Author: Rabindra

Palo Alto Networks Closes Acquisition of IBM’s QRadar SaaS Assets

India, Mumbai – 5 September 2024 — Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of IBM’s QRadar Software as a Service (SaaS) assets. This transaction underscores Palo Alto Networks and IBM’s commitment to secure customers with best-in-class threat prevention, addressing ever-expanding attack surfaces with the complete platform approach that is required to simplify security operations.

Palo Alto Networks Precision AI™-powered Cortex XSIAM® platform centralizes data and security operations capabilities that include SIEM, SOAR, ASM and XDR into a single platform to drastically streamline security operations and prevent threats at scale. Together, Palo Alto Networks and IBM, as a preferred managed security services provider, will help global customers across industries seize the opportunity to seamlessly shift from QRadar to Cortex XSIAM with no-cost migration services through IBM Consulting for eligible customers.

In addition, IBM has furthered its internal deployment of Palo Alto Networks security platforms with the deployment of Cortex XSIAM for its own next-gen security operations, and Prisma SASE 3.0 for zero-trust network security to safeguard more than 250,000 of its global workforce. IBM’s adoption of these marquee technologies is an example of how customers can benefit from the streamlined operations of products across the Palo Alto Networks portfolio. Further, Palo Alto Networks will deploy IBM solutions, including watsonx AI and data platform, to drive additional AI and automation capabilities.

Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO, Palo Alto Networks:

“We are on a mission to help organizations transform their security operations and harness the potential of Precision AI-powered platforms to better protect their businesses. Our partnership with IBM reinforces our commitment to innovation and our conviction in the tremendous benefit of QRadar customers adopting Cortex XSIAM for a robust, data-driven security platform that offers transformative efficiency and effectiveness in defending against evolving cyber threats.”

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM:

“Together, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are shaping the future of cybersecurity for our customers and the industry at large. Working with Palo Alto Networks will be a strategic advantage for IBM as our two companies partner on advanced threat protection, response, and security operations using Cortex XSIAM and watsonx, backed by IBM Consulting. At the same time, IBM will continue innovating to help secure organizations’ hybrid cloud environments and AI initiatives, focusing our investments on data security and identity and access management technologies.”

Dave Gruber, Principal Cybersecurity Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group:

“Vendors like Palo Alto Networks are delivering out-of-the-box, consolidated security operations capabilities, enabling security teams to rapidly accelerate improved outcomes while reducing complexity involved in managing a siloed security technology stack. As Palo Alto Networks completes the acquisition of the Q-Radar assets, Q-Radar customers will now have a simplified path to modernizing security operations with XSIAM.”

Benefits to Customers:

Seamless Migration: Palo Alto Networks, alongside IBM Consulting and its team of security experts, will offer free migration services to eligible customers, ensuring a smooth transition to the Cortex XSIAM platform while retaining existing best practices and know-how.

 Enhanced Security Operations: Cortex XSIAM integrates multiple SOC tools into a Precision AI-powered platform, going beyond SIEM capabilities to provide comprehensive functionality, including SOAR, ASM and XDR, TIP, CDR, and ITDR. Its automation capabilities significantly reduce manual workload for SOCs, enabling more effective threat response.

 Advanced Analytics and Automation: Cortex XSIAM collects, normalizes, and analyzes security data in near real-time, automatically consolidating alerts into a reduced number of high-priority incidents. Precision AI-powered analytics and native automation increase accuracy and reduce incidents requiring human intervention.

 IBM Consulting Platform Support: Palo Alto Networks and IBM will offer immersive experiences for customers that are interested in adopting Palo Alto Networks security platformization, and IBM is training more than 1,000 consultants on Palo Alto Networks security solutions to help enterprises leverage the benefits of its network, cloud, and security operations platforms.

 On-Premises Customer Continuity: QRadar clients who wish to remain on QRadar on-prem will continue to receive IBM features and support, including security, usability and critical bug fixes, as well as updates to existing connectors and the ability to expand consumption. QRadar SaaS customers will continue on their current deployment, ensuring uninterrupted customer service and support until they are ready to move to Cortex XSIAM.

Nazara Technologies partners with Government of Telangana to Launch Nazara AI Center of Excellence

India, September 5, 2024 — Nazara Technologies, India’s leading and only listed diversified gaming and esports company, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana. Through this strategic partnership Nazara aims to establish a pioneering AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) focusing on gaming and digital entertainment, positioning Nazara as a leader in AI-driven gaming and digital entertainment space and Telangana as a global hub for AI innovation.

The Nazara AI CoE will drive research, development, and innovation in areas such as gaming, interactive media, gamified learning, and other digital content, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, VR/AR, blockchain, and Web 3.0. By fostering policy development, supporting startups, enhancing skills, and engaging global expertise, the Nazara AI Center of Excellence aims to empower a dynamic and inclusive community

Nitish Mittersain, Jt. MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies, said: “Telangana’s proactive approach in fostering industry growth through public-private partnerships and policy development has created the ideal ecosystem for this initiative. This collaboration will enable Nazara to further our mission of integrating AI and emerging technologies across our diverse portfolio, positioning us as a leader in AI-driven innovations in gaming and digital entertainment.”

Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology and Industries, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, said: “This partnership with Nazara Technologies, a leader in Indian gaming, marks a significant step in positioning Telangana as a global leader in AI-driven digital innovation. The Nazara AI CoE will empower startups, enhance skills, and attract cutting-edge technology investments, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem. By joining forces with Nazara, we are committed to driving economic growth and setting new standards in responsible AI applications in gaming and beyond.”

Unicommerce Powers HealthKart’s E-commerce Operations

5th September 2024, New Delhi: Omnichannel nutrition products retailer Bright Lifecare Private Limited, operating under the brand name HealthKart, has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, to strengthen its e-commerce supply chain in multiple ways.

Healthkart has adopted Unicommerce’s Multi-channel Order Management and Warehouse Management Solutions to automate order processing and fulfillment through its own website and across multiple marketplaces for its nutritional products under brand names including MuscleBlaze, Gritzo, and HK Vitals.

It will also use Unicommerce’s Seller Management Panel to enable 400+ sellers on the Healthkart marketplace to fulfill orders directly from their respective location. The seller management panel facilitates HealthKart with a diverse range of sellers and vendors, expanding the product catalog for their platforms. This enables HealthKart to maximize sales while orders are fulfilled directly from the seller’s location, resulting in significant cost and resource savings.

Utilizing Unicommerce’s comprehensive suite of technology solutions, HealthKart is enabling different aspects of its e-commerce operations highlighting the growing importance of technology for a business.

Talking about its partnership, Siddharth Jain, Senior Vice President at HealthKart said, “We are a new-age brand with technology at our core. As the demand for health and fitness products continue to grow among Indian consumers, we are focused on embedding best-in-class technology solutions to enhance the experience and efficiency for our buyers, vendors and others users”

“Health & Fitness have become a prominent e-commerce segment and we are excited to be a part of HealthKart’s growth journey as their technology provider.” said Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce.

As of Q1 2025, Unicommerce serves 3600+ clients including D2C brands, retail and e-commerce companies as well as logistics provider firms. With 250+ technology & partner integrations, the company has achieved an annual transaction run rate of 850+ million order items managing 8300+ warehouses and 2950+ omni-enabled stores across geographies. Unicommerce eSolutions Limited is listed on National Stock Exchange of India (NSE: UNIECOM) and on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

ASCI Board appoints Partha Sinha as new Chairman

Mumbai, September 5, 2024: Post the board meeting held today following the 38th Annual General Meeting, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) appointed Mr. Partha Sinha, President & Chief Brand Officer of Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, as the Chairman of the ASCI Board of Governors for 2024-25. Mr. Sudhanshu Vats, Deputy Managing Director, Pidilite Industries Limited, was appointed Vice-Chairman, and Mr. S. Subramanyeswar, Group CEO & Chief Strategy Officer-APAC, Lintas India Private Limited was appointed Hon. Treasurer.

Mr. Sinha comes with a rich and vast experience with top organisations such as Bennet Coleman, Ogilvy, Publicis, BBH, McCann, and Citibank, along with his stronghold of brand marketing, media, and communications.

Mr. Partha Sinha expressed a compelling vision for ASCI. “Being the chairperson of ASCI is both an honour and a profound responsibility, especially as our industry is under greater scrutiny by our stakeholders. With rapid changes in the digital environment and the emergence of new challenges. ASCI is committed to not just keeping up but to staying ahead. Deploying technology and AI to monitor errant advertising as well as putting our might behind preventive measures will be our focus in the days to come. This will ensure that creativity and responsibility coexist, creating an ecosystem that values consumers and encourages innovation.”

Reflecting on his term, outgoing Chairman Mr. Saugata Gupta said, “Leading ASCI through a period that witnessed significant development and change has been a privilege. This year has been marked by historic milestones, including the formation of the ASCI Academy, which has become a cornerstone in promoting responsible and progressive advertising. Our commitment to training and capacity building, creating new direction via our thought leadership work, reflects a culture of responsibility from the ground up.”

ASCI has made great progress in terms of its achievements and strategic initiatives during the year, reinforcing its commitment to the proactive work since the start of ASCI Academy. The Academy’s expansion is an important aspect of ASCI’s initiatives, and it is quickly becoming an active proponent of industry training and education. Since its inception, the Academy has expanded to encompass over 75 alliances and, through its training and education, successfully impacted 33,300 new and emerging professionals, firmly anchoring ethical principles deeply within the advertising community.

ASCI has also actively engaged in research and thought leadership through collaborative projects. Notable among these were partnerships with Khaitan & Co. on a white paper on the influence of generative AI on advertising, with the UN Women- led Unstereotype Alliance and lead research agency Kantar on D&I in India, as well as with Lexplosion for an in-depth understanding of privacy and data protection.”

In the past year, ASCI actively co-hosted and participated in several stakeholder and government consultations to address and discuss issues like dark patterns, green claims, and surrogate advertising.

ASCI updated and introduced new guidelines on an array of categories this year, including deceptive patterns, charitable cause marketing, and green claims ads, among others. These changes keep the ASCI Code current in the face of the changing industry dynamics and consumer expectations.

ASCI’s rigorous complaint redressal and monitoring operations this year included processing over 10,000 complaints and reviewing over 8,200 advertisements, affirming its role as a vigilant guardian of the advertising industry.

Indian Immunologicals Limited Unveils Pediatric Dose of Indigenous Hepatitis A Vaccine, Havisure, on Teachers’ Day

India, 05th September 2024 – On the auspicious occasion of Teachers’ Day, Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) proudly announced the launch of its latest breakthrough: the pediatric dose of India’s first indigenous Hepatitis A vaccine, Havisure (0.5 ml).

This launch marks a significant milestone in IIL’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and effective vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable sections of society, particularly children.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus, which predominantly affects children and can lead to severe health complications. Vaccination is the most cost effective yet efficient method to prevent the disease.

Addressing on the occasion, Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Limited, said, “We are delighted to introduce the pediatric dose of Havisure, the first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine in India. IIL is the single largest contributor to the self-sufficiency of vaccines in the country, this launch is a testament to IIL’s unwavering dedication to innovation and public health. As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, we are reminded of shaping a brighter future for children. We are confident that this vaccine will contribute to a brighter and healthier future for our younger generation. IIL’s endeavor to make indigenous vaccines will give necessary impetus to “Make in India” efforts.”

In line with its commitment to public health and social responsibility, IIL marked this significant launch with a series of community-focused activities. IIL organized free Hepatitis A vaccination drives for children in two orphanages in Hyderabad to start with, which includes one specifically for blind children. IIL also conducted a health awareness session at an old age home, and these are continuous efforts towards creating awareness and better health for the community at large.

The launch of Havisure reinforces IIL’s long-standing commitment to innovation and public health, solidifying its position as the only company in India to develop an indigenous Hepatitis A vaccine, available in both 0.5 ml and 1 ml dosage forms for pediatric and adult use, respectively.

Ultra-Luxury Homes Hit INR 2,443 Cr Sales in 8 Months Across Top Cities

Mumbai, 5 September 2024: The sale of ultra-luxury homes – units priced over INR 40 Cr each – remained unabated in 2024 despite spiralling prices. Latest ANAROCK data finds that a total of 25 ultra-luxury homes were sold in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Gurugram and Bengaluru in the first 8 months of 2024 for a collective sales value of approx. INR 2,443 Cr. Pune, Chennai and Kolkata did not witness any sales in this rarified price bracket.

 Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “The whole of 2023 saw about 61 deals with a cumulative sales value of approx. INR 4,456 Cr in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. With four months remaining in 2024 and the festive quarter from October to December ongoing, we are likely to see more such large ticket-size residential deals happening before the year is through.”

Of the total of 25 ultra-luxury homes sold in 2024 so far, at least 20 were high-rise apartments worth approx. INR 1,694 Cr. The remaining five sales were of bungalows cumulatively worth about INR 748.5 Cr.

Amid the unprecedented rise in demand for ultra-luxury trophy homes in the last two years, Mumbai tops the list of cities with maximum sales of such properties, despite it being by far the most expensive residential market in India. The financial capital unfailingly attracts HNIs and ultra-HNIs who buy ultra-luxury homes for investment, personal use, or both.

“Notably, the average ticket price of homes priced >INR 40 Crore have witnessed a 2% rise in the last 8 months – from INR 1,00,208 per sq. ft. in 2023 to INR 1,02,458 per sq. ft. in August 2024,” says Puri. “A deeper dive into the data reveals that homes priced >INR 100 crore have seen a 14% price jump in the last eight months alone – from INR 1,24,697 per sq. ft. in 2023-end to INR 1,41,904 per sq. ft. in 2024 till date. This double-digit price appreciation in this segment even before the year concludes stands testimony to the unrelenting appetite for trophy homes. Not surprisingly, leading Grade A developers have scaled up ultra-luxury homes supply in the last few years.”

Of the 25 ultra-luxury properties sold across the top cities in 2024 so far, Mumbai alone sold 21 units collectively worth INR 2,200 crore – an 84% share of the total deals in this segment across the top cities. At least 2 separate ultra-luxury home deals collectively worth INR 80 crore were closed in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills. Gurugram in NCR witnessed one ultra-luxury home sold for INR 95 Cr, while Bengaluru also closed one deal worth INR 67.5 Cr.

• Of the 25 deals closed across cities this year, 9 were of large ticket sizes worth over INR 100 Cr. each, and a collective sales value of INR 1,534 Cr. Contrastingly, the whole of 2023 saw 10 such large deals for a collective sales value of INR 1,720 Cr. We may see a new peak created in this segment over the 4 months remaining in 2024.
• Apartments remained the preferred property type for HNIs – out of the total 25 deals, 20 were for apartments and the remaining five for bungalows. At least 80% of the total deals were concluded by businessmen, and 12% by senior professionals from across various sectors. Bollywood celebrities and leading legal and medical professionals accounted for the remaining 8%.

 Ultra-Luxury Homes Demand – A 3-Year Perspective

Demand for luxury and ultra-luxury homes has been scaling ever-rising heights since the pandemic. With demand soaring, developers have gone on a veritable launch spree for such high-priced homes. If we consider the collective data of 2022, 2023 and 2024 till August, over 99 ultra-luxury residential deals worth approx. INR 8,069 Cr. were closed in the top cities.

• At least 13 deals worth approx. INR 1,170 Cr were closed in 2022, of which at least 10 were for apartments and the remaining 3 for bungalows. Mumbai accounted for 11 of these deals, and the remaining two were closed in Delhi-NCR. Notably, none of the remaining 5 top cities saw such large ticket value deals in 2022. Of the 13 ultra-luxury homes sold in 2022, at least 9 were for units priced between INR 100 – 150 Cr – all in Mumbai City.

PNB Housing Finance and Rotary Club of Pune NIBM Expand ‘Sanjeevani’ with Advanced Ambulances for Indian Army

Wednesday, 5 September, 2024: PNB Housing Finance, through its CSR arm Pehel Foundation, has taken a significant step in supporting the nation’s bravehearts by providing 7 ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulances to the Northern Command of the Indian Army. In a heartfelt tribute to the relentless services and sacrifices of the nation’s soldiers, the Company collaborated with the Rotary Club of Pune NIBM Charitable Trust for a new initiative ‘Sanjeevani’. As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, this gesture stands as a reminder of the unyielding spirit of our Armed Forces and the importance of supporting their unwavering commitment to the country.

The Northern Command, operating in the sensitive regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Leh, Ladakh and Siachen, faces immense challenges in managing medical emergencies under extreme and diverse weather conditions. This fleet of state-of-the-art ALS ambulances will enable timely and effective evacuation of wounded soldiers and civilians, ensuring they receive advanced medical care swiftly. PNB Housing Finance remains dedicated to its mission of giving back to the community and supporting those who safeguard the nation.

Mr. Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO of PNB Housing Finance, said, “The nation’s soldiers in the Northern Command operate in some of the most challenging terrain, where access to timely medical care is extremely crucial. Our initiative ‘Sanjeevani’ embodies our deep respect for the Indian Army and the bravehearts who sacrifice their lives for the country. We are proud that together with the Rotary Club of Pune NIBM Charitable Trust, we will be able to help enhance the region’s emergency medical facilities and ensure that our brave soldiers and civilians receive the highest level of care.”

Rtn. Ajit Walimbe, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Pune NIBM Charitable Trust added, “It’s an honour to collaborate with PNB Housing Finance on this vital initiative. These ALS ambulances will be a crucial resource for the Northern Command, ensuring our soldiers and civilians receive the best possible medical care in the quickest time.”

The ambulances were handed over to the Army base in a special ceremony where key dignitaries from the Northern Command, PNB Housing Finance and Rotary Club of Pune NIBM Charitable Trust were present.

South Indian Bank Enters into Strategic Alliance with SLCM for Unified Collateral Management Solutions

Delhi, 5/Sept/24: South Indian Bank announced a strategic partnership with Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) to deliver ‘Unified Collateral Management Solutions’ to support farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. This collaboration will facilitate access to post-harvest credit at competitive interest rates, alongside offering scientific storage services and ensuring fair commodity pricing at marketplaces (Mandis).

The partnership is poised to address some of the key challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of post-harvest storage and financing. By combining the financial expertise of South Indian Bank with the innovative collateral management and warehousing solutions provided by SLCM, the collaboration promises to deliver a seamless experience to farmers and agri-businesses alike.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Senthil Kumar, SGM & Head – Credit, South Indian Bank said, “At South Indian Bank, we are committed to fostering sustainable growth and financial stability for the farmers who form the backbone of our economy. We are glad to partner with SLCM to add to our ability to serve our customers better. We are looking to build out our agriculture portfolio so as to improve yields, incomes etc. in rural India by creating a robust framework that enables farmers and agri-businesses to access post-harvest credit at competitive rates, while ensuring the safe and scientific storage of their commodities, thus, enhancing value creation across the agricultural ecosystem.”

Discussing the new partnership with South Indian Bank, Mr. Sandeep Sabharwal, CEO – of SLCM Group stated, “Our alliance with South Indian Bank underscores the strength of our collateral management and warehousing business model, built on a robust ‘phygital’ infrastructure and unmatched warehouse management expertise. South Indian Bank can now leverage our extensive network of warehouses and expertise to provide loans to entities across the agricultural ecosystem, with the minimal risk of default. At SLCM, we offer a reliable scientific management system for crop protection along with comprehensive warehouse support. Our AI-powered and NABL Accredited application ‘Agri Reach,’ which has earned two prestigious patents from the Government of India, has proven its ability to reduce post-harvest
losses from the current 10 percent to just 0.5 percent, regardless of infrastructure, crop, or geographical location.”

With this collaboration, a lasting impact on the agricultural sector is expected, with enhanced support for farmers and agri-businesses, contributing to broader economic growth.

Empowering Nutritional Science: Nutrition Update 2024 Successfully Hosted at Manipal

Manipal, 5th September 2024 – The Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), in a strategic collaboration with the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Kasturba Hospital, successfully hosted the highly anticipated “Nutrition Update 2024” at Sharada Hall, MCHP, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. This significant event, held in alignment with Rashtriya Poshan Maah, brought together some of the most esteemed professionals and scholars in the field of clinical nutrition to discuss the latest advancements, trends, and innovations in nutritional science.

The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital. Dr. Shetty’s address provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of clinical nutrition, emphasizing the critical role of nutrition in modern healthcare. He highlighted the increasing importance of evidence-based practices and the need for continuous innovation in the field to meet the growing demands of patient care. His insights set a thoughtful and engaging tone for the rest of the day’s proceedings.

Adding to the gravitas of the event was the presence of several distinguished dignitaries. These included Dr. G. Arun Maiya, the Dean of MCHP, who has been instrumental in fostering a culture of academic excellence and research at the institution. The event was further enriched by the participation of Associate Deans, Dr. Venkataraja Aithal U and Dr. B. Reshmi, who are recognized for their significant contributions to the fields of clinical nutrition and dietetics. Mr. Jibu Thomas, Associate Director of Operations, also played a key role in supporting the event, alongside Mrs. Suvarna Hebbar, the In-charge Dietician and Coordinator of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, whose leadership and expertise have been pivotal in organizing this conference.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a series of in-depth expert sessions that explored critical aspects of nutrition and dietetics. Dr. G. Arun Maiya, Professor and Dean of MCHP, shared his extensive knowledge on the “Assessment of Body and Its Interpretation.” His presentation delved into the complexities of body metrics, offering the audience a deeper understanding of how these measurements can be accurately interpreted and utilized in clinical settings. His session underscored the significance of precise body assessments in diagnosing and treating various health conditions, making it an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals.

Following Dr. Maiya’s session, Mrs. Sreemathy Venkatraman, a distinguished Clinical Dietitian and Wellness Nutritionist from Trustwell Hospitals, Bangalore, delivered a compelling presentation on “Emerging Concepts in Critical Care Nutrition.” She explored the latest advancements in the field, emphasizing innovative approaches to optimize nutritional support for critically ill patients and their positive impact on patient outcomes. Her session offered practical insights for application in clinical settings.

Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Bhakti Samant, Chief Dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, and Honorary Joint Secretary of IAPEN’s Mumbai Chapter, led an engaging session on “Decoding Diagnostics.” She provided a clear overview of diagnostic techniques in clinical nutrition, helping the audience understand how to apply these methods effectively in practice.

“Nutrition Update 2024” drew a diverse and enthusiastic audience, including industry professionals, healthcare providers, scholars, and students. The event fostered a dynamic environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, highlighting the importance of evidence-based nutrition and reaffirming the commitment of both MCHP and Kasturba Hospital to advancing nutritional science and practice.