Category Archives: News

Thums Up Partners with Ranveer Brar for a Sizzling New Season of Toofani Biryani Hunt on Disney+ Hotstar

National, 5 September 2024: Thums Up, India’s billion-dollar, homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, is thrilled to announce Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2. A sequel to the successful first, this new chapter seeks to rekindle the taste for the perfect biryani pairing. With celebrity chef Ranveer Brar back at the helm, the upcoming edition is all set to deliver an exceptional culinary adventure.

Conceptualized and created by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, join the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2 as the esteemed chef Ranveer Brar explores seven diverse regions — Hyderabad, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata — to understand the toofani origin of each biryani. Through its one-of-kind storytelling, the hunt brings alive the untold stories of 21 of the hottest biryani makers in the country with the Chef uncovering the inspiration behind each hotspot. The indomitable combination of Thums Up, Biryani and Chef Brar aims to settle the age-old question of “Kaunsi Biryani hai Sabse Toofani?”

Commenting on Season 2 of Toofani Biryani Hunt, Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head, Sparkling Flavours, India & Southwest Asia at The Coca-Cola Company said, “We’re excited to present ‘Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2,’ in partnership with Disney+ Hotstar, serving up a sizzling flavour expedition on screen. This season, we celebrate the crisp chill of Thums Up paired with a steaming plate of rich, smoky biryani. With Chef Ranveer Brar bringing his exceptional talent back on board, the journey is set to be more delicious than ever as we uncover the best of biryani from seven diverse regions across India.”

On his exciting collaboration with the brand, Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar said, “Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a journey through time and taste, rich with history and fragrant with tradition. I am elated to return for another season of the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt, as we uncover the history, legacy and bold flavours of biryani from various regions in India. Each episode is an adventure—seeking out the best biryani spots, learning their stories, and savoring the bold flavors that make this dish so beloved.”

Speaking about the show, Dhruv Dhawan, Head of Ads at Disney+ Hotstar, added, “At Disney+ Hotstar’s CreativeWorks, we continue to leverage the power of storytelling and solve the complex marketing needs of advertisers who want to forge meaningful connections with their audiences. Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season 1 resonated well with our audiences and we are excited to bring in another season which exemplifies how we combine creativity and cultural relevance to craft memorable experiences. With season 2, we’re taking this journey with Thums Up to new heights, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that make biryani a dish close to every Indian’s heart.”

Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2 is set to kick off with the pilot episode on August 28, 2024. This season promises a feast for the senses, the local pride for their culinary best and biryani fans across regions vouching that their biryani is most toofani.

Building Champions: How Future Indian Athletes Train for Success

In the world of sports, where every millisecond and inch matters, the path to becoming a champion is built on dedication, strategy, and resilience. From rigorous core strength exercises that enhance performance to advanced equipment and a solid understanding of nutrition, every element of their training is carefully designed.

Let’s celebrate the dedication and effort shaping the next generation of Indian sports stars, featuring the inspiring stories of athletes like Shaili Singh and Poorva Hitesh Sawant, nurtured by the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation and supported by Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation.

As Anju Bobby George, Olympian Indian Long Jumper & Chairperson – Anju Bobby Sports Foundation, aptly puts it, “Becoming a champion is not just about talent; it’s about building the right foundation. Strengthening the core, mastering nutrition, and investing in recovery separate good athletes from great ones. This journey requires more than just physical effort—it’s about commitment and smart training.”

1. Focus on Core Strength

Core strength is crucial for athletic performance as it enhances stability, agility, and power. A strong core stabilizes the spine and pelvis, enabling efficient energy transfer during physical activities. Sports science shows that a robust core can improve overall biomechanics, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance performance in dynamic sports.

Incorporate compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges. Add kettlebell swings, medicine ball throws, and hip thrusts to build functional strength. Start at 25% intensity and gradually increase to 60-70%. These exercises not only build strength but also improve agility and coordination. For instance, Shaili Singh, a rising star in the long jump, emphasizes the importance of core stability in her training regimen, which has helped her achieve national records and compete on the international stage.

2. Contrast Training

Contrast training is an effective technique for enhancing various physical attributes critical to athletic performance, such as strength, power, speed, and agility. This method involves performing a heavy resistance exercise set immediately followed by a power exercise with a similar biomechanical pattern (e.g., a barbell back squat followed by a squat jump). Athletes like Poorva Hitesh Sawant have benefited from this method, which has improved her explosive power and overall performance in the triple jump. The advantages of contrast training include efficient results, high work density, and potential injury prevention.

3. Master Nutrition Fundamentals

Nutrition fuels training, aids recovery and supports overall health. A balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is essential for optimal performance. Sports science emphasizes that proper nutrition can enhance muscle recovery, improve endurance, and optimize energy levels for peak performance.

Focusing on macronutrient balance—carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for endurance. Proper hydration and the intake of essential vitamins and minerals are vital to supporting the body’s physiological functions, enhancing endurance, and preventing injuries.

4. Invest in Advanced Equipment

Advanced equipment plays a pivotal role in giving athletes that crucial edge. From cutting-edge footwear designed to enhance speed and stability to state-of-the-art gear, that minimizes the risk of injury, the right equipment can be a game-changer.

Moreover, top-quality track, field, and gym equipment are essential for athletes aiming to excel. Susmita, a long jump competitor, has greatly benefited from advanced equipment tailored to her needs. Her high-performance gear, developed with insights from sports science, has contributed to her consistent improvements and reduced the occurrence of injuries.

Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation, has been supporting the women athletes of the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation by providing essential amenities and world-class gym equipment, enabling them to train effectively and reach their full potential.

5. Prioritize Recovery and Rest

Recovery is when the body repairs and grows stronger. Incorporate strategies like active recovery sessions, and proper sleep hygiene, and opt for ice baths and compression therapy. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury; hence athletes prioritize recovery as part of their training regimen. Listening to their bodies and allowing ample time for recovery is crucial for maintaining peak performance.

Including active recovery sessions, maintaining proper sleep hygiene, and using recovery tools like ice baths and compression therapy could help athletes maximize recovery.

Marudhar Rocks International Private Limited raises INR 150 crores in Private Placement Round from BVF

Mumbai / Bangalore / Hosur, Sep 05, 2024 : Leading Building Materials Company Marudhar Rocks International Private Limited (Marudhar) secured INR 150 Crores from Bharat Value Fund (BVF), managed by Pantomath Capital Management Pvt Ltd, through a private placement round. BVF picked up 6.5% stake valuing the company at Approx INR 2300 Crores

Bharat Value Fund, launched in August 2024 as the second series Category II AIF under the India Inflection Opportunity Trust (IIOT), is managed by the esteemed industry leader Madhu Lunawat. With a targeted corpus of INR 2,000 crores, the fund has successfully raised INR 1200 Crores from 950 investors to date. Of this amount, INR 150 crores has been invested in Marudhar Rocks International. BVF primarily focuses on pre-IPO investment opportunities in Indian growth-stage enterprises. The fund targets companies that promote the “Made in India” ethos, substituting imports, fostering exports, and supporting India’s vast rural consumption.

Marudhar Rocks, founded in 2010 is the largest manufacturer of Premium Engineered Quartz Surfaces (Premium EQS) in India, with a production capacity of approximately 2 million square meters per annum, spread across three strategically located facilities in Jaipur, Rajasthan; State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Hosur, Tamil Nadu); and Kelamangalam (Hosur, Tamil Nadu). The company also produces Premium Stone Plastic Composite Flooring (Premium SPC Flooring), diversifying its product portfolio to meet the growing demand in both domestic and international markets. Notably, Marudhar generates 100% of its revenue from exports to USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, Middle East and Vietnam, serving marquee global surfaces brands and maintaining a strong distribution network worldwide.

Marudhar has deployed state of the art, patented technologies from renowned global technology vendors. It’s SIPCOT and Jaipur plants are equipped with the Most Advanced Technology available globally, called Bretonstone Technology, for Premium Quartz. The Company had both Super Jumbo and Jumbo size Premium Surfaces manufacturing capabilities, one of the only few companies to have it.

Marudhar’s founding team has more than 40 years of experience of dealing in Premium Surfaces for Global Markets. The team has strong understanding of global demand and pricing scenarios, which helps in better positioning of Premium Surfaces like EQS and SPC Flooring. The experience has helped Quartz segment achieving impressive scale within just 5 years of commencement of operations and placing the Company as largest manufacturer in India.

In 2021, Marudhar acquired a fully Bretonstone powered Engineered Quartz Surfaces manufacturing at facility at Jaipur, Rajasthan from ASI Industries Limited. The Facility is having a installed capacity to manufacture 6 Lakh Sq. Mtr. of Engineered Quartz surface per annum.

Premium Engineered Quartz is a USD 25-30 bn market globally. India is one of the largest exporters into USA, the largest market for Quartz globally; SPC is also estimated to be USD 30 bn global opportunity. The Indian market for SPC is also showing promising growth led by variety of factors including the upgradation of lifestyle, increase in disposable income, growing urbanisation, increase in housing and commercial real estate demand, amongst others.

Commenting on the fund raise, Mr. Jitendra Kothari, Mr Vikas Kothari, Mr Avinash Mehta and Mr Ronak Kochar, Directors at Marudhar Rocks International said “We are thrilled to receive this significant investment from Bharat Value Fund. This infusion of INR 150 crores has come at a very crucial time as we continue to solidify our position as the largest and most profitable manufacturer of Premium Surfaces in India. With this funding, we aim to accelerate our growth trajectory by enhancing our production capabilities, investing in cutting-edge technologies across our Premium Surfaces portfolio, and expanding our market reach both domestically and internationally, to cater to the increasing demand.

This partnership with BVF not only validates our business model and strategic vision but also empowers us to innovate further and meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability in our products, and this investment will help us in achieving these goals more effectively.

At Marudhar Rocks International, we believe in pushing boundaries and setting new standards, and this collaboration with BVF is a significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will drive our mutual growth and success.”

With Bharat Value Fund coming aboard, we believe that the journey to financial success is paved with innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking. With BVF partnership, we are confident in our ability to navigate the complexities of the market and seize opportunities that will yield mutually beneficial returns. Together, we can build a future of prosperity and growth” Directors added.

Speaking about its investment in Marudhar, Ms. Madhu Lunawat, CIO of Bharat Value Fund said, “Our decision to invest in Marudhar is driven by their impressive track record, robust business model, premium product portfolio, experience of the Founders and their commitment to quality and sustainability. We see tremendous potential in Marudhar’s ability to scale further, enhance their production capabilities, and expand their market presence both domestically and globally.

At BVF, we are dedicated to supporting businesses that are poised for significant growth and impact. Marudhar Rocks International embodies these qualities, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to remarkable advancements in the sector. We look forward to working closely with the Marudhar team and contributing to their continued success and industry leadership.” added Ms Madhu Lunawat.

Marudhar clocked revenue of INR 518 crores in FY24 growing at CAGR of 73% over Fiscal 2020 to 2024. The Company had EBITDA margin of 36% and PAT margin of 27% respectively with robust Average ROE and Average ROCE of 46% and 31% respectively during FY24.

Wockhardt Hospitals Trains Ganesh Mandal Volunteers in BLS and CPR to Save Lives

Mumbai, September 2024 – Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, is excited to announce a crucial new initiative: a CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training program for Ganesh Mandal volunteers. This program is set to launch in honor of World Heart Day and aims to enhance emergency response skills among those who play a vital role in organizing the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

 Ganesh Mandals, which oversee the vibrant and highly attended Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, are integral to managing large crowds that may experience medical emergencies. To address these potential challenges, Wockhardt Hospitals has developed a specialized curriculum. The training will cover fundamental CPR techniques, including chest compressions, rescue breaths, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

 The training sessions will involve interactive demonstrations and scenario-based exercises to ensure that volunteers feel confident and prepared to act swiftly in emergencies. This initiative is part of Wockhardt Hospitals’ broader commitment to community health and emergency preparedness. By equipping these volunteers with life-saving skills, we aim to create a safer environment for the Ganesh Chaturthi events and other public gatherings.

The initial training will be conducted for volunteers from the following Ganesh Mandals:

• Lalbaug Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Ganesh Galli, Mumbai
• Tejukaya Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal
• Chintamani Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal
• Paral Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal

 Wockhardt Hospitals will also extend this vital training to additional locations, including Fortcha Ichhapurti, Fort, Rangari Badak Chawl Rahivashi Sangh, Ganeshotsav Mandal, Chinch Bandar-Dongari Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, and Umarkhadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav aani Navratrotsav Mandal.

Dr. Parin Sangoi, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, stated, “As we observe World Heart Day, our initiative, ‘Raise the Trainer,’ underscores the importance of empowering community volunteers with life-saving skills. Training Ganesh Mandal volunteers in CPR is a proactive step towards ensuring that they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. This not only enhances their readiness but also promotes a culture of safety and preparedness throughout the community. We urge all Ganesh Mandal volunteers to participate in this valuable program and help us make a significant impact on public health and safety.”

Dr. Virendra Chauhan, Centre Head at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, stated, “On the occasion of World Heart Day, our program, ‘Raise the Trainer,’ is designed to empower Ganesh Mandal volunteers with critical life-saving skills. We believe this training will not only enhance their ability to manage emergencies but also foster a culture of safety and preparedness within the community. We encourage all Ganesh Mandal volunteers to participate in this important initiative and contribute to public health and safety.”

The CPR training program is set to commence in the coming weeks, and Wockhardt Hospitals is eager to begin this significant partnership with the Ganesh Mandals.

For more information about the program and how to get involved, please contact Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central.

The Delhi School of Communication Marks 29th Anniversary with a Visit to Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust

New Delhi, September 5th, 2024 – The Delhi School of Communication (DSC) celebrated its 29th anniversary with a heartwarming event at the Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust. Founded on Teachers’ Day, 1995, DSC has been a pioneer in Integrated Marketing Communications, empowering students to become the powerful communication leaders of tomorrow.
This year’s anniversary celebration was made even more special as the entire DSC fraternity spent the day with the students from the trust, engaging in storytelling in its myriad forms. DSC students had the unique opportunity to participate in sessions of dance, music, art, and games, creating an environment of shared learning and joy.

The day began with a warm welcome from Amar Jyoti’s students, who showcased their talent with an inspiring dance performance. The event also featured a friendly basketball match, fostering camaraderie and emphasizing the spirit of inclusion. The interactions between students from both institutions highlighted the value of mutual respect and understanding.

The faculty of DSC were deeply moved by Amar Jyoti’s commitment to empowering students with diverse abilities through education and skill development. These interactions served as a reminder of the powerful impact of community engagement and the importance of fostering an environment where all individuals are valued.

Professor Ramola Kumar, Dean of DSC, shared her thoughts, saying, “This experience has been immensely enriching for our students, offering them a deeper understanding of compassion, inclusivity, and empathy.”

Seema Tuli, Principal and Director of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, expressed her appreciation, saying, “We are grateful for the opportunity to share this special day with the students of DSC. Their presence and interactions have fostered mutual growth and confidence, inspiring our students as they continue to pursue their goals and aspirations.”

The celebration concluded with a shared sense of fulfillment, as both institutions expressed a desire to continue this meaningful collaboration. The event underscored the importance of compassion and the impact of small, thoughtful interactions in fostering a more inclusive society.

Seasonal Hiring to Surge This Festive Season: Tier 2 & 3 Cities at the Forefront, Says Indeed

Bengaluru, 5^th September 2024: As India gears up for the festive season, businesses across the country are ramping up their hiring efforts. Data from Indeed, the global matching and hiring platform, indicates a projected 20% increase in seasonal jobs compared to last year. The demand is not just rising in the metros, but Tier 2 and 3 cities are now emerging as the real engines of growth, according to the latest Indeed data.

The Geographic Shift: Tier 2 & 3 Cities Rise

In major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata, there is an 18-20% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Tier 2 and 3 cities such as Nagpur, Jaipur, Vadodara, Kochi, Vizag, Madurai, Lucknow, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Indore, Coimbatore, Surat, Bhubaneswar, and Bhopal are experiencing an even higher surge, with a 22-25% increase in hiring.

This growth reflects several factors driving demand in smaller cities. As companies look to expand their market reach and tap into new customer bases, they are increasingly focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities, where consumer spending is rising due to improving economic conditions and growing disposable incomes. Additionally, the increased internet penetration and digital adoption in these regions have enabled e-commerce, retail, and logistics companies to drive better customer experiences, creating more demand for a flexible workforce that can handle seasonal spikes in activity.

Top 5 Job Roles in Demand this Festive Season:

Indeed’s data reveals the top five roles expected to see the highest increase in hiring this festive season:

Note: The percentages provided denote the expected increase in hiring for specific temporary and gig job roles in India during the festive season, compared to previous quarters.

Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India said, “The increased hiring in tier 2 regions recognizes the untapped potential of these markets. The festive season is a crucial period for businesses across India, and we’re seeing a significant uptick in hiring for seasonal roles as companies prepare to meet heightened consumer demand. The industries that are growing—e-commerce, logistics, quick commerce—are doing so because they’re aligned with the needs and behaviours of today’s consumers. This is where the future of India’s job market could be heading.”

Industries Driving Seasonal Job Postings

Several industries are showing a marked increase in demand for seasonal workers compared to the previous year:

E-commerce leads the trend with a 35% increase in demand, fueled by the rapid growth of online shopping and a need for more delivery executives and warehouse staff to manage higher order volumes and ensure timely deliveries. Logistics follows, as companies ramp up their workforce to support the increased transportation, warehousing, and delivery activities necessary for a smooth supply chain.

The retail sector is also experiencing a boost in hiring to handle increased foot traffic and enhance customer engagement, particularly for in-store sales executives and customer care representatives. Similarly, quick commerce shows an 11% rise in demand for delivery personnel and fulfillment staff, reflecting the growing consumer preference for ultra-fast delivery services.

In the BFSI sector, the need for customer service roles and sales executives is rising due to greater demand for financial products. Consumer products are scaling up to manage higher production and distribution needs. Meanwhile, tourism and hospitality are adding staff to accommodate the renewed interest in travel, and manufacturing is bolstering its workforce to maintain production levels and manage supply chains efficiently during the festive period.

Methodology
This survey was conducted by Valuvox on behalf of Indeed among 1,137 employers and 2,543 jobseekers and employees. The respondents were segregated into 9 cities and further categorized into large, medium, and small organizations and sectors.

Disclaimer: The information in this press release is provided for general informational purposes only. All content is accurate as of the date of publication but may be subject to change. The company assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, and all opinions expressed are those of the author.

Indian School of Business and Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad feature on the LinkedIn Top MBA list for 2024

India, September 05, 2024: To help professionals develop their skills and expand their career opportunities, LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has launched a list of Top 20 MBA Programs to help professionals identify the top business schools to grow their careers.

The Indian School of Business and the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad have been ranked among the Top 20. Stanford University, leads the global list, followed by Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD), France and Harvard University, USA, at second and third rank, respectively. The list evaluates each program on five key pillars including Job Placement, Ability to Advance, Network Strength, Leadership Potential and Gender Diversity to determine the ones that best set their alumni up for long-term career success.

Nirajita Banerjee, Senior Managing Editor and Career Expert, LinkedIn News India, said ”An MBA can be a powerful tool for professionals looking to accelerate their careers, whether they’re aiming for leadership roles, exploring new industries, or even starting their own business. Beyond earning a degree, it’s a chance to hone key in-demand soft skills like strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving – all while building connections that can open doors to new opportunities long after graduation. LinkedIn’s Top MBA list aims to help aspiring professionals find the right fit, making their investment truly impactful by connecting them to the programs that can best help them achieve their career goals.“

LinkedIn has also announced the top 10 MBA programs for network-building capabilities, with a significant presence of Indian institutions. Eight out of the top 10 globally recognized for their networking prowess are based in India. The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade leads the list at #1, followed by the Indian Institute of Management, Indore at #2, and the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow at #3), highlighting the significant role Indian institutions play in fostering valuable professional connections.

Here are tips from Nirajita on how professionals pursuing an MBA can boost their career prospects:

1. Network, network, network. Meet everyone you can, attend school events, build your LinkedIn network as you go (add people as you meet them).
2. Hone your key human skills – teamwork, collaboration, communication. Business school is all about the team projects, giving you a great chance to build your leadership and collaboration skills.
3. Start posting on LinkedIn sharing your learnings during your course and case study exercises on any business topic you are passionate about. This can help you grow your network and build your brand.
4. Think about what you might want to do post-MBA. If there’s a role you have in mind, look at the skills needed for that role and make sure you’re building those skills during the program addressing them in your studies.
5. Participate in club events, pitch events and case competitions. There are great opportunities to build your presentation and persuasion skills, and performing well in these events can be a feather in your cap when applying for jobs or starting a new company.
6. Look for internships, jobs, or campus leadership roles you can take on while you’re going through your program, which can help set you up for having stronger job prospects as you near graduation.

Methodology: 

The ranking, published by LinkedIn News, is determined by a carefully weighted methodology analysing the career outcomes of millions of MBA alumni, globally. The Top MBA Programs methodology is based exclusively on LinkedIn data and five key pillars:

• Job placement tracks hiring rates and labour market demand, measuring the percentage of recent graduate cohorts from 2019-2023 who landed a full-time job within the same year of graduation, in addition to recruiter outreach across recent cohorts at each program.
• Ability to advance measures promotion rates among recent graduate cohorts, in addition to how quickly alumni have reached director or VP-level leadership roles.
• Network strength measures network depth, or how connected alumni of the same program are to each other; network quality of recent graduate cohorts, measured by connections to director-level professionals or higher; and the network growth rate of recent cohorts since starting the program.
• Leadership potential measures the percentage of alumni with post-MBA C-Suite or entrepreneurship experiences.
• Gender Diversity measures gender parity within recent graduate cohorts.

Palo Alto Networks Closes Acquisition of IBM’s QRadar SaaS Assets

India, Mumbai – 5 September 2024 — Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of IBM’s QRadar Software as a Service (SaaS) assets. This transaction underscores Palo Alto Networks and IBM’s commitment to secure customers with best-in-class threat prevention, addressing ever-expanding attack surfaces with the complete platform approach that is required to simplify security operations.

Palo Alto Networks Precision AI™-powered Cortex XSIAM® platform centralizes data and security operations capabilities that include SIEM, SOAR, ASM and XDR into a single platform to drastically streamline security operations and prevent threats at scale. Together, Palo Alto Networks and IBM, as a preferred managed security services provider, will help global customers across industries seize the opportunity to seamlessly shift from QRadar to Cortex XSIAM with no-cost migration services through IBM Consulting for eligible customers.

In addition, IBM has furthered its internal deployment of Palo Alto Networks security platforms with the deployment of Cortex XSIAM for its own next-gen security operations, and Prisma SASE 3.0 for zero-trust network security to safeguard more than 250,000 of its global workforce. IBM’s adoption of these marquee technologies is an example of how customers can benefit from the streamlined operations of products across the Palo Alto Networks portfolio. Further, Palo Alto Networks will deploy IBM solutions, including watsonx AI and data platform, to drive additional AI and automation capabilities.

Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO, Palo Alto Networks:

“We are on a mission to help organizations transform their security operations and harness the potential of Precision AI-powered platforms to better protect their businesses. Our partnership with IBM reinforces our commitment to innovation and our conviction in the tremendous benefit of QRadar customers adopting Cortex XSIAM for a robust, data-driven security platform that offers transformative efficiency and effectiveness in defending against evolving cyber threats.”

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM:

“Together, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are shaping the future of cybersecurity for our customers and the industry at large. Working with Palo Alto Networks will be a strategic advantage for IBM as our two companies partner on advanced threat protection, response, and security operations using Cortex XSIAM and watsonx, backed by IBM Consulting. At the same time, IBM will continue innovating to help secure organizations’ hybrid cloud environments and AI initiatives, focusing our investments on data security and identity and access management technologies.”

Dave Gruber, Principal Cybersecurity Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group:

“Vendors like Palo Alto Networks are delivering out-of-the-box, consolidated security operations capabilities, enabling security teams to rapidly accelerate improved outcomes while reducing complexity involved in managing a siloed security technology stack. As Palo Alto Networks completes the acquisition of the Q-Radar assets, Q-Radar customers will now have a simplified path to modernizing security operations with XSIAM.”

Benefits to Customers:

Seamless Migration: Palo Alto Networks, alongside IBM Consulting and its team of security experts, will offer free migration services to eligible customers, ensuring a smooth transition to the Cortex XSIAM platform while retaining existing best practices and know-how.

 Enhanced Security Operations: Cortex XSIAM integrates multiple SOC tools into a Precision AI-powered platform, going beyond SIEM capabilities to provide comprehensive functionality, including SOAR, ASM and XDR, TIP, CDR, and ITDR. Its automation capabilities significantly reduce manual workload for SOCs, enabling more effective threat response.

 Advanced Analytics and Automation: Cortex XSIAM collects, normalizes, and analyzes security data in near real-time, automatically consolidating alerts into a reduced number of high-priority incidents. Precision AI-powered analytics and native automation increase accuracy and reduce incidents requiring human intervention.

 IBM Consulting Platform Support: Palo Alto Networks and IBM will offer immersive experiences for customers that are interested in adopting Palo Alto Networks security platformization, and IBM is training more than 1,000 consultants on Palo Alto Networks security solutions to help enterprises leverage the benefits of its network, cloud, and security operations platforms.

 On-Premises Customer Continuity: QRadar clients who wish to remain on QRadar on-prem will continue to receive IBM features and support, including security, usability and critical bug fixes, as well as updates to existing connectors and the ability to expand consumption. QRadar SaaS customers will continue on their current deployment, ensuring uninterrupted customer service and support until they are ready to move to Cortex XSIAM.

Nazara Technologies partners with Government of Telangana to Launch Nazara AI Center of Excellence

India, September 5, 2024 — Nazara Technologies, India’s leading and only listed diversified gaming and esports company, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana. Through this strategic partnership Nazara aims to establish a pioneering AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) focusing on gaming and digital entertainment, positioning Nazara as a leader in AI-driven gaming and digital entertainment space and Telangana as a global hub for AI innovation.

The Nazara AI CoE will drive research, development, and innovation in areas such as gaming, interactive media, gamified learning, and other digital content, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, VR/AR, blockchain, and Web 3.0. By fostering policy development, supporting startups, enhancing skills, and engaging global expertise, the Nazara AI Center of Excellence aims to empower a dynamic and inclusive community

Nitish Mittersain, Jt. MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies, said: “Telangana’s proactive approach in fostering industry growth through public-private partnerships and policy development has created the ideal ecosystem for this initiative. This collaboration will enable Nazara to further our mission of integrating AI and emerging technologies across our diverse portfolio, positioning us as a leader in AI-driven innovations in gaming and digital entertainment.”

Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology and Industries, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, said: “This partnership with Nazara Technologies, a leader in Indian gaming, marks a significant step in positioning Telangana as a global leader in AI-driven digital innovation. The Nazara AI CoE will empower startups, enhance skills, and attract cutting-edge technology investments, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem. By joining forces with Nazara, we are committed to driving economic growth and setting new standards in responsible AI applications in gaming and beyond.”

Unicommerce Powers HealthKart’s E-commerce Operations

5th September 2024, New Delhi: Omnichannel nutrition products retailer Bright Lifecare Private Limited, operating under the brand name HealthKart, has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, to strengthen its e-commerce supply chain in multiple ways.

Healthkart has adopted Unicommerce’s Multi-channel Order Management and Warehouse Management Solutions to automate order processing and fulfillment through its own website and across multiple marketplaces for its nutritional products under brand names including MuscleBlaze, Gritzo, and HK Vitals.

It will also use Unicommerce’s Seller Management Panel to enable 400+ sellers on the Healthkart marketplace to fulfill orders directly from their respective location. The seller management panel facilitates HealthKart with a diverse range of sellers and vendors, expanding the product catalog for their platforms. This enables HealthKart to maximize sales while orders are fulfilled directly from the seller’s location, resulting in significant cost and resource savings.

Utilizing Unicommerce’s comprehensive suite of technology solutions, HealthKart is enabling different aspects of its e-commerce operations highlighting the growing importance of technology for a business.

Talking about its partnership, Siddharth Jain, Senior Vice President at HealthKart said, “We are a new-age brand with technology at our core. As the demand for health and fitness products continue to grow among Indian consumers, we are focused on embedding best-in-class technology solutions to enhance the experience and efficiency for our buyers, vendors and others users”

“Health & Fitness have become a prominent e-commerce segment and we are excited to be a part of HealthKart’s growth journey as their technology provider.” said Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce.

As of Q1 2025, Unicommerce serves 3600+ clients including D2C brands, retail and e-commerce companies as well as logistics provider firms. With 250+ technology & partner integrations, the company has achieved an annual transaction run rate of 850+ million order items managing 8300+ warehouses and 2950+ omni-enabled stores across geographies. Unicommerce eSolutions Limited is listed on National Stock Exchange of India (NSE: UNIECOM) and on the Bombay Stock Exchange.