Author: Rabindra

Gillco International Students Shine at World Youth Forum Future Economics Leadership Summit 2024

From August 5 to August 10, 2024, Gillco International School proudly participated in the prestigious World Youth Forum Future Economics Leadership Summit 2024, held in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. This international event brought together young minds from around the globe to discuss pressing global issues, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on solutions for a better future. Our students’ remarkable performance at the summit not only showcased their exceptional talents but also earned the school a well-deserved honor.

 A standout moment for Gillco International School at the World Youth Forum Summit 2024 was the participation of Parampreet Singh – Class XII student, who represented India on the international stage. This achievement was particularly significant, as his was selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates (75 teams from 10 Countries) to be the voice of India at the summit. He delivered a compelling presentation capturing the attention of a global audience.
Parampreet Singh and Agam Sharma were honored with the “Outstanding Group” at the World Youth Forum Future Leadership Economic Summit 2024. This prestigious accolade recognizes our school’s commitment to nurturing young leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and globally aware.

Delhi Theatre Festival Set To Return For A Captivating Fifth Season

New Delhi, August 22, 2024: Alchemist LIVE is set to bring back the highly anticipated Delhi Theatre Festival (DTF) for its mega fifth season, promising an unparalleled theatrical experience with original live performances, stellar casts, and timeless stories.

The fifth season of DTF will unfold its magic this year over three days – 20th, 21st and 22nd September. To ensure an accessible and immersive experience for all, the festival will be staged across 4 esteemed venues in Delhi NCR – the iconic Siri Fort Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, OP Jindal Auditorium, and the magnificent Orana Convention in Gurugram.

Further cementing their strong association with art and culture, American Express has again come onboard as the title sponsor for DTF for the fifth year in a row. The wonderful collaboration between American Express and Alchemist Live highlights their mutual dedication to providing audiences in Delhi NCR with outstanding live theatre experiences.

Detailing more about the festival, Mr Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Country Manager, American Express Banking Corp., India said, “We are thrilled to sponsor the Delhi Theatre Festival for the fifth consecutive year to bring an extraordinary experience to our Card Members. This collaboration underscores our commitment to offering exclusive and unforgettable cultural experiences. We believe this festival will provide a unique opportunity for our Card Members to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of theatre, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

This year’s stellar cast includes legendary performers like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Lillete Dubey, Vinay Pathak to name a few, who will light up the DTF stage.

Sharing his delight on the fifth season of the festival, Mr Prabhu Tony, COO and co-founder of Alchemist LIVE, said, “The energy and anticipation surrounding the Delhi Theatre Festival is truly inspiring. As we embark on our incredible fifth season, Alchemist Live is determined to raise the bar even higher. Within the realm of theatre, we are trying to introduce new formats every year and this year’s festival promises to be a captivating exploration of theatrical diversity. We envision the Delhi Theatre Festival as a global hub for theatre enthusiasts, and we’re honoured to provide a platform where playwrights, actors, and audiences can come together to celebrate the magic of live performance.

Set to establish new benchmarks in the theatre segment, the 2024 festival will incorporate the following captivating plays:

· Old World by Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah on September 20 at Siri Fort Auditorium (8 PM), September 21 at Siri Fort Auditorium (1 PM & 6 PM), and September 22 at Orana Conventions, Gurugram (7PM)

· Salaam Noni Appa by Lillete Dubey, Yateen Karyekar, Jayati Bhatia, Rishi Khurana, and Gillian Pinto on September 21 at Kamani Auditorium (3:30 PM & 7 PM)

· Anything but Love by Mandira Bedi and Samir Soni on September 20 at Kamani Auditorium (8 PM)

· Broken Images by Shabana Azmi on September 21 at Orana Convention, Gurugram (7 PM)

· One on One Dhamaal by Anu Menon, Ajitesh Gupta, Gagandeep Riar, Rajit Kapur, Shikha Talsania, Sohrab Ardeshir, Sumeet Vyas, and Vrajesh Hirjee on September 21 at OP Jindal Auditorium (7 PM)

· Jaya – A Rock Musical of the Mahabharata by Megan Murray, 2Blue, Vikrant Chaturvedi, Asif Ali Beg, Sherrin Varghese, Varun Narayan, and more on September 22 at Siri Fort Auditorium (4:30 PM & 8 PM)

· What’s Done is Done by Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waris Ahmed, Chandrachoor Rai, Mantra, Radhika Mehrotra, Mansi Multani, Mallika Singh, Chakori Dwivedi, Munish Bhardwaj & Ravi Kalra on September 22 at OP Jindal Auditorium (7 PM)

‘’Delhi Theatre Festival has always held a special place in my heart. Performing for a Delhi audience is always an invigorating experience. Returning to Delhi to perform “Broken Images” after a couple of years fills me both with excitement and anxiety,’’ said Shabana Azmi.

Resonating with her, Rajat Kapoor added, “This is the third time we are collaborating with Delhi Theatre Festival. We have been there with ‘nothing like Lear’, and this time we are back at the festival with ‘what’s done is done’, which is our adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. A theatre festival like this is a wonderful idea – to work as a bridge between theatre practitioners and audience. More power to you”

Lillete Dubey, who’s retuning to festival says, I’m thrilled to be part of the Delhi Theatre Festival again, especially in my hometown, Delhi, where I first performed over 50 years ago. This time, we’re bringing two unique shows—Salaam Noni Appa and JAYA, a rock musical of the Mahabharata. I’m excited for Delhi audiences to experience these extraordinary performances and kudos to Alchemist Live, and American Express for making this festival a reality!

DTF has become a cornerstone of Indian theatre in Delhi NCR since its inception. Each season has showcased a mesmerising curation of plays, electrifying performances by renowned actors, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the magic of live theatre.

Igus India Strengthens Its Presence with Major Expansion; Inaugurates 92,000 sq ft Manufacturing Plant in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, August 22nd, 2024: In a strategic move to fortify its footprint in the Indian market, Igus, a global leader in motion plastics, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, 92,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Mandur near Budigere in Bengaluru. This development marks a significant milestone for Igus India, as it prepares to focus on new divisions dedicated to the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors, areas poised for substantial growth. The expansion is part of Igus’s long-term strategy to enhance its operational capabilities and support its extensive customer base in India.

Igus India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German-based Igus GmbH, has been a major player in the motion plastics industry since its establishment as a subsidiary in 2000. With over 19,000 customers in India, Igus India has built a robust presence. The company boasts an extensive catalogue of 125,000 parts, which can be used for innumerable customer demand-based assemblies done locally. On an average over 200 new products are introduced annually, underlining its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

The new Bengaluru facility represents a substantial investment of over ₹100 crores (approximately 12 million euros), underscoring igus’s commitment to the Indian market. The financial allocation includes ₹20 crores for setting up the factory, ₹40 crores for advanced injection moulding machines, and ₹20 crores for the manufacturing process. The plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure designed to meet the high standards of motion plastics production, ensuring that Igus India continues to deliver world-class products to its customers. We are still also on a look out for purchasing own land.

Deepak Paul, Managing Director of Igus India, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, stating, “The Indian market presents tremendous potential for Igus, as demonstrated by our continued growth and investment here. Our objective is to deliver cutting-edge products and solutions not only to our customers in India but also on a global scale. Igus’s global focus on cost-sensitive and sustainable solutions, encapsulated in our motto ‘Tech up, cost down,’ is perfectly aligned with the Indian approach to technology and innovation. This alignment has been a key driver of our significant growth in the country. As we look forward, our plans include expanding beyond Bengaluru, with logistics and assembly centers set to be established in Pune, Gurugram, and Noida.”

Igus India is currently the 6th largest subsidiary among Igus’s 38 global subsidiaries, a position that reflects its strong performance and growth potential. Over the past two years, Igus India has doubled its market growth, with revenue figures climbing from ₹199 crores to ₹313 crores. The company expects this upward trajectory to continue, projecting a revenue of ₹340 crores for 2024. Additionally, Igus India has invested in a clean room testing facility in Germany and plans to establish a similar setup in India, further enhancing its product development and quality assurance capabilities.

Santhosh Jacob, Country Manager and Director of Igus India, added, “Technology and innovation are at the core of everything we do at Igus. With a catalogue of 125,000 parts and 247 new products introduced this year, we are constantly inspired by our customers’ needs to push the boundaries of what is possible. Our ongoing expansion of the motion plastics product world, coupled with the integration of digitalization and AI, is a testament to our long-term corporate strategy. We are making significant progress in embedding digitalization as a key technology at Igus, which will play a crucial role in our future growth and success.”

Talking about Igus’ focus on sustainability and commitment to the environment, Igus will focus on the emerging semicon and renewable energy businesses by investing on people, and participating in Industry specific shows with the presence of Industry specialists from Germany.

Ev2 Ventures & Caret Capital Lead USDollar 1 Million Seed Investment Round in Autonomous Solutions Company Rosh.Ai

22nd August, 2024, New Delhi: Ev2 Ventures/Caret Capital led a US$1 million Seed investment round in Rosh.Ai which saw participation from ThinKuvate as well. Rosh.Ai is a deep-tech company enabling development of vehicle agnostic end-to-end Autonomy Stack that includes advanced mapping, perception, navigation, SoC development, and ADAS solutions, headquartered in Kochi.

Founded in 2021, Rosh.Ai serves as a development partner within the autonomy ecosystem, catering to automotive OEMs (including EVs), seaport and airport operators, and the mining sector. Their autonomy platform facilitates the rapid development of AV prototypes, ADAS and AV test platform, expediting ADAS development and testing. Additionally, they offer vehicle-agnostic autonomy and drive-by-wire retrofit kits that can convert any vehicle into a fully or partially autonomous vehicle.

Rosh.AI targets sea port congestion and mining productivity issues by addressing driver shortages and equipment inefficiencies respectively. In sea ports, where 80% of global logistics flow, driver scarcity leads to delays. Mining faces productivity drops of 15%-20% due to equipment issues. Both sectors seek safer operations, a gap Rosh.Ai aims to fill with autonomous vehicles.

“At Rosh.Ai, our mission is to revolutionize the future of mobility by providing cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the automotive industry. We strive to be the global leader in autonomous vehicle technology, driving innovation and setting new standards in the industry” said Dr Roshy John, Founder & CEO at Rosh.Ai.

Dr. Roshy John, also known as “The Man who Kickstarted India’s Driverless Car Revolution” by NASSCOM, has over two decades of experience in robotics and artificial intelligence. His extensive expertise, highlighted by 40+ international patents pending, underscores his commitment to innovation and inspiring the next generation of technologists.

“Technology is at the heart of everything we do at Rosh.Ai. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in autonomous vehicle systems, ensuring that our solutions are not only cutting-edge but also practical and scalable. By enabling autonomy transformation, we support our clients in tackling critical challenges on the ground, ultimately driving forward the future of autonomous mobility,” said Rajaram Moorthy, Co-Founder & CTO at Rosh.Ai.

As the Co-Founder and CTO of Rosh.Ai, Rajaram Moorthy complements Dr. Roshy‘s vision with his profound engineering acumen and passion for autonomous vehicle technology. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in robotics and artificial intelligence, Rajaram has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s first driverless car revolution. He has three international patents in the autonomy domain.

“We are excited to partner with Rosh.Ai as they continue to push the boundaries of innovation in autonomous vehicle technology,” said Karan Mittal, Managing Partner, Ev2 Ventures/Caret Capital. “With a proven track record and extensive experience in the sector, we are confident in the Founders’ ability to drive positive change in the automotive industry through their revolutionary technology.”

Addison Appu, Partner at ThinKuvate further added that, “We believe Rosh.Ai’s advanced autonomous software and groundbreaking solutions will allow the Company to have a first mover advantage in driverless and ADAS technology for ports, seaports, mining operations among other sectors.”

Since its inception, Rosh.Ai has achieved remarkable traction, boasting a prestigious clientele that includes major automotive manufacturers, leading technology firms, and global truck companies among others.

Panasonic Industrial Devices Division unveils cutting-edge, Factory Automation Solution for Indian OEMs

India, August 21, 2024: The Industrial Devices Division (INDD) of Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company introduced a comprehensive suite of factory automation solutions comprising of a Network Function Integrated Type HL-G2 SERIES – Laser Sensor, Motion Controller GM1, and Minas A7 servo systems at the recently held Automation Expo 2024, Mumbai. These components together form a robust automation solution designed to meet the evolved needs of modern industrial automation leading to better operation and control of equipment, eliminate errors and improve overall safety, efficiency, and productivity.

Commenting during the launch, Mr. Narayan Kumar, Divisional Director, Industrial Devices Division (INDD), Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “Panasonic Industrial Devices Division is dedicated to empowering Indian manufacturers with cutting-edge automation solutions that help reduce downtime and enhance effectiveness. To address the new-age technology demands of the industry, we have taken a solution-led approach by combining our cutting-edge devices and components that are HL-G2 SERIES, GM1 Motion Controller, and the AI-powered MINAS A7 Servo Systems. These offer high precision and real-time capabilities, significantly improving product quality, production efficiency, and overall operational performance. By providing highly accurate measurements, the sensor helps manufacturers meet stringent quality standards while enabling real-time process adjustments that minimize waste and maximize output. These automated solutions find applications across diverse industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, electronic components mounting machines, machine tools, packaging and warehouse automation industry to name a few. It can help enterprises advance their digital transformation journey while driving the larger Make-in-India agenda too.”

Panasonic’s HL-G2 Series high-accuracy laser displacement sensors offer exceptional accuracy of up to 0.5 µm and can perform measurements at high speeds, up to 10,000 times per second, making them suitable for a fast-paced industrial environment. With a range of 20 mm to 1,000 mm, the HL-G2 Series has versatile capability to handle a wide variety of tasks. The compact and durable design of these sensors allows for seamless integration into various industrial setups, even in harsh environments. The application includes precision measurement in quality control processes, such as inspecting small components in electronics manufacturing, as well as integration into automated systems for real-time monitoring and control, thereby enhancing production line efficiency. Additionally, these are well-suited for robotic applications that require accurate distance and position measurements, and they also find use in the medical field for non-contact measurement tasks, ensuring high levels of precision and safety.

The new motion controller – GM1 having RTEX/EtherCAT communication support offers synchronized torque control for up to 32 axes and integrates multiple functions such as positioning, network modules, I/O modules, and a high-frequency counter, all within a compact, space-saving design. This “all-in-one” solution reduces cabinet space and provides quick response times as low as 0.5ms, making it ideal for demanding applications. The GM1 includes two independent Ethernet ports, a high-speed counter, PWM output channels, and a memory slot for SD cards. The controller is equipped with Application Function Blocks (AFB) for easy setup and reduced programming time, along with a programming tool based on Codesys IEC 61131-3 automation software. Additionally, GM1 supports Industry 4.0 integration with OPC UA client and server functions. The GM1 is particularly suited for applications requiring high precision and speed, such as press-fitting, molding, printing, and packaging machines. It is fully compatible with Panasonic’s existing automation portfolio, including controllers, motors, and the MINAS A6 and A7 servo systems.

The MINAS A7 Servo Systems are advanced motors equipped with AI technology, designed to automate precise tuning—a task previously requiring expert human intervention. MINAS A7 equipped with precAIse TUNING (AI-based automated tuning) offers ultraprecise positioning accuracy through simple initial settings that can reduce operation time by up to 90% compared to manual tuning. Along with MINAS A7, MINAS CZ1 Global and MINAS A6SC series motors were recently launched in Indian Market. All three servo systems have been designed to enhance productivity of machines, people, and applications by adapting quickly and intuitively.

Global tax compliance platform Avalara triples its India headcount; plans over 1000+ new hires in FY24

National Aug 21, 2024: Avalara, a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance solutions, has announced its plans to onboard over 1000 new employees in the next nine months across multiple fields, including engineering, tax, content, sales support and professional services. This strategic move is part of Avalara’s efforts to establish India as a center of technical excellence and its planned expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Despite India’s competitive employment market, the US-based solutions provider remains committed to enhancing capabilities in tax technology, legislation, e-invoicing, and global tax compliance by investing significantly in the country’s technological talent. The platform is dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent passionate about building planet-scale cloud software and impacting the tax compliance sector. The new hires will join Avalara’s 180 professionals in Pune and Noida, working together to develop cloud software solutions that simplify global tax compliance.

Krishna Priya Nambudiri, Senior Director – HR, Avalara India said, – “As we plan our expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, we are committed to significantly increasing our hiring efforts to support our company’s growth initiatives. India has long been a vital part of Avalara’s operations, offering a wealth of technical skills, functional expertise, and an innovative thinking mindset. By bringing these diverse perspectives and skills to our India operations, we are enhancing our operational efficiency and laying the foundation for ensuring sustainable growth for the company.

Avalara India‘s expansion is driven by the rising demand for tax compliance solutions, the increasing complexity of tax regulations, and the need for businesses to adapt to evolving market conditions. To support its focus on industry verticals and emerging markets, Avalara has established a strong leadership team across sales and marketing support, business operations, delivery, technology, and people-enabling functions. Additionally, the platform has also collaborated with leading tech institutions and universities in India to develop talent pipelines and facilitate recruitment.

Flipkart GRiD 6.0 gets 2X plus registrations on Unstop, surpasses CAT 2023

New Delhi, 21st, August 2024: Unstop, the leading talent engagement and hiring platform for students and graduates, has got 2X more registrations in a competition in collaboration with e-commerce giant Flipkart, Flipkart Grid 6.0, in comparison to CAT Exam takers in 2023. With over 5 lakh registrations (5,17,000), it is a world record for the maximum number of registrations in a competition.

This is just an indicator of how students across the country are eager to be a part of such challenges that give them a chance to showcase their skills through real problems being solved at Flipkart. In the previous edition also, Flipkart saw winners come from a diverse set of colleges, like D. Y. Patil Institute of Engineering, Management and Research, VIT Vellore, Indian Institute of Technology Indore and many more.

A unique feat, the world record underscores Unstop’s exponential growth and its crucial role in identifying and connecting top talent with the right organisations. The platform’s ability to attract massive numbers of participants in a single competition also highlights its widespread reach and credibility among the student community.

Further, the success of GRiD 6.0 is evident not only in its registration numbers but also in the career trajectories of its past participants. Three of last year’s winners – Prathamesh Parit, Deepak Gupta, and Hrushikesh Kachgunde, are now working as Software Development Engineers at Flipkart. Notably, all three hail from D. Y. Patil Institute of Engineering, Management and Research, showcasing the competition’s ability to identify and nurture talent from diverse educational backgrounds from any corner of India.

Mr Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Unstop, commented, “Breaking our own record with Flipkart GRiD 6.0 is a testament to the growing union between academia and industry. This massive participation reflects the aspirations of India’s youth and their eagerness to engage with real-world challenges. At Unstop, we’re not just connecting talent with opportunities; we’re building an ecosystem where any student, in any domain, in any college and city has the chance to be a part of their dream company by just showcasing their skills.”

Flipkart GRiD 6.0, hosted on the Unstop platform, is more than just a competition. It provides students with the opportunity to find innovative solutions to real-world problems and hone their technical skills and knowledge. The event featured three distinct tracks – Software Development, Information Security, and Robotics, with participants tested on their technical, analytical, and ideation skills before being shortlisted for the Grand Finale.

Ashok Travels & Tours, Official Travel Partner for Team India’s Paralympic Heroes at Paris 2024

Mumbai, 21st August 2024: Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), the travel business division of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), has been appointed as the official travel partner for India’s Paralympic team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. To celebrate, a grand send-off event was organized at The Ashok, New Delhi, where the Nation’s Paralympic heroes were honoured and celebrated.

The partnership between ATT and Team India reflects the collective effort and commitment to achieve success on the global stage. As the Official Travel Partner, ATT will ensure seamless journey for the athletes, coaches, and the entire contingent.

M.R. Synrem, IAS, Managing Director of ITDC, commented on the occasion, “This partnership extends beyond managing travel—it’s about providing our athletes pleasant and safe services as they focus on their sport. We extend our best wishes to the competing contingent and are dedicated to supporting their pursuit for excellence at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. ITDC is proud to be part of our Paralympics team’s path to success and is humbled by this opportunity to support them. “

Sanjay Singh, General Manager of Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), added, “We are honoured to support our Paralympic athletes as they compete on the world stage. At Ashok Travels & Tours, we understand the power of sports to unite and inspire, and ATT’s professional team is prepared to make India’s Paralympics Contingent’s journey to Paris 2024 comfortable and seamless.”

The send-off event at The Ashok symbolized the nation’s collective pride and optimism as our Paralympics athletes embark on their journey to Paris 2024.

Heeramandi’s Taha Shah and Tanisha Mukherjee Join Nidarshana Gowani for Vibrant Independence Day Celebration at Kamala Mills

In a spectacular display of patriotism and unity, Taha Shah, the star of the popular series “Heeramandi,” and the talented Tanisha Mukherjee graced the Kamala Mills compound for a vibrant flag hoisting ceremony organized by Nidarshana Gowani, owner of Kamala Mills and trustee of the Kamala Ankibai Ghamandiram Gowani Trust. The event celebrated the 78th Independence Day under the inspiring slogan of “Har Ghar Tiranga,” symbolizing the spirit of national pride.

The festivities were elevated by a lively Tiranga rally that saw over 1,000 bikers and jeep enthusiasts parade from Lower Parel to Worli. Among the participants were numerous Bollywood celebrities, showcasing the industry’s commitment to community and culture. The event also embraced inclusivity with the participation of the transgender and sex worker communities, making it a truly diverse celebration.

What made this rally particularly remarkable was the prominent presence of female bikers, representing women empowerment and the message of “Naari Shakti.” This initiative by the Kamala Trust aims to uplift and support everyone in need, embodying a spirit of solidarity and mutual aid.

Nidarshana Gowani expressed her pride in bringing various communities together for this grand celebration, highlighting the trust’s commitment to empowerment and support for all marginalized groups.

As the bikers roared through the streets, waving the Tricolor, the spirit of Independence Day resonated louder than ever, reminding everyone that unity is our strength, and together, we can empower the future.