a multicloud approach to avoid vendor lock-in, enhance flexibility, and maximize cloud service usage and costs.”

Tech-first mindset hampers DNBs’ cybersecurity posture

DNBs embrace cloud-native design principles and leverage technology as a key differentiator to stay ahead of the competition. With infrastructure built around microservices that operate independently and communicate through APIs, DNBs are able to scale and improve time to market. According to Akamai’s new study, 74% of DNBs have either fully migrated to the cloud or are adopting cloud technologies.

Respondents in Australia and New Zealand are shifting their perspective on cloud technology from being seen as a disruptive force to becoming an essential business component, with 97% either adopting cloud solutions or exploring cloud adoption. Meanwhile, in India, DNBs are focused on growth and innovation, with the highest AI integration within cloud infrastructure at 98%. Nearly all DNBs in India are either already using cloud solutions or are exploring cloud adoption. Furthermore, as DNBs in India evolve, they are pursuing sustainable growth by emphasizing security, cost optimization, and thorough vendor evaluation. Given their rich history of technological innovation, India’s digital natives prioritize vendor performance more than their regional counterparts, ranking second in ASEAN.

Asia’s DNBs are quick to embrace cloud technologies; this can quickly become a complex matrix of software, systems, and services that exposes DNBs to greater cyber vulnerability. Managing security implications remains a consistent challenge for DNBs, regardless of where they are at in their cloud journey, with 75% of them viewing security as the biggest gap in cloud infrastructure performance and capabilities — above other issues like network latency, data storage, data retrieval, and compute resources. In fact, 44% of respondents stated that the biggest challenge in addressing the security gap stems from rising IT infrastructure complexity.

This rush to the cloud has resulted in critical challenges that threaten to derail the pursuit for performance, and DNBs can no longer ignore the increased cyberthreats that come with their pursuit for business growth.

Stepping up cloud optimization and API security

DNBs are inherently “born in the cloud,” but securing life online remains a challenge for them as they struggle to leverage the full potential of emerging technology in cloud, data, and AI. They are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their extensive use of APIs and cloud-based infrastructures, exposing them to greater risk for phishing, account compromise, and ransomware, compared to traditional companies.

Akamai’s research revealed that DNBs are prioritizing API security at the top of their action list to address cloud security issues, with 9 in 10 stating that API security is a critical or important product feature when evaluating a cloud or security provider. Eighty-seven percent of DNBs state that security features outweigh even performance, reputation, scalability, and cost, when choosing a cloud provider. To combat increasing cyberthreats, DNBs will need support from their technology partners to identify potential weak links that can be exploited by cyber adversaries.

“APIs are the connective tissue in modern cloud-native infrastructures. To ensure agile, flexible, and secure operations, a modern security framework must provide advanced API security measures, regular API security audits, and high visibility into API activity,” said Jenkins.

Sectors most at risk include gaming, high technology, video media, and commerce. In the pursuit of innovation and speed to market, DNBs may launch applications and processes using APIs before security teams can properly evaluate them, resulting in increased exposure to potential cyberthreats. In ASEAN, phishing is a major concern for DNBs, leading them to prioritize investment in anti-phishing technologies more than their counterparts in the APJ region. Phishing tactics have evolved from email-based attacks to now include mobile devices and social media platforms. As a result, ASEAN invests more heavily in anti-phishing technologies compared to its counterparts in the APJ region.

As Asia’s DNBs tackle these complexity and security challenges on their cloud adoption journey, such insights provide a view into the path ahead for businesses of all backgrounds and cloud maturity. Cloud technologies and API-enabled services are now critical enablers of modern digital business, which will require new tools, skills, and partners to pave the way for successful adoption and implementation.

Ramco Systems announces the launch of Aviation Software 6.0 for smarter aircraft management

Chennai, INDIA – September 12, 2024 – Global aviation software specialist, Ramco Systems announced the release of version 6.0 of its Aviation Software – a revolutionary product release designed to transform M&E and MRO operations with AI-driven insights, advanced automation, and seamless integration. An integrated solution with modules for Contracts, Engineering, Planning, Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, Finance, ePUBS and advanced mobility capabilities, Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 is built to handle the challenges of tomorrow.

The release introduces many unparalleled features that enable organizations to digitally transform their maintenance execution processes, as well as their management of flight safety, materials and commercials, with some of the key features and modules including:

Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 empowers organizations to:
• Prevent unexpected failures with precision management of parts
• Streamline documentation processes, making compliance a breeze
• Stay ahead of issues with predictive analytics, reducing unplanned downtime
• Enhance operational efficiency with automated workflows and advanced material allocation
• Optimize supply chain, cutting costs and boosting productivity
• Embrace digital transformation for seamless MRO experience.

 Engine MRO Module: A cutting-edge module designed exclusively for Aviation Engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations, providing unparalleled precision and efficiency in engine maintenance management
Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) Hub: To facilitate seamless operations, and provide MCC personnels with the capability to review aircraft readiness for upcoming schedules
Aviation Material Requirements Planning (MRP) Module: A proprietary module to enhance organization’s planning and optimization capabilities through optimization of resource allocation and scheduling
Graphical Quote Comparison Tool: To streamline decision-making process for purchases, and enable organizations with useful insights that help determine the best option
Purchase Automation Framework: A robust framework that streamlines purchase order management with a one-time setup of automation rules
Enhanced Pricing Solutions: The addition of enhanced capabilities to its pricing solutions, to enable organizations streamline billing and invoicing

Sundar Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer, Ramco Systems, said, “The latest version of Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 is a significant milestone in our journey of continuous innovation and commitment to excellence. Along with the advanced capabilities, our specialized Engine MRO solution is a key part of this release, addressing the critical challenges of engine maintenance. By harnessing advanced technology and our domain expertise Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 will enable aviation organizations meet their growing customer demands and stay competitive. We look forward to empowering organizations drive transformation with this game-changing release.”

Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems, said, “We are incredibly proud to bring Ramco Aviation Software 6.0 to our customers. Our relentless focus on innovation has helped us build this AI-powered solution that not only addresses the current challenges faced by aviation organizations but also anticipate their future needs. With advanced capabilities such as automated workflows, data-driven decision making, optimized supply chains, and specialized modules like Engine MRO, we believe we are setting new industry standards with Ramco Aviation Software 6.0.”

Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 24,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. With 90+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for top Airlines, 3rd party MROs, large Heli-Operators, leading Defense organizations, and major Urban Air Mobility companies around the world. Available on cloud, Ramco Aviation Suite provides accessibility with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly accelerating organizational efficiency and agility. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence based solutions, intelligent voice enabled user experience, and advanced features such as digital task cards, offline maintenance capability, conversational chatbots, HUBs and cognitive solutions.

Sammidha Foundation Celebrates Gauri Arora’s Stellar Performance at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Noble Awards

On the auspicious occasion of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Noble Awards held at LTG Auditorium, Sammidha Foundation is thrilled to share the immense appreciation received by their little star, Gauri Arora, for her patriotic dance performance. The performance was a heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country.

Gauri Arora was honored with an award by distinguished guests Shri Yadvinder Sandhu, the great-grandson of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji, and the esteemed Kiran Sethi Ji from Delhi Police, popularly known as Lady Singham. Her touching performance also attracted great applause and appreciation from Padma Shri Awardee, Honourable Jitender Singh Shunty Ji, the founder of SBS Foundation.

The Sammidha Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to IEMS and Udaan Ek Pahal Foundation for curating such an inspirational show. This event not only highlighted the talents of young performers like Gauri but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

Justdial reports major growth in EV-related searches, non-metro cities show 141percent increase

Mumbai, 12 Sept 2024: The electric vehicle (EV) market in India has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, driven by a combination of government incentives, increasing awareness, and advancements in EV technology. Sales data for the past three years reflects this trend, with a consistent upward trajectory. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), the year-on-year market share of electric passenger vehicles doubled to 2.6% in March 2023, up from 1.3% in March 2022. Overall sales of electric passenger vehicles surged to 90,996 units in 2023-24, registering a 91% increase compared to the 47,551 units sold in FY23. Five months into FY2025, EV retail sales have already reached 733,000 units, accounting for 43% of the previous fiscal year’s total of 1.68 million units. This consistent growth underscores the increasing consumer interest in cleaner mobility solutions across India.

To gain insights into this growing consumer interest, Justdial, India’s leading local search engine, analysed search data for EV-related categories. The data reveals a significant uptick in searches from January 2022 to August 2024, mirroring the surge in EV sales.

From January-August 2022 to the same period in 2023, the platform saw a nationwide increase of 220% in searches related to electric vehicles. In metro cities, the growth was even more pronounced, reaching 233%, while in non-metro areas, it was at 187%. Metro cities like Hyderabad led the surge, with searches growing to 8 times their previous levels, while in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Jaipur, searches increased to 3, 2, and 2 times, respectively. (January-August 2022 vs. January-August 2023). Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata also showed substantial increases of 179%, 166%, and 117%, respectively. Non-metro cities were not far behind, with Coimbatore experiencing a 178% rise in searches.

However, from January 2023 to August 2024, the trend reversed, with non-metro cities experiencing a more significant increase of 141% compared to metro cities’ 71% growth. Indore topped the chart with a staggering 379% rise, followed by Patna (230%) and Surat (143%). Metro cities like Chennai (368%) and Kolkata (114%) also saw considerable growth, though the overall spike in metro regions was more tempered at 71%.

Among EV categories, electric bikes on rent experienced the most dramatic spike, with Hyderabad’s search volume increasing to an impressive 18 times its previous level. This was followed by Ahmedabad and Bangalore, where searches rose to 5 times and 4 times their previous levels, respectively. Electric vehicle dealers also experienced a substantial jump of 203%, while electric car dealers saw a more moderate 55% rise. (January-August 2022 vs. January-August 2023)

For the comparison years January-August 2023 vs. January-August 2024, electric vehicle dealers recorded a 151% growth nationwide, with Delhi leading at 146%, while electric bus manufacturers grew by 142%. Searches for electric bikes on rent grew by 97%, with Kolkata seeing a 167% rise, followed by Pune (123%), and Mumbai (91%).

These year-on-year trends underscore the growing demand for electric vehicles across India, with both metro and non-metro regions showing heightened interest. As EV adoption continues to grow, it is evident that consumer curiosity and awareness are expanding rapidly, further fuelling the market for electric vehicles and related services.

Indian Immunologicals Limited signs MoA with ICMR for Clinical Development of Zika vaccine

Hyderabad, 12th September 2024 – Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading vaccine manufacturer, has signed MoA with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for clinical development of India’s first codon de-optimized live attenuated Zika vaccine.

Zika disease, a viral infection, is mostly a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted to foetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusion and organ transplantation. The disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. However, it is more serious when infection occurs during pregnancy which may cause microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, preterm birth and miscarriage. Few cases may also develop Guillain-Barré syndrome which is a neurological disorder.

In India, Zika cases have been reported from several states. According to Ministry of Health, Govt of India, as on 22 July 2024, there are 537 Zika cases have been registered.

Emerging infectious disease are whose incidence has increased recently and could increase in the near future. The minority that are capable of developing efficient transmission between humans can become major public and global concerns as potential causes of epidemics or pandemics.

Currently there is no vaccine available for its prevention. IIL partnered with Griffith University, Australia to develop the codon de-optimized live attenuated Zika vaccine that has completed extensive pre-clinical evaluations and received permission from Indian regulatory authority to produce GMP grade materials for clinical developmental work.

As per the MoA, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will fund the Phase I clinical trial costs including the costs relating to the conduct, investigations and monitoring of clinical trial. The trial will be conducted at the ICMR network sites in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “It is a great moment for IIL to collaborate with ICMR to develop Zika vaccine. IIL has been the single largest contributor to India achieving self-sufficiency in the field of vaccines. Our foresight on the development of novel vaccine platforms including codon de-optimized viral vaccines is beginning to bear fruit. It is essential to safeguard our people from emerging diseases by developing safe and effective vaccines that are affordable”.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, DG-ICMR said “ICMR’s Phase I trial network, launched last year, facilitates first-in-human safety studies for innovative and affordable Frontier MedTech, including small molecules, biologics, and vaccines. With four Phase-I sites—ACTREC Mumbai, KEM Hospital Mumbai, SRM Chennai, and PGIMER Chandigarh—fully operational, Indian innovators no longer need to go abroad for Phase-I trials. This is a significant step towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited added “We have been in the forefront of developing vaccine for emerging viral diseases. Currently we are working on developing vaccines for several neglected emerging diseases. Zika, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), Chikungunya, SARS-CoV-2 intra-nasal booster vaccine are to name a few”.

Encouraging India towards an API-driven Compliance System, Tally eyes a CAGR of 30-40% in 3 years

National, 12 September 2024: With the continued vision to empower the backbone of the Indian economy – the fast-growing MSME sector; Tally Solutions today announced the global launch of the all-new TallyPrime 5.0, elevating its suite of Connected Services. A leading technology company providing business management software, Tally brings a new paradigm in connected services with API-driven tax filing. The launch is in line with the company’s vision to enhance business operations for the mid-mass segment both in India and globally.

The latest version with ‘Connected GST’ will serve as a consolidated interface for all online GST operations, without having to visit the GST portal. This release further strengthens Tally’s connected experience which includes e-invoicing and e-way bill generation capability, WhatsApp integration, etc. Additionally, addressing the increasing demand in the Middle East and Bangladesh, TallyPrime 5.0 adds advanced multi-lingual capabilities that will extend to Arabic and Bangla language interfaces with phonetic support.

The new solution encapsulates an array of unique features including a direct connect* to the GST portal which enables fast data upload/download, GSTR1 return filing, new recon flexibilities, including GSTR-1 recon and GSTR-3B recon features unique to Tally, Input Tax Credit (ITC) at risk identification and ledger creation. The feature also supports end-to-end ‘bookkeeping to return filing’, bringing an integrated experience.

With this new launch and other product pipeline initiatives, Tally is aiming to expand its current user base of 2.5 million+ by 50% over the next 3 years, while eyeing a CAGR growth of 30-40%. Sharing his views, Mr. Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions said, “We’re continuously innovating our technology to help simplify business operations for MSMEs. Our latest release is designed to make GST filing simpler and hassle-free for Indian businesses. Currently, only a small portion of businesses use API-based filing, but we’re aiming to change that. With this latest launch, our focus is to consolidate the end-to-end GST filing journey of MSMEs, enabling them to save 60%-70% of their time. This release will also give a real-time status of their suppliers’ GST, safeguarding their ITC.”

MSMEs are seeking effective tech solutions for their operations, and TallyPrime 5.0 provides a simple, secure, and reliable solution. It enhances business management with new features and builds on existing ones like e-invoice generation, user-friendly dashboards, WhatsApp integration, and Excel imports. This new launch is in line with Tally’s mission to connect businesses with their ecosystem and elevate user experience. The latest release is free for all active TSS subscribers.