Category Archives: Technology

PLUSS Advanced Technologies launches Brrf PLUSS Jackets

New Delhi, 2nd May 2024: Pluss Advanced Technologies has launched a cooling wearable technology that can be worn by workers who are outdoors, such as on construction sites, mines, furnaces, shopfloor, in order to prevent heat stress related injuries and fatigue during hot temperatures.

A study conducted across 70,000 factories in India has estimated that there is a 4% drop in productivity for every 1 °C increase in temperature above 27 °C, as workers tend to be less productive and be absent more often at higher ambient temperatures. The wearable tech uses ‘phase change materials,’ which work on the principle of ‘energy storage and release’ to maintain a lower temperature than the ambient temperature.

The wearable cooling tech have been designed to offer two options:

The first design maintains the optimum thermal comfort for the body for up to 8 hours at an ambient temperature lower than 40 deg C. The solution consists of an inner vest which houses a pouch containing Phase Change Materials (PCM), and an outer jacket which is connected to pair of small ventilation fans attached that is powered by a portable Li-ion battery pack and the complete kit weighs just under 500 grams.

The second design maintains the optimum thermal comfort for the body for up to 8 hours at an ambient temperature higher than 40 deg C. The solution consists of an inner vest which houses four pouches containing Phase Change Materials (PCM), and an outer jacket which is connected to pair of small ventilation fans attached that is powered by a portable Li-ion battery pack and the complete kit weighs just under 2 Kilograms.

The Brrf-PLUSS wearable cooling tech is based on Phase Change Materials (PCM) technology that can maintain a temperature gradient of up to 15°C lower than the ambient temperature. The Phase Change Materials’ (PCM) pouches for the Brrf-Pluss jackets can be easily recharged by placing it in a refrigerator. A conventional refrigerator or commercial cooler that maintains a temperature of +10 deg C is sufficient to recharge the PCM packs. The Brrf-Pluss cooling tech themselves are easy to assemble, use and maintain, and come in a number of sizes and colours.

Commenting on the launch, Vishnu Sasidharan, Vice President, Pluss Advanced Technologies said, “The body’s normal temperature is 37 to 38 °C, when heat is excessive in the environment the body’s cooling mechanism takes up more energy and the rest of the body has to bear with less energy, which can explain the lower productivity during hot conditions. Brrf-Pluss jackets have been designed to make wearer constantly exposed to the environment comfortable during high temperatures.”

Use of PCMs for cooling serves as a better alternative to ice as temperature maintained with ice packs rise with time as ice melts. The ‘phase change materials’ have been designed and developed in India by Pluss Advanced Technologies; the vest fabric and design has been made by Mumbai based manufacturer. Pluss has received the National Technology Award from the Government of India in 2021 for development of ‘phase change materials’-based shipping box that maintains the desired temperature for pharma products, such as vaccines, during transportation and storage.

Microsoft-ByteXL led HackXcelerate 2024 closes with announcement of winners at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology

Hyderabad, 29 April 2024: The two-day Microsoft-ByteXL led hackathon titled ‘HackXcelerate 2024’ closed today with the announcement of the winning teams. The first prize worth Rs. 1,50,000 was bagged by Team ‘Code Sarathi AI’ from Anurag University. Team ‘First Prize Winners’ from Chaitanya Bharati Institute of Technology walked away with the 2nd Prize worth Rs.75,000. Team Tech-AI from NKOrchid College of Engineering and Technology from Maharashtra won the 3rd prize worth Rs. 50,000. A special certificate was awarded to team 1o1 from CVR College of Engineering owing to their extraordinary performance.

Over 139 teams from across the country had registered for the event, but only 50 teams were shortlisted the hackathon challenge. The two-day hackathon that inaugurated on 26th April was aimed at igniting creativity and enhancing problem-solving skills through AI among students in a bid to make them industry ready. The event has been touted as revolutionizing engineering education and IT skilling by innovative thinking and bringing novel problem-solving to the table.

The event was graced by Guests of HonorsMr. Adithya Saladi – Software Consultant, Microsoft; Mr. Sricharan Tadepalli -CSO and Co-Founder,byteXL andProfessor Dr. CV Narasimhulu – Principal, Chaitanya Bharati Institute of Technology (CBIT); Dr. NLNReddy – Director, Career Development Council, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology.

More than 2,000 B.E and B.Tech. students fromvarious engineering colleges and universities across India had come to crack Real-life problem-solving projects, benefit from the Key sessions, and gather industry inputs from the technology experts. They showcased their ingenuity and collaborated on innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Students exhibited holistic vision and intent to immerse themselves in a 24-hour marathon of coding, designing, and project building.

Some of the titles for the problem-solving projects are ‘AI-Driven Financial Fraud Detection System’, ‘Eco-Commerce Optimization Tool’, ‘AI-Enhanced Diagnostic and Treatment Planning System’, ‘Smart Lifestyle Companion’, ‘Sustainable Urban Planning AI Tool’, ‘AI-Powered Personalized Learning Assistant’, ‘Optimizing Data Highways – Automated Database Enhancements’ and ‘Visualizing the Game – Making Sports Inclusive and Engaging’.

This hackathon presented a unique opportunity for participants to push the boundaries of their skills and creativity while tackling pressing issues across various domains. With a focus on fostering innovation and nurturing talent, HackXcelerate 2024 aimed to empower the next generation of technologists to drive positive change in society.
ByteXL’sCSO and Co-founder Sricharan Tadepallispoke about the success of the hackathon, “There were impressive pitches, great ideas, which I hope the students build and figure out the right investor to take that end-to-end product. ByteXL will be of help in building a viable product. Mentoring 50 teams is not a simple task, but the dedicated mentors too showed their support throughout the hackathon. The aim was to build a project that the students can talk about during the interviews while applying at companies.”

Mr. Adithya Saladi – Software Consultant, Microsoft“It was very encouraging to see the level of enthusiasm the participants showed working through the hackathon day and night trying to crack the challenge to their best of abilities. Microsoft will take their step forward to support these students in building their product.”

Announcing consolation prizes worth Rs. 10,000 on behalf of CBIT, Professor Dr. CV Narasimhulu – Principal, CBIT said,“Students were cheerful throughout and working their way through the hackathon challenge. It was heartening to see their enthusiasm. We are always there to encourage our students and support them through these programmes.”
The grand award ceremony closed with felicitation of the Guests of Honour with shawl and memento.

WIKA India Showcases Future Ready and Technologically Advanced Solutions at ChemExpo India 2024

Mumbai, India – April 27, 2024 – WIKA India, a leading global precision measurement technology company, today showcased its technologically advanced and revolutionary solutions for oil & gas, petrochemicals, and other industries during ChemExpo India 2024. The exhibition was held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai for two days i.e., April 24th and 25th, 2024. WIKA India’s cutting-edge solutions are capable of having a greater impact on both CapEx & OpEx of various industrial applications.

During the exhibition, WIKA India showcased a wide range of products, such as T38 Transmitter, SKID, TC83, Diaphragm seals, flow elements like V-Con, Venturi, nozzle flow, manifolds, as well as products from pressure, temperature, level, and calibration categories.

The Indian chemical industry ranked sixth globally, continues to witness robust growth, driven by increasing investments and government initiatives to boost local manufacturing. WIKA India’s participation in the event underscores its commitment to support the growth and development of the chemical industry in India.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Gaurav Bawa, Senior Vice President, of WIKA India said, “At WIKA, we are dedicated to engineering solutions with enduring impacts. WIKA India’s strategic focus is on introducing and implementing technologically advanced precise solutions for sectors like oil & gas and petrochemicals. Our continued R&D based on industrial insights ensures contribution to optimal plant performance while addressing the long-term sustainability commitment that each of the sectors has for India. At the exhibition, we have showcased a range of precision instrumentation, tailored to current and future industry needs. While WIKA offers bespoke consultations and design thinking with sector-specific requirements, our participation in ChemExpo India further accentuates WIKA’s expertise and reliability, reinforcing our commitment to delivering quality solutions.”

ChemExpo India 2024 promises to be a vital platform for industry stakeholders to explore the latest innovations, technologies, and trends shaping the future of the chemical industry in India while exchanging insights, and fostering collaborations

Arkreach Unveils Revolutionary AI-Powered Contextual Sentiment Analysis

New Delhi, 26th April 2024 – Arkreach, a leader in communications analytics, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking AI-powered Contextual Sentiment Analysis tool. This innovative technology, developed using a sophisticated Large Language Model (LLM) trained on a corpus of 60 million articles across 50 languages, marks a significant advancement in the field of communications analytics.

Revolutionizing Sentiment Analysis with Precision

Arkreach’s new feature enables communications professionals to precisely analyze the ‘contextual’ sentiment around specific entities like brand mentions, product names, or key spokespeople directly through their dashboards. Traditional tools, which typically provided broad article-level metrics, often missed the nuanced sentiments crucial for strategic decision-making.

“In the digital era, communications metrics must evolve. I’m thrilled to unveil Arkreach’s game-changing AI-driven Contextual Sentiment Analysis. This innovation redefines precision in communications analytics, pushing us beyond traditional metrics to embrace detailed, contextual insights rooted in News Consumption Behavioral Data,” Said Vishal Sharma, Chief Strategy Officer at Arkreach.

“For years, the industry has struggled with the limitations of traditional sentiment analysis tools. Our new AI-driven Contextual Sentiment Analysis not only pinpoints specific sentiments but also provides the depth of understanding our clients need to effectively tailor their communications strategies,” said Neeraj Kumar, CTO at Arkreach.

Real-world Applications and Strategic Advantages

This technology is especially useful in complex scenarios where multiple entities or issues are discussed. For example, in media coverage about Jio’s 5G initiatives, regulatory interactions, and leadership, Arkreach’s tool can differentiate and highlight the positive sentiments around the 5G rollout and leadership, despite any negative tone of the article.

Empowering Global Communications Strategies with Advanced AI and Extensive Language Support

Arkreach’s AI-powered tool doesn’t just refine sentiment analysis—it transforms it. By enhancing the granularity of analysis and changing how communications professionals monitor public perception, the tool sharpens communications strategies with unprecedented accuracy. Additionally, the platform’s support for a comprehensive array of languages ensures that no matter where communications needs are focused, from Mumbai to Moscow or Mexico City, Arkreach is equipped to provide accurate, contextual insights.

Top supported languages include:

Asia: Languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and Japanese

Europe: From English and French to Russian and Serbian

Middle East and North Africa: Including Arabic and Persian (Farsi)

Americas: Covering English, Spanish, and Portuguese

Africa: With languages like Swahili and Amharic

Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering: Navigating Moral Challenges in the Field

Author: Er. Koneru Satyanarayana, President, KL Deemed to be University

The field of engineering requires engineering professionals to apply creative solutions to complex challenges. In the realm of engineering, where innovation and advancement are pivotal, ethical dilemmas often arise, challenging the moral compass of engineering professionals. In modern times, when environmental sustainability is the focus of every industry, engineering is the most affected field. Environmental sustainability is one of the most pertinent questions and the biggest cause of ethical dilemmas for engineers. To develop and follow sustainable practices, data privacy, etc., like dilemmas force engineering professionals to navigate the complex areas between what is technically possible and what is morally correct.

Environmentally Sustainable technology and Practises

One of the biggest ethical dilemmas for engineers in recent times is environmental sustainability. Climate change has become a palpable reality that requires urgent redressal for continued life on Earth. Environmental sustainable technologies and practises are need of the hour. Engineers are under pressure to develop eco-friendly technologies and practices. This poses an ethical dilemma for engineering professionals as there is a thin line between green technologies and economic viability. Developing eco-friendly technologies using electricity, renewable sources, or sustainable practices like using eco-friendly raw materials can be expensive. Engineers face the dilemma of balancing sustainability with economic feasibility.

Privacy and Data Security

In the modern digital world, engineers are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies that collect, store and analyze vast amounts of personal data. The privacy and security of such data is of paramount significance. Thus, the data privacy and security of data becomes another critical ethical dilemma. The ethical dilemma lies in protecting the data while applying it for benefits like improving healthcare systems or enhancing end-user experience. The dilemma lies in maintaining a balance between innovation and safeguarding user’s privacy.

Artificial Intelligence

The advent of artificial intelligence has introduced an array of ethical concerns. Engineering professionals developing artificial intelligence struggle with the questions of bias and fairness. As artificial intelligence technology develops, there are concerns about biases in the data. The machine algorithms, if not efficiently developed, can propel or even increase societal bias present in the training data. This proposes a myriad of ethical concerns for engineers. Though the path of artificial intelligence development predicts very positive results. However, handling such technological concerns requires a deep understanding of technology and its ethical implications for engineering professionals.

The Role of Education

The role of education is critical in equipping engineering professionals with the necessary ethical skills to navigate through complex ethical dilemmas. Higher educational institutes must emphasize the importance of ethical standards and consideration. However, engineering professionals are not left with guidance when facing ethical dilemmas. Professional code of ethics provides the fundamentals for ethical decision-making by emphasizing values such as integrity, honesty and respect. The solution lies in careful consideration, collaboration with the stakeholders and the commitment to underscore the greater good. Higher education institutions can help develop an overarching ethical standard and moral compass mindset.

The field of engineering is established in innovation, creativity and advancement. However, while traversing the challenges in navigating complex situations, engineering professionals encounter numerous ethical dilemmas. However, the professional code of ethics is established to guide engineers when in a dilemma to make informed decisions. Higher educational institutes also help develop ethical skills in their students, enhancing their decision-making skills and building ethical standards. However, the code of ethics does not answer in black and white; therefore, it is pivotal for engineering professionals to carefully consider and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve the greater good of all parties involved.

DSCI Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Telangana hosts Cybersecurity and Privacy Conference

Hyderabad: April 25th, 2024: The DSCI’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE), Telangana hosts a Cybersecurity and Privacy Conference at Hyderabad. This pioneering effort by Dr Sriram Birudavolu, CEO of the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence Telangana was aimed at sensitizing the government departments to the vulnerabilities of cyber-attack and developing a strategy to counter the same.

The conference was attended by distinguished guests from various departments of the Government of Telangana, including Dr Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C Department and Department of Industries & Commerce, who was the Chief Guest of the event. Ms Rama Devi Lanka, Director, Emerging Technologies was the Guest of Honour, and Mr Venu Prasad, Jt. Director (Infra & Communications) was a special guest at the conference. Industry stalwarts such as Mr Vinayak Godse, CEO – DSCI, and Mr Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President of NASSCOM were also present at the conference and enriched the gathering with their valuable insights. Over 200 government representatives from 30+ departments attended the event.

The event featured specialized sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Cybersecurity Best Practices, Data Privacy and DSCI Privacy Seal, Risk Management, Incident Response, and more. Led by industry experts, these sessions provided invaluable insights into tackling modern cybersecurity challenges. The DSCI Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence team also conducted a VPAT evaluation of the government website and presented the outcomes. They also shared insights on what the various departments should consider and the role CCoE can play in helping them implement those solutions. The conference witnessed a dynamic exchange of ideas, fostering collaborations between government entities and industry stakeholders to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan appreciated the team at CCoE for conducting the VPAT exercise for the government website. He encouraged the departments to identify common areas for collaboration to utilize the transformative potential of Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Telangana and devise strategies to safeguard the critical infrastructure and sensitive data assets in this digital era.

According to Dr Sriram Birudavolu, CEO of the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence Telangana, “The CCoE has been set up with an aim to provide secure and resilient cyberspace to fulfil the needs of the digital economy and society by creating a cluster of cybersecurity organisations in the state. This conference was organized to highlight the vulnerabilities and give a holistic view of cybersecurity best practices and affordable indigenous solutions to the government departments.

the conference emerged as a cornerstone event, highlighting proactive efforts to fortify the cybersecurity landscape across government entities. The CCoE conducted a vulnerability assessment and penetration testing exercise on a government website.

Seven startups and partners of CCoE were recognized for their exemplary performance in conducting penetration testing exercises on government department websites, underscoring their commitment to advancing cybersecurity standards. Leading industry players actively participated in the event, showcasing their latest product and service offerings tailored to meet the cybersecurity needs of government

departments. Stalls set up by companies such as TCP Wave, Qualys, Seqrite, Cotelligent, and others provided attendees with insights into cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

Synology Introduces Advanced Data Management and Security Solutions Against the Rising Ransomware Threats in India

New Delhi, 25th April 2024 – Synology, a global leader in data management and security solutions, today unveiled their new solutions and products aimed at addressing the growing challenge posed by ransomware attacks in a press briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The event, along with the launch of the new advanced data management and security solutions against the rising ransomware threats in India also focused on addressing the evolving landscape of data management and security trends, particularly in the context of the Indian market.

With the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) continuing to shape data management practices for businesses in India, Synology shed light on the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adhering to stricter data governance requirements. These include data breach notification protocols, data subject rights management, and the appointment of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in certain cases.

In addition to addressing compliance challenges related to stricter DPDPA requirements, the event also focused on pressing cybersecurity concerns. These included recent data breaches such as the Polycab and AIIMS incidents, in which it took AIIMS more than 2 weeks to fully recover the data and operations, ransomware attacks targeting Indian businesses, and cloud security risks associated with data residency and provider trustworthiness.

A live session was also conducted demonstrating Synology’s exclusive backup solutions from the Active Backup Suite and Snapshot Replication. This showcase highlighted practical approaches, including prevention of malicious access, backup solutions addressing accidental deletion and ransomware threats, and streamlined data recovery processes. The emphasis was on the importance of a comprehensive backup strategy in combating ransomware attacks. Amongst the key highlights, three critical phases of a robust data protection process using Synology’s dedicated solutions were showcased:

Prevention for ransomware attacks:
Secure SignIn, a secure login framework designed to enhance account security of Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), the operating system that powers every Synology NAS. This feature verifies sign-ins using multiple methods, including approved sign-ins, verification codes (OTP), and hardware security keys. By implementing these security measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential ransomware attacks.

Centralized data protection alleviating deployment burdens:
Active Backup for Business, an all-in-one data protection solution, was highlighted for its ability to centralize protection across diverse IT environments. This solution covers virtualized environments, physical servers, file servers, and personal computers, all powered by Synology’s award-winning DSM operating system. Synology showcased how administrators can efficiently deploy and manage data protection strategies through a centralized admin console, ensuring comprehensive backup coverage and seamless continuity of operations.

Key to effective backup: Comprehensive, streamlined data recovery:

During the demonstration, Snapshot Replication efficiently streamlined data recovery, providing robust backup capabilities against threats like accidental deletion and viruses. With a simulated ransomware attack by installing ransomware, followed by a swift data recovery conducted through Snapshot Replication, the backup solutions’ effectiveness in restoring systems to a previous state was showcased and emphasized that only a rapid, comprehensive data solution is effective for enterprises. Administrators can configure scheduled snapshots and retention settings, ensuring efficient data management and recovery, even in scenarios where ransomware attacks occur.

The comprehensive product lines from Synology were also on display, designed to meet the needs for SMBs to enterprise-level storage and data protection requirements. Among the offerings, the highlight was the newly launched flagship high-density storage server HD6500, capable of providing up to 4.8 Petabyte of storage capacity, which could serve not only a central repository for files but a backup pool for large enterprise organizations. Synology demonstrated its dedication to offering reliable, scalable, and complete solutions tailored to diverse business needs.

“Synology experienced an impressive 20% market growth last year, driven mainly by the increasing demand from SMBs and enterprises. The surge in demand for Synology’s backup solutions, exceeding 20%, can be attributed to India’s emergence as a prominent data center hub in the region. This growth has been further fueled by government initiatives encouraging businesses to allocate a greater portion of their IT budget towards security,” said Russell Chen, Country Manager at Synology SAARC region at the launch event.

“The landscape of data management and security is evolving rapidly, compelling businesses to remain ahead of the trend to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive information.” said Russell Chen. “Our event aimed to provide insights into the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, empowering businesses with the knowledge to effectively protect their data.”

“Synology anticipates another year of substantial growth in the enterprise segment, driven by the market’s attention to new technologies and the corresponding storage and backup needs,” said Russell Chen. “We’re thrilled to announce that we have additional innovative solutions and hardware in development for later this year. Stay tuned for updates, as these upcoming releases will empower businesses to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of data challenges in the future,” he argued.

Genpact Advances AI-First Approach with the Launch of AI Innovation Center in Gurugram, India

GURUGRAM, April 24, 2024 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services and solutions firm delivering outcomes that shape the future, today announced the opening of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Center in Gurugram, India.

Furthering Genpact’s AI-first approach, the center will be a launchpad for innovation, facilitating talent to learn, experiment, and build holistic, AI-focused growth-oriented solutions for Genpact’s global clients.

The AI Innovation Center offers Genpact experts and clients a dedicated space to explore ways to reinvent their businesses with new ideas, capabilities, and solutions. Clients will also gain greater access to Genpact’s deep business knowledge by working with leading enterprises, including Fortune Global 500 clients, combined with data, technology, and AI expertise of its people, as well as industry partnerships.

“The work we do today will transform how work gets done tomorrow,” said Piyush Mehta, CHRO, and Country Manager, India, Genpact. “By fostering a culture of learning, experimentation, and using the best of our partner ecosystem, we’re empowering our employees to become co-creators alongside AI. We believe data, technology, and AI, as well as our talent, are key to driving unparalleled outcomes for our clients, and with this AI Innovation Centre, we’re not just embracing the future, we’re shaping it together.”

India is accelerating its AI innovation journey, with the Indian government launching a $1.2bn IndiaAI mission to promote capacity building and AI literacy, set up research centers, and establish legal frameworks for the responsible use of AI.

Genpact’s AI Innovation Center will be a place to democratize access to AI and cultivate world-class AI talent in India by empowering Genpact’s 125,000+ strong workforce to leverage advanced technologies and turbocharge employees’ innate curiosity, entrepreneurial agility, and desire to create lasting value for clients. It will also foster collaboration with the best-of-breed partners, including NASSCOM, to create, nurture, and accelerate the power of an AI ecosystem in the country.

“Today, artificial intelligence is redefining the frontier for businesses, enabling them to transcend traditional human productivity limits and reimagine client interactions, efficiency, and capabilities,” said Debjani Ghosh, President, Nasscom. “India is at the forefront of this transformation, rapidly evolving into an AI-first nation – integrating the technology into the very fabric of its digital capabilities. The inauguration of Genpact’s AI Innovation Center marks a significant stride towards this ambitious vision, positioning India to cultivate world-class talent and R&D capabilities. This initiative not only showcases the technology industry in India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in AI but also demonstrates its potential to innovate and contribute to the global AI ecosystem.”

Genpact launched its inaugural AI Innovation Center in London last year, and several more will follow across the world in the coming months.

Two Faculties at NMIMS Chandigarh SOC Awarded International Patent On Blockchain-based Technology

Chandigarh, 23rd April, 2024: In a historic milestone, Dr. Hemant Bhanawat and Dr. Deepa Guleria, both Assistant Professors at NMIMS Chandigarh School of Commerce, were recently jointly awarded a patent titled, “Blockchain-based System of Secure Transaction Protocol for Efficient Financial Auditing of Large Organisations” by the German Patent and Trademark Office. Their innovation relates to Financial Transaction Processing and Auditing. It pertains to the application of Blockchain technology in the auditing of financial transactions within large organisations.

The field of financial auditing within large organisations currently consists of methodologies that are primarily manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Traditional financial auditing systems are heavily reliant on centralised databases. They have significant limitations in terms of efficiency, transparency, and security. Moreover, the centralised nature makes these systems vulnerable to fraud and cyber-attacks, and their manual components introduce risks of human error and inefficiency. There is an urgent need for auditing systems that are not only capable of handling large volumes of transactions but also provide robust security features, real-time data processing, and transparent audit trails in light of heightened regulatory demands and the sophisticated nature of financial crimes today.

The advent of blockchain technology has introduced new possibilities for enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency in various fields, including finance. Initially popularised by its application in cryptocurrencies, blockchain’s potential for broader financial applications, especially in auditing, is increasingly being recognised. However, the use of blockchain for auditing in a way that balances confidentiality with transparency remains largely unexplored and undeveloped.

The invention by Dr. Hemant Bhanawat and Dr. Deepa Guleria introduces a novel approach to financial auditing by employing a dual-layer blockchain architecture, encompassing both private and public blockchains, to enhance the security, transparency, and efficiency of financial transaction processing and auditing. The invention integrates advanced cryptographic techniques, smart contract automation, and user-friendly interfaces and also encompasses scalability and interoperability features, making it suitable for integration with a variety of existing financial systems and databases. The use of blockchain technology in this context represents a significant innovation in the fields of financial auditing, data integrity, and regulatory compliance, offering a robust solution for large organisations facing complex

auditing challenges in the digital age.

NMNIMS congratulates Dr. Bhanawat and Dr. Guleria on their stupendous achievement. Their innovation marks a significant development in the field of finance and business. It also asserts the School of Commerce’s pursuit to promote innovation and critical thinking on its campus.

Vattikuti Foundation Announces KS International Innovation Awards for Robotic Surgery

New Delhi, Michigan – April 23, 2024:The robotic surgery champion, Vattikuti Foundation, has announced the 2024 edition of its KS International Innovation Awards in Robotic Surgery. The scope of the multi-disciplinary technology competition has been expanded to cover two distinct tracks: Robotic Procedure Innovation and Technological Innovation.

The Robotic Procedure Innovation entries can be from Cardiac, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Head & Neck, Microsurgery, Organ Transplant, Orthopaedics, Plastic Surgery, Paediatrics, Urology, and other areas.

The entries for Technological Innovation will cover areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Imaging Modalities, Robotic Systems, Tele Surgery, Training Modalities, Virtual Reality, and others.

The competition, initiated in 2015, is open to robotic surgeons, medical school faculty, and students, presenting an opportunity for a close examination of technologies and procedures being used globally to improve patient outcomes.

The entries will be put through multiple rounds of judging by international faculty, with top winners being awarded cash prizes for Runner-up and First place. Additionally, the top-ranking submissions will also gain entry to the international People’s Choice Award competition, with surgeons, medical staff, nurses, students, and hospital administrators from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Asia Pacific, and Europe picking their choice.

“The Vattikuti Foundation encourages teams of accomplished surgeons to prepare high-quality, digital submissions showcasing their most extraordinary surgical work employing the latest technological advances,” says Dr Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of Vattikuti Foundation.

The 2023 KS Innovation Awards attracted entries from 429 surgeons from 14 countries, submitting in 10 different specialties.

Entries can be submitted until July 15, 2024.

Submissions reflecting robotic and/or digital surgical procedures, products, and tools that improve patient outcomes by assisting surgeons pre-operatively, intra-operatively, or post-operatively are strongly encouraged. The Vattikuti Foundation seeks clinically relevant entries that show how new robotic technology is being used, capturing data predictive models before, during, and after an operation to improve patient outcomes as well as surgeon didactic and training skills.

The competition awards event and symposium—”Humans at the Cutting Edge of Robotic Surgery”—will be held in Jaipur, India in February 2025.

Select surgeons with innovative entries will have an opportunity to present and defend their work for knowledge transfer from experienced high-calibre surgeons to those who have embraced robotic technology in the recent past, aiming to offer state-of-the-art surgical care to patients in their specialty.

This competition is designed to be assessed in a fair, transparent, and unbiased manner while incorporating helpful ideas and hidden insights for the surgical community to learn from each other. Preference is given to complex surgical procedures, surgical innovations, and case series with well-analyzed outcomes data.

As part of Vattikuti Foundation’s capacity building outreach the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore has announced its first Brady-Vattikuti Robotic Academy masterclass in Urology under guidance of the accomplished robotic surgeons.

The week-long masterclass beginning May 13 will cover several hours of live case observation, simulation sessions and proctor-led procedural training with experts, said the foundation.