Category Archives: News

Kaagaz Writer Ankur Suman Calls Writing “Most Non-Glamourous Function Of Filmmaking”: There Is No Star…

In an exclusive chat with Zoom, writer Ankur Suman opens up about the fact that writers in Bollywood should get more recognition. He also names THIS writer who has made a name for himself recently.

 The man who penned Kaagaz and Kaagaz 2 – Ankur Suman started out doing advertisements. The versatile writer has now made his mark in Bollywood. Zoom exclusively caught up with Ankur and in the chat, he Spoke about why he thinks writers should get more recognition and how the writer duo Salim-Javed are irreplaceable.

 Ankur Suman on writing being ‘non-glamourous’

 Ankur also spoke about the importance of writers in a project and said, “My favourite line for writers is, ” Ye wo kadhai hai jo sabse pehle chulhe pe chadha diya jata hai. (Writers are the wok that is put on the stove first). Even if there is no budget to put oil, the wok is on the flames, because everything starts with the script.” He said that when anyone has an idea for a project, they are asked to ‘develop’ it first and that is where the work of the writer starts, ” I think, writing starts much earlier and it goes on till dubbing at times.” Ankur said that his intuitive thinking about why writers do not get their due credit is because it does not have stars. “Writing is the most non-glamourous function of filmmaking. There is no star involved or actor involved.” He added, “I know writers in Mumbai who have assigned desks at Starbucks. So, if you have to meet the writer, he would be in Starbucks!”

 “Real filmmakers and people who understand cinema do respect writers. It’s not that writers are completely unnoticed. But they are talked less (about) because maybe the visibility is not there. I was very happy to see Niren Bhatt, the writer of Stree. Maddock is a Production House that has written the writer’s name very prominently. As far as I am concerned, I got lucky to work with people who respected writers. But yes, writers must get their due and get acknowledged.

 Ankur Suman on Salim-Javed

 Talking about writers who paved the way and are iconic – Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar – Ankur said, “There will be no one like them. That kind of aplomb, flamboyance, and respect, which also included the monetary compensation. The kind of glory they brought to writing, nobody else did that before. They brought it to the fore, they brought their names to the poster. So, there was a lot of excitement when people saw that documentary. As writers, most of us in India have followed their work. They already have books on them. I was fortunate that I got to work with Satish Kaushik, who was mentored by Javed Saab. I was like Eklavya. I had a very brief interaction with him where I told him I am like Eklavya. I have heard so much about you from Satish sir that I have learnt a lot from you. “

KaleidEO Unveils a High Resolution Multispectral Payload Delivering the Largest Area Coverage from India

Bengaluru, September 17, 24: KaleidEO Space Systems, a subsidiary of SatSure Analytics India Pvt Ltd, announces the launch of its high-resolution, optical, multispectral payload. The payload is a one-of-a-kind wide swath imager, designed to maximize the area coverage while maintaining higher resolution of image captured. The payload will be able to deliver near 1 meter Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) while covering a 65 km swath. GSD refers to Ground Sampling Distance which is the distance between two consecutive pixel centres measured on ground from air or space.

This development comes in after it successfully completed the aerial testing of the scaled down prototype version of the optical EO (earth observation) payload which captured images at 16 centimeters spatial resolution.

The payload offers at least 15x more area than most payloads in the market today. Presently, such resolution in the industry is achievable with a swath coverage of up to 15 km. KaleidEO’s payload will be able to capture the entire Bangalore city in a single pass.

The industry presently faces a challenge of getting high-resolution images along with high coverage. In order to get a higher resolution image, satellites need to reduce its swath or area coverage, making them almost inversely proportional to each other. KaleidEO’s payload configuration is designed to enable higher assurance on quality of insights derived and efficiency improvement through automation. It will also eliminate the need for depending on the conventional process of stitching multiple images together for capturing a large area.

Currently at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), the payload will have six bands, viz., Red, Green, Blue, Near Infrared, Red Edge and PAN. Availability of the data in multiple bands allows for identifying and analyzing diverse features on ground such as vegetation health condition, moisture condition, water body and soil features, which otherwise are not visible to naked eyes.

The unique combination of large swath, high resolution and multispectral bands will allow improved identification of objects and features on earth. This enables versatile use applications, supporting large area analytics applications in the areas of crop monitoring, forest health assessment, urban planning, infrastructure asset monitoring, and strategic applications. Apart from this, the payload also employs forward motion compensation and half pixel shift methodology for super-resolving captured images, further improving detail and accuracy.

Speaking about this milestone, Arpan Sahoo, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, KaleidEO said, “The KaleidEO payload emphasizes on a ‘Demand First’ approach unlike the traditional ‘Supply First’ approach. We configured the payload specification to the industry’s need for large area acquisition and automated analytics at scale. We have received positive responses and inquiries from the industry and are open to exploring opportunities to customize the payload to meet specific requirements, as the payload Series offers both COTS and bespoke solutions.”

Commenting on the development, Akash Yalagash, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, KaleidEO said, “KaleidEO’s 1.2 m payload is the first in the official launch of our payload series. The successful demonstration of half pixel shift and forward motion compensation has validated our plans to accelerate to a space flight version of the payload. We are also working on a sub-meter payload which is currently at TRL-3 and are in parallel exploring bespoke requirements from clients for the same.”

Anmol Group installs 16ft tall idol of Lord Ganesha made by 9000 packets of Anmol Yummy biscuits

New Delhi 17th September 2024: Anmol Group, a leading packaged food company, made a grand devotional gesture this Ganesh Chaturthi by creating a 16-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha using over 9,000 packets of Anmol Yummy Cream Biscuits. This impressive feat adds to the nationwide celebration of Ganesh Utsav. The massive construction was undertaken by Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi Enterprises, a channel partner of Anmol Group based in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh.

Expressing his delight at the successful installation of the idol, Mr. Aman Choudhary, Executive Director-Marketing at Anmol Industries, said, “We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Gupta Ganesh and thank our entire Andhra Pradesh sales team for bringing immense joy to the Ganesh Utsav. This achievement highlights the involvement and love we receive from all our stakeholders, enhancing Anmol’s image and making our journey even more affable. May Lord Ganesha bless everyone with prosperity and wisdom this year.”

Anmol Yummy Cream Biscuits, celebrated for their delightful milk-flavored cream nestled between crispy shells, have become a beloved treat. Renowned for a wide range of biscuits, cookies, rusks, chocolate wafers and cakes, Anmol Industries has been a trusted name among the consumers since its inception in 1994. Anmol caters to all likings with over 70 varieties of biscuits and more than 30 varieties of cakes. The brand has also successfully broadened its range to include wafers and rusks, continuing to delight taste buds everywhere.

Ankura Hospital Successfully saves a three-month-old baby

Hyderabad, 17th September 2024- Ankura Hospital, a leading healthcare facility for women and children, in a recent incident successfully saved the life of a three-month-old infant who accidentally swallowed an open safety pin. The incident occurred when the infant’s six-year-old sibling, during playtime, inadvertently caused the baby to ingest the sharp object.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the infant was immediately examined by Dr. Parijat Ram Tripathi, a Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. A radiographic examination revealed that the open safety pin had pierced the infant’s stomach lining, a life-threatening condition that required urgent intervention.

Within 30 minutes of the infant’s arrival, Dr. Tripathi and his highly skilled team prepared for a critical endoscopic procedure. The 2cm safety pin, lodged dangerously in the stomach lining, was successfully extracted using endoscopy, a minimally invasive technique. This approach not only reduced the need for open surgery but also minimized the risks associated with more invasive procedures, such as infection and extended recovery time.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential for severe complications. Quick and decisive action was crucial in ensuring the safety of the infant, who was closely monitored for 24 hours post-procedure to check for any complications. The child exhibited positive recovery signs, including normal feeding, no fever, and no signs of infection. Following this period of observation, the infant was discharged in stable condition, much to the relief of the anxious parents.

According to Dr. Parijat Ram Tripathi, a Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, “We are grateful that we were able to successfully extract the safety pin via endoscopy. Timely action was essential in averting severe complications. Parents must remain vigilant and seek immediate medical assistance if their children ingest dangerous objects, as delays can result in serious health risks.”

According to Dr Krishna Prasad Vunnam, Founder and Managing Director, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, “The incident serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly harmless household items can pose significant dangers to young children. Parental awareness and rapid response are vital in preventing potentially life-threatening situations. This incident not only highlights the expertise of the medical team but also underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action in paediatric emergencies. Ankura Hospital remains committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the safety and well-being of its young patients.”

IAA Transportation 2024: ZF further expands its position as a pacesetter of the commercial vehicle industry

Hanover (Germany). As the leading technology group in the commercial vehicle industry, ZF presents groundbreaking innovations and technologies at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The focus lies on the latest solutions for the electrification, automation and safety of commercial vehicles. These include an e-mobility platform, the TrailTrax e-trailer concept, the cubiX chassis software and the latest version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system. With these and other technological highlights, ZF is underlining its key role in the transformation of the commercial vehicle industry. ZF is also taking numerous new customer orders worth billions of euros, further emphasizing its leading international position in the transport vehicle sector.

Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board of Management of the ZF Group responsible for the ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, explains: “ZF is increasingly strengthening its position as a pacesetter in the commercial vehicle industry. Our past investments in our product development with a firm focus on innovations are now paying off. With our broad product portfolio and the synergies that we utilize within and between the various divisions, we are setting new standards in the industry. Our customers’ strong interest in our products, the high volume of recent orders and our strategic cooperations with key customers are all proof of this development.”

ZF is setting the pace in the commercial vehicle industry

ZF has secured numerous new customer orders for its latest solutions in the areas of chassis technology, safety and electrification. For example, ZF expects production of electric drive systems for commercial vehicles to double over the next 12 months. Already confirmed orders worth €5 billion underline ZF’s strong market position – especially in Europe, where the company is becoming the number one in electrified driveline technologies for commercial vehicles.

ZF also anticipates further growth of e-drive systems especially in the Asia-Pacific and North America markets. One example: the growing demand for the eWorX electric power take-off solution, for which ZF expects demand to double in the coming years. ZF is also already seeing initial customer interest in the recently introduced cubiX chassis software. A specially developed version for commercial vehicles has been available since June of this year.

This applies, in a similar manner, to the new OnGuardMAX emergency brake assistant. Overall, ZF expects growth of 20% in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by 2030.

Setting the strategic course – the basis of current and future success

With the broadest range of products and solutions on the market, ZF is the world’s most successful supplier of commercial vehicle technologies. The Group has already laid the strategic foundation for this current and future success in recent years through the strategic acquisitions of TRW and WABCO. With these portfolio expansions ZF is in a unique position to generate synergies between its divisions. These synergies combined with a flexibility in production give ZF decisive competitive advantages in the commercial vehicle industry.

Innovations at IAA 2024: product highlights

ZF Group presents numerous technological highlights to visitors of the IAA Transportation 2024, such as the new modular e-mobility platform. This platform consists of different e-motors, corresponding invertor three speed transmission, as well as its associated electrical components. This comprehensive modular package offers manufacturers the flexibility to configure the e-drive system to their specific requirements. From last-mile delivery vehicles to 44-ton trucks, the kit meets a wide range of requirements. It enables flexible adaptation to different vehicle categories and thus supports the rapid decarbonization in the commercial vehicle industry.

Another highlight is the TrailTrax concept for the electrification of semi-trailers. This innovative system integrates the AxTrax 2 electric drive axle from ZF and a modular battery system with the trailer EBS. Together, these components help to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16%. The system transforms a heavy diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle, which not only lowers fuel consumption but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, the system can be operated as a plug-in hybrid, which maximizes savings even further.

ZF also exhibits the new TraXon 2 hybrid transmission. This transmission enables purely electric driving functions for both fully hybrid and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles. The development of this transmission impressively demonstrates the successful technology transfer within the ZF Group. ZF’s hybrid technology was originally developed for passenger cars and subsequently adapted to the specific requirements of commercial vehicles. With it, ZF offers a solution that meets the requirements of modern and sustainable mobility.

cubiX commercial vehicle motion control coordinator is well received by customers

Another example of the successful use of synergies within the Group is the cubiX software solution for different vehicle classifications. This advanced motion control software optimizes the driving behavior of commercial vehicles in terms of stability, safety and performance. cubiX contributes to the standardization and simplification of development processes and enables manufacturers to take advantage of differentiation opportunities of its chassis functions. After being presented just this June, ZF has already received initial interest in cubiX from commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Commercial vehicle solutions for greater safety

ZF also showcases a new lane change assistant for trucks. This system uses radar and camera technology to make lane changes safer. It continuously monitors the traffic situation and actively supports the driver when changing lanes. This is particularly important for trucks with trailers, as such maneuvers pose a high risk for accidents. According to research conducted in Germany, the ZF Lane Change Assistant can potentially prevent up to 12% of accidents on highways, which represents a significant contribution to road safety.

The new version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system for the European market is another highlight at the IAA 2024. This system independently recognizes and reacts to obstacles in road traffic. It will be used for the first time in series production trucks by manufacturers, in combination with the new mBSP XBS braking platform. OnGuardMAX exceeds in many areas the current GSR guidelines. It can identify both moving and stationary objects and initiate appropriate braking maneuvers. ZF is thus setting a new standard in the active safety of commercial vehicles and making a significant contribution to accident prevention.

More Retail Partners with Times Prime to Expand Customer Loyalty Program

New Delhi, September 17: More Retail, one of India’s leading omni-channel retailers, today announced a significant partnership with Times Prime, aimed at improving their customer loyalty offerings. This collaboration comes as More Retail’s More+ Diamond Loyalty Program celebrates reaching 1 million members, making it the largest loyalty program in offline grocery retail in India.

More+ Diamond members have access to a special version of Times Prime membership, offering benefits worth ₹15,000 from over 40 popular brands including YouTube Premium, Starbucks, Myntra, and Uber. This partnership brings together grocery savings and lifestyle perks in a single program.

Vinod Nambiar, Managing Director of More Retail, highlighted the broader implications of this alliance: “Our collaboration with Times Prime has enabled us to extend our value proposition beyond groceries. In addition to the 5% cashback, monthly product offers and free deliveries through the More App, our partnership has enabled our More+ Diamond members to enjoy benefits in categories such as OTT, health, travel, and dining. Achieving the 1 million member milestone within 6 months of program launch is a testament to the value we have been offering to our customers”

The More+ Diamond Loyalty Program, available for an annual fee of ₹199, offers a range of benefits to its members. These include an extra 5% cashback on top of existing store discounts, a ₹200 discount on the More Select Dry Fruits Combi Pack, ₹15 off on each kg of More Sugar, and three free deliveries per month through the More App. These features provide substantial savings and convenience for regular shoppers.

Harshita Singh, Business Head and Founder of Times Prime, commented on the partnership: “By combining Times Prime’s wide-ranging lifestyle benefits with More Retail’s grocery services, we’ve created a program that meets many needs of today’s consumers.”

This partnership represents an important step forward in India’s retail sector, connecting everyday shopping with additional lifestyle benefits. It shows how retail companies are adapting to provide more value to their customers.”

Krishival Foods Enters Ice Cream Market with Strategic Investment in ‘Melt ‘N’ Mellow

Mumbai, 17th September, 2024 Krishival Foods Limited, one of India’s emerging FMCG companies in nuts and dried food segment made strategic investment for 52.94% stakes in leading ice cream manufacturer Melt ‘N’ Mellow Foods Private Limited.

The Company manufactures varieties of Ice-creams like Cups, Cones, Candies, Family / Party Packs, Novelties, Tubs, Catering Packs etc under the brand ‘Melt N Mellow’ and milk products under the brand ‘Hamma’. In quite a short time, the Company has established its repute and a good brand name in the market by providing and maintaining good quality ice creams to a wide range of customers. The products of company have been spread through 20,000 retailers across Maharashtra and North Karnataka. Melt ‘N’ Mellow has sales of Rs. 28.38 cr for FY 23 and Rs. 37.28 cr for FY 24 (unaudited).

 Expanding from its established roots in nuts and dry fruits, Krishival Foods will now enter the ice cream, dairy and bakery sectors. These segments offer synergies in distribution and thus scaling potential, allowing the company to optimise its existing resources across both lines of business. The inclusion of ice cream and bakery products within Krishival’s portfolio opens up opportunities for cross-selling and strengthening its presence in the rapidly evolving food sector. This acquisition gives Krishival an opportunity to participate in the rapidly growing ice cream sector in India.

Abhishek Puranik, Sandeep Shelke and Amol Palshikar , co-founders of Melt ‘N’ Melow stated, “We are excited about the journey of Melt ‘N’ Mellow with Krishival. We are confident of Melt ‘N’ Mellow emerging as numero uno brand in ice cream in India in coming years.”

Filmfare’s September Issue Celebrates South Indian Cinema at 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards 2024 with Kamar Film Factory

This September, Filmfare shines the spotlight on the prestigious 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South 2024 with Kamar Film Factory. Held at the JRC Convention in Hyderabad, the star-studded event brought the finest talents from Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema under one roof, making it a truly unforgettable night. This special cover issue celebrates the exceptional artistes and filmmakers who have set new benchmarks in South Indian cinema. Among the notable winners of the night, Nani and Vikram took home the Best Actor Award in a Leading Role (Male) for Telugu and Tamil, respectively, while Rakshit Shetty and Mammootty bagged the award in Kannada and Malayalam category, respectively. The issue also honours legendary Kannada actor Srinath’s Lifetime Achievement Award, paying homage to his remarkable contribution – spanning more than five decades – to the industry, along with an emotional tribute to the late Ramoji Rao.

The cover captures heartfelt moments shared by the stars. One such moment was Prakash Raj handing his trophy to his son Vedhant, who could barely contain his excitement. Another was Siddharth reflecting on his 18-year-long journey to win the coveted Black Lady for his critically acclaimed film Chithha, which won seven awards at the awards ceremony. Love was in the air when Siddharth expressed his gratitude to one of the most influential women in his life, Aditi Rao Hydari. Hosted by Sundeep Kishan, Faria Abdullah, and Vindhya Vishaka, the night was filled with electrifying performances and heartwarming speeches, as reflected in this exclusive Filmfare issue.

Jar Transforms Gold Savings for Indians with a User-Centric Approach

Bengaluru, 17th September 2024: Jar, an innovative micro-savings app, is transforming gold and gold investments in India through its customer-focused digital platform. By prioritizing simplicity and accessibility, Jar has made saving and investing in gold a seamless experience for users across the country.

Starting with just over 6 million users in FY 22, Jar more than doubled its user base to exceed 14 million in FY 23. Now, in FY 24, the platform has reached an impressive milestone of 20 million users. This rapid expansion underscores the app’s widespread appeal and effectiveness. Jar’s current customer base has a gender split of 85% male and 15% female users. At the core of Jar’s success is its unwavering commitment to user experience. Every aspect of the platform is meticulously crafted with the customer’s needs and preferences in mind, ensuring that saving and investing in gold is as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.

“At Jar, we’ve streamlined the investment process to take just 45 seconds, allowing users to start saving with as little as Rs. 10 in 24K 99.9% pure digital gold. This innovative approach leverages the UPI 2.0 framework and our round-off method, acting like a digital piggy bank to facilitate effortless savings,” said Nishchay AG, Founder and CEO, Jar. “By significantly lowering entry barriers with user-friendly tools and simplifying the savings journey, we empower customers across India to start their financial journey with trust and confidence.”

Customer testimonials highlight the real-world impact of Jar’s services. Sharing his experience on Jar, Shivraj, a farmer from Karnataka, says, “Jar has this remarkable feature of daily savings, like a digital piggy bank. It deducts small amounts from my bank account, ranging from ₹30 to ₹500. The money is there for me whenever an emergency arises. When I needed to pay my children’s school fees, I could withdraw my savings as gold or cash. I chose cash, and this flexibility is one of the key reasons I use this app.”

Young Indians typically enter the workforce at 21, but often delay thinking about savings and investments until they’re around 30, largely due to financial literacy gaps and ongoing obligations. Despite this, the 18-35 age group is characterized by high aspirations and digital fluency. Jar has identified this opportunity, creating a platform that aligns with their digital lifestyle. By offering an intuitive, unobtrusive method for saving and investing, Jar meets these young consumers where they are. The platform extends beyond basic savings, incorporating flexible financial services such as lending and insurance.

For Vidhi Doshi, a venture capitalist from Bangalore, Jar provided a comfortable option to diversify her investments. “I was not really interested in jewellery, making digital gold a viable option to invest in the metal, which is a very good asset class. When I came across Jar, the idea of investing that spare change stuck by e,” she said. “Gold rates can fluctuate, but the convenience and security of saving with Jar give me peace of mind.”

Jar is a Bangalore fintech company founded in 2021 by Nishchay Ag & Mishab Ashraf. Through its focus on customer needs and providing essential financial tools, Jar is enhancing individual financial health and contributing to a more financially resilient society.

UiPath State of the Automation Professional Report Highlights 2024 as the Year of AI Integration

Mumbai, India –September 17, 2024—UiPath, a leading enterprise automation and AI software company, recently published its annual State of the Automation Professional Report that uncovers the current reality, future, and perception of automation in the workplace.

The report, which is based on a global survey of 1,909 automation professionals and students, revealed 2024 was the year of integration and usage of AI, with 90% of automation professionals using or planning to use AI within the coming year. The report found that the primary motivation behind integrating AI into workflows is increased productivity (66%), and automation professionals are utilizing the technology in various ways including writing code (67%), creating documentation (57%), and testing (47%).

At a macro level, most professionals see that their automation teams are growing and maturing — 61% of respondents report their company has increased the number of people working in software automation in the past 12 months and 81% believe their organization will hire additional automation professionals in the coming year. With this market growth, training is more critical than ever so professionals can have a thorough grasp of automation tools and reap the benefits.

Other key findings from this year’s State of the Automation Professional Report include:

Automation professionals are satisfied with their careers: 70% of automation professionals believe they will remain in the industry for the next five years. Regardless of the path they take, 86% think their current job in automation will help them with any future career moves they may make.

 There is trust in the future of automation: More than 84% of respondents believe in the growth of the software automation space, and 80% believe they will have an increasingly important role in their organization in the next year.
Automation is maturing in organizations: 60% of respondents said their organization has used software automation for 5+ years, compared to 47% last year. Developers are creating automations for a range of departments, most commonly accounting and finance (67%), IT (53%), and operations (51%).

 AI is embedded in automation processes: 81% of respondents indicate they use AI products in their automation projects at least a few times per week, if not daily. As employees actively work to use more AI-based tools, only 19% find it difficult to incorporate AI in automation.

 “In the past year, the data from our survey shows progress with technological discovery and preparation for AI and automation. Automation professionals are benefiting greatly from taking a leap forward with specialized AI and GenAI integrations in their automation projects, with even more capable agentic AI workflows on the horizon,” said Agi Garaba, Chief People Officer at UiPath. “The combination of business automation and AI holds incredible potential to transform organizations, increasing productivity while empowering these critical professionals to take their careers to the next level.”

To view the full findings of the report, download the complete 2024 UiPath State of the Automation Professional Report.

Methodology

UiPath conducted this research via a global survey that was fielded in May and June of 2024. There were 1,909 respondents from all regions that were recruited primarily through channels owned by UiPath.