Croma’s Past Tech Present; Film Series for India’s 78th Independence Day Highlights Legacy of Today’s Tech

National, August 20, 2024: As India celebrated its 78th Independence Day, Croma marked the occasion with a unique video campaign that took viewers on a nostalgic journey through India’s technological evolution. Released on the “Unboxed by Croma” channel on YouTube, the four-episode “Past Tech Present” film series beautifully draws out the enduring charm of vintage electronics that have become a cherished part of our history even as we are surrounded by cutting-edge electronics today.

“Past Tech Present” celebrates passion and craftsmanship through stories that symbolise the soul of India’s progress through 77 years of independence. While modern advances continue to shape our daily lives, the heartfelt stories remind us of the simple yet powerful connections we have with devices that once defined entire eras. On this Independence Day, the series acknowledges India’s journey towards the future while embracing the deep-rooted heritage that continues to influence our relationship with technology.

The films showcase four individuals from different parts of India, each preserving a piece of history through their commitment to vintage electronics. From the crackling sounds of a vinyl record to the ticking of a classic wristwatch and from the click of an analogue camera to the static of a vintage radio, the series captures the essence of a bygone era, evoking nostalgia while highlighting the spirit of resilience and continuity.

Episode 1 takes us to Hyderabad, where Mahboob Radio, a historic radio service center founded in 1928, continues to operate even as digital technology dominates the airwaves. Run by Mohammad Mooinuddin Saheb, the store was once a hub of activity with people gathering to listen to the latest news, music, and programs. Despite the passage of time, Mahboob Radio remains a cherished part of the community. Croma proudly salutes Moinuddin’s dedication to preserving a legacy that spans generations.

In Episode 2, the series introduces us to Shaik Mehmood, a vintage watch restorer based in Bengaluru. His shop in Indiranagar is a haven for watch enthusiasts, filled with timepieces that hold sentimental value for their owners. In a world of digital convenience, Mehmood’s unwavering dedication to the art of watch restoration attests to the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Croma honours Mehmood’s commitment to passing on his knowledge to the next generation through a planned YouTube channel, ensuring that the art of vintage watch restoration lives on.

Kolkata’s love affair with music takes centre stage in Episode 3, featuring Munna’s vinyl record store. Operating since the late 1970s, Munna’s shop has been a gathering place for those who appreciate the warmth and depth of analogue sound. Despite the rise of digital music, the store remains a sanctuary for those who seek out vinyl records and cherish the nostalgia they evoke. On this Independence Day, Croma celebrates Munna’s role in preserving the city’s rich musical heritage.

The final episode brings us to Lucknow, where Ravi Kapoor’s photography studio is a treasure trove of memories captured on film. His collection of over a thousand cameras bear witness to the evolution of the technology of photography. Kapoor’s love for photography has grown over the decades, documenting Lucknow’s cultural vibrancy and the everyday lives of its people. Croma acknowledges Kapoor’s dedication to preserving the soul of photography, even as digital technology has taken over the creation of images.

In a world where Independence Day campaigns often focus on patriotic themes, Croma’s “Past Tech Present” boldly takes a refreshing approach that pays tribute to our past and links it to the present. The series taps into the deep emotional connections people have with technology from the past while celebrating the innovations that continue to shape the future. Through a spotlight on vintage electronics, gadgets, and the people who are passionate about them, the campaign offers a unique perspective on India’s journey toward progress. It reminds us that while technology may evolve, the memories and experiences it creates remain timeless.

Mr. Shibashish Roy, Deputy CEO of Croma Infiniti-Retail Ltd, spoke about the thought behind the series, “Technology has always been at the heart of progress. It is important to remember that the gadgets and electronics we enjoy today are a result of decades of innovation, passion, and dedication. ‘Past Tech Present’ is our way of saluting those who are preserving the art and soul of a bygone era for our generation. And in doing so, are inspiring us at Croma to build an authentic, thoughtful, and connected future.”

Through “Past Tech Present”, Croma invites consumers to take a step back and appreciate the foundations on which modern technology has grown. This Independence Day, the film series reminds us that craftsmanship driven by passion has an enduring legacy that bridges the past with the present in the ever-progressing world of electronics.

MeritTrac Partners With OET, To Offer OET Test For Healthcare Professionals In South Asia

Bengaluru, August 20, 2024: MeritTrac, India’s leading pure-play Testing & Assessment provider, today announced a strategic partnership with the Occupational English Test (OET), a global leader in English Testing for healthcare professionals. This collaboration aims to enhance opportunities for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals in India seeking international careers.

With a global shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030, this partnership, MeritTrac will leverage its vast experience in testing to oversee the delivery of the OET Test, which has versions for 12 healthcare professions, in Bangalore. This initiative will facilitate convenient access to these assessments for healthcare professionals across the region, ensuring they meet international standards and qualifications necessary for overseas employment.OET Test’s has acceptance by 500+ employers, regulators and universities worldwide.

Speaking on the partnership, Manjunath K P, the COO at MeritTrac, said “MeritTrac, with its roots in the Manipal Group, one of India’s largest hospital chains and nursing school network, is uniquely positioned to expand and embed awareness of the OET Test’s relevancy for an international healthcare career amongst students and professionals in the region”.

“We are proud to partner with OET, which is trusted and recognised worldwide, and are confident in delivering secure assessments and a superior test-taker experience through our extensive industry experience.” stated Manjunath.

“When choosing a partner for expanding our test delivery in India, MeritTrac’s understanding of healthcare industry dynamics and its industry-leading testing processes stood out,” remarked Tom Keenan, Regional Director, APAC, OET.

“We’re excited that this partnership can expand awareness and accessibility of the OET Test in the region to better serve Indian healthcare professionals seeking new opportunities.” added Tom.

With this partnership, MeritTrac along with OET will nurture a comprehensive ecosystem involving various stakeholders from medical and nursing education. This ecosystem will encompass aspiring learners, nursing schools, employers, and OET’s network of accredited preparation partners, all aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the test preparation and assessment journey and providing professionals with better opportunities for success.

BTL EPC Ltd. Bags new orders worth Rs. 413 + Cr & aiming Rs. 1000 Cr Topline for the Current FY

Kolkata, 20th August 2024: BTL EPC Ltd., the engineering arm of the Shrachi Group and a leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) player announces about securing of new contracts worth Rs. 413 (+) Cr (Inclusive of GST) & strengthening its position as a leading player in India’s EPC sector. The recent projects include a significant Rs. 267 Crore (Inclusive of GST) contract from BHEL for NTPC (2 X 800 MW) Lara TPS Stage-II, Rs. 96 Crore contract for the By-Product plant at SAIL-Bhilai and over Rs. 50 Crores (Inclusive of GST) for underground Mining conveyor supply.

The Rs. 267 Crore project with BHEL involves providing turnkey solutions for conveyor systems with capacity of 2640 MTPH and electromechanical equipment essential for coal, limestone, gypsum and biomass handling at Stage-II (2 X 800 MW) NTPC Lara Thermal Power Station (TPS) at Pussore, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. This project enhances BTL EPC’s role in supporting India’s critical energy infrastructure.

Additionally, BTL EPC has been awarded a Rs. 96 Crore contract for SAIL-Bhilai’s By-Product Plant. This project focuses on the replacement of equipment for COB #7 & #8 with an expected completion timeline of 18 months. The company also continues to make strides in the underground conveyor market with projects totaling over Rs. 50 Crore for various public and private sector mines.

The company concluded the last fiscal (FY 23-24) with a topline of Rs. 641(+) Crore, reflecting a robust 24 % growth as compared to previous FY. BTL EPC is now poised to achieve a milestone turnover of ₹1000 Crores in the current FY 2024-25.

Mr Ravi Todi, Managing Director, BTL EPC Ltd., said, “Securing these high-value contracts underscores BTL EPC’s commitment to delivering quality and innovative engineering solutions. Our strong performance and strategic project wins are paving the way for our ambitious target of Rs. 1000 Crores turnover this fiscal. The company’s growth strategy emphasises securing high-value projects, stringent cost control measures and fostering stronger relationships with its clientele.”

NETSCOUT: High-Quality AI-Ready Data Essential for Effective AIOps and Business Outcomes

Bengaluru, August 20, 2024 –NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC., a leading provider of performance management, cybersecurity, and DDoS attack protection solutions, today announced a new initiative designed to deliver the valued data needed to secure better outcomes from artificial intelligence (AI) and AIOps solutions. As enterprises increase observability for AIOps, they require high-fidelity, enriched, and curated data mapped to their unique requirements. NETSCOUT is working across its growing partner ecosystem, including Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, ServiceNow, Splunk, and others, to integrate its high-quality AI-ready data and deliver the insights needed to drive better business outcomes and elevate user effectiveness.

NETSCOUT generates granular telemetry at scale and curates it into targeted feeds, producing an information-rich dataset designed to address critical use cases. NETSCOUT’s data can be easily ingested into data lakes and other AIOps platforms, where it can be enriched and combined with other datasets for analytics and visualization, resulting in higher-quality behavioral classifications, predictions, and automation.

“As organizations automate their IT environments to scale operations, they need enterprise-grade intelligence to improve decision-making and optimize the user experience,” said Stephen Elliot, group vice president of I&O, Cloud Operations, and DevOps at IDC. “Technology leaders must consider the value of service reliability and resiliency they can receive by filtering the appropriate metadata, session data, and IP intelligence necessary for critical AIOps and security use cases.”

Delivering Data Insights at AI Scale

To provide high-quality AI-ready data that mitigates the risks IT teams face from an overload of unusable or ineffective data, NETSCOUT has introduced Omnis™ AI Insights. It delivers precise, actionable network telemetry data that feeds customer AI initiatives to enable critical outcomes without requiring data transformations and adaptations, including:

• identifying and correlating observability trends
• streamlining and automating data analysis
• uncovering historical operational patterns
• detecting unforeseen issues and security risks that could lead to future service outages and data breaches

“NETSCOUT is built around deep packet inspection, so we understand the value of transforming raw packet data into actionable intelligence at scale,” stated Bruce Kelley, chief technology officer at NETSCOUT. “As customers accelerate their IT operations using AI, our expanded end-through-end visibility and open data model is critical to assuring better business outcomes and elevating user effectiveness.”

Data intelligence, produced and curated at the source for AI platforms, is imperative for AI use cases across multiple sectors, including healthcare, communication service providers, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, energy and utilities. NETSCOUT’s high-quality AI-ready data allows models to converge and generalize without dealing with extraneous data that blurs or impairs outcomes.

The Role of Robotic Prostatectomy in Managing Prostate Cancer

Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, MS (General Surgery-Gold Medalist), DNB(Urology), PDF-Surgical Oncology (Uro-Oncology), FAGE, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata

The advent of robotic technology has revolutionized cancer surgeries, enhancing their tolerability, effectiveness, and safety. Robotic surgeries offer surgeons a clear and magnified view of the surgical site, allowing them to perform surgeries with exceptional precision and flexibilityy, especially when working in a narrow deep-seated location as the pelvis. This approach has now become the gold standard surgical option for prostate cancer, particularly in its early stages.

 Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and typically grows slowly. It may be confined to the prostate or may be locally advanced or metastatic at presentation (evaluated on imaging). There are no specific ssymptoms of prostate cancer and a vast majority may be picked up on a PSA (blood test) done as a part of routine work up for lower urinary tract symptoms- viz. difficulty in urinating, poor flow, blood in the urine, or pelvic discomfort.

 What is Robotic Prostatectomy?
Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach designed to remove the entire prostate along with bilateral seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes in men with localised prostate cancer.

 The robotic surgery system consists of a patient cart (the robot), a surgeon console, a vision cart, and EndoWrist instruments. During the procedure, the surgeon operates from the surgeon console, controlling the robotic arms to perform the surgery with precision through tiny incisions.

 This technique is associated with several benefits, including reduced pain and blood loss, minimal tissue damage, less scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Additionally, the risk of infection is also lower for patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy compared to traditional methods.

 Who Can Have Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer?
Ideal candidates for robotic prostatectomy are those with early-stage, localized prostate cancer confined to the prostate gland.

 The decision to recommend robotic surgery depends on certain factors such as:
• The stage and location of the disease
• The overall health/general condition of the patient

 Benefits of Robotic Surgery for Localized Prostate Cancer

 Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy offers:
• Reduced blood loss
• Less pain due to smaller incisions
• Shorter in-hospital stay
• Faster overall recovery (though a catheter will be needed post operatively for a few days- as with open surgery)

JS Institute of Design holds orientation programme for new batch 2024-25

New Delhi, 20th August 2024: JS Institute of Design (JSID), a leading design institute in the heart of New Delhi, recently conducted their orientation programme for the incoming batches of 2024-25 École Intuit Lab Delhi and JSID students pursuing digital design and interior design, respectively.

 The three-day event began with a warm welcome and icebreaker sessions on Day 1, followed by insightful talks from industry leaders and alumni on Day 2. The event concluded on Day 3 with team bonding activities at The Umrao Hotel, fostering community and collaboration among the students.

 Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, the Founding Dean of ISB Hyderabad, Founder & Trustee of Ashoka University, and Co-Founder of JS Institute of Design, delivered a keynote address. In his speech, he said, “At the JS Institute of Design, we are deeply committed to providing an education that is not only rigorous but also transformative. We assure you that we take your learning journey seriously, and we strive to create an environment where you can thrive. You will gain invaluable knowledge from our dedicated faculty and your talented peers, and we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in both. Together, these elements will equip you with the skills and insights needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of design.”

 Addressing the students, Prof. Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design, stated, “As you embark on this exciting journey at the JS Institute of Design, our hope is that you fall deeply in love with the subject you have chosen. Design is more than a discipline; it is a way of thinking, creating, and seeing the world. I want to leave you with three guiding principles as you navigate your time here: First, have a dream—let your vision for the future inspire everything you do. Second, collect wealth—not in the material sense, but a wealth of experiences that will shape your perspective and fuel your creativity. And finally, enjoy every moment and every opportunity you take up here. Embrace the challenges and relish the learning, for it is in these moments that you will find your true potential.”

 Adding to the event’s significance were engaging talks by industry stalwarts Nachiketa Charkhwal, Design Manager at Frog Interactive, and Leila Erfan, Founder of Aria Interior Design. Both speakers shared valuable insights from their experiences, shedding light on the current trends and future directions in design, and how students can make impactful contributions to the field. Notable alumni of the institute, Malvika Sharma, Art Director at Famous Innovations and a respected design educator, was also present. Malvika’s presence served as a testament to the institute’s legacy of nurturing talent that excels in the professional world. She interacted with the new batch, sharing her journey and offering guidance on making the most of the opportunities available at JSID.

 The event also included dynamic dance performances by current students, celebrating the intersection of art and design. These performances added a lively cultural dimension to the programme, showcasing the creative spirit that the JSID fosters in its students. The programme also featured an exhibition of past project works by students, giving the new batch a glimpse into the innovative and diverse design practices cultivated at the institute. The displayed works spanned various disciplines, highlighting the broad spectrum of skills and creativity nurtured within the student community.

 The orientation programme is a significant event in the academic calendar of JSID, marking the beginning of a transformative experience for new students. It serves as a platform to introduce them to the institute’s culture, values, and the broad array of learning opportunities they can explore during their time here.

Danfoss India Launches New Optyma Pack Condensing Unit To transform Dairy Sector

Danfoss India, a leader in advanced cooling solutions, is excited to introduce the Optyma™ Pack Condensing Unit, designed to revolutionize bulk milk cooling with unmatched robustness and reliability. Launched during the latest edition of Food Pro 2024, The Optyma™ Pack is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of dairy operations, ensuring optimal performance even in the most challenging conditions.

The Optyma™ Pack features a sophisticated twin-fan design, which significantly enhances cooling efficiency and system durability. This advanced configuration ensures superior heat dissipation, maintaining optimal operating temperatures even in high ambient conditions of up to 48°C. This makes the Optyma™ Pack ideal for hot climates where cooling performance can be a concern.

Adding to its innovative design, the Optyma™ Pack incorporates a fin and tube heat exchanger with a hydrophilic coating. This cutting-edge coating enhances thermal efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of the unit. The result is a system that delivers reliable performance while minimizing maintenance requirements.

The Danfoss Optyma™ Pack Condensing Unit sets a new standard in bulk milk cooling with its innovative features, robust design, and exceptional reliability. It is the perfect choice for dairy professionals seeking a dependable solution to maintain optimal milk temperatures and enhance energy efficiency which in a way helps in reducing carbon footprint. This condensing unit complies to all the Global material standards like RoHS and REACH in line with Danfoss ESG Commitments.

During the event, Mr Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, expressed his excitement towards the launch of Optyma, saying, “The Optyma™ Pack condensing unit is more than just a product; it’s a game-changer for India’s dairy sector, and the Cold Chain Industry. Its robust design and superior cooling efficiency address the critical challenges faced by dairy farmers and processors, ensuring milk quality and safety. By introducing this innovative solution, Danfoss is not only setting a new industry benchmark but also contributing significantly to India’s journey toward sustainable and efficient food production”

Mr Madhur Sehgal, Head of Climate Solutions, Danfoss India Region, said, “With the Optyma Pack Condensing Unit, we’re enhancing the systems of bulk milk cooling and cold room applications with unparalleled energy efficiency and reliability. Its cutting-edge design ensures optimal performance even in extreme conditions, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. This launch reinforces Danfoss India’s commitment to sustainable climate solutions, supporting India’s food safety and preservation needs while promoting eco-friendly practices.”

Danfoss India’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions is exemplified through its varied products & solutions, designed to meet the evolving needs of burgeoning sectors such as datacentres, infrastructure, food & beverage, industrial equipment, cement, and water & wastewater treatment, etc. amongst others.

Apply by August 28: BelieveInYouth Campus Ambassadors Program 2024 for Global Educators

Brief Description:
Udaan Youth Club is excited to introduce the BelieveInYouth Campus Ambassadors program. This initiative invites educators to inspire their students by writing and showcasing “BelieveInYouth” letters, fostering a positive and encouraging environment within educational institutions. Educators who take the lead in this activity will be recognized as campus ambassadors, promoting the campaign and empowering youth in their institutions.

About the Organization:
Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is a self-organized group of young individuals committed to driving social change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Engaging in creative and educational activities on important days, UYC promotes values of kindness, eco-consciousness, quality education, innovation, peace, and more. UYC stands for making youth a part of impact delivery systems. SR Aman Kumar, the president of Udaan Youth Club, has been leading these efforts to create a better world in harmony with nature.

About the Program:
The BelieveInYouth Campus Ambassadors program empowers educators to become champions of youth potential within their institutions, inspired by the legacy of Princess Diana, who was a steadfast advocate for young people. As a campus ambassador, educators are tasked with encouraging their colleagues to write motivational letters to their students, expressing belief in their infinite possibilities. These letters are then showcased in classrooms, departments, or a dedicated campus corner. This initiative not only promotes the BelieveInYouth campaign but also fosters a supportive and inspiring educational environment, honoring Princess Diana’s belief in the power and potential of youth.

Benefits:

•  Campus ambassadors and the head of the institution will receive a certificate of appreciation for their commitment to empowering youth.
• Ambassadors play a key role in promoting a positive culture within their institution.
• Contributing to the development and encouragement of students through this initiative.
• Enhancing the institution’s involvement in a global campaign focused on youth potential.

 Eligibility:

•  Only one campus ambassador is allowed per institution, and educators must self-nominate.
• The program must be implemented by August 28th, 2024.
• Photos of the letters and a brief description of the activity must be submitted for recognition.

 How to Participate:

•  Educators interested in becoming a campus ambassador should self-nominate themselves within their institution.
• Encourage all educators to write a “BelieveInYouth” letter to their respective classes or departments.
• Display the letters within the concerned department, class, or create a dedicated corner on campus for collective display.
• Take photos of the letters and the showcase area, and prepare a brief description of the activity and your experience.
  Submit the photos and the description to the Udaan Youth Club by the specified deadline to receive recognition.

5 Compelling Reasons to Watch The Rings of Power Season 2 as Darkness Falls Over Middle-earth

10 days remain until the launch of Prime Video’s highly anticipated series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2. The upcoming season promises to exceed all expectations, pushing Middle-earth into darkness as Sauron makes a haunting return. As the show inches closer to the premiere, prepare to uncover the darker, wilder, and scarier side of Middle-earth. Here are 5 reasons why The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 should be on your watchlist.

The rise and return of evil

With the return of the evil at the end of Season 1, Middle-earth now gets darker and bloodier than before, with no elf, dwarf, or harfoot able to prevent it. Sauron’s quest to rule the world will keep the audience at the edge of their seats. But one burning question remains: will he succeed in acquiring the 3 rings that will make him even more powerful and wreak havoc upon the elves, dwarves, men, and ents.

Fascinating new characters

Season 2 introduces several fascinating new characters, from the great craftsman Narvi, a dwarf expert in smithing, to Camnir, a warrior whose bravery will be put to the test when Elrond’s band of warrior-elves encounters an unexpected attack. This season also introduces Mirdania, a protégé of master craftsman Celebrimbor, whose loyalty is challenged by an unexpected visitor who arrives in Eregion, and Rian, whose courage and aim will prove invaluable in the fight for Eregion. These characters are poised to enrich the storyline, adding a layer of intrigue to Season 2.

Immersive storytelling

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is much more than its characters and plotlines. The cinematic world will transport viewers straight to the heart of Middle-earth, promising them an immersive experience like no other. The exotic mythical world created by J.R.R Tolkien will not just be seen but felt, as Sauron prepares to take over Middle-earth with his powerful rings.

Forces of good unite to defeat darkness

Season 2 will highlight the most beautiful moment where elves, dwarves, men, and ents must unite to defeat the dark power of Sauron. Will the bond between Elrond and Durin become a historic symbol and become an example of strong friendship overcoming evil? or will this unity benefit Sauron in establishing his reign over Middle-earth? Well, only time will tell!

Will the Rings save or destroy Middle Earth?

Season 1 left viewers wondering about the power of the 3 rings. Will these 3 rings save the livelihood of Middle-earth or will it destroy it into ashes? With the trailer hinting at the creation of more rings at the behest of Sauron, Season 2 will unveil the biggest secrets about these rings, its power, and its ruler.

In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron returns without allies or an army after being defeated by Galadriel. The rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, allowing him to bind the people of Middle-earth to his sinister will. The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. The series boasts an outstanding cast starring Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, and Charlie Vickers in the lead roles. This adventurous action drama will premiere worldwide on Prime Video in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and many more, starting August 29.