1, Dec 2023
Jaipur Music Stage 2024’s stellar line-up
As Jaipur prepares for the 17th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Jaipur Music Stage, running concurrently with the ‘greatest literary show on Earth,’ has unveiled its incredible line-up of performers. JMS will present a diverse array of artists from the Indian subcontinent, offering a rich tapestry of musical genres that reflect a fusion of style, sound, and history.
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and poet Alif (Mohammad Muneem) will be performing on the first evening. He is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival Award for the single Lalnawat, IRAA Award for the single Like a Sufi, and the IIMA Award for ‘Best Folk Song’ – Ride Home.
Alif recently featured in Coke Studio Bharat’s Season 2 where he was the vocal composer for Kya Karie Korimol. The evening will also feature The Tapi Project, comprising Yogendra Saniyawala (acoustic & bass guitar, lyrics, composition), Swati Minaxi (voice), Gaurav Kapadia (drums) and Biju Nambiar (keyboards, bass and drums). The band experiments with intricate genres in music like folk, trip-hop, jazz, and ambient textures and uses folk instruments as an essential part of their band.
The second evening of JMS will feature Prabh Deep, a Delhi-based multi-faceted artist, who has evolved into one of the region’s brightest visionaries, making his mark as one of the best storytellers in the game today. While ‘Class-Sikh’ was a deeply autobiographical project, Deep showcased his ability to craft intricate and vivid narratives that spoke to larger audiences in subsequent releases.
This can be seen on his ‘K I N G’ EP and his critically acclaimed ‘Tabia.’ The second evening will also feature a performance by The Revisit Project, a group which unravels the complexity and rigour of jazz with a distinctive and characteristic twist. Their music combines a solid groove, old-school funk, and rhythmic jazz while offering pointed observations about life, love, and politics in India. Originating in 2014 as a tribute band, they sought to rediscover some of the lost treasures of Hindi film music, infusing contemporary Funk & Jazz fusion into their renditions.
The final evening will witness an incredible set featuring renowned singer-songwriters Harpreet and Salman Elahi. Harpreet is a versatile artiste who sings original musical compositions in Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Assamese, Rajasthani and Haryanvi. He is best known for creating musical scores to epic works of humanist poets like Kabir and Bulleh Shah.
Mumbai-based musician Salman Elahi’s soothing voice has captured the hearts of over 20 million people worldwide with his popular song Pahadon Mein. Writing and singing primarily in Urdu/Hindi, Elahi believes in using his music to express his thoughts about life and self-discovery. The evening will also showcase India’s ever-evolving band When Chai Met Toast (WCMT).
The band consists of vocalist Ashwin Gopakumar, guitarist Achyuth Jaigopal, keyboard player Palee Francis and drummer Pai Sailesh. Formed in 2016 with their debut EP ‘Joy of Little Things,’ the quartet swiftly gained attention for their unique multilingual lyrics, infectious sing-along choruses, and incorporation of acoustic folk instruments.
A night market offering a variety of merchandise, including instruments, music technology, indie label music, and other paraphernalia, will add excitement to the Jaipur Music Stage evenings.
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- By Rabindra
1, Dec 2023
Bank of Baroda Introduces the BOB Parivar Account for Savings and Current Accounts
‘My Family, My Bank’ brings together a family’s entire banking relationship with the Bank, doing away with the need to maintain a minimum balance for each account and enabling all family members to enjoy attractive benefits
Mumbai, December 1, 2023: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, announced the introduction of the BOB Parivar Account for Savings and Current Accounts. The ‘My Family, My Bank’ segment, which has been launched as a part of the Bank’s “BOB Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang” festive campaign, groups all the bank accounts belonging to members of a single family under One Family. While each account will be operated independently by the primary account holder, the maintenance of quarterly average balance (QAB) is recorded at the Group/ Family level, eliminating the need to maintain QAB in every single account.
Further, it gives each family member access to an array of benefits during the festive period due to the overall enhanced relationship. The BOB Parivar facility is open to both new and existing customers.
The BOB Parivar Account can comprise of a minimum of two and a maximum of six members. Eligible family members for the BOB Parivar Savings Account segment include the spouse, parents, children, parents-in-law, daughter-in-law and/or son-in-law. The BOB Parivar Current Account Segment is open to proprietorship, partnership, LLP and Pvt. Ltd. companies, which are group companies or sister concerns.
Both the BOB Parivar Savings Account and the BOB Parivar Current Account segments come in three distinct variants – Diamond, Gold and Silver – with varying Pooled Quarterly Average Balance (PQAB) requirements (For Savings Accounts – Diamond: Rs 5 lakh & above; Gold: Rs 2 lakh & above; Silver: Rs 50,000 & above; For Current Accounts – Diamond: Rs 10 lakh & above; Gold: Rs 5 lakh & above; Silver: Rs 2 lakh and above) and associated benefits.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ravindra Singh Negi, Chief General Manager – Retail Liabilities & NRI Business, Bank of Baroda said, “We are delighted to introduce the BOB Parivar Account for our Savings and Current Account holders. By grouping together individual accounts of a single family or associated companies, our customers will be greatly rewarded with superior benefits, which are normally provided in accounts maintaining higher balances. In the BOB Parivar Account segment, all individual family members will gain from the overall balances maintained together. Here there is no requirement to maintain individual Quarterly Average Balance for each account, thus enhancing the overall banking experience. As a bank with a 115 year history, we are privileged to have generations from the same family bank with us and the ‘My Family, My Bank’ concept will further strengthen and deepen their relationship with Bank of Baroda.”
Benefits of the BOB Parivar Account:
- Concessional Interest Rates on Retail Loans for Saving Accountholders
- Waiver of Processing Charges on Retail Loans (excluding TCR/Valuation Charges)
- Concession in Locker Rent Charges
- Concession in Demat AMC
- Concession in manual NEFT/RTGS charges (Digital is 100% Free)
- Complete waiver of DD/PO Charges
- Concession in Cheque Book charges
- Waiver of charges on collection of Outstation Cheques (Only Postage & Out of Pocket expenses are payable for Collection of Outstation Cheques)
- Complimentary SMS/Email Alerts and Standing instructions
1, Dec 2023
Director Parmeet Sethi navigates the fine line between ethical hacking and cybercrime while talking about Amazon miniTV’s Hack Crimes Online
Mumbai, 1st Dec 2023: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the cybercrime thriller Hack Crimes Online which explores the lives of hackers and highlights how technology can help law enforcement in enhancing the security further. Directed by Parmeet Sethi and featuring Vipul Gupta and Riddhi Kumar in the pivotal roles, the series is being lauded by critics and viewers for its intriguing narrative and strong characters, exploring the dark world of cybercrime.
Amazon miniTV hosted an exclusive round table discussion with Mr. Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, at Amazon miniTV, Mr. Shital Bhatia, an Indian film producer and co-founder of Friday Filmworks, Mr. Parmeet Sethi, Indian Film Industry Actor and director and the Indian actor Vipul Gupta. The conversation revolved around the current cyber threats and how to combat them, with special emphasis on Amazon miniTVs efforts and role in raising awareness among conman in an engaging and creative way.
While highlighting the aspect of advanced cybercrime and the role of ethical hackers, director Parmeet Sethi also shared his approach for writing the script and the resources he used alongside Amit Dubey’s book. Parmeet candidly revealed his communication with ethical hackers to get more insight about the hacking world. “Amit has an outfit where he has these ethical hackers.
So I happen to interact with them, obviously Amit was there throughout, holding my hand and telling us exactly how things are, is it possible to hack it in this way or not possible. We asked him all those basic questions and he answered them and of course my writers, they did their research. I am sure they approached a lot of people, hackers, and there are some people whom I know in the hacking world who are basically in the US.
I called them up, I spoke to them and they are also white hats, they help Indian government, the American government, so they were also very helpful in giving me insight into how hacking actually happens and how we actually counter it,” he shared.
Delving deeper into the dark deep rooted cybercrimes, Hack Crimes Online sheds light on the vast reach of the internet and how we are mere puppets in the hacking world. Hack Crimes Online is currently streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Play Store.
1, Dec 2023
SBI wins prestigious “Marketing Maestro” award at the HOMETHON Property Expo
Mumbai, December 1, 2023: The State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, bags “HOMETHON Marketing Maestro at the HOMETHON Property Expo, a three-day extravaganza that happened in Mumbai.
Mr. Atul Save, Minister of Housing, Maharashtra inaugurated the event in the presence of Mr. Sandeep Runwal President NAREDCO, and Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani. The SBI stall at the event received a grand opening by Mr. Atul Save, celebrity couple – Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Mrs. Usha Gautam, CGM, SBI, Mr. G S Rana, CGM, SBI, and other officials of the bank. The stall was also graced by Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Dy. Chief Minister, Maharashtra.
Under the ‘SBI Festive Delight’ campaign, the bank at the expo facilitated instant home loan approvals at concessional rates, further solidifying its commitment to providing financial solutions tailored to the needs of its customers. The bank remains dedicated to playing a pivotal role in fulfilling the dreams of aspiring homeowners across the nation.
1, Dec 2023
Bank of India Increases Fixed Deposit Rates for Various Tenor
Mumbai, Dec 1, 2023: Bank of India, one of the leading public sector banks in India, has increased rates of its fixed deposits for its customers & general public (for Rs 2 Crs & above to less than Rs.10 Crs) in maturity of “46 days to up to 1 Year” with effect from 1st Dec, 2023.
Bank has increased its fixed deposit rates for shorter periods i.e. “46 days to 90 days” tenure to 5.25%, for “91 days to 179 days” tenure to 6.00%, for “180 days to 210 days” tenure to 6.25%, for “211 days to less than 1 Year” tenure to 6.50% and for “1 Year” tenure to 7.25% p.a. The present rate of interest offered by the Bank is competitive, offering a very attractive return for investment from HNIs, Small & Mid Corporates, NRIs & Professionally Self-employed, etc.
With effect from 1st Nov, 23, the bank had already increased rate of all deposits for the amount of “Less than Rs.2 Crs” for 2 Year tenure. Here, Bank is offering its highest rate of interest up to 7.90% for super senior citizens, 7.75% for senior citizens,s and 7.25% for others for 2-year term. The revised interest rates are applicable for domestic, NRO, and NRE Rupee Term deposits.
30, Nov 2023
Radware Report Finds the Downtime Cost of an Application DDoS Attack Averages $6,130 Per Minute
- 31% of organizations experience DDoS attacks on a weekly basis
- 46% of organizations see web application attacks on a daily or weekly basis
- 66% of organizations would not be very surprised if their APIs were breached tomorrow
NEW DELHI, India / MAHWAH, N.J., – November 30, 2023
Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a leading provider of cyber security and application delivery solutions, today released its new report, Application Security in a Multi-Cloud World 2023. The survey, which was conducted with Osterman Research, reveals the escalation of threats against web applications and increased security concerns about hybrid cloud infrastructures and API usage. At the same time, organizations struggle with low levels of security preparedness.
KEY FINDINGS
Frequency of Application Attacks Rise
The report reveals a surge in the frequency of bot, application, API, and DDoS attacks against applications over the past 12 months. During the past year, application attacks have become the most frequently occurring attack on a daily basis, jumping from 4% in 2022 to 23% in 2023.
- Almost half of organizations (46%) experience web application attacks daily or weekly.
- Nearly one-third (31%) of organizations face DDoS attacks weekly.
- Downtime due to a successful application DDoS attack costs organizations an average of $6,130 per minute.
Lack of Confidence Plagues Increased API Usage
While the use of internally developed and third-party APIs may be inextricably tied to core business processes, outcomes, and thus measures of business success, they are also a cause for anxiety for most organizations.
- More than 87% of organizations report they are developing and using more APIs as an essential element of their modern application strategy. Yet, nearly three out of four respondents (74%) lack confidence that their internally developed APIs are protected against security threats that lead to unauthorized data access, exposure of application logic, and data breaches.
- Nearly all organizations (99%) make extensive use of third-party APIs or code, with 68% using more than 11 third-party APIs for each web application. Despite widespread usage, 64% of respondents would not be very surprised if they experienced a supply-chain breach via third-party APIs or code tomorrow.
“Companies continue to admit to looming security challenges and struggle with a lack of readiness when it comes to protecting their applications and infrastructure,” said Haim Zelikovsky, vice president of cloud security services at Radware. “Threats against applications are increasing in frequency and severity. Compounding these threats is marked concern over multi-cloud security, the weak protection of internally developed and third-party APIs, and subpar defenses against application DDoS attacks.”
Public Cloud Security Takes a Hit
Between 2022 and 2023, the survey shows a marked increase in concern over public cloud security. The inability to achieve consistent security policies surfaced as the problem that grew the most during the last year. In 2023, more than half of respondents (56%) rated inconsistent security policies a problem or extreme problem, up from 26% in 2022. Other areas respondents ranked as problems or extreme problems include:
- Protection coverage between platforms: 61% in 2023 compared to 38% in 2022
- Unified visibility: 58% in 2023, up from 41% in 2022
- Centralized management: 46% in 2023, compared to 34% in 2022
Companies Rethink Hybrid Environments
While every organization relies on at least one public cloud platform, approximately 70% also report using private cloud services and on-premises data centers for hosting applications.
- Almost half (46%) of organizations use all three environments in parallel, creating a complex situation where strong cross-environment administration, management, and security are essential.
- Despite the ongoing discussion about “the great cloud migration” and the abandonment of on-premises environments, approximately three-quarters (73%) of organizations not only still use these environments but expect usage to increase in the next 12 months.
- During the next 12 months, the use of public clouds for hosting applications is expected to consolidate around one or two public clouds.
Methodology
The survey includes responses from senior DevOps and DevSecOps administrators, application and cloud security architects, senior network security administrators, and vice presidents of research and development, among other security roles. It was conducted in 10 countries across the Americas, APAC, EMEA, and LATAM.
30, Nov 2023
Canara Bank raises Rs 5000 crore in Long Term Infrastructure Bond, Series II Bonds 2023-24
Bengaluru,30 Nov 2023: Canara Bank in its issuance of Long Term Infrastructure Bonds has raised Rs. 5,000 crores, at a coupon rate of 7.68% per annum. The issue received an overwhelming response from investors, with bids for more than Rs. 12,450 crore against a base issue size of Rs 1,000 crore and a green shoe option of Rs. 4,000 crore.
The Bank’s Long Term Infrastructure Bonds are rated as “AAA/Stable” by CARE Ratings Limited and India Ratings & Research Ltd.
30, Nov 2023
IIT Roorkee Leads Comprehensive Study on Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technologies, Unveiled by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
New Delhi, November 30, 2023 – Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shri BS Bhalla released a comprehensive study titled “Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technologies,” conducted by IIT Roorkee under the leadership of Prof Arun Kumar in the august presence of Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance and Prof KK Pant Director, IIT Roorkee, at Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan, MNRE, New Delhi on Nov. 29, 2023. This innovative initiative explores diverse energy storage solutions vital for India’s sustainable energy future.
This study explores diverse grid-scale energy storage solutions crucial for India’s sustainable energy future and addresses critical aspects of the power sector, emphasizing the need for a resilient and sustainable energy landscape in India. It puts forth actionable recommendations to enhance renewable energy integration and improve grid-scale energy storage efficiency, marking a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy goals.
Policy Recommendations for Power Sector Vision: The National Tariff Policy and the National Electricity Policy are urged to explicitly outline a vision for the power sector, encompassing energy storage. Specific directives are proposed to amplify the role of energy storage targets for each licensee. Attractive tariffs are recommended to incentivize ancillary services and frequency regulation. Additionally, the study proposes the introduction of a storage purchase obligation for relevant utilities to bolster energy storage adoption further.
Regulatory Framework for Enhanced Flexibility: Regulators are advised to review and revise Grid Codes to promote greater flexibility in power generation, accommodating the evolving landscape of energy storage technologies. Clear and distinct energy storage ownership remuneration rules are recommended by regulators, aligning with existing frameworks for transmission, generation, and distribution companies. These rules are envisaged to address diverse purposes and ensure a level playing field.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Grid-Scale Storage Technologies: Five prospective grid-scale storage technologies—pumped storage, Li-ion batteries, vanadium redox flow batteries, compressed air energy storage, and thermal energy storage—have undergone comprehensive life cycle techno-economic analysis. The analysis reveals that pumped storage stands out as the most cost-effective option, with a levelized cost of storage at INR 3.91/kWh without the cost of pumping power and a global warming potential of 0.12 kg CO2 eq /kWh.
Comparative Advantage of Pumped Storage: The levelized cost of storage for pumped storage is 40% of the cost to lithium-ion batteries. The CO2 emissions associated with pumped storage have been estimated to be 25% lesser as compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Import Dependency and Made-in-India Content: Presently, none of the energy storage technologies exhibit 100% made-in-India content, with significant variations in import percentages. Pumped storage (PSP) leads in terms of domestic content with over 90% while acknowledging some equipment imports. Other technologies, especially batteries, necessitate raw material imports, highlighting the need for strategic considerations in the pursuit of self-reliance.
These findings underscore the need for proactive policy measures, regulatory frameworks, and strategic investments to propel the adoption of advanced grid-scale energy storage technologies. The study, a collaborative effort between MNRE and IIT Roorkee, sets the stage for informed decision-making and transformative initiatives in India’s renewable energy landscape.
Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance also an Alumnus of IIT Roorkee, acknowledged India’s global leadership in renewable energy adoption and emphasized the critical role of energy storage in grid stability and RE deployment. He commended the report, stating, “India has emerged as a global leader in adopting renewable energy technologies at scale. With the rapid adoption of these technologies, energy storage becomes critical for grid stability. This report is a welcome and apt effort in that context, offering valuable insights for the sustainable advancement of our energy landscape.”
Shri BS Bhalla, Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), stated, “I acknowledge the efforts of the IIT Roorkee team, under the leadership of Prof. Arun Kumar, for their comprehensive study focused on India. The report is anticipated to play a pivotal role in empowering stakeholders in the energy sector, particularly in advancing the deployment of clean energy and energy storage solutions in the country. Aligned with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the report carries significance in fostering self-reliance, specifically in the sustainable grid-scale energy storage domain. I look forward to gaining insights on energy storage, indigenous manufacturing, and the deployment of renewable energy, which I believe will make a significant contribution to our national goals.”
Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, expressed gratitude to the ministries for their support, emphasizing the report’s role in shaping policies for the accelerated adoption of clean energy technologies in India. He reaffirmed IIT Roorkee’s commitment to nation-building through focused, India-centric research and technical education and said, “This study reinforces our commitment at IIT Roorkee towards nation-building through focused India-centric research and technical education. The report is poised to play a crucial role in shaping policies for the accelerated adoption of clean energy technologies at scale in India, offering a strategic roadmap for a sustainable and resilient energy future.”
The unveiling of the Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technologies study represents a significant stride in India’s commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable energy practices. Distinguished dignitaries, including Shri BS Bhalla, Secretary to the Government of India, MNRE; Dr. Ajay Mathur, DG, International Solar Alliance; and Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, graced the event. This gathering serves as a pivotal platform for discussions on the technical, economic, and policy aspects of grid-scale energy storage technologies.
The release event also welcomed key figures like Shri MAKP Singh, Member Hydro Central Electricity Authority, Shri Rajnath Ram, Advisor Energy Niti Aayog, and Shri SR Narashimhan, CMD, India Grid Controller, alongside senior officials from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and renewable energy developers.
This comprehensive study positions IIT Roorkee at the forefront of cutting-edge research, showcasing its dedication to providing India-centric solutions for a sustainable and resilient energy future. The “Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technologies” report not only reflects India’s commitment to innovation but also serves as a strategic guide for policymakers, industry players, and stakeholders navigating the dynamic energy landscape.
29, Nov 2023
News18 Tamil Nadu takes the lead in delivering unmatched insight into the 5-State Election Dynamics
~ The five states under the spotlight are Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram~
29th November 2023: News18 Tamil Nadu proudly announces its unwavering commitment to delivering the most authentic and live news of India’s upcoming five-state elections. As the political landscape undergoes a significant transformation, News18 Tamil Nadu is poised to keep its viewers informed with real-time news and unbiased reporting.
The five states under the spotlight are Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram. News18 Tamil Nadu recognizes the importance of these elections in shaping the future of these states and the nation as a whole. Our vast network of reporters will be on the ground, providing live coverage from the epicenter of election activity. From rallies to polling booths, News18 Tamil Nadu will be the go-to source for real-time information.
In addition to live updates, News18 Tamil Nadu will provide in-depth analysis and insights into each state’s political dynamics. News18 Tamil Nadu will also leverage various interactive platforms and live discussions to involve the viewers in the electoral discourse.
Stay Tuned to News18 Tamil Nadu for unparalleled coverage of the 5-state elections on 3rd December 2023.
29, Nov 2023
Brandix India Apparel City receives Greentech Environment Award for Environmental Excellence
National, November 29 th, 2023: Brandix India Apparel City Pvt Ltd (BIAC), one of the largest dedicated apparel and textile manufacturing parks in Asia has been conferred with the prestigious Greentech Environment Award 2023 in the Environmental Excellence Category by the Greentech Foundation. This recognition underscores BIAC’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices.
The award was presented to BIAC by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Dr. Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman of Pollution Control Board, Assam, and Dr. Shantanu Kumar Dutta, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board, Assam, and was received on behalf of BIAC by Dr. Mohini Rani Sabhavath, Sustainability Environmental Engineer. The award presentation program was conducted along with the Greentech Foundation’s Environment Summit in Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
BIAC’s commitment towards environmental sustainability recognizes the multifaceted nature of the actions required to ensure a sustainable future and identifies three pillars – Air, Water, and Earth. 50% of the Park’s annual water consumption is met sustainably through rainwater harvesting ponds and the first industry in the state to have installed a Solar Sludge Drying Process unit, BIAC is a zero-landfill apparel park. The Park aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 through continuous investment in clean energy, optimizing overall energy consumption, and creating carbon sinks in the form of plantations.
Speaking about the Company’s efforts in sustainability, Mr Neil Rosayro, Country Head – Brandix India, said, “Receiving the Environmental Excellence Award is a significant milestone for BIAC. This recognition is a testimony to our ongoing commitments to sustainable practices and inspires us to continue pushing boundaries for a greener and more sustainable future.”
