Author: Rabindra

Spire.AI Secures SOC 2 Type II Compliance, Reinforcing Leadership in Data Security and Compliance

[4th October 2024, India] – Spire.AI, a leader in Domain AI and Large Graph Model (LGM) for skills-driven talent solutions, proudly announces its achievement of SOC 2 Type II compliance. This significant milestone underscores Spire.AI’s ongoing commitment to data security, privacy, and compliance in delivering cutting-edge, AI-powered workforce solutions.

Spire.AI empowers organizations to revolutionize talent management through data-driven insights and intelligent workforce optimization. Its advanced Large Graph Model (LGM) for Skills dynamically evolves role-skill relationships, driving proactive reskilling, upskilling, and internal mobility. Spire.AI full-stack SaaS platform integrates adaptive, Domain-Intelligent AI, simplifying and future-proofing talent acquisition, deployment, management, and growth.

Saurabh Jain, CEO of Spire.AI, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance reinforces our commitment to security and regulatory adherence. Our clients work in industries where safeguarding personal identification information (PII) is paramount. With this certification, Spire.AI solutions are now backed by stringent security protocols, ensuring ongoing efforts in compliance and data protection.”

Sandesh Pai, CTO of Spire.AI, emphasized the technical importance of the achievement: “Our clients rely on the performance and innovation of our Domain-Intelligent AI technologies, trusting Spire.AI as a key partner for their mission-critical data. Achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance is a major milestone, showcasing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding customer data and maintaining the highest standards of security integrity throughout our products and operations.”

With this compliance, Spire.AI strengthens its position as a trusted, secure, and innovative leader in Domain Intelligent AI-powered talent management solutions, furthering its mission to deliver cutting-edge, reliable solutions that drive organizational success.

Winning Is an Inside Job: Team Oakley Athletes Ignite Their Inner Spark

October 4, 2024; When athletes have won the game within, every game becomes theirs to win. From the moments of doubt during competition, to the exhilaration of winning it all, Oakley presents Inner Spark, a series of short film clips inspired by the real emotions that athletes face, and the challenges they conquer within, on their journey to the world’s biggest sports stage. Transforming trials into intuition, injuries to instinct, and vulnerabilities into victory, Inner Spark is no-filter and comes to life through the brand’s most neuronic collection yet, featuring popular releases in a bright, new colorway.

 A chapter of Oakley’s Be Who You Are, the films showcase world-class athletes Fred Kerley, Kylian Mbappé, Alexia Putellas, and Cassandre Beaugrand sporting frames from the Inner Spark collection. Viewers ride along with athletes through their every emotion, alternating between images of the athletes and visuals of skeletons and their “inner spark”, illustrating the connection between outer performance and mastering the game within.

 “In sports, most people believe it is all about victories and medals. At Oakley we believe that the real battles lie inside each and every athlete. There is only them, with their fears, fatigues, failures and values and this little inner spark that makes you to be you” said Caio Amato, Oakley Chief Marketing. “We want to inspire kids to be fully themselves, with no filter nor holding back. Because if you won the game within, every game is yours to win.”

 Narrated by Mbappé, the film declares, “You’ve already won without an arena, pool, or pitch,” emphasizing that the inner spark comes from overcoming fatigue, failures, and fears. Winning is an inside job, so the message is clear: play the game, ruffle some feathers, and be one’s true self without holding back.

 Inner Spark also captures the authentic stories of Team Oakley athletes that we don’t often notice at first glance, through visuals that reveal the true selves of a diverse range of contenders: surfers Kanoa Igarashi, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Filipe Toledo, Griffin Colapinto, and Caroline Marks; golfers Paris Hilinski and Dylan Frittelli; track and field legends Andre De Grasse and Joseph Fahnbulleh; volleyball player Taylor Crabb; cyclist Loana Lecomte; and WNBA player Diamond DeShields.

 The collection’s design strikes a balance between control and release, chaos and order. Its organic pattern takes cues from the movement of the human nervous system. The unexpected color combination encourages breaking out of the ordinary and embracing new beginnings. Each piece in the collection features a neuronic pad print in celeste blue with silver accents, highlighting the sparks against a stand-out tennis ball yellow frame. This distinctive design is complete with Prizm Ruby lenses that complement the frame’s neon colors.

 The Inner Spark collection is led by Sphaera, and includes other Oakley favorites Bisphera and Latch Panel.

 Inner Spark Sphaera™: Made for the contender with Oakley’s widest field of view, Sphaera is Oakley’s most forgettable eyewear to date. Designed to bring the A game no matter the sport, Sphaera features Prizm™ Lens Technology for detailed vision, a lightweight frame with front vents for improved airflow, and nose pads and molded-in earsocks for a no-slip grip. Experience the pinnacle of sport performance eyewear with Sphaera – put them on and forget they’re there.

 Inner Spark BiSphaera™: Rx-ready with Prizm™ Lens details to help you see the win within, Bisphera seamlessly transitions from dominating competition to owning the daily hustle. Designed for the versatile athlete, this dual-lens performance sunglass helps one shine in both sport and life and is constructed from lightweight material, with features nose pads and ear socks for a comfortable fit.

 Inner Spark Latch Panel™: Built for action on and off the clock, Latch Panel is designed to eliminate distractions. Its full-rim, shield lens design provides a game-changing solution for on-the-go eyewear storage. Slide on the removable side shields to block distractions and bring in calm and focus. Ideal for versatile escapades, Latch Panel features thin temples that fit comfortably under a hat and comes with a removable leash for added security. Prizm™ Lens Technology enhance detail and elevate the visual experience.

 See the win within, with Inner Spark, launched globally on July 1. The films can be viewed on the Oakley YouTube channel, and the collection can be shopped at Oakley.com or Oakley stores worldwide.

CK Birla Hospitals Unveils ‘Every Beat Counts’ Report: A First-of-its-kind insight into India’s Cardiac Health Crisis

4th October 2024, Chennai: BM Birla Heart Hospital (BMB), part of CK Birla Hospitals, has launched a first of its kind report on India’s cardiac health – ‘Every Beat Counts’. This report not only sheds light on the cardiac health crisis but also offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to address the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) across the country.

 The prevalence of coronary heart disease in India has risen 3X over the past three decades. According to the ‘Every Beat Counts’ report, 20% of heart attack deaths worldwide now occur in India. The report presents alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 90 million Indians currently live with cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in India stands at 272 per 100,000 population, exceeding the global average of 235. Notably, this mortality rate varies significantly between urban and rural areas; it is reported to be 450 in urban India and 200 in rural India.

 The report also emphasizes the high prevalence of the “thin-fat” body type among Indians, which is characterized by a normal or below-normal weight but with a higher body fat percentage, resulting in increased cardiovascular risks.

 Cardiovascular diseases account for 24.5% of all deaths in India. Alarmingly, States such as West Bengal and Punjab report mortality rates in which over 35% of deaths are attributed to heart disease. Our inaugural ‘Every Beat Counts’ report underscores the urgent need for a national strategy to address this worsening crisis. By publishing this report annually, we aim to promote sustained awareness and encourage collective action toward building a healthier nation,” said Vipul Jain, CEO, CK Birla Hospitals.

 The report indicates that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading concern within the health landscape, placing an increasingly heavier burden on India’s healthcare system each year. India faces significant challenges regarding healthcare infrastructure and access, especially in cardiac care. The country has one cardiologist for every 250,000 Indians, in stark contrast to the United States, where there is one cardiologist for every 7,300 Americans.

 Leveraging the expertise of B M Birla Heart Hospital, the report highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, greater access to specialized care and enhanced public awareness to address the escalating cardiovascular crisis in India across all age groups. CVD is increasingly impacting younger populations, including children, with 10% of infant mortality in India now linked to heart diseases. The report points out a critical shortage of infrastructure and specialized care, resulting in higher surgical risks and long-term complications for children with congenital heart conditions. India trains only 35 paediatric cardiology fellows each year, and the surgical mortality rate for these conditions among children in India ranges from 8% to 13%, compared to less than 5% in developed countries.

HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata Performs Eastern India’s First Robotic Whipple Surgery on a 60-year-old Patient

Kolkata, 4th October 2024: HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata successfully performs a pioneering Robotic Whipple (pancreaticoduodenectomy) surgery on a 60-year-old male patient. This surgery further solidifies HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata’s leadership as the only medical facility in Eastern India providing both traditional and robotic Whipple surgery. Led by Dr. Sujoy Kumar Bala, Surgical Oncologist, and his team of highly skilled specialists, this intricate surgery highlights HCG’s commitment to medical innovation and excellence in cancer care.

The patient, Rajiv (name changed), a 60-year-old male, initially visited HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata with persistent anemia and abdominal pain. After a series of diagnostic tests, including upper GI endoscopy and CT scans, he was diagnosed with periampullary cancer, a rare form of cancer located at the junction of the pancreatic and liver ducts. A Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) was recommended as the best course of treatment, as it involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the pancreas, bile ducts, and small intestine to enhance the chances of recovery.

Dr. Sujoy Kumar Bala, Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata, who led the surgery, explained the advantages of robotic technology in such intricate procedures, “The patient initially presented with symptoms of anemia and abdominal pain, which led to the diagnosis of a rare cancer affecting the pancreatic and liver ducts. After a thorough evaluation, we opted for a robotic Whipple procedure, given the complexity of the case and the benefits of robotic assistance. Being the first procedure of its kind in Eastern India, the patient and his family naturally had concerns, which we addressed through detailed consultations.”

He further explained explained the traditional approach to the Whipple procedure, which typically requires a large abdominal incision to remove the head of the pancreas, part of the bile duct, duodenum, gallbladder, and nearby lymph nodes. In this case, he said, “we used robotic assistance with the da Vinci system, which enabled us to perform the surgery through smaller incisions. The robotic system’s 3D view of the abdomen gave us superior accuracy, precision, and control throughout the 8-hour procedure. The distinct advantages of the robotic Whipple, including fewer complications, reduced postoperative pain, and quicker recovery—especially important for elderly patients like this one. The patient’s recovery was smooth, and he was discharged just eight days after the surgery,” Dr. Bala concluded.

Expressing his gratitude for the care he received, the patient, Rajiv shared, “When I was diagnosed, I was anxious, but the team at HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata made me feel reassured. They explained the advantages of robotic surgery in great detail, which eased my worries. Thanks to the team, I recovered much faster than expected, with minimal scarring and less pain.”

Commenting on the hospital’s pioneering use of robotic surgery, Prateek Jain, Regional Business Head AP & East, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd, said, “Our mission is to provide world-class cancer care using the latest medical technologies. The successful completion of this first-ever robotic Whipple surgery in Eastern India is a testament to our expertise in advanced oncology. By adopting robotic technology, we aim to improve clinical outcomes, expedite patient recovery, and elevate the overall treatment experience.”

Dr. Amarjeet Singh, COO of HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to innovation, stating, “At HCG, we leverage cutting-edge technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. The Whipple surgery is one of the most complex and demanding gastrointestinal procedures, requiring exceptional skill and expertise. At HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, our highly trained gastrointestinal surgical oncology team, combined with our advanced robotic surgery program, makes us the only medical center in Eastern India to offer both traditional and robotic versions of this procedure, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

In addition to the Whipple procedure, the center’s highly skilled team of surgeons perform robotic-assisted surgeries for a wide range of cancers, ensuring comprehensive and advanced treatment options for their patients. This successful surgery marks another milestone in HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata’s mission to provide advanced, patient-focused cancer treatment and reinforces its position as a leading facility in the region for complex oncological procedures.

IIL Foundation Wins 3rd Consecutive Bhamashah Award for Educational Excellence in Rajasthan

New Delhi,4th October 2024: IIL Foundation, the CSR wing of Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), a leading player in the agrochemical industry, has been awarded the prestigious Bhamashah Award for the third consecutive year. The 28th Bhamashah Samman ceremony, chaired by Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar, was recently held at Vivekananda Auditorium, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, to honor outstanding contributions to the state’s education sector.

This year yet again, IIL Foundation was recognized for its significant efforts in improving educational facilities in government schools across Khairtal Tijara district. The Foundation’s work includes establishing computer labs, constructing open tin sheds, upgrading school’s sanitation infrastructure to name a few.

Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Limited, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Receiving the Bhamashah Award for the third time is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for us. At IIL Foundation, we are driven by the belief that every child deserves quality education and the opportunity to dream big. This recognition strengthens our commitment to continue our work, knowing that the real reward is the smiles and progress we see in the children. We are dedicated to making a lasting impact on education, and this award motivates us to reach even more schools and touch lives.”

“IIL Foundation remains committed to its mission of advancing educational opportunities, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the social and educational upliftment of communities in Rajasthan” added Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Vice President, who oversees the CSR initiates for the company in Rajasthan.

Successful Conclusion of 6th Industry Institution Summit by IET

Chennai, 4th October 2024: The sixth edition of the Industry Institution Summit (IIS) was organized by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Chennai Local Network, on the 26th September 2024 at Taj Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway. The event focused around ‘Empowering Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable and Resilient Future’ with a major emphasis on creating opportunities for skill development, Technology & innovation and promotion of entrepreneurship to cater the needs of futuristic technology. This collaboration gave rise to new Technological Advancements, Global Competitions, Innovation and Research.

The event showcased engaging panel discussions and technical presentations highlighting futuristic technologies presented by industry experts and academic leaders. Along with this, the event hosted a mini expo to foster entrepreneurship.The Grand finale of Present Around The Network (PATN), the 8th edition of Smart City Challenge and the 2nd edition of Pentathlon took place during the event. The IET Chennai Local Network awards and Nokia Smart city challenge winners were presented as well.

“Our technology landscape brims with potential, and fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government is essential to establishing our nation as a global technology leader. As we transition to Industry 5.0, which prioritizes human-centric innovation, we must leverage this shift to tackle pressing societal challenges. Prioritizing skill development, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and mobility, will enable AI to drive transformative change. This event sparked meaningful conversations on these critical topics, paving the way for innovative solutions and advancements.” says Dr S Cloudin, Chair of the IET Chennai Local Network.

The event featured several impactful discussions, such as:

• Super Keynote Address on “5G Networks” by Mr. S. Parameswaran, Nokia Solutions and Networks Pvt Ltd.
• Keynote Address on “Skilling in AI Era” by Dr Anbuthambi B, Strategy Head, L&T Edutech, Larsen & Toubro
• Panel Discussion on “India – a Rising EV Mission”, featuring Dr. Bharathiraja Professor and Head for Centre for Electric mobility, SRMIST; Dr Srinivasa Chandra, Head of Testing, Switch mobility; Mr. Sivakumar, R& D Design Head, Royal Enfield; Mrs K.Rajarajeswari Senior Engineer, GARC, Govt. Of India; Mr.Varun Sabapathi, Managing Director, Qmax Ion Pvt. Ltd
• Keynote Address on Immersive Tech in Medical by Mr. P.B.C. Paul, Senior Consultant, Advisor & Mentor for Startups
• Panel Discussion on Industrial Metaverse, featuring Dr. R. Rajkumar, Associate Professor, Dept of DSBS, SRMIST; Mr. Vijayaranjan Ramanathan, Senior Developer, XR Labs; Mr.S.Premlin Dass, MD, Cresendos Private Limited; Mr. Ravi kumar, CEO, Hackwit Technologies Pvt Ltd; Mr. Mohammed Jasim,CEO, Neur Industries Pvt. Ltd
• Keynote Address on How Generative AI is transforming entertainment industry by Director & CEO, Muonium.ai
• Panel Discussion on Generative AI threads and usage, featuring Ms. Vijalalakshmi, GenAI Developer, Open Weaver; Ms. Aswini Priyanka, CEO, ASSR Emphorium; Mr. S. Visaghan, Founder and CEO, Meiporul XR; Mr. Anand Sudan, Senior Analyst, Hexaware Technologies

In alignment with the IET’s global focus on societal challenges where the engineering profession and the IET can make an impact, this sixth edition of the Industry Institution Summit will deliberated on the various challenges and opportunities available in Sustainability and Climate Change, Digital Futures, Healthy Lives, People-centric Infrastructure and Productive Manufacturing.

The main objective of the summit was to bridge the gap between Academia and Industry, by bringing together top management professionals, researchers, academicians, industry experts and students from different disciplines to explore futuristic technologies and the skills required to meet industry needs.

Woxsen University Hosts the FutureYou Summit 2024: Shaping Education for Tomorrow

October 4, 2024, Hyderabad: Woxsen University successfully hosted the #FutureYou Summit, a dynamic event that explored the future of education. The Summit brought together prominent thought leaders, academic experts, and stakeholders in the field of education to deliberate on key topics and challenges facing academia, such as policy and immigration issues, human-centered design, psychological resilience and leadership in academia, and reinventing diversity in education, among others.

By fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Summit aimed to identify innovative solutions, spark meaningful discussions, and provide actionable insights to shape the future of education on a global scale.

Through a combination of engaging formats like roundtables, workshops, and panel discussions, the Summit offered valuable insights from leading academicians and experiential perspectives from corporate leaders.

A roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Ernesto Silva, Provost of Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile, and Dr. Joshua Dalrymple, Dean of the School of Law at Woxsen University, explored policy and immigration challenges. Their discussion focused on ways to make developing countries more attractive destinations for international students through streamlined regulations and supportive policies.

Dr. Ernesto Silva, Provost of Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile, said “The complexities of immigration policy are a global reality that will continue to shape our world. To navigate these challenges effectively, we must foster an entrepreneurial mindset and cultivate new forms of international collaboration. By doing so, we can create a more interconnected and equitable future for all.”

Dr. Joshua Dalrymple, Dean of the School of Law at Woxsen University said “The future is global. India’s rich heritage and Woxsen’s excellence offer a unique opportunity for cross-cultural exchange. Let’s streamline policies to attract international students and shape a brighter tomorrow.”

Two engaging panel discussions delved into exciting trends in academic institutions. One focused on Human-Centered Design, featuring prominent names like Ruslan Galiakhmetov, Deputy Director for International Relations, Institute of Management, Economics and Finance, Kazan Federal University and Dr. Shiva Ji, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. The other panel explored Leveraging Gamification for Engaging Learning Experiences, with speakers from leading corporates joining the conversation

Eye-opening workshops at the #FutureYou summit tackled topics like Psychological Resilience & Leadership in Academia and Reinventing Diversity in Academia, addressing real-world challenges faced by students and academics

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Promotes Environmental Sustainability and Community Welfare Through 30th iCARE Event

Bangalore, 4th October2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful completion of its 30th ‘I Community Action To Reach Everyone’ (iCARE) activity, an employee volunteering program, held at Irregowdana Lake in Bidadi. This event is in synergy with National Clean Up Day which is observed annually on 21st September. The clean & green drive around the Irregowdana lake saw active participation from around 200 volunteers, including TKM employees and their families, who came together to contribute to the cause of a cleaner and greener environment. National Clean Up Day is dedicated to raising environmental awareness and fostering community engagement in maintaining clean and sustainable public spaces.

In the event, the volunteers undertook a comprehensive clean-up of the lake area, collecting plastic and non-plastic waste from the surroundings. The initiative focused on enhancing the lake’s surroundings, reducing pollution, and safeguarding the local ecosystem. Alongside the clean-up efforts, participants also planted 300-350 mature saplings along the lake bund, enriching the biodiversity and contributing to a more sustainable future.

National Clean Up Day serves as a nationwide call to action, promoting environmental awareness and encouraging communities across India to come together to keep public spaces clean and sustainable. By organizing the lake cleanup and sapling plantation around this period, TKM reinforced its commitment to this important cause, fostering greater community involvement and emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving natural resources. The event concluded with an experience-sharing session where volunteers reflected on their contributions and the importance of collective action in achieving environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “The iCARE initiative is our employee volunteering program and is a testament to our commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities we operate in. Through collective efforts in areas like environmental conservation, we are not just fostering a sense of responsibility among our employees and their families but also contributing to the well-being of society. Over the years, we have seen remarkable enthusiasm from the volunteers, who have contributed to impactful projects in education, skill development, disaster management, and environmental conservation. The success of the 30th iCARE event, in alignment with National Clean Up Day, reaffirms our belief that every small step towards sustainability can lead to meaningful improvements. We remain dedicated to empowering our workforce to engage in meaningful actions that resonate with our core values of respect for the planet and community development.”

Since its launch in 2017, the iCARE initiative has garnered tremendous participation, with over 2,490 employees involved in more than 29 diverse projects. These efforts encompass critical areas such as education, environmental conservation, road safety and skill development. This collective endeavour has not only provided enriching experiences for employees but also positively impacted the lives of over 64,000 community members. iCARE exemplifies TKM’s commitment to empowering and inspiring its workforce to engage in meaningful actions that uplift communities and reflect their dedication to social responsibility.

Blue Dart to Implement General Price Increase w.e.f. January 1st, 2025

Hyderabad, October 4, 2024: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation and distribution express logistics company, part of the DHL Group, today announced its General Price Increase (GPI), effective from January 1st, 2025. The average price increase will be in the range of 9% to 12%, depending on product variabilities and the shipping profile.

In its ongoing commitment to delivering reliable and efficient logistics solutions, Blue Dart conducts a comprehensive annual review of its pricing structure. This essential decision ensures the continued provision of quality service while fostering sustainable ecosystem collaboration. The pricing adjustments for 2025, which include inflationary adjustments and cost rationalization, are designed to partly cover spiralling long-term costs, such as rising input costs to operations, including but not limited to airline operating costs and infrastructure costs, while also supporting customers with customized and seamless deliveries. These measures help uphold Blue Dart’s high standards amidst inflationary pressures, complexities in the global supply chain, and dynamic changes in the domestic landscape. By proactively addressing these challenges, Blue Dart aims to sustain exceptional service for its customers and effectively support its partners.

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director of Blue Dart, commented on the announcement: “As we step into 2025, we remain committed to delivering exceptional, reliable services. This price adjustment is essential for sustaining our operational excellence while continuing to offer solutions centered on the needs of our stakeholders. In conjunction with our annual price adjustment, we are also mobilizing investments to expand our network, adopt the latest technologies, and enhance our service offerings. We are primed to capitalize on new opportunities and deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”

As the trade facilitator for prominent organizations in key sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, automobiles, consumer electronics, and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), Blue Dart continues to set industry standards. The company’s ongoing expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) fleet reflects its commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, Blue Dart stands as a frontrunner in harnessing drone technology for commercial use in the logistics sector.