28, Dec 2023
Ho! Ho! Holly Jolly Christmas at Growel’s 101 Mall
Mumbai, December 28, 2023: Radiating in the glow of Christmas decorations, Growel’s 101 Mall, Suburban Mumbai’s beloved family destination, presented a joyous Christmas weekend for its customers with the ‘Ho! Ho! Holly Jolly Christmas’ celebrations.
The magnificent, glittering Christmas Tree positioned in the mall’s atrium is providing the ideal backdrop to capture the festive cheer of the season. The festive gate at the mall’s entry and the overall decor theme of the mall this Christmas revolved around the artistic renditions of gift boxes, symbolising the spirit of giving during Christmas, complemented by various other enchanting Christmas elements.
Speaking about the festivities at the mall, Gerald Mathew, General Manager, Growel’s 101 Mall, said, “At Growel’s 101, we are delighted to enhance the year-end festivities by curating an unforgettable family experience for our cherished shoppers. In addition to enticing shopping offers, we had meticulously planned an array of engaging activities. From captivating photo-worthy decorations to interactive family engagements and delightful opportunities for children to meet Santa, we crafted a truly memorable holiday celebration.”
Special activities at Growel’s 101 included the magic of Santa Home Visits on December 23rd – exclusively through photo contests, Meet & Greet with Santa on December 24th, and on Christmas Day, December 25th, the spectacular ‘Santa Parade’ saw children completely mesmerised as they joined the parade around the mall. Throughout the weekend leading up to Christmas, there were an array of DIY workshops and entertaining games suitable for both children and families.
But the excitement doesn’t end here till 7th January 2024, about 24 couples will win ‘Dinner Vouchers’ and one lucky couple will win a grand Mega Prize of a holiday trip to Dubai.
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- By Rabindra
28, Dec 2023
Jindal Aluminium wins the National Award for Export Excellence by EEPC
New Delhi, 28 Dec 2023 — Jindal Aluminium, India’s largest Aluminium extrusion company, announced its recognition as the ‘Star Performer’ in the large enterprise category for ‘Aluminium and Articles thereof’ at the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) National Export Awards 2023 (in its 2019-20 edition). This prestigious accolade underscores the company’s exceptional export performance on a national scale.
The grand award ceremony, held in opulence in New Delhi on November 21, 2023, witnessed the presence of approximately 300 distinguished guests, including senior government officials and industry peers. The event, graced by the esteemed Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, served as a significant gathering to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry.
Mr. Pragun Khaitan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Jindal Aluminium Limited, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We’re humbled to be recognized with the ‘Star Performer’ award by EEPC for our unwavering dedication to excellence in exports. It is a testament to our tireless efforts in consistently delivering top-tier products within India and across international markets.”
EEPC award accentuates Jindal Aluminium’s unwavering commitment to stringent quality parameters and exceptional contributions to the nation’s export landscape. It marked the fourth consecutive national award for the company and the 16th since its founding year, solidifying its contribution to Brand India. The company continued to set an example for ‘Vocal for local and local for global’ for two decades, with the first EEPC recognition received in the 2004-05 edition.
It is pertinent to mention that EEPC India, the premier trade and investment promotion organization endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, actively shapes government policies and serves as a crucial link between India’s engineering community and the government in its advisory role.
28, Dec 2023
Bisk Farm Boards Rashmika Mandanna as Brand Ambassador
Bisk Farm, one of India’s leading Biscuit & Bakery brands today announced its partnership with leading actress Rashmika Mandanna as their Brand Ambassador. The versatile, award-winning actress will be face of the ‘RUSKIT Brand’, which offers a delicious range of crunchy baked toast in 4 variants for a perfect tea-time partner. Bisk Farm is known for its innovation, quality and flavor, and with Rashmika Mandanna by its side, the brand is all set to create a significant buzz in the market and soar to new heights on its quest to become a household name across India.
With her infectious energy and lively personality, Rashmika mirrors Bisk Farm’s commitment to bringing joy and happiness to consumers through its delectable range of products. Bisk Farm is focusing on strengthening its position in the Rusk category, a significant contributor to the company’s total revenue. Taking the first mover advantage of adding pedigree to the local Rusk, BISK FARM RUSKIT has successfully made deep inroads into the Indian Palates.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Singh, Managing Director of Bisk Farm, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rashmika Mandanna to the Bisk Farm family as our Brand Ambassador. Her undeniable charm and widespread appeal perfectly embodies the spirit of Bisk Farm – a brand synonymous with fun, freshness, and deliciousness. Her strong connection with the millennial audience makes her the perfect choice to represent our brand and further strengthen our presence in key markets. We look forward to an exciting journey with Rashmika as a key partner in shaping the narrative and engaging with consumers on a deeper level across the nation for substantial revenue growth.”
Expressing her excitement about the association with the brand, Rashmika Mandanna said “Bisk Farm is one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in India, and their commitment to growth and innovation resonates deeply with me. I believe that this partnership will be a fruitful one, and I look forward to connecting with my fans through Bisk Farm’s delicious and wholesome products.”
SAJ Food Products, which is India’s fourth-largest biscuit and bakery brand, aims to achieve a revenue milestone of Rs 5000 crore by FY29, aligning with its vision to transform its flagship brand, BISK FARM, into a truly national brand. The strategic move to rope in actress Rashmika Mandana, “The National Crush of India” as the face of its RUSKIT brand is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Coinciding with this announcement, Bisk Farm has also unveiled an exciting 360-degree campaign celebrating the perfect pairing of RUSKIT’s satisfying crunch with Rashmika Mandanna’s versatility and playful charm. The campaign introduces the celebrated actress as the protagonist named Meena Bhai—a feared don terrorizing a busy market. The campaign takes viewers on a hilarious journey as Meena Bhai reveals magic in every cup with #TheresNoTeaWithoutRUSKIT. The tagline perfectly captures the essence of the campaign, highlighting how Ruskit’s irresistible flavors and satisfying crunch are the essential missing piece to a perfect cup of chai.
With an eye on a pan-India presence, SAJ Food is also gearing up for deeper market penetration, with a special focus on key markets in Karnataka and other southern states. To fuel its growth ambitions and expand its reach, SAJ Food commissioned its sixth facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka in March 2022. With a strong brand vision, strategic expansion plans, and popular celebrity endorsements, SAJ Food is poised for significant growth in the years to come.
Watch the TVC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ionV3gradmc
The RUSKIT brand features four enticing variants—Butter RUSKIT, Milk RUSKIT, Cake RUSKIT, and RUSKIT Gold.
28, Dec 2023
Year-end Quote | Ennoventure – Mr. Padmakumar Nair, CEO & Co-founder of Ennoventure Inc
In today’s technology-driven era, countering counterfeiting has become a complex challenge. As businesses shift towards digital platforms, the demand for effective brand protection solutions has become critical. In 2024, the growing threat of forgery requires a proactive approach, utilizing state of the art technology based anti-counterfeit solutions. Software as a Service (SaaS) emerges as a valuable ally, providing adaptable tools to tackle the increasing presence of counterfeit products.
Authenticity holds a key role in navigating the intricate landscape of international trade. The effectiveness of anti-counterfeit SaaS surpasses a mere solution; it embodies a dedication to upholding integrity, promoting transparency, safeguarding consumer trust, and ensuring continual genuine innovation in the digital era, where counterfeiting poses a challenge to every transaction. The emergence of the anti-counterfeit software as a service trend in 2024 highlights a dedication to preserving the legitimacy of goods in the digital realm. Ennoventure Inc.’s development of these covert brand protection solutions promises a robust defense against illicit practices while adeptly adapting to the evolving counterfeit challenges.
This urgency is reinforced by a joint report by CRISIL and the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), which presents statistics. Almost 25-30% of all products sold in the country are counterfeit, particularly affecting sectors like apparel, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, automotive, and consumer durables. These findings emphasize the seriousness of the issue, reinforcing the need for proactive measures to address the pervasive problem of counterfeit goods.’’
28, Dec 2023
Year end trends commentary from Qlik – Nick Magnuson, Head of AI, Qlik
“In 2024, Generative AI takes the spotlight, evolving from a theoretical concept to a practical, business-oriented reality. This shift will particularly manifest in business-to-business (B2B) landscapes, where customized, domain-specific applications of AI take center stage. According to IDC FutureScape projections, by 2026, over 80% of generative AI use cases in enterprises will pivot towards tailored models, signifying a departure from standardized solutions to highly specialized solutions. This shift emphasizes the critical importance of data security and governance in developing and maintaining these customized AI models.
As organizations strive to address specific challenges, they’ll invest in domain-specific data, leading to the rise of “solution fabrics” that augment the capabilities of generic Generative AI. This transformation urges a reevaluation of traditional AI applications, highlighting their untapped potential for delivering significant organizational value. As the realization broadens, progressive businesses will embrace the broad spectrum of available AI technologies and continually invest in establishing a solid data foundation to support a robust portfolio of existing and future AI solutions.
The rise of Generative AI has also sparked significant buzz and a healthy dose of FOMO, elevating AI’s importance to C-level and even Board-level discussions. As Generative AI progresses into its practical phase, it’s crucial to remember: every facet of AI holds significance. While Generative AI gains traction, traditional AI – already delivering substantial organizational value – remains largely untapped by many. Organizations should explore the wide range of available AI solutions to optimize the speed and scope of their implementation, maximizing their benefits.”
28, Dec 2023
Unlock your cybersecurity potential with these top 5 courses
As our reliance on technology grows, so does the threat landscape, making it imperative for individuals and organisations to fortify their defences against potential cyber threats. The urgency to upskill in cybersecurity is highlighted by the prediction that the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs is poised to reach 3.5 million by the year 2025. This glaring gap in skilled cybersecurity professionals underlines the critical need for individuals to equip themselves with the knowledge and expertise to fill these roles and contribute to the collective digital defence. So, let us explore the top cybersecurity courses that address the urgent need for cyber literacy by paving the way for lucrative and fulfilling career prospects.
1. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics by edX
This beginner-friendly and asynchronous program is tailored for individuals looking to break into the rapidly growing cybersecurity profession without requiring any prior experience. Delve into key concepts such as the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. The course allows you to learn at your own pace, fostering a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity essentials. Explore topics like plaintext, ciphertext, encryption, decryption, and the Caesar Cipher, all without the need for technical installations. This online learning experience provides a solid foundation for thinking like a cyber professional. Strengthen your skills and seize the opportunity to enhance your professional portfolio in a field projected to grow significantly.
2. Certificate Program in Cybersecurity Essentials & Risk Assessment by Hero Vired
Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this program is crafted to provide a deep understanding of crucial aspects of cybersecurity such as mobile security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies. This 6-month course provides a cutting-edge and transformative learning experience with direct insights from cybersecurity experts, engaging in over 10 industry projects and case studies. The program includes 5+ masterclasses led by industry leaders, offering insights into the latest trends and technologies in the cybersecurity domain. With a focus on extensive hands-on training, the program covers IT infrastructure components susceptible to cyber threats, providing a global outlook on policies and governance. Offering 1:1 career coaching, just-in-time interview preparation, personal branding sessions, and placement assistance, this program is tailored for individuals with 0-5 years of experience in technology or STEM backgrounds. Master in tools like Python, Bash programming, Assembly language, and a range of tools like Wireshark, Aircrack, Kali Linux, and more.
3. Cybersecurity Ethical Hacking Course by Intellipaat
This Intellipaat course in India, co-created in collaboration with iHUB, IIT Roorkee is crafted by industry experts with 8-12 years of experience. This comprehensive program empowers you with essential skills, including Identity and Access Management (IAM), network security, cryptography, Linux, and more. Over the course of 11 months, learners can delve into a robust curriculum featuring 270 hours of live sessions, 100+ sessions led by IIT Faculty and Industry Experts, and engagement with 50+ industry projects and case studies. Learners receive the iHUB DivyaSampark, and IIT Roorkee Certification, and benefit from 100% placement assistance along with 24*7 support. The course also provides a no-cost EMI option, making it accessible to all aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Upon successful completion, you can explore roles such as Security Consultant (IT/Computing/Networking), IT Security Architect, Information Security Manager, etc.
4. Cybersecurity Course by Edureka
Edureka offers a comprehensive cybersecurity training program in India, providing a solid foundation for learners to grasp essential cybersecurity concepts. This course guides participants through a diverse range of topics, starting from the basics and covering key areas such as ethical hacking, cryptography, computer networks, application security, identity and access management (IdAM), vulnerability analysis, and more. The curriculum also explores practical aspects, including spyware and malware attacks, sniffing, SQL injection, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and session hijacking. The distinctive feature of this course lies in its live interactive learning sessions with real-time demonstrations. Learners also benefit from one-on-one learning assistance, hands-on project-based learning, quizzes, assignments, and industry-recognised certification upon completion.
5. Cybersecurity courses by Udemy
You can explore the vast landscape of cybersecurity with a multitude of courses available on Udemy, catering to individuals at various skill levels. Designed to simplify complex cybersecurity topics, the multitude of courses covers foundational areas like security governance, network security, cyber-attacks, web application security, and malware. It also provides preparation for in-demand certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and CEH, making it an ideal starting point for those aspiring to launch a successful career in cybersecurity. With features like easy-to-follow videos, quizzes, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Udemy courses ensure a well-rounded and accessible learning experience for cybersecurity enthusiasts at any stage of their career graph.
28, Dec 2023
Year-ender quote from SAP Concur around travel and technology sector
Views of Mr. Srivatsan Santhanam, Vice President, Spend Engineering, SAP Labs India
“Businesses today are evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. Initially predicted as a time when organizations would grapple with budget constraints and resource scarcity, the unfolding reality of 2023 brought not only anticipated challenges but also exciting technological advancements, notably in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The tapestry of 2023 was woven with the threads of Business AI. This transformative force propelled technology to the forefront of business operations, reshaping the dynamics of travel, expense, and invoice (TEI) management infused with next-gen payment solutions.
Organizations should take a realistic approach to planning for 2024, build in some flexibility to course correct, as needed, and lean into the benefits of emerging technologies. Embracing Business AI, automation, and AI-infused data analysis will help finance teams bring more strategy to the organizational table and find a greater sense of confidence amid uncertainty. Going forward, organizations also envision a paradigm shift in reimbursement processes. One foresees virtual payments streamlining TEI operations, instead of using a company credit card, employees will be able to use virtual payments for all business expenses, including travel.”
28, Dec 2023
Varun Sood leaves us drooling as Ahaan Kothari in Disney+ Hotstar’s Karmma Calling
Flamboyant, vulnerable and trying to find his footing, Ahaan Kothari – the prodigal son & apple of Indrani Kothari’s eye, is here to charm you with his simplicity and style in Hotstar Specials’ Karmma Calling. Played by the handsome hunk Varun Sood, he is an integral part of the Alibaug society and the world of glitz, glamor, deceit and betrayal. He is torn between his family legacy and listening to his heart.
Produced by R.A.T Films, adapted for India and directed by Ruchi Narain, the series is releasing on January 26, 2024 exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
Talking about his character, Varun Sood said “With Karmma Calling, I am making my series debut. When I first encountered Ahaan Kothari on paper, it felt like an immediate connection. Being empathetic towards him came naturally as I found our personalities to be quite similar. I also wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone with Ahaan Kothari and his flamboyance.”
Decoding his workout routine, he added, “I took my workout routine and diet to another level, this is something that I do to live the character a little more. It’s my own way of living in the skin of the character. I just wanted to bring Ahaan to life in every sense. I am sure that even the audiences will like Ahaan Kothari and enjoy seeing me in this new avatar”
Karmma Calling is based on the U.S. original series Revenge, which aired from 2011-2015 and was produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.
27, Dec 2023
EKA Mobility joins forces with Mitsui and VDL Groep to create a leading global OEM in India
- EKA, Mitsui & VDL Groep have entered a strategic long-term partnership, that will include joint investments, equity & technology cooperation
- With a joint investment of over USD 100 million (~ INR 850 crores) in phases, the cooperation will position India as the global manufacturing & sourcing hub for electric vehicles
New Delhi, Wednesday, 27th December 2023: – EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicles & technology company based in India, is thrilled to announce a partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands). This strategic cooperation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian automotive industry, propelling India toward becoming a global hub for sustainable transportation. The alliance is set to establish most cutting edge global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the region.
This is one of the largest and most significant partnerships in the new mobility segment in India bringing together the strengths and expertise of three leading automotive conglomerates in Asia & Europe to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative electric mobility solutions globally. Under the cooperation, EKA Mobility, known for its cutting-edge electric vehicles and comprehensive EV ecosystem, will receive significant and strategic investments from Mitsui, a global trading and investment company with a rich history of contributing to industrial innovation, and technological support & equity partnership from VDL Groep, a leading Dutch technology and manufacturing company. The combined expertise and resources of the three entities will usher in a new era of sustainable transportation and manufacturing excellence.
Key Highlights of the cooperation:
Strategic Investment: Mitsui & Co., Ltd. will make significant financial investments in EKA Mobility, enabling the company to scale up its manufacturing operations and expand its product portfolio. Mitsui will also provide support to EKA for exports to select emerging markets as well as establishment of systems & process.
Technological Leadership: As part of this partnership, VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and Europe’s frontrunner in electric buses & coaches will support EKA Mobility by transfer of technology to produce electric buses in India for the Indian market.
Strengthening ‘Make in India’: The alliance is firmly aligned with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at promoting local manufacturing and job creation.
Sustainability: The cooperation emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and environment conscious mobility solutions, furthering the reduction of carbon footprints.
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, expressed his views about the cooperation, stating, “This partnership with Mitsui and VDL Groep represents a significant step toward making India a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. We are proud to join forces with such distinguished partners who share our vision of sustainable, profitable & efficient transportation.”
Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division in Mitsui & Co. India: “Through the cooperation of EKA, VDL, and Mitsui, we aim to contribute to “Make in India” by leveraging EKA’s excellent engineering and local network, and VDL’s cutting-edge technological capabilities. Furthermore, we would like to utilize our Mitsui’s global network to promote exporting EKA’s competitive products to overseas markets and contribute to creating eco-friendly societies”.
Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO VDL Bus & Coach: “We are delighted to partner with EKA Mobility and Mitsui. Although the basis of our high-quality development and manufacturing competences lie in north-western Europe, we see many opportunities in India, which is obviously a promising growth market. With this cooperation, we foresee especially many synergy benefits in the areas of procurement and development”.
EKA Mobility is one of the commercial vehicle manufacturers approved under the Champion OEM Scheme & EV component manufacturing scheme of the Government of India’s Auto PLI policy. EKA is the only Indian company offering end-to-end design, manufacturing & technology of new energy vehicles from scratch in India. The company has set up a state-of-the-art research, development, engineering & innovation center in Pune, Maharashtra, and has significantly grown its order book, with more than 500 electric buses and 5000+ electric light commercial vehicle orders in the pipeline. All these vehicles will be completely designed & manufactured in India, at EKA’s proposed state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In last two years, the company has introduced electric city bus, staff carrier & school bus, 9 meter hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus, and is now all set to enter the last mile delivery with its range of e-LCVs designed & customized to suit Indian customers and businesses.
27, Dec 2023
NMIMS STME Students Craft Digital Solution for City Parking Woes
iPark prototype gets approval from Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
A team of students from NMIMS STME win the Smart India Hackathon 2023
Indore, 27 December, India: Addressing the growing problem of unorganised parking in major urban centres of the country in their prompt statement at the Grand Finale round of ‘Smart India Hackathon 2023’, a team of six exceptional students developed a working prototype of an innovative application called, ‘iPark’. The application leverages technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision (CV), and is designed to help traffic regulators live-track and detect unorganised and illegal parking.
Sam Varghese, Nishtha Pandya, Suhani Khandelwal, Priyansh Chhablani, Arohi Jain and Shalom Ram were part of the team from SVKM’s NMIMS School of Technology, Management and Engineering (STME) Indore that participated in the All-India Council for Technical Education’s (AICTE) ‘Smart India Hackathon 2023’, a national-level competition for young innovators. The team was selected among the top 5 teams for the ‘Grand Finale’ round of the competition. Participants included teams from NMIMS Mumbai, KIET, <mention the three other colleges>. The team were adjudged the winner of the competition.
For the Grand Finale round, participating schools were required to organise internal hackathons at their respective campuses and select the top 30 teams. The AICTE then selected the top 5 teams from all the participating teams for the finale. Participants were provided with problem statements from various Ministries of the Government of India. The finalists had to select one problem statement, develop a working prototype of their innovative product, and present it in front of a panel of judges in the final round of the competition. Each problem statement could have a maximum of 500 teams applying for it, out of which 5 teams were shortlisted for the Grand Finale.
This year, the esteemed judges included Product Managers from top companies such as Wipro as well as owners of US-based start-ups. Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the event virtually and interacted with the participants, encouraging them to think innovatively to usher in new chapters of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’.
The winning team from STME selected the problem statement by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which required them to solve the problem of parking spaces across cities in India. They were required to develop and present their innovation within 2-3 weeks. In the endeavour, they received help at every step of the way from the esteemed faculty at NMIMS Indore and were mentored by <mention the name of the mentor>
They developed ‘iPark’, a mobile application, which uses Computer Vision, Live Tracking and Artificial Intelligence technologies to aid traffic regulators in solving this problem. The app assists drivers in finding authorised parking spots across the city. This helps in tackling problems relating to traffic violations, congestion and pollution resulting from illegal and unorganised parking. The team presented a fully functional working prototype of their product in front of the judges at the finale.
The students behind the innovation received a cash prize of INR 1,00,000 as well as appreciation from the judges. The participants will use the cash prize to further improve and develop the mobile application. Moreover, in the next few months, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will start testing ‘iPark’ across the country.
Speaking about the learnings from the competition, Sam Varghese, a student from the winning team said, “Participating in events like the Smart India Hackathon 2023 provides you with global exposure. They provide you with a unique platform for knowledge exchange and interaction with students from top educational institutions such as IITs.”
Expressing his thoughts on this student achievement, xx, designation, NMIMS Indore, said, “The success at the Smart India Hackathon 2023 is the result of the relentless efforts of the students and their fascination towards innovation and technology.”
Appreciating the achievement of the NMIMS Indore team, Dr. Anshuman Jaswal, Director, NMIMS Indore, said, “We welcome the victory of our students at the Smart India Hackathon 2023. iPark is a first-of-its-kind application that uses AI technology to manage parking and traffic adherence and can transform urban infrastructure by decongesting road traffic. We look forward to their collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.”
