Category Archives: News

Visteon expands its footprint in India with new technical centre in Kolkata, accelerating innovation in automotive software

India, 20th December 2024 – Visteon Corporation, a global leader in automotive cockpit electronics and connected car solutions, today announced the inauguration of its new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Kolkata, India. The center is set to become operational by January 2025 and underscores Visteon’s commitment to leveraging India’s growing importance in global automotive technology development.

The inauguration featured key dignitaries from the Visteon’s India and global leadership, including President and CEO Sachin Lawande.

Strategically located, Kolkata’s strong talent ecosystem and proximity to top engineering colleges make it an ideal hub for advanced software and technology development. The center will initially seat 300 engineers by the end of 2026, with plans to scale up to 500+ engineers in the next two to three years. It will specialize in Android-based infotainment, autonomous vehicle solutions, cybersecurity, multimedia & remote projection, and cloud technologies, establishing itself as a Center of Excellence (COE) exclusively focusing on Android-based infotainment and cockpit software development.

“India has been central to our strategy for over 20 years, with over 2,000 of our people driving automotive innovation. The new Kolkata center strengthens our focus on Android-based automotive solutions and expands our fastest-growing product portfolio. At Visteon we meet the talent where it’s at, and we’re glad to strengthen our team with Kolkata’s engineering expertise and collaborate with the city’s top universities to support the evolving needs of automakers worldwide,” Sachin Lawande, President and CEO of Visteon shared.

The Kolkata center is designed as a USGBC LEED Platinum-certified facility, featuring solar panels and water recycling systems to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. It reflects Visteon’s commitment to not just innovation but also environmental stewardship.

India is a significant contributor to Visteon’s global operations, with advanced technical centres in Chennai, Goa, Bangalore, Pune, Trivandrum, and Coimbatore, and a robust network of technical and manufacturing teams driving innovations for global automakers. Over the past year, India teams have delivered cutting-edge solutions in connected car technology, solidifying the country’s position as a pivotal innovation hub. To sustain a steady pipeline of skilled talent, Visteon is strengthening its early career programs and establishing partnerships with leading universities across the region.

Anmol Industries presents Anmol Swiss Roll – a delight for all taste buds

New Delhi, 20th December 2024: Anmol Industries Limited, a prominent player in the Indian packaged food market, has introduced a tempting new offering – Anmol Swiss Roll. This delicious treat comes in two tempting varieties, Choco Vanilla and Strawberry, and is priced at just ₹10, making it an affordable choice for dessert lovers across India.

The launch of Anmol Swiss Roll highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and providing enjoyable experiences for its consumers. With its soft, velvety texture and rich, creamy fillings, it offers a luxurious flavour experience in every bite. Whether it’s the luscious Choco Vanilla or the refreshing Strawberry variant, each roll is crafted to satisfy the cravings of all ages.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Aman Choudhary, Executive Director – Marketing at Anmol Industries Limited said, “With Anmol Swiss Roll, we are introducing a new snacking experience that combines rich flavours with unmatched quality. Our aim is to offer a treat that appeals to taste connoisseurs, while ensuring it is accessible to everyone. This product embodies our commitment to delivering satisfaction in an affordable and delightful way.”

Anmol Swiss Roll caters to the growing demand for indulgent products that are both delicious and budget-friendly. Produced in-house at the company’s Hazipur plant, it ensures superior quality and freshness. With its strategic pricing, it serves a vast consumer base across urban and rural India, making it accessible to all.

Anmol Industries has also ensured that the Swiss Roll is widely available across various retail outlets, providing consumers easy access to this delectable addition to the brand’s expanding line-up. The roll-out across urban and rural markets reflects the company’s dedication to making premium offerings available to all.

Anmol Industries continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the FMCG sector, offering a diverse range of high-quality products. With products like Anmol Swiss Roll, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences that bring joy to every moment.

United We Care Shatters Google and Meta’s Accuracy Records with United-MedASR in Conversational AI

New Delhi, 20 December 2024 – United We Care, a global leader in AI innovation for mental health, has launched United-MedASR, an advanced Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system that sets new global benchmarks for clinical accuracy.

Designed to revolutionize medical communication, United-MedASR tackles critical healthcare challenges with unmatched precision—achieved through a model built on capital efficiency rather than the massive foundational budgets of Meta and Google.

United-MedASR has outperformed major benchmarks, setting new records:

• LibriSpeech Test-Clean: 0.986% Word Error Rate (WER), a 26% improvement
• over Google’s 1.34%.
• Tedlium: 0.29% WER, a 93% improvement over NVIDIA’s 3.92%.
• FLEURS (English): 0.336% WER, a 98% reduction from Meta’s 21.9%.

“Our achievement is a milestone in ASR technology,” said Sourav Banerjee, Founder and CTO of United We Care. “We’ve proven that true innovation doesn’t require boundless resources—it requires focus, expertise, and a commitment to solving real-world problems.”

Precision That Saves Lives
In healthcare, the margin for error is razor thin. Traditional ASR tools, with error rates of 3–5%, posed risks to patient safety. United-MedASR achieves an industry-leading 0.5% error rate, ensuring accuracy in critical interactions. Its ability to understand the thickest regional accents and provide precise medical documentation redefines reliability in high-stakes environments.

“When a doctor says, ‘Administer epinephrine,’ the difference between 99% and 99.7% accuracy is life or death,” said Ritu Mehrotra, Founder and CEO of United We Care. “This isn’t just incremental progress—it’s a paradigm shift. Stella, our virtual wellness and mental health support AI, is globally the best in conversational AI. We’ve built a system that transforms how healthcare professionals interact with technology, enabling unprecedented levels of accuracy and reliability.”

United-MedASR is more than a technological breakthrough—it’s a tool designed to improve lives. With Stella, conversations feel authentic, blending AI precision with human-like interaction. From enabling accurate documentation to understanding diverse accents, United-MedASR is poised to make healthcare safer, more accessible, and more reliable.

United We Care’s dedication to purpose-driven innovation cements its place as a global leader, bridging cutting-edge technology with human-centric care.

Christmas just got merrier with Secret Santa at Third Wave Coffee

Mumbai, December 20th, 2024: This Christmas season, Third Wave Coffee, the coffee-first QSR brand, is sprinkling a little extra holiday magic by brewing up more than just coffee. With its delightful ‘Secret Santa’ campaign, the brand is surprising its customers with gifts, embracing the spirit of holidays with a dash of playful mystery and festive cheer. Known for its warm spaces and expertly crafted brews, Third Wave Coffee is turning its cafes into treasure troves of surprises. From 19th to 24th December, customers can experience the thrill of discovery while sipping their favourite coffee. Look around and you may stumble upon a little gift left by none other than the Third Wave Coffee Secret Santa. Catch a glimpse of what happiness at a Third Wave Coffee cafe looks like here: Third Wave Coffee’s official Instagram page. The wide smiles and sheer joy felt by the customers is only the most apt expression of the season! Adding to the festivities, Santa Claus would be making special appearances at select cafes, spreading joy by handing out Christmas cards and scratch cards with exciting offers for the season.

Ayush Bathwal, Co-founder at Third Wave Coffee, shares more about the spirit fuelling the campaign, “Holidays are all about warmth, joy, community and connections. And it is this very feeling that we want to recreate at our stores. This Christmas, we wanted to go beyond just great coffee and food, to bring a sense of festive adventure to our in-store experiences. Third Wave Coffee’s ‘Secret Santa’ campaign is our way of celebrating the season by delighting our customers, making their time at the cafe even more memorable. After all, it’s all about enjoying the little things – a perfect brew, festive vibes, and the joy of an unexpected gift!”

The campaign is designed to spread joy and make every visit to Third Wave Coffee a memorable holiday adventure. Keeping the element of surprise alive, customers are encouraged to explore their surroundings, peek behind the festive decor or check under their comfortable seating for the coveted gifts. The best part – finders are keepers! Making it more enjoyable will be the vibrant Christmas decor and live carol singing sessions at select cafes. The festivities don’t end here. Amidst holiday hues of red & green, indulge in seasonal delights as Mocha Toffee Nut Frappe, Mocha Toffee Nut Latte and S’mores Hot Chocolate, paired with S’Mores Cookie and Hummingbird Cake. To take the indulgence a notch higher, or to delight your loved ones, browse the exclusive holiday merchandise and curated Christamas hampers. So don’t keep Santa, and your surprise gifts waiting; swing by your nearest Third Wave Coffee store and make it a December to remember!

KIIT World School receives Times Education Icons Award 2024

Gurugram: KIIT World School has achieved another major milestone in the field of education. The school has been honored under the North Zone category in the Times Education Icons Award 2024. Through this prestigious award, KIIT has been ranked among the top 10 schools in Gurugram.

This honor reflects KIIT’s strong commitment to academic excellence, holistic development, and innovation in education. This achievement is a proud moment for the entire KIIT family, and the school is inspired to strengthen further its commitment to shape the future of education in the region.

Speaking on this special occasion, Dr. Neelima Kamarah, Principal, of KIIT World School said, “This is a result of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in quality education of our entire KIIT family. This award further motivates us to provide our students with the best academic environment and appropriate opportunities for their holistic development. Our priority has always been to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century by adopting innovative education methods.”

KIIT World School has always been dedicated to the education, culture, and personality development of students. This achievement is a matter of pride not only for the school but also for all the parents and students who have been a part of its journey. The school thanks Times Education Icons for this honor and is committed to setting new dimensions of excellence in the future as well.

Pocket FM Playback 2024 Insights Highlight a New Era of Entertainment

India; December 19, 2024: Audio series platform Pocket FM today announces its 2024 app consumption insights through Pocket FM Playback 2024, offering an in-depth look at how the world embraced storytelling and immersive audio experiences over the year. This report celebrates a landmark year of record-breaking engagement and revenue, driven by an ever-expanding content library and a passionate global audience.

A Phenomenal Year of Entertainment

The numbers speak volumes about the monumental year Pocket FM experienced in 2024. Globally, listeners streamed over 100 billion minutes and completed more than 45 million transactions. With a listener demographic comprising 54% Gen Z, 37% Millennials, and 5% Gen X, Pocket FM continues to captivate young audiences. Interestingly, the platform’s gender distribution showcased a near balance, with 53% male and 47% female listeners.

Pocket FM’s AI-powered innovation fueled this growth. AI-generated audio series expanded the content library by an astounding 36X, while human-narrated series improved by 2X. This commitment to innovation translated into massive financial success, with over seven audio series surpassing $10 million in revenue – a 600% increase from 2023 – and 35 audio series achieving million-dollar status, three times more than the previous year.

The Genres That Ruled the Charts

Romance and Drama reigned supreme in both India and the US, followed closely by Fantasy and Sci-Fi and Horror and Thriller. These genres not only captured imaginations but also drove hours of engagement, proving that immersive storytelling knows no borders.

The Only 24/7 Entertainment Category

Over 200,000 listeners spent more than 3 hours every day on the platform throughout the year, and more than 10,000 listeners listened over 3,000 hours – roughly 8 hours daily – a third of the day.

Listening patterns revealed a shift in consumer behavior, with morning hours (5-8 AM) and commute hours (8-11 AM) accounting for nearly 30% of daily consumption. Notably, leisure hours (8-11 PM) saw almost 8% consumption as listeners likely to have opted for audio series over traditional TV series. Late-night hours (11 PM-5 AM) accounted for a striking 22.9% of total listening.

India: A Nation Spellbound by Stories

India stood out as a key market, with millions of listeners tuning in from its vibrant cities. The top 10 cities included Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Chennai, Jaipur, and Lucknow. Popular genres like Romance and Drama, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, and Horror and Thriller kept the audience captivated.

Top-performing audio series in India reflected the nation’s love for gripping narratives:

• Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh: Played over 100 million times.
• Secret Ameerzaada: Played over 85 million times
• Insta Millionaire: Played over 60 million times
• Insta Empire: Played over 50 million times
• Super Yoddha: Played over 42 million times

“In 2024, we didn’t just grow; we redefined the very nature of entertainment by establishing audio series as a mainstream entertainment. Audio series, as a category, is no longer a niche—they are the next evolution of global entertainment. This year’s achievements are a testament to the immense potential of this category and our commitment to leading its growth” said Rohan Nayak, CEO and Co-founder of Pocket FM “At Pocket FM, we have combined the power of human creativity with AI innovation to build a scalable, sustainable content ecosystem that transcends cultural boundaries and reimagines the way audiences consume stories.”

LM Thapar School of Management Announces Admissions for MBA and PhD Programs for the Upcoming Academic Year

Patiala, Punjab – December 19, 2024 – Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), recognized as one of India’s premier institutions, announces the opening of admissions for the MBA and PhD programs at its business school, LM Thapar School of Management (LMTSM), for the upcoming academic year. TIET is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and strong industry linkages, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.

As a part of TIET, LM Thapar School of Management is committed to academic excellence and innovative research. Its MBA and PhD programs are meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s competitive global environment. The school continues to uphold its legacy of nurturing future leaders who drive impact across industries and communities.

The MBA program welcomes graduates or postgraduates from any discipline who have achieved at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university. The PhD program is open to candidates with a postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification, with a minimum CGPA of 6.00 on a 10-point scale or 55% aggregate marks. The admission process involves a thorough selection mechanism, including evaluating academic qualifications, standardized test scores, interviews, and relevant work experience. Interested candidates can apply through the official website, https://lmtsm.thapar.edu.

Dr Gurbinder Singh, Director, Dera Bassi Campus (Punjab), LM Thapar School of Management and TIET, said: “At LMTSM, we are committed to nurturing future leaders who can make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields. Our programs are designed to combine academic rigor with practical insights, equipping students with the tools to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving world. This year, we look forward to welcoming a diverse group of talented individuals who are eager to challenge themselves and contribute to society.”

LMTSM’s programs are supported by a distinguished faculty that includes scholars, industry experts, and practitioners from renowned institutions worldwide. The faculty combines academic knowledge with practical insights to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment. The campus is equipped with modern classrooms, cutting-edge research labs, and an extensive library offering both digital and physical resources. Collaborative spaces are designed to foster innovation and peer-to-peer learning, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

In addition to these resources, LMTSM is committed to supporting talented students by offering 90 merit-based scholarships for the MBA course. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their higher education without financial constraints. This initiative further strengthens LMTSM’s dedication to fostering academic brilliance and helping students achieve their full potential.

The MBA program offers diverse specializations, including Business Analytics and Big Data, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, Operations, and Human Resource Management, allowing students to align their education with career goals. The PhD program emphasizes research excellence, offering specialization in Organizational Behavior, Strategy, International Management, Finance, Marketing, and Operations.

Placement and career development support are integral to LMTSM’s approach. The MBA program has an impressive track record of placing graduates in leading companies across sectors like finance, consulting, marketing, and technology. Students benefit from corporate partnerships, internships, live projects, and networking events that provide invaluable industry exposure. PhD students have opportunities for applied research collaborations, academic networking at conferences, and guidance toward postdoctoral or faculty positions.

LMTSM also offers students international exposure through exchange programs and partnerships with global universities. Aspiring entrepreneurs benefit from specialized mentorship and resources to nurture their ventures. The school’s inclusive environment celebrates diversity, fostering unique perspectives and a global outlook.

Nexus Koramangala Unveils Bengaluru’s Biggest Santa in Blue, this Christmas

Bangalore, 19th December 2024: This holiday season, Nexus Koramangala introduces a one-of-a-kind spectacle: the 25-foot “Blue Santa,” the biggest of its kind in town. Standing tall and vibrant, this giant Santa is a creative masterpiece that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern flair. What sets it apart is its stunning blue suit, symbolizing dreams, mystique, and endless possibilities—making it a refreshing twist on the classic Santa look.

The Blue Santa, crafted with intricate clay and fibre molds, is adorned with shimmering acrylic accents and fairy lights, creating a magical winter wonderland that captivates visitors of all ages. Whether it’s the glowing details at night or the sheer scale of the installation, this festive marvel promises to enchant everyone. A must-visit for families, friends, and all holiday enthusiasts, the Blue Santa at Nexus Koramangala is the ultimate destination to celebrate Christmas in the heart of the city. Sonar Connectar is the experience partner who has co-curated this thought and brought it to life for Nexus Koramangala this Christmas.

Excelia enhances its role in Global Higher Education with India collaborations and new programmes in 2024

Excelia, one of France’s leading higher education groups, further reinforced its strategic ties with India in 2024 by launching classes internationales (international classes), a tailored programme for Indian students. Announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s State visit to India in January 2024, this initiative is part of a broader scheme involving 33 French institutions.

Since September 2024, Indian students participating in the programme have engaged in a year-long immersive experience in France, combining intensive French language instruction, business courses, and personal development activities. This effort reflects Excelia’s focus on fostering global talent and strengthening educational opportunities for Indian students. Excelia has confirmed that its participation in the classes internationales programme will continue in 2025.

Excelia launches a Doctorate and expands Undergraduate opportunities abroad

In April 2024, Excelia Business School launched its Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), a programme aimed at experienced professionals interested in addressing complex business challenges through research. Taught entirely in English, the DBA supports the production of practical, research-driven knowledge for the business community.

In September 2024, Excelia Business School also introduced new options within its International BBA programme, allowing students to begin their studies at partner universities in Australia, the USA, or Singapore. Students can now begin their studies at these AACSB-accredited institutions, adding an international dimension to their academic journey from the outset of their higher education.

Recognitions in 2024 rankings reflect Excelia’s international standing

Excelia Business School was recognised in several major global rankings in 2024. The MSc in International Business Management debuted at 20th place worldwide in the QS International Trade Rankings, ranking first among French programmes included. In the Financial Times Masters in Management rankings, Excelia Business School moved to 30th place globally, marking its sixth consecutive year of progression.

Excelia also maintained its position in sustainability rankings, highlighting its focus on ecological and social responsibility. It was placed in the 301-400 category in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and retained Level 4 (‘Transforming’) status in the Positive Impact Rating for Business Schools, affirming its commitment to contributing to sustainable development globally.

Innovation and Leadership Mark 2024 as a Transformative Year

Excelia’s focus on innovation was reflected in the launch of Exceliaprime® in November 2024. This edutainment platform leverages neuroscience, storytelling, and gamification to engage students in a novel way. The platform combines entertainment with skills development, presenting educational content in scripted episodes inspired by streaming formats.

In leadership changes, Excelia Tourism School welcomed Richard Ginioux as its new Dean in November 2024. With experience in the luxury hospitality sector and education, Ginioux brings valuable expertise to the institution.

Celebrating two decades of Humacité© and future plans for 2025

Humacité©, Excelia’s initiative blending community engagement with academic learning, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Since its inception, it has supported over 10,000 student projects globally, including 300 in India. The initiative continues to reflect Excelia’s values of responsibility and humanity.

Looking ahead, Excelia plans to strengthen its collaboration with Indian institutions and broaden its sustainability initiatives. The classes internationales programme will offer more Indian students the opportunity to immerse themselves in French culture and education in 2025. These developments align with Excelia’s mission to prepare students as globally responsible citizens, ready to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.

Bangalore Police, Bangalore Hospitals, and Aarohana Foundation Launch Police Marshals Initiative and Awareness Program at RV Engineering College

Kengeri, Bangalore – December 19, 2024: The Bangalore Police, in collaboration with Bangalore Hospitals and the Aarohana Foundation, launched the Police Marshals for Kengeri Subdivision initiative at RV Engineering College. This comprehensive program focused on raising awareness about drug abuse, cybercrime, and life-saving CPR training, with the active participation of students in building a healthier and safer society.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Girish S., IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Bangalore West Division, along with Mr. Basavaraj A. Teli, ACP Kengeri Subdivision; Mr. Sanjeev Gowda, Inspector, Kengeri Police Station; and Dr. K.N. Subramanya, Principal, RV Engineering College.

Highlights of the event included:

· Student Performances: Students of RV Engineering College staged a powerful mime on drug awareness and a comedy drama that shed light on the risks of cybercrime.

· CPR and BLS Training: Dr. Gunjan Rai, Head of the Emergency Department at Bangalore Hospital Kengeri, trained approximately 450 participants in Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR, equipping them with essential life-saving skills.

· Dignitaries’ Addresses:

o Mr. Girish S., DCP Bangalore West, emphasized the societal impact of drug abuse and inspired students to contribute to the community by supporting police efforts through the Police Marshals initiative.

o Mr. Basavaraj A. Teli, ACP Kengeri Subdivision, educated students on the effects of cybercrime, the responsible use of social media, and staying vigilant online.

o Dr. K.N. Subramanya, Principal of RVCE, highlighted the importance of such awareness programs, encouraging students to be role models and pioneers in cyber safety and health training.

The event concluded with the dignitaries capping the students, officially inducting them as Police Marshals. The initiative aims to empower youth to collaborate with law enforcement in fostering a strong and healthy society while addressing critical issues like drug abuse and cybercrime.