13th Edition of JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon – India’s third largest half marathon is back with a bang

Pune(S.N)– With a record-breaking total of 8000+ participant registrations, the 13th edition of the highly anticipated JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon (SHHM) organized by Satara Runners Foundation, a non-profit organization, is all set to bring together running enthusiasts from across the country on September 1st, 2024. The theme for this year’s marathon is “Aham Yoddhāsmi!” or “I am a Fighter”. This theme serves as a powerful reminder that each person possesses an indomitable spirit, a warrior capable of surmounting any challenge. The Sanskrit phrase is a rallying cry that inspires participants to confront adversity head-on, to push past their limits, and to emerge triumphant, not just at the finish line, but in the battles of life that lie ahead.

Dr Sandeep Kate, Founder of Satara Runners Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As we embark on the 13th edition of the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon, I am reminded that every step taken on these challenging hills is a testament to our inner warrior. ‘Aham Yoddhāsmi!’ isn’t just a theme; it’s a call for every participant to unleash their resilience and embrace the journey ahead. Together, we will not only conquer the mountain but also inspire each other to rise above life’s adversities.”

Gaurav Jajodia, Director of Jai Balaji Group, the title sponsor, highlighted the importance of embodying the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage, “At Jai Balaji Group, we believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from shared challenges. Supporting the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon is about more than just sponsorship; it’s about igniting the fire within each runner. This year, as we witness the incredible spirit of the participants, we are not just cheering for the finishers; we are celebrating every individual who dares to push their limits and redefine what it means to be a fighter.”

Organized by the Satara Runners Foundation since 2012, the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon holds the Guinness World Record for the “Most People in a Single Mountain Run,” solidifying its status as India’s third-largest half marathon, following the Tata Mumbai Marathon and the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. In the past, the event has featured many renowned personalities like IG Krishna Prakash, Vishwas Nangre Patil and boasts the second-highest number of female participants among marathons in the country. Notable figures such as IG Krishna Prakash, Sushant Dash, CEO, Starbucks India will also join this year’s adventurous run, enhancing the event’s prestige and community spirit.

The upcoming JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon will feature an “Out and Back” course starting from the Satara Police Parade Ground, running from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. Committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, the event will be well-equipped with a range of medical support, including 8 to 9 cardiac ambulances and 9 to 10 bike ambulances strategically positioned along the course. Additionally, there will be 14 aid stations stocked with first aid kits to address any immediate needs. To help runners cool down and recover, the marathon will feature 3 dedicated cool zones offering ice baths and 9 cheer zones will be set up along the route to uplift and motivate participants, creating an encouraging atmosphere.

The funds raised through SHHM will be channeled towards enhancing the participant experience, including a 16-week training program organized by the pacers via offline and online sessions. They will also be used for India’s First Marathon Museum, dedicated to Runners & Running Events all over India. Moreover, the event contributes to the community by establishing open gyms and street workout stations in Satara, fostering a culture of fitness and well-being.

Papon Visits Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi During Pune Show

Pune, August, 2024– Renowned Indian playback singer and music composer Papon recently visited Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi during his tour in Pune. The hotel had the privilege of hosting the acclaimed artist, making his stay memorable with an exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary hospitality.

 Upon his arrival, Papon was greeted with a vibrant Bihu dance performance, a traditional Assamese dance, followed by an Aarti Tilak ceremony. The warm and culturally rich welcome left a lasting impression on the artist, who expressed his appreciation for the hotel’s thoughtful gesture.

 Papon lauded the hospitality and service at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, stating, “The warm welcome and the attention to detail made my stay truly special. The Bihu dance was a beautiful touch that made me feel right at home.”

 Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi is quickly becoming the preferred choice for celebrities and prominent personalities visiting the area. The hotel’s commitment to providing personalized and luxurious experiences continues to set it apart as a top destination for high-profile guests.

 “We are honored to have hosted Papon and to have provided him with an experience that resonated with his cultural roots,”. “Our team strives to create memorable experiences for all our guests, and we are thrilled to be recognized as a preferred location for celebrities visiting Hinjawadi.”

PhonePe Payment Gateway Launches PhonePe PG Bolt to Revolutionize In-App Payments for Merchants

Bengaluru 30th Aug , 2024 – PhonePe Payment Gateway, today announced the launch of PhonePe PG Bolt, a groundbreaking solution that empowers merchants by offering the fastest in-app payment experience to customers with 99% success rate. PhonePe PG Bolt offers a 1- second transaction time with the widest reach for registered PhonePe merchants and users who can integrate their payments across apps without multiple onboarding.

PhonePe PG Bolt offers a multitude of benefits that set it apart from other payment solutions in the market. With a focus on speed, convenience, and reliability, PhonePe PG Bolt delivers a 10x faster payment experience with UPI Lite, Wallets, EGVs, through a one click, PIN-less process. Unlike other solutions that require multiple steps and phone permissions, PhonePe PG Bolt eliminates these hurdles, ensuring enhanced customer experience and efficient payment journey which leads to increased conversion rates and drive business growth.

By providing complete control over the customer’s payment experience within the merchant app, PhonePe PG Bolt eliminates the need for redirection to external payment platforms. Merchants can offer a wide range of payment options, including UPI Lite, UPI-linked bank accounts, electronic gift cards, Rupay credit cards, and wallets, to cater to diverse customer preferences. This comprehensive suite of payment options, coupled with PhonePe’s extensive user base helps position merchants for success.

PhonePe PG Bolt addresses key challenges faced by merchants, especially Enterprises, by reducing transaction failures, eliminating payment funnel drop-offs, and minimizing cart abandonment. By integrating the PhonePe PG Bolt, merchants can significantly improve customer satisfaction, increase sales, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

“We are excited to launch PhonePe PG Bolt as it represents a significant milestone in our mission to empower businesses and enhance the overall payment experience for consumers,” said Ankit Gaur, Head PhonePe Payment Gateway & Online Merchants. “By providing merchants with the tools to create a seamless and secure payment environment, we are confident that PhonePe PG Bolt will drive substantial growth and success for businesses of all sizes.”

By partnering with multiple leading banks, PhonePe PG Bolt ensures robust payment processing capabilities due to reduced transaction failures.

India’s leading beauty and lifestyle retailer, Nykaa is among the early adopters of the new solution. “PhonePe PG Bolt offers a seamless, one-click payment solution that addresses drop-offs and improves success rates, enhancing our understanding of the customer journey and satisfaction. We are excited to elevate the retail experience for our customers with this promising solution,” said Rajesh Uppalapati, Chief Technology Officer, Nykaa.

PhonePe PG Bolt’s ability to seamlessly integrate with PhonePe’s platform enhances the overall UPI payment ecosystem and contributes to the growth of digital payments in India.

University of Southampton awarded licence to establish India campus

National, August 2024: The UK’s University of Southampton, world top 100 university, has become the first UK university to be granted a licence by the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in the country.

The granting of a licence from the University Grants Commission (UGC) marks a significant step forward, allowing the University of Southampton to progress with its plans to offer world-leading education, research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise in India.

The University has been active in India for more than 50 years and has developed deep and mutually beneficial partnerships. The upcoming campus will enable the University of Southampton to build on these links by amplifying research collaboration and impact, extending teaching partnerships, creating two-way student and staff mobility, and ensuring local civic and community engagement. It aims to develop world-class, work-prepared graduates with specialist and transferable higher skills that will enhance India’s fast-growing knowledge economy. The campus will undertake research and knowledge exchange in partnership with local universities, industries, and government, applying the results to deliver real-world social and economic impact, and enable a more entrepreneurial and innovative country.

Speaking on the announcement, Mark E. Smith, President, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “In the 21st century, no university can be truly global without engaging with India. Our intention is to establish a campus that delivers social value and economic impact to India and the university by bringing together Southampton’s world class activities in education, research, and knowledge exchange and enterprise, with all the talent of the rising global superpower that is India.”

He further added, “Through this new campus, the University of Southampton will help deliver a critical element of the Government of India’s transformative agenda, playing our part in harnessing the potential, talent and capabilities of Indian youth.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement, said: “University of Southampton Delhi NCR will be the first comprehensive international campus in India. It will foster academic collaboration and bring an international dimension to the Indian higher education system, opening up opportunities to study for a top 100 degree in-country.

“We will develop world-class, work-ready graduates with specialist and transferable skills that will enhance India’s fast-growing knowledge economy. We will undertake research and knowledge exchange in partnership with local universities, industries and government and apply the results to deliver real-world social and economic impact.

“This is a hugely exciting initiative for India, and our university, and we thank the University Grants Commission of India, the Ministry of Education, the British High Commission, the Indian High Commission, and the British Council, for their confidence in our application” he added.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

 “The new University of Southampton campus will be a centre of world-class education and innovation. It will also give more British students the chance to have the incredible experience of living and studying in India.
“This exciting collaboration will foster educational excellence and further strengthen the unique living bridge that connects our two countries.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, added:

“The University of Southampton’s decision to establish a campus in India is a testament to the thriving education partnership between India and the UK.

“This landmark development marks our shared commitment to the internationalisation of education, research and innovation as set out in the National Education Policy 2020. It reinforces our belief that education is a powerful catalyst for building bridges and cross-cultural understanding between nations and shaping a brighter future for young people.”

IoTechWorld Avigation Receives DGCA Approval for Remote Pilot Training Organization

Gurugram, 30th August 2024: IoTechWorld Avigation, a pioneering drone manufacturer in India, is thrilled to announce that it has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). This landmark achievement underscores IoTechWorld’s commitment to advancing drone technology and training in India, positioning the company at the forefront of the rapidly evolving unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.

The RPTO approval grants IoTechWorld the authority to provide comprehensive training for both small and medium-class drones, marking a significant leap in the company’s capabilities. The training programs will be conducted by DGCA-certified instructors, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and proficiency. What sets IoTechWorld’s RPTO apart is its innovative approach to training, which combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on, application-based drone flying experience.

The state-of-the-art RPTO facility is strategically located at Dhumaspur Road, near Delhi Public School, Sector 67A, Badshahpur, Gurugram. This location provides easy access for trainees while offering an ideal environment for both theoretical learning and practical flying exercises & real-time application-based training.

Mr. Deepak Bhardwaj, Co-Founder and Director, of IoTechWorld Avigation, expressed his enthusiasm about this development, saying, “This DGCA approval for our RPTO is a game-changer for IoTechWorld and the Indian drone industry as a whole. It empowers us to deliver comprehensive, high-quality training to aspiring drone pilots, further solidifying our position as industry leaders. Our goal is to create a new generation of skilled drone operators who can harness the full potential of this technology across various sectors, particularly in agriculture where our focus lies.”

The newly established RPTO boasts an impressive annual training capacity of approximately 800 individuals. IoTechWorld will offer a diverse range of training programs tailored to meet different needs and drone classifications. These include Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) courses for both small and medium drones, as well as specialized RPC+OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) courses that provide in-depth knowledge of specific drone models and their applications.

Mr. Anoop Upadhyay director & co-founder of IoTech World said “This DGCA approval for our RPTO is a testament to IoTechWorld Avigation’s dedication to pioneering excellence in the drone industry. Beyond building drones, we are also building the future of drone operations in India. This approval is a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize the agricultural sector and beyond. By offering comprehensive, hands-on training at our state-of-the-art facility, we are empowering a new generation of drone operators to lead the way in innovative, technology-driven solutions. We look forward to further expanding our drone ecosystem in India with more such facilities.”

One of the standout features of IoTechWorld’s training approach is the integration of real-time, application-based flying exercises. This practical component ensures that trainees not only understand the theoretical aspects of drone operation but also gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. The duration of these courses will vary based on factors such as the number of candidates, drone class, and weather conditions, with the shortest program lasting 8 days.

The RPTO license, authorized by DGCA, carries a validity of 10 years from the date of issuance, reflecting the regulatory body’s confidence in IoTechWorld’s long-term commitment to quality training. Similarly, the Remote Pilot Certificates (RPCs) issued by IoTechWorld’s RPTO will be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, providing graduates with long-term professional credentials.

This DGCA approval marks a significant milestone in IoTechWorld Avigation’s mission to build a robust drone ecosystem in India. By providing high-quality training and certification, IoTechWorld aims to bridge the skills gap in the drone industry, empowering its customers, farmers, and Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) partners to fully leverage UAV technology. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of various sectors, with a particular emphasis on revolutionizing agricultural practices through advanced drone applications.

As IoTechWorld Avigation continues to push the boundaries of drone technology and training, this RPTO approval solidifies its position as a key player in India’s journey towards becoming a global drone hub. The company remains committed to fostering innovation, skill development, and responsible drone usage, paving the way for a future where drones play an integral role in enhancing efficiency and productivity across industries.

Reasons Why You Should Have a Customer Loyalty Program for Your Retail Store

The saying “customer is king” holds a deep truth in the world of business, emphasizing the essential role customers play in achieving business goals and ensuring long-term profitability. Given the diversity among customers, businesses must recognize and reward their most loyal and dependable patrons. Studies show that even a modest 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a significant boost in profitability—up to 50%. This underscores the importance of customer loyalty programs in retail.

Here are six compelling reasons, highlighted by QueueBuster POS, why every retail store should embrace a customer loyalty program:

1. Enhanced Customer Engagement
A well-designed loyalty program, supported by CRM software, allows businesses to offer loyalty memberships and personalized discounts. This not only enhances customer engagement but also strengthens brand presence. Loyal customers are particularly valuable; apart from giving repeat sales, they are also more likely to engage with your brand on social media and actively promote your products. Investing in customer loyalty therefore yields significant dividends.

2. Improved Customer Segmentation
Loyalty programs provide valuable insights into customer buying behavior. By leveraging advanced tools like a Customer Reward Management System, businesses can effectively segment their customer base according to various criteria. This refined segmentation enables more targeted marketing efforts, allowing you to cater to the specific needs and preferences of different customer groups.

3. Positive Revenue Growth
Implementing a robust loyalty program can significantly enhance your profits. When loyal customers see the benefits of their loyalty, they are more likely to make repeat purchases and follow product recommendations. Offering incentives further encourages them to return, ensuring a steady and reliable stream of revenue for your business.

4. Increased Customer Retention
Customer retention is critical to maintaining a successful business. By utilizing tools like coupon management software, businesses can offer personalized coupons that encourage repeat purchases. Building long-term relationships with customers not only ensures their return but also allows you to develop new products and offers that align with their preferences, keeping your business thriving.

5. Organic Brand Ambassadors and Influencers
Satisfied customers, nurtured through loyalty programs, naturally become advocates for your brand. Their positive experiences become the foundation of word-of-mouth marketing, contributing to organic and authentic brand promotion. In today’s influencer-driven market, loyalty management software can help identify and leverage the right brand ambassadors, further enhancing your brand’s visibility and reputation.

6. Strengthened Brand Trust
Loyalty programs are instrumental in building and maintaining brand trust. When customers feel emotionally connected to a brand, they are more likely to recommend it to others, leave positive reviews, and even create user-generated content. With the support of customer rewards management software, establishing and nurturing this trust becomes effortless, leading to long-lasting relationships with your customers.

7. Reduced Marketing Costs
Last but not least, customer management programs help in reducing marketing costs. With more and more repeat customers, you save on customer acquisition costs (CAC). A loyalty program helps you maximize the value of your current customer base.

Samsung Semiconductor India Honors Young Innovators with Hackathon in ‘Samsung Innovation Campus’ Programme

India, August 29, 2024: Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) conducted a hackathon followed by an award ceremony for the students graduating under Samsung Innovation Campus, the flagship CSR programme of the brand. Conducted in Bengaluru, the initiative empowered over 1100 undergraduate engineering students with theoretical and project training in cutting-edge technologies like AI and IOT. Certifications in these courses will make them job-ready, and also provide a platform that enables them to showcase their capabilities and present their innovative ideas as entrepreneurs.

Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), the flagship CSR programme, empowered students from over 30 Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) affiliated colleges in future-tech domains. This initiative strengthens Samsung’s commitment towards the Government’s Skill India initiative as part of the company’s vision of #PoweringDigitalIndia.

“Samsung has been committed to creating a generation of young innovators through exchange of knowledge, and collaboration under the guidance of its leaders as mentors. We are excited to handhold these young minds through a platform of skill-based learning as they prepare to shape the future of our country with their passion and potential”, said Balajee Sowrirajan, Corporate Executive Vice President & Managing Director at Samsung Semiconductor India Research.

The SIC Hackathon journey began with a rigorous ideation phase, where students submitted over 500 capstone projects. A competitive selection process led to 50 teams participating in a mentorship program under the guidance of experts from SSIR, and training partners, CoCreate and Skyrim Innovation. The grand finale showcased the qualifying teams’ ground-breaking solutions to a distinguished panel of judges comprising SSIR leadership, VTU dignitaries, and industry experts. The event was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, exceptional talent, and ingenuity of the participating students. Notably, standout ideas with potential for deep tech products were awarded, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering entrepreneurship among tomorrow’s innovators.

“The partnership with Samsung Semiconductor India Research has been instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our students. The SIC Hackathon is a shining example of the innovation and ingenuity that thrives within our campus. We are excited and optimistic that the program will enable the nation’s youth for future-tech domains,” said Dr. S Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor, Visvesvaraya Technological University.

Winners of the SIC Hackathon 2024 from VTU:

1. First Prize (INR 3 Lakh scholarship): Arihant Patil and Aenessa Vaz from KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Belagavi for their innovative solution- Electro Relief from Primary Dysmenorrhea
2. Second Prize (INR 2 Lakh scholarship): Kshiti Gaddigoudar, Omkar Pote, Pratham Jadhav, Chandan Parasharam Kangralkar and Narayan Sabale from Jain College of Engineering, Belagavi, for their innovative solution- Design and Development of Soft Robotics Glove for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
3. Third Prize (INR 1 Lakh scholarship): Vishal M Koti, Siddhartha Mahesha Pundit and Srivathsa Nadig from Jyothy Institute of Technology, Bengaluru for their innovative solution- Bark up the Right Tree: Treatment of Used Books to remove ink
4. Appreciation Award 1 (INR 50,000 scholarship): Prarthana Nandi and Ankush Shreeshailappa Nagathan from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, for their commendable efforts- Workflow Augmentation and Virtual Assistance
5. Appreciation Award 2 (INR 50,000 scholarship): Kiran Bastwad, Suchit Malalikar, Sushant Kadam and Ajinkya Jadhav from Jain College of Engineering, Belagavi, for their commendable efforts- Wireless Multi-Functional Data Transfer and Charging Dock

All qualifying teams were recognised with certificates acknowledging their efforts in the SIC program. The SIC Hackathon has not only provided students with valuable technical skills but has also fostered an entrepreneurial mind-set, encouraging them to turn their innovative ideas into viable start-ups.

Akamai Named a Microsegmentation Leader

Bangalore, India | August 29, 2024 – Akamai Technologies, Inc., the cloud company that powers and protects life online, today announced it was named a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Microsegmentation Solutions, Q3 2024 report. Forrester evaluated 11 total vendors in the microsegmentation space based on 23 criteria grouped by current offering, strategy, and market presence. Akamai received the highest scores possible in flow and asset discovery, policy management, ZTNA integration, incident response, pricing flexibility and transparency, supporting services and offerings, revenue, and number of customers criteria.

The report notes, “Today’s solutions can quickly tighten your security posture by blocking risky ports and applying other broad horizontal security policies.”

Forrester writes that “Akamai Guardicore shows off true innovation with ZTNA integration and multifactor.” The report goes on to state that “Akamai Guardicore was a Leader in the previous Forrester Wave on microsegmentation as well. Since then, the vendor has released a steady stream of microsegmentation-related innovations like multifactor segmentation, as well as integrations with the parent company’s ZTNA solution, DNS firewall, and threat intelligence (Akamai Hunt).”

The Akamai Guardicore Platform simply and efficiently enables Zero Trust through a single agent that fully integrates microsegmentation, ZTNA, multi-factor authentication, DNS firewall, and threat hunting. Furthermore, Akamai updated the microsegmentation component with a host of improvements designed to streamline workflows and enhance security postures, including new AI-powered features designed to simplify the user experience. These include multi-factor segmentation that recognizes authentication checks as part of microsegmentation rules, essential policy that enables quick implementation of researched and best practice–based policies, and integration of worksites to allow scoped delegation.

“For us, being recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave is a testament to our commitment to our customers and validates the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Pavel Gurvich, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Enterprise Security at Akamai. “We are honored to be acknowledged as a leader in this evaluation and remain committed to keep pushing the boundaries to help our customers achieve their goals.”