Panasonic Announces Kid Witness News Winners in India, Promotes UN Sustainable Development Goals

New Delhi, August 30, 2024: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company, announced the winners of its Kid Witness News program in India. Kid Witness News is a global initiative by Panasonic aimed at raising awareness around the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) among school students by upskilling youth with digital storytelling skills and creating advocates of change. One winning video each from the entries in the primary (students aged 10-12 years) and secondary (students aged 13-18 years) school categories, has now been selected from India to be showcased at Panasonic’s Kid Witness News Global Summit as part of a global contest which will take place in October 2024.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India commented “At Panasonic, we have stayed committed to creating a positive impact in the society and invest in future leaders. Kid Witness News is an important step in this direction. This is the 35th year of Kid Witness News for Panasonic and it is the first time India has participated. The videos created by the participants beautifully capture the environmental and social challenges through their lens. I applaud the efforts of all the students who have participated and congratulate the winners.”

Ms. Pooja Garg Khan, Head of Corporate Communications & CSR at Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “It is heartening to see some great work submitted by participating schools. Not only is this a reflection of the students thinking actively about a sustainable tomorrow, but also of their video-making and communication skills as part of the Kid Witness News program. I would like to congratulate all the schools for their exemplary efforts and give special kudos to the winning teams. We are looking forward to the KWN Global Summit.”

As part of the Kid Witness News (KWN) program, Panasonic Life Solutions India partnered with five leading schools in Gurugram, including Lancers International School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Shalom Hills International School, Lotus Valley International School, and Scottish High International. After attending hands-on workshops where the students got the opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of operating state-of-the-art Panasonic Lumix cameras and other equipment, the school students created videos on a chosen SDG and submitted it as part of the program.

The Kid Witness News (KWN) is a global program that was launched by Panasonic in 1989 to provide students with opportunities to explore the world of digital storytelling and media production. The initiative is aimed at empowering young people by giving them access to technology and training in the fields of video production and digital media. The KWN has been successful in fostering creativity and media literacy among young people, providing them with valuable skills that can be useful in their future careers. The program has been implemented in various countries around the world and continues to be a part of Panasonic’s efforts to support education and community development.

Makoons Play School Celebrates Sports Day, Highlighting Fitness and Team Spirit

New Delhi, 30th August 2024– Makoons Play School, a renowned publisher of early childhood education, scheduled a highly anticipated sports day for August 29th, 2024 at each of its campuses. The event demonstrated the school’s commitment to inspiring more young people to live healthy lives and be physically active.

During the day, sports were organized to entertain youngsters, develop healthy resilience, and teach the virtues of collaboration and play. The event includes a range of exciting video games for kids, such as obstacle courses, sack races, and tug-of-war.

Many children, parents, teachers, and staff enthusiastically participated in the event, as well as being encouraged by the networking experience. There it turned into a palpable spirit of participation and an electrifying environment filled with laughter and excitement. Each child received a participation card displaying their hard work and achievements, and their faces lit up as they proudly displayed their wearing skills.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Kumar Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Makoons Group of Schools, said, “Sports Day is more than just a day of fun and video games; they are a vital part of our curriculum, which helps in the holistic development of our students. In order to master the improvement of motor skills, coordination, and popular physical fitness, physical leisure time is essential even at this early age. We are delighted to witness the enthusiastic engagement of our undergraduates and their acceptance of the values of resilience, subject matter, and teamwork.

Known for its toddler-centered approach to early youth education, Makoons Play School still sells the value of a complete education that includes social and emotional learning alongside academic subjects. The way Sports Day is installed and implemented in each department demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to providing a nurturing and attractive environment for its undergraduate students.

In addition, the school plans to make Sports Day an annual opportunity to develop the physical education curriculum and encourage a variety of undergraduate students to participate in the game and past.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Unveils BearingVisionAI for Fast, Precise Mechanical Inspections

HYDERABAD, 30 AUGUST, 2024 – Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham announces the development of BearingVisionAI™, an innovative application designed to revolutionize the inspection of all mechanical elements such as bearings, gears, shafts etc. Developed by the Tribology Research Group from the Tribology and Interactive Surface Research Laboratory (TRISUL) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chennai Campus, this innovative app aims to make inspections faster and more accurate.

Inspecting mechanical elements is vital for OEMs, process industries, small-scale industries, assembly lines, and application engineers. Currently, these inspections are time and effort-intensive and often inaccurate. However, extensive human intervention often leads to missed defects and delays in generating failure reports. BearingVisionAI™ is an AI-integrated, user-friendly app that quickly and accurately detects and quantifies bearing failures. Users simply upload an image of the surface to be inspected. The app identifies the type of failure and quantifies the damage within seconds. This makes the inspection process effortless. The app can be customized as per the requirement to detect the failures of any mechanical element.

Dr. Shubrajit Bhaumik, Lead PI and the Centre Head, Tribology and Interactive Surfaces Research Laboratory (TRISUL), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, stated, “BearingVisionAI™ has been programmed to address the hardships of application engineers in mind. These engineers face challenges while inspecting bearings, gears, and other mechanical elements in extreme conditions such as cement mills, kilns, process industries, agricultural fields, and hard-to-reach situations. The key features of BearingVisionAI™ are its high accuracy and precision, quick analysis with reliability, and minimal human intervention. This technology innovation showcases our ability to turn lab research into user-friendly products that are useful for hard-working application engineers.”

Dr. R. Prasanna Kumar, Co-PI from the School of Computing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, added, “BearingVisionAI™ is user friendly and designed to be used by anyone, even those with little technical knowledge. It is an immensely useful technology and will significantly improve efficacies of mechanical inspections and contribute to overall improvement in productivity.”

BearingVisionAI™ is a testament to Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s commitment to translating academic research into practical tools that address real-world problems. The university consistently applies its innovative research to develop solutions that make a tangible impact across various sectors.

Sanjay Palsamudram Joins Geninnov as Strategic Advisor

New Delhi, 30th August’24: GenInnov, an innovation-focused global asset management platform, announced the appointment of Sanjay Palsamudram as Strategy Advisor. With his extensive background in technology and venture capital, Sanjay will provide strategic guidance to enhance GenInnov’s innovation-focused initiatives. He will collaborate with Nilesh Jasani, CEO of GenInnov and Chief Portfolio Manager of LC GenInnov Global Innovation Fund, a long-only, innovation-focused, thematically diversified fund. The LC GenInnov Global Innovation Fund was launched by global investment institution Lighthouse Canton earlier this year and invests in companies poised for growth in the GenAI era. The fund aims to capitalise on the rapid innovation and its market opportunities, expecting significant wealth creation in sectors like biotech, healthcare, robotics, mobility, wearables, and clean tech.

Sanjay brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, having made significant contributions as an engineer, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and mentor. He is currently an Investment Committee member of Canbank Ventures and serves on the boards of several technology companies. His expertise will be crucial in strengthening the platform’s investments in technology, with a particular focus on semiconductors.

Sanjay is also a resident mentor at the NSRCEL, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, where he supports startups in technology and healthcare, guiding their growth and development. Additionally, he is involved with the Indian Institute of Science, advancing key research initiatives, and is a recognized thought leader, having presented policy recommendations to the Honourable Prime Minister of India during the Startup India Innovation Week.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sanjay to our team,” said Nilesh Jasani. “His nuanced understanding of the semiconductor sector and his track record of nurturing innovation align perfectly with our goal to deliver exceptional value.”

“Joining GenInnov at this pivotal moment in the evolution of technology-driven finance is truly exciting,” Sanjay remarked. “I’m eager to contribute my expertise to support the team in refining our strategies and identifying emerging investment opportunities.”

Sanjay’s appointment is expected to further strengthen GenInnov’s position in innovation-driven asset management. His involvement will support the continued growth of the LC GenInnov Global Innovation Fund by capitalizing on transformative market trends.

The LC GenInnov Global Innovation Fund is led by Nilesh Jasani, an industry veteran with over three decades of market experience and a subject matter expert on GenAI. Based in Singapore, Nilesh is a highly experienced and respected professional in the Asia equities industry. He previously led Jefferies Asia Equities, where he was hired in 2010 to build and lead the Asia Equity Research team. Before joining Jefferies, Nilesh was instrumental in establishing and leading Credit Suisse’s India research team, which earned top rankings across various industry polls in 2009 and 2010. Nilesh himself received widespread recognition for his expertise in macroeconomic domains. With his extensive experience in Asia’s financial markets and strong business connections in Korea, Taiwan, and IBM, Nilesh has a unique vantage point on disruptive innovations emerging from Asia and a proven track record in identifying top global investment opportunities in innovation.

Yotta Data Nexus 2024 comes to GIFT City, Gujarat

Gandhinagar, India [August 30, 2024] – Yotta Data Services, a leading provider of end-to-end digital transformation solutions, hosted Yotta Data Nexus 2024, a technology summit focused on customers and partners at its state-of-the-art data center facility – Yotta G1 – in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Yotta G1 marks a significant milestone in the region’s digital infrastructure evolution, showcasing Yotta’s commitment to accelerating Gujarat’s growth as a hub for AI, cloud, and high-performance computing (HPC). Held on the 28th and 29th of August, the 2-day event brought together industry leaders, partners, and customers to experience the future of India’s digital landscape, with an aim to advancing the nation’s AI journey under the government’s Digital India Mission.

Hon. Ms. Mona K. Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, served as the chief guest, with an esteemed panel of Guests of Honour, including Mr. K. Rajaraman, IAS, Chairperson of IFSCA and Mr. Lokesh H D, ITS, Development Commissioner (DC) of GIFT SEZ. The first day of the event was dedicated to Yotta’s partners, while the second day was tailored for customers. Yotta Data Nexus 2024 provided a unique platform for engagement and collaboration among key stakeholders and enablers of the country’s Digital India ambitions.

Sunil Gupta, Co-founder, MD & CEO of Yotta Data Services, reflected on the company’s five-year journey to becoming India’s top digital transformation partner. He highlighted Yotta G1, the only supercloud data center in GIFT City’s IFSC zone, as a key asset in advancing Gujarat’s digital ambitions. His address resonated deeply with all attendees, including key government officials who emphasized the importance of digitization and inclusive growth. Ms. Mona Khandhar highlighted Gujarat’s unique vision for the Viksit Bharat program, and Mr. K. Rajaraman discussed how technology can advance financial inclusion.

Yotta G1 is located within the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) zone of Gandhinagar’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). The facility features over 350 high-density racks and 2 MW of power, with the flexibility to expand as needed. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including Colocation, Cloud, Managed IT, and Cybersecurity, supporting various applications such as AI models and enterprise solutions. Yotta G1 is the only facility in the region to have installed NVIDIA H100 GPUs. These advanced GPUs will significantly enhance AI development and deployment across multiple sectors, solidifying Yotta’s leadership in digital transformation.

“Yotta Data Nexus is a key step in our commitment to empowering India’s digital future,” said Sunil Gupta, Co-founder, MD and CEO of Yotta Data Services. “By bringing together our valued partners and customers, we aim to foster collaboration to drive the next wave of digital transformation. Through this, we hope to become a key enabler of the IndiaAI mission. Our data center in GIFT City, Yotta G1, will play a pivotal role in transforming Gujarat’s digital landscape, offering enterprises advanced data center, cloud, compute, cybersecurity, and a plethora of other services,” he added.

The event saw a series of sessions and discussions centered around innovative technologies and the future of data centers in Gujarat, with participation from company leaders and top executives at NVIDIA, INDmoney, TechDefence Labs, and PwC. Yotta also organised experiential data center tours and product showcases, highlighting the latest innovations in cloud computing, connectivity, and cybersecurity. Partners and customers also had the opportunity to experience firsthand the advanced capabilities of Yotta’s G1 data center and the NVIDIA H100 GPUs.

GIRI Inaugurate its Second Showroom in AnnaNagar, Chennai

Chennai, 30th August 2024: Giri, India’s most trusted brand for spiritual and religious products, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its second new showroom in Anna Nagar. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed Shri U. Ve. Dushyanth Sridhar Spiritual Speaker, Indian Film Director & Writer, and Thiru. Sethu Chokalingam, President – BookSellers And Publishers Association of South India Director – Kavitha Publications. The elite showroom is located at Anna Nagar 1st Avenue, Anna Nagar East, Chennai.

This significant milestone marks GIRI‘s ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and making traditional Indian spiritual and religious products accessible to a broader audience. Establishing the new showroom in Anna Nagar strengthens GIRI‘s presence in Chennai and underscores the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting Indian culture and traditions.

For the upcoming festive season, GIRI‘s new Anna Nagar showroom is the perfect destination for all your spiritual and religious needs. From a wide range of pooja essentials, idols, and festivity products to organic food items, handicrafts, and traditional attire, the showroom promises to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Special festive collections and exclusive offers will make your celebrations even more special.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sharada Prakash, Director of Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, expressed her excitement about the new showroom, “We are thrilled to open our doors in Anna Nagar, a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage. Our new showroom is not just a retail space but a hub for cultural exchange and a place where shopping enthusiasts can come together. With the festive season approaching, we look forward to celebrating with the Anna Nagar community and continuing our mission to promote Indian traditions and spirituality.”

GIRI invites everyone to visit the new showroom and experience the blend of tradition and modernity that defines their brand. The showroom is open from 09 AM to 09 PM daily, offering ample opportunity for customers to find everything they need for the upcoming festive season and beyond.

IIT Roorkee Hosts Successful 10-Day Teachers’ Development Workshop Under iRISE Programme

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, August 30th, 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) proudly concluded a 10-day Teachers’ Development Workshop under the Inspiring India in Research Innovation and STEM Education (iRISE) programme. Held from August 21st to August 30th, 2024, this transformative workshop was organized in collaboration with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Uttarakhand, and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune. The initiative was aimed at empowering teachers from classes VI to X across Uttarakhand, equipping them to become Innovation Champions in their districts.

IIT Roorkee, as a premier institution of national importance, played a pivotal role in hosting and organizing this workshop. The Continuing Education Centre (CEC) of IIT Roorkee, established to advance knowledge and upskill professionals, joined forces with iRISE and IISER Pune to ensure the success of this initiative. The workshop introduced teachers to key concepts in STEM Education, Process Innovation, and Cascade Training Modules, all while fostering a hands-on approach to inquiry and activity-based learning.

Prof. Naveen Kumar, Dean Academic Affairs, IIT Roorkee, expressed his pride in the institute’s involvement, stating, “At IIT Roorkee, we are dedicated to driving educational innovation and excellence. This workshop is a testament to our commitment to empowering educators with the tools and knowledge they need to inspire the next generation of innovators. We believe that by nurturing the educators, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more innovative future.”

Prof. Harinath Chakrapani, Principal Investigator, iRISE, IISER Pune, praised IIT Roorkee’s contribution, saying, “The collaboration with IIT Roorkee has been instrumental in bringing this workshop to fruition. Their infrastructure, academic environment, and unwavering support have provided the ideal setting for fostering innovation in education. Together, we are making strides towards a culture of creativity and problem-solving in our schools.”

On behalf of the institute, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “IIT Roorkee is committed to being a beacon of excellence in education and research. By hosting this workshop, we are not only supporting the professional development of teachers but also reinforcing our mission to promote STEM education across India. Our goal is to empower educators to lead with innovation and inspire their students to think creatively and critically.”

The workshop witnessed active participation from distinguished guests and faculty, including Prof. Kaushik Ghosh, Coordinator, Continuing Education Centre, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Ranjana Pathania, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Roorkee, Dr. Krishnanand Bijalwan, Assistant Director, SCERT Uttarakhand, Dr. Avnish Uniyal, State Coordinator, INSPIRE MANAK, Mr. Nitin Tiwane, Project Manager, iRISE, and the dedicated iRISE team.

This event marks a significant milestone in IIT Roorkee’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation and excellence in education. Through its continued collaboration with SCERT Uttarakhand and IISER Pune, IIT Roorkee remains at the forefront of initiatives that shape the future of STEM education in the region.

The Pallikoodam: Revolutionizing Performing Arts Education Online

The Pallikoodam, an innovative online platform dedicated to transforming the way we learn performing arts, is making waves in the EdTech and Art communities.

Founded by Kiran Sampath, Nara Visva, and Ranjith Govind, The Pallikoodam brings high-quality art education to learners around the globe, combining the rich traditions of Indian performing arts with cutting-edge technology. The Pallikoodam was born from its founders’ shared vision and passion for the arts and their belief in its power to transform lives.

Kiran Sampath, with extensive experience in learning and development, recognized the importance of E-learning, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nara Visva, a research graduate from UCL, London, an artist and health expert, brings a rich background in product development with international brands. His detail-oriented approach and belief that art, like any skill, can be learned through the right process greatly influence the platform’s offerings.

Ranjith Govind, a celebrated playback singer, indie artist and performer, brings his lifelong dedication to music, leading the vocal training course, PaatuClass.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) –

The Pallikoodam sets itself apart with its unique approach to online performing arts education. All courses are taught by renowned artists who are strongly established in their respective industries, providing learners with the opportunity to learn from the best. The platform is 100% online, allowing learners from around the world to access top-tier performing arts education. Designed for modern, fast-paced lifestyles, The Pallikoodam offers a blend of live classes and video-based learning to optimize the learning process.

The courses on the platform cater to learners of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced virtuosos. Each course is centered around the core principles of the art form, making them applicable to artists across all genres.

The Pallikoodam offers a variety of courses led by esteemed instructors.

PaatuClass Levels 1 and 2: Vocal training courses taught by Ranjith Govind, the voice behind some of the biggest hit songs in the Indian film industry.

ActingClass Levels 1 and 2: Taught by National Award-winning actor Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli, known for her pivotal roles in South Indian cinema across the Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu film Industries.

NatyaClass Levels 1 and 2 (coming soon): Dance and movement fundamentals led by Vithya Arasu, one of the few artists in her industry to have graced Hollywood’s silver screens through her performance in the critically acclaimed film “Life of Pi.”

The platform hosts 8-week instructor-led courses with lessons, daily practices, assignments, live classes, and personalized feedback from the instructor. All this is facilitated through their cutting-edge Learning Management System and their upcoming mobile app.

ArtVizha: The Performance Space – Beyond education, The Pallikoodam’s performance vertical, ArtVizha, offers learners opportunities to showcase their skills and collaborate with others, fostering a vibrant art community.

Airtel Payments Bank Simplifies Digital Banking Experience with Enhanced Security and Transparency Features

New Delhi, 30 August 2024: Airtel Payments Bank is setting a new benchmark in digital banking by introducing two ground-breaking features in the banking section under the Airtel Thanks app: the Fraud Alarm and Transparent Banking. The two features are designed to elevate user experience by offering enhanced security and greater transparency in banking operations. The Bank showcased these solutions at the Global Fintech Fest 2024.

The Fraud Alarm, prominently positioned in the Safe Bank Section on the app, provides users with immediate assistance if they suspect fraudulent activity. With a single swipe, users can quickly report suspicious transactions, initiate service requests for them, and secure their accounts to prevent further transactions. This streamlined approach ensures rapid response and effective resolution, empowering users and the Bank to take swift action against potential fraud.

Complementing the security feature, the Transparent Banking section on the app is designed to redefine the banking experience by centralizing all essential information – including charges, terms & conditions, and customer data storage guidelines – in simplified language in one easily accessible and user-friendly section. It also details why various device permissions are necessary for the app, providing transparency regarding user privacy protection and ensuring that customers are informed about the data the app accesses. The Transparent Banking feature underscores the Bank’s commitment to offering simple, easy and honest banking with clarity in every transaction. With this clarity, users can manage their finances with greater confidence and control.

Anubrata Biswas, MD and CEO of Airtel Payments Bank said at the Global Fintech Fest 2024, “At Airtel Payments Bank, we are dedicated to delivering solutions that blend security, transparency, and user-focused innovation, empowering our customers to manage their finances with greater confidence. The launch of the Fraud Alarm and Transparent Banking on the banking section in the Airtel Thanks app highlights our commitment to making banking simpler, safer, and more rewarding.”

Airtel Payments Bank is the sixth largest player amongst mobile banking users, and it processes over 8 billion transactions annually across its platforms.

MONIN Cup 2024 concluded its National Finale in Hyderabad

National, 30th August 2024: MONIN, the leading syrup brand in India and a trusted partner for hospitality professionals all over the world, has concluded MONIN Cup 2024 National Finale recently in Hyderabad. The contest encouraged new, young bartenders aged 18-27 years from across the world to highlight their talent as mixologists by creating original serves using MONIN products.

Bartenders from India were invited to enter the real Indian Heat held across four regions in India from July 30th, 2024 to August 28th, 2024. Hemanshu Badola took the top spot, earning a paid trip to the MONIN Cup Grand Finale in Bourges, France this December, where they will represent India on the global stage followed by Yathish Kumar V who came second and Cheasong Yonzon Lama as third.

The theme of the 2024 MONIN Cup is ‘Low is More’, a brief for aspiring bartenders to take inspiration from the current low and no alcohol trend. Participants were encouraged to create flavorful cocktails using MONIN’s diverse portfolio, which includes syrups, fruit mixes, purees, crushes, sauces, and frappe powders. MONIN’s wide range of products give the bartenders a lot of freedom to experiment, innovate and curate exquisite drinks aligned with the current trends.

Finalists developed their skills by learning from the best, receiving critiques on presentation, technique, and flavor profile from industry experts. Germain Araud, Managing Director of Monin India Pvt Ltd, enthusiastically expressed, “The MONIN Cup competitions serve as an exceptional platform for budding bartenders across the country to showcase their remarkable talent on a global stage. Our aim has always been to provide a professional arena for them to flourish and acquire new skills. The opportunity to represent their homeland is indeed a significant achievement. Through events like the MONIN Cup, Monin India exhibits steadfast support for the bartending community, fostering skill development, recognition, and representation on an international scale. We are excited to see the national winner perform well at the Grand Finale in France “

Staying abreast of trends is crucial for hospitality venues to maintain relevance. This year’s theme presents young Indian bartenders with an ideal opportunity to refine their skills in crafting cocktails. With MONIN’s comprehensive product range, they can experiment with flavors, infuse unique twists and captivate our judges’ palates.

MONIN encourages prospective entrants from across the hospitality industry to join this celebration of the art of mixology. Competitions like MONIN Cup are key to ensuring a bright future for the drinks industry by bolstering the next generation of bartending talent, whom MONIN is always eager to support.