Category Archives: News

Ready Steady Go Kids Expands to Noida with 13 New Centres in Partnership with Peas in Pods

Noida, 28th August 2024 – Legendary cricket coach John Buchanan announced the launch of the Australian multi-sports foundational program, ‘Ready Steady Go Kids,’ in Noida, in partnership with Peas in Pods, a leading pre-school chain in the city. Expanding its reach in Noida, this program teaches the fundamentals of 13 different sports to children aged 1.5 to 7 years in India and will kick off on 27th August 2024. The globally recognized program will be introduced across 13 Peas in Pods centres in Noida.

Started in Australia, the Ready Steady Go Kids Program aims to develop the required motor skills of students in a fun, non-competitive environment. With the presence of the program in 13 countries with 210 locations, this program will expand to various cities in India.

Australia’s Two-Time World Cup Winning Cricket Coach, John Buchanan, added, “Our partnership with Peas in Pods is a significant milestone, enabling the launch of 13 new centres in Noida. We are grateful for their support and cooperation. Through this program, we aim to instil healthy and active lifestyles from a young age and positively impact children’s lives. Given its success in Australia, where it has engaged and guided children effectively, I am confident it will similarly thrive as a leading preschool motor skills development program in India.”

Ankur Kumar, Founder & MD of Peas in Pods, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Ready Steady Go Kids to bring this exceptional sports program to our students in Noida. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic education, and we are confident that the children will benefit greatly from the skills and values instilled through this program.”

Aeries Financial Technologies To Unveil Two New SaaS Products at Global Fintech Fest 2024

Mumbai, August 28, 2024: Aeries Financial Technologies (AFT), the holding company of the digital lending platform CASHe, announces its plan to unveil two new fintech SaaS platforms, CredCollect.ai and CreditQuotient.ai. These platforms will be showcased at the Global Fintech Fest 2024, scheduled in Mumbai from August 28-30. These new offerings are part of AFT’s broader suite of fintech solutions under Stack.ai, aimed at transforming the financial services industry with cutting-edge technology. Digital lending disbursements are projected to surpass INR 47.4 lakh crore by 2026, driven by the rapid adoption of fintech solutions. As more financial institutions shift towards digital-first strategies, the demand for advanced debt management and underwriting platforms has grown significantly.

CredCollect.ai is a next-generation AI-powered debt management solution designed to streamline debt recovery processes for banks, NBFCs, and collection agencies. The platform offers digital-first collection methods, integrating AI with personalized outreach to improve efficiency and optimize recovery rates. Available in freemium and premium models, the platform includes advanced features such as SmartCollect for enhanced collection performance.

· Smart Allocation: Optimizes customer and agent pairing for better conversion.

· Smart Campaign: Identifies customers with a higher likelihood of conversion based on their salary credits and bank statements.

· Smart Dialer: Enhances predictive and progressive calling strategies for improved results.

· Propensity Score: Assesses customer risk levels based on bureau data or behavior.

· Smart Call Analytics: Provides agent-level profanity metrics and customer-level sentiment analysis.

CredCollect.ai’s advanced features enable financial institutions to achieve measurable performance improvements in debt collection, offering on-premise and cloud deployment options to suit organizational needs.

CreditQuotient.ai is a Gen AI-powered underwriting platform that enhances financial institutions’ underwriting capabilities. Trained on 45 million customer profiles, this intelligent underwriting assistant leverages AI and advanced analytics to deliver comprehensive risk modeling, faster credit decision-making, and improved customer experiences.

The platform’s 360-degree analytics combine credit bureau data, banking transactions, and mobile metadata to provide deep insights into creditworthiness. This enables financial institutions to make informed lending decisions, reduce approval times, and mitigate risks through predictive analytics and real-time decisioning.

Mr. Yashoraj Tyagi, CEO of CASHe, said, “As the digital lending ecosystem rapidly evolves, the financial sector must embrace smarter, more efficient technologies to stay competitive. With CredCollect.ai and CreditQuotient.ai, we are pushing the boundaries of fintech innovation to empower banks and financial institutions with next-generation tools. Research shows that AI-powered solutions can improve debt collection efficiency by up to 25% and reduce loan processing times by 40%. These platforms combine the power of AI with real-time analytics to optimize debt management and underwriting, ensuring more accurate, data-driven decisions. Our goal is to enable financial institutions to streamline operations, reduce risk, and ultimately, provide a superior customer experience. We are excited to introduce these transformative solutions at Global Fintech Fest 2024 as we continue to lead the charge in reshaping the future of finance.”

NCL Research – AI shows greater efficiency in detecting early signs of bowel cancer

Newcastle University led a successful trial using artificial intelligence (AI) in colonoscopies to spot abnormalities potentially leading to bowel cancer

In a groundbreaking new research, Newcastle University researchers have revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) technology is set to play a crucial role in the early detection of bowel cancer due to its enhanced efficiency in identifying potential new cases. The COLO-DETECT trial was led by Newcastle University, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, involving 2,032 patients from 10 centres across England.

 The trial used the GI Genius™ AI device, a computer module powered by AI, which is added to the existing technology used during a colonoscopy. The findings showed greater effectiveness in detecting tumours that could potentially become cancerous (adenomas).

 As a result, the Trust will continue to make the equipment available to its teams based at Endoscopy units at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.

 Professor Colin Rees, who led the trial, and Professor of Gastroenterology at Newcastle University, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this trial. Simply put, it will save lives.

 “This trial has demonstrated that using artificial intelligence can significantly increase detection of the kinds of abnormalities in the bowel that may progress to cancer. It allows us to find these lesions, remove them, and stop them from turning into cancer.

 “Crucially, we know that some of the polyps that lead to cancer are small polyps or flat polyps. The AI helped us find more of these lesions, it is finding the things we are concerned about as well as spotting things that we can miss with the human eye.”

 COLO-DETECT was a randomised controlled trial, with half of the 2,032 participants in the procedure having a colonoscopy using AI, and the other half having a ‘traditional’ colonoscopy.

 The colonoscopy is a procedure where a camera is used to look inside the bowel, with the aim of spotting cancerous and precancerous polyps (adenomas).

 The trial involves putting a green box around possible polyps on the screen, which shows what the camera can see, with the clinician ultimately deciding whether to remove the polyp.

 There are around 43,000 new cases of bowel cancer in the UK each year, and Professor Rees hopes this technology will now be adopted more widely to detect early signs of the disease.

 Professor Rees added: “It is a tragedy because bowel cancer is a disease that people shouldn’t be dying from. We have a long window of time when these polyps develop, probably about 10 to 15 years from developing a point to them becoming cancer.

 “We are now using this technology routinely in our practice, and I really hope that it will be used more extensively, and the fantastic thing about AI is that it learns. It is trained by looking at images, using the data to find the differences between the images, and it is adding to its knowledge all the time, so it’s only going to get better.”

Doctors Remove Complex Brain Tumor in 62-yr-old Man Through Nasal Route, Restore His Vision

New Delhi, 28th August 2024: A remarkable medical achievement was witnessed at one the Ujala Cygnus Hospitals located at Nangloi, Delhi, where a 62-year-old male patient, who had suffered significant vision loss due to a pituitary adenoma (a kind of brain tumor), successfully underwent transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. The procedure resulted in a dramatic improvement in his vision, bringing hope to many with similar conditions.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, a type of benign tumor that arises from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. This tumor had caused a significant loss of vision in both eyes, allowing him to only count fingers up to a distance of 2 meters.

Dr. Monique Garg, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, explained, “Pituitary adenomas can exert pressure on the optic nerves, leading to severe vision impairment. The transnasal transsphenoidal approach, where we access the tumor through the nasal passages and sphenoid sinus, allows us to reach and remove the tumor with minimal disruption to surrounding brain tissue. The improvement in his vision post-surgery was significant, and we expect further progress in the coming weeks.”

The surgery, which lasted three hours, involved a near-total excision of the tumor. Post-operatively, the patient experienced a significant improvement in his vision, with finger counting ability extending to 6 meters. He was discharged from the hospital in a stable condition after three days and returned for a follow-up appointment one week later.

Commenting on the successful outcome, Dr. Puneet Kant, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, said, “Pituitary adenomas are relatively common, accounting for about 10-15% of all brain tumors. They can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size and location, including hormonal imbalances, headaches, and vision problems. Transnasal transsphenoidal surgery is a preferred method for removing these tumors due to its minimally invasive nature, reducing the risk of complications and speeding up recovery time.”

The patient’s successful surgery and subsequent recovery highlight the advancements in neurosurgical techniques and the expertise available at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. This case serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for patients suffering from similar conditions, showcasing the potential for restoring quality of life through advanced medical interventions.

IndiaFirst Life Becomes the First Indian Life Insurer to Commence Operations in GIFT City

Mumbai, 28th August 2024: IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd (IndiaFirst Life) is the first Indian life insurer to commence operations in Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City). The company inaugurated its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO) at the country’s international financial gateway today.

Description automatically generatedSpeaking on the historic occasion, Rushabh Gandhi, Managing Director & CEO, IndiaFirst Life said, “We are delighted to be the first Indian life insurance company to commence operations in GIFT City IFSC. Our IIO will offer world class, foreign currency-denominated life insurance solutions to international customers of our partner banks – Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India and our preferred Broker Partners. This is a key milestone in our pursuit to expand distribution through innovative channels.”

IndiaFirst Life’s IIO will have a dedicated team involving specialists who will cater to the needs of GIFT City’s global audience. The company offers specially designed ULIP product for global Indians — IndiaFirst Life Wealth Wise plan. This dollar (USD) denominated plan is ideal for international customers looking for long-term wealth and legacy creation. It provides flexible investment options that allows customers to infuse funds at any time during the policy term whilst also participating in the India growth opportunity.

“IndiaFirst Life’s commitment to contributing to India’s growth narrative remains steadfast. By setting up a base at GIFT City, IndiaFirst Life aims to secure lives, create value, and expand its reach to global citizens. We are truly thankful to the regulator for this opportunity.” added Mr. Gandhi.

SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru Hosts a Grand Convocation Ceremony for Accomplished Graduating Students

Bengaluru, 28th August: SVKM’s NMIMS, one of the top-ranking universities in Bengaluru, organised a two-day convocation ceremony for the 2024 graduating batches. The event celebrated the undergraduate students from the NMIMS School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Science, and School of Law.

The pre-convocation event was held on August 16, 2024, followed by the main convocation ceremony the next day, August 17, 2024, at the campus auditorium. The occasion brought together esteemed dignitaries, dedicated faculty and staff, accomplished graduating students, and their proud families. The convocation was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri. Harish Bhat, Advisor and Director at Tata Group, as the Chief Guest. He also serves on the boards of prominent Tata companies, including Starbucks, Trent, and Croma.

On the pre-convocation day, the NMIMS Bengaluru Campus buzzed with excitement as the graduating students entered the auditorium dressed in traditional white attire. Everyone received a sash to complete their graduation ensemble and scroll for the official graduation ceremony. The students swore an oath promising to uphold ethical, professional, and sustainability values as they prepare to embark on their careers. The event concluded with a short speech by the Bengaluru campus director, Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, after which the National Anthem was sung with great pride by all present.

The joyous occasion celebrated the remarkable achievements of the undergraduate students from NMIMS’ School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Science, and School of Law. This year’s graduating cohort, consisting of 335 students, showcased exceptional academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Representing a diverse spectrum of backgrounds, they have collectively excelled in various domains, ranging from academics to impactful social initiatives. Additionally, special awards were respectfully presented to outstanding students in recognition of their unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

The convocation ceremony welcomed the joyful faces of students, along with their parents, relatives, and friends. This was followed by the academic procession, led by Shri. Ashish Apte, the Nominee of the Registrar of SVKM’s NMIMS, along with distinguished guests, faculty, and staff. Shri. Ashish Apte then placed the mace on the dais, inviting the dignitaries to take their seats.

The proceedings began with the lighting of the lamp, an invocation, and the NMIMS anthem. Following that, Shri. Shailesh Patel, Nominee Hon’ble Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS, took the stage to officially declare SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru Convocation 2024 open and felicitated Shri. Harish Bhat, the Hon’ble Chief Guest for the event.

Following the respected guest’s welcome,The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, delivered the welcome address, offering insightful words that resonated with both students and their families. He highlighted the significance of this milestone in their academic journey and encouraged the graduates to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Dr. Bhat emphasised the importance of continuous learning, integrity, and perseverance as they step into the next phase of their lives. He remarked, “As you embark on this exciting new chapter, remember that your actions are your fingerprints, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Carry forward the lessons and experiences you’ve gained at NMIMS, and step forward with courage, determination, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.” The event was also graced by the presence of Dr. Minu Mehta, Dean and Professor at ASMSOC.

Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, the Director of SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru campus, presented the UG Annual Report. She stated, “The UG Annual Report not only reflects the remarkable academic progress of our students but also serves as a testament to NMIMS Bengaluru’s commitment to educational excellence. Our students have consistently performed beyond expectations, making us proud with their achievements in both academics and extracurricular activities. This success is further highlighted by the university’s progress in campus placements, program committees, and international and professional collaborations. Behind these accomplishments lies the unwavering dedication of our faculty and the invaluable support of our staff, all of whom strive for excellence in every endeavour.”

After the inspiring address by the Director, the degrees were awarded to the graduating students of the NMIMS School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Science, and School of Law marking the culmination of their rigorous educational journey and the beginning of their professional careers. The auditorium reverberated with applause of appreciation for the fresh graduates. Awards were also presented to outstanding students, faculty members, and staff in recognition of their commitment to academic and professional excellence.

The esteemed Chief Guest, Shri. Harish Bhat, delivered a compelling speech that deeply resonated with every graduate in the auditorium. An alumnus of BITS Pilani and IIM Ahmedabad, Shri. Bhat brings over 36 years of experience with the Tata Group. In addition to his illustrious career, he is also a renowned bestselling author, with seven critically acclaimed books to his name. Shri. Bhat shared his wisdom on the three pillars of success: “Knowledge and expertise, character, and a sense of purpose are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving dreams. Making the right choices, rather than the easy ones, is crucial for success. Integrity, encompassing financial, intellectual, and personal honesty, is highly valued and vital for personal growth,”.

MG Windsor: India’s First Intelligent Crossover with 15.6-Inch GRANDVIEW Touch Display

National, August 28, 2024: JSW MG Motor India has unveiled a new teaser for its upcoming vehicle, the MG Windsor – India’s first Intelligent Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV]. The video highlights the vehicle’s impressive 15.6-inch ‘GRANDVIEW Touch Display,’ which sets a benchmark in the segment.

 The expansive screen size allows occupants to effortlessly navigate, control entertainment, and adjust vehicle settings with ease. The 15.6-inch touchscreen in the MG Windsor is designed to redefine the in-car experience that transforms the vehicle into a hub of entertainment, gaming, and learning, whenever it is stationary.

 The 15.6-inch ‘GRANDVIEW Touch Display’ adds a touch of luxury while enhancing the cabin’s overall aesthetics, making each journey more enjoyable. It perfectly complements Windsor’s sophisticated design, offering Indian consumers the ideal blend of premiumness, style, and comfort.

 The brand-new Windsor draws inspiration from the iconic Windsor Castle in the UK that is an architectural masterpiece and is a symbol of royal heritage. The MG Windsor demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. much like the legendary castle does too. Similar to the largest occupied castle in the world, the MG Windsor is crafted with precision and attention to detail, reflecting the same level of exclusivity and luxury that the Windsor castle embodies.

 CUVs are progressively relevant to India with the evolving road network and infrastructure. Being the first Intelligent CUV, the Windsor promises to offer a perfect blend of aerodynamic design and spacious interiors, making it ideal for everyday use. It is versatile, ensuring that families can travel in ample comfort, whether it’s for daily commutes or weekend getaways. The vehicle’s higher ground clearance allows for better navigation over potholes, speed bumps, and uneven surfaces, all translating into a smoother and more comfortable drive.

VerSe Innovation acquires Valueleaf Group in its journey to create India’s largest Bharat-Only Ad Exchange

Bengaluru, 28 August 2024: VerSe Innovation, India’s biggest local language technology platform, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Valueleaf Group, India’s leading Bharat focused data driven digital marketing solutions provider. This move enhances VerSe Innovation’s commitment to enhancing its retargeting capabilities and full stack advertising solutions, thereby driving better programmatic performance outcomes & ROI for its advertisers. Valueleaf and VerSe Innovation’s partnership is poised to drive significant growth for VerSe Innovation, with a projected additional $100M in revenue and 10% EBITDA margins in FY25.

Valueleaf’s core strength are its three key capabilities that they have built across a decade and a half in the programmatic performance marketing domain: 1). A full funnel performance data management platform encompassing 90%+ of Indian internet users. 2). Extensive Supply side integrations across thousands of websites, apps & millions of smartphones. 3). Industry focused solutions delivered to different verticals of advertisers.

The acquisition creates powerful synergies by combining VerSe Innovation’s advanced Advertising tech stack and data management platform with Valueleaf’s full funnel performance data, vast supply side integrations and industry focused solutions delivering superior Return On Ad Spends (ROAS) for advertisers. In addition, VerSe Innovation aims to boost revenue and advertiser wallet share, enhancing performance and ROI while increasing average revenue per user.

Virendra Gupta and Umang Bedi, Co-founders of VerSe Innovation, stated, “The acquisition of Valueleaf Group is not only a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results for brands but also positions us for substantial revenue growth. By integrating Valueleaf’s data-driven insights with our ad tech platform, we anticipate a marked increase in advertising efficiency and effectiveness, driving higher-value partnerships. We are confident that this acquisition will solidify our trajectory of becoming India’s largest digital media tech conglomerate”

Satish Saraf and Srikanth Bureddy, Co-Founders of Valueleaf Group, remarked, “We look forward to combining our strengths with VerSe Innovation’s extensive digital media ecosystem, to deliver exceptional performance marketing solutions. By integrating our innovative data-driven strategies & technologies with VerSe Innovation’s robust platforms, we are poised to elevate our impact and drive superior outcomes for brands. This partnership reinforces our goal to the opportunities in the performance marketing sector and paving the way for exciting new opportunities”

This acquisition aligns with VerSe Innovation’s journey to becoming India’s largest digital media tech conglomerate. Recently, VerSe Innovation acquired Magzter to enhance its portfolio with premium English language content. The addition of Valueleaf Group further strengthens VerSe Innovation’s portfolio, ensuring a comprehensive full ad stack solution and creating value for all stakeholders.

There’s something BIBA about her: BIBA collaborates with Bollywood sensation Kriti Sanon to celebrate Indian heritage

National, 28th August, 2024: BIBA, India’s leading women’s Indian wear brand, announces the collaboration with Bollywood Fashion Sensation Kriti Sanon as its brand ambassador. This partnership brings a fresh take on the brand’s commitment to honouring Indian heritage while introducing contemporary and modern day designs. Through this collaboration, BIBA continues to pay homage to India’s rich cultural roots.

From the grandest occasions to the most casual outings, BIBA offers a diverse range of styles that cater to every woman’s taste and preference and adds to her glamour. Each piece is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and the rich heritage of Indian fashion. Behind the scenes is a dedicated team of artisans and designers that meticulously create garments that are not just visually stunning but also comfortable and durable.

With the campaign titled “There’s something BIBA about her,” the ad-film which has been conceptualised and executed by Enormous Brands, beautifully encapsulates the spirit of BIBA—where traditions meet modernity in every outfit. The film, starring Kriti, takes viewers on a journey through vibrant colours, intricate designs, and luxurious fabrics, each piece telling the story of India’s rich cultural tapestry. Kriti’s effortless style and charm bring the collection to life, illustrating how BIBA’s designs blend heritage with modern elegance, making it an ideal choice for festive and special occasions.

Mr. Siddharath Bindra, Managing Director of BIBA Fashion, shared his enthusiasm on the collaboration, stating, “We are happy and excited to have Kriti Sanon as part of the BIBA family. Kriti is the epitome of the modern Indian woman—confident, graceful and deeply connected to her roots, which aligns perfectly with the BIBA ethos. Her journey from a talented actress to a beloved household name mirrors our brand’s evolution over the years. This partnership is not just about endorsing a collection; it’s about celebrating the spirit of every BIBA woman and girl who embraces tradition while stepping confidently into the future.”

Speaking about her association Kriti Sanon said, “I am elated to be a part of the BIBA family and launch the stunning Festive collection. Biba is a brand that celebrates Indian heritage and empowers women through fashion. It’s a brand that truly understands the modern Indian woman and her evolving style and offers something stylish for every occasion and age group.”

Ms. Tanima Kohli, Copy Group Head at Enormous, shared ‘The film celebrates the spirit of the modern Indian woman—independent, successful, and one who is unafraid to embrace her Indian culture and roots. And in doing so, we created a campaign that could only be owned by an iconic brand like Biba.’