5, Jul 2024
Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the BBG Talent Factory Awards Ceremony

Celebrating Excellence

5th July 2024  Hyderabad, Telangana, India  The BBG Talent Factory Awards Ceremony, the prestigious Om Convention in Narsinghi, was a night to remember. This event honored the exceptional achievements and contributions of BBG associates across various categories, recognizing their dedication and hard work. With Ritu Varma taking center stage to present the awards, the evening became a platform for celebrating the diverse talents within the organization and inspiring others to strive for excellence.

The ceremony featured not only the presentation of awards but also an array of lucky draws, offering attendees the chance to win coveted prizes, making the evening truly unforgettable. Among the many highlights, the BBG Bangarutalli program stood out for its exemplary service towards girl child empowerment.

BBG Bangarutalli, a non-profit organization founded by Mr. Mallikarjuna Reddy in 2019, is dedicated to empowering girls’ education in rural and educationally backward areas of India, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Mrs. Neeraja Ankapalli and Mrs. Kasturi Usha played a pivotal role in the BBG Talent Factory Awards Ceremony, taking the stage to articulate the vision, mission, and goals of BBG. They emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Mrs. Neeraja Ankapalli highlighted BBG’s vision to create an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education, irrespective of their socio-economic background. She passionately spoke about the mission to not only educate but also to empower girl children by providing them with the necessary tools and support to succeed. Mrs. Kasturi Usha elaborated on the goals of BBG Bangarutalli, which include expanding educational initiatives to reach more children, promoting holistic development through mental and physical health programs, and engaging communities in the educational process. She reiterated BBG’s aims to mobilize communities and empower 2,00,000 girl children by 2040, with a focus on sustainable and impactful growth.

Ritu Varma took center stage at a prestigious award show, where she eloquently shared her thoughts on the vital role education plays in personal and societal development. Ritu spoke warmly about her mother’s influence, attributing much of her success to the strong educational foundation her mother provided. Ritu expressed her honor at being part of the event, highlighting the critical role educators play in shaping future generations. A significant moment during the ceremony was when actress Ritu Varma handed over a cheque of 15 lakhs from BBG to the BBG Bangarutalli Foundation. This donation will further the foundation’s mission of empowering Bangarutallis. To date, the program has empowered 1,70,000 children.

Inspiring Initiatives

Over the past academic year, BBG coaches Mrs. Neeraja Ankapalli and Mrs. Kasturi Usha, under the leadership of Mr. P. Srinivasarao, have motivated 40,000 girl children in various government schools, emphasizing the importance of education, mental health, and physical fitness. In the coming academic year, BBG Bangarutalli aims to expand its reach by visiting more government primary and high schools to continue empowering girls with essential knowledge and skills.

Recognizing Excellence

The 444th Talent Factory Awards symbolized a story of perseverance, dedication, and excellence, reflecting BBG Associates’ commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving greatness. The magnitude of the event was evident in the staggering number of awards presented—512 in total.

As the curtains drew to a close on the BBG Talent Factory Awards Ceremony, the evening left a lasting impression, reminding everyone of the importance of recognition, celebration, and camaraderie. By honouring achievements and rewarding excellence, the event not only celebrated individual successes but also reinforced the spirit of teamwork and collaboration that defines the BBG community.

5, Jul 2024
Emoha Partners with Aditya Birla Health Insurance to Provide Holistic Eldercare Solutions

5th July 2024  Delhi NCR, India  Emoha, India’s premier eldercare brand, celebrates five years of revolutionizing the eldercare space with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative. Fuelled by recent funding, Emoha is poised to extend its reach to the senior citizen segment of India’s population. In a landmark move, Emoha partnered with Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited (“ABHICL”), the health insurance joint venture of Aditya Birla Capital, a leading diversified financial services conglomerate in India.

This collaboration will empower ABHICL to offer personalized senior care solutions to its corporate clients and group mediclaim policyholders, thereby extending Emoha’s comprehensive services to a wider audience across the nation. Through this partnership, Emoha reinforces its commitment of providing exceptional care and support to every elder in need and aims to transform the landscape of eldercare in India, championing independence and dignity for the aging population.

The collaboration with ABHI will empower Emoha to forge a path toward a future where senior care is not only accessible but also tailored to address the unique needs of each individual in the family.

Strengthened by recent investments, the company is poised for rapid growth, having raised USD 11mn in the Pre-Series B round at the platform level. With its propositions, Emoha aims to empower both seniors to live more independently and working generations to provide optimal care to their loved ones.

Talking about recent collaborations Mr. Saumyajit Roy, Co-founder & CEO of Emoha added, “Our new strategic partnerships with ABHICL will allow us to significantly expand our reach and offerings for the elderly across India, ensuring holistic care for their emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Group mediclaim policies typically cover the employee, their spouse, and children, but often exclude the parents of the employee. Emoha bridges this gap by offering care to the employee’s parents. The recent funding is a testament to the confidence in our mission and approach. This investment will fuel our expansion plans, enabling us to forge more strategic partnerships and introduce innovative service offerings. We are committed to revolutionizing the eldercare landscape, ensuring that every senior citizen in India has access to personalized care that fosters independence and dignity.”

Under this partnership, ABHICL will extend the benefits offered by Emoha to its group mediclaim policyholders, thereby ensuring complete healthcare coverage for the parents of its employees.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO of Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited, said, “We are happy to collaborate with Emoha and integrate their innovative services into our offerings for our group mediclaim policyholders. By combining Emoha’s tech-driven personalized care model with our comprehensive health insurance solutions, we will further enhance the standard of elderly care and ensure holistic coverage for the entire family.”

Talking about investments and future plans Mr. Pankaj Arora Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Emoha added, “Young adults often face immense stress juggling work and caring for aging loved ones. Emoha is here to change that. With a mission to revolutionize eldercare in India, we’re committed to serving 2 million elders this year. By partnering with corporations, we offer tailored eldercare solutions, empowering employees with peace of mind to focus on their careers and personal lives. Our comprehensive services ensure their loved ones receive high-quality care, fostering independence and dignity. This creates a win-win: employees gain peace of mind, boosting productivity and engagement, while companies benefit from a happier, more focused workforce. Together, let’s build a future where eldercare is a shared journey, creating a more supportive and compassionate society for all.”

Emoha provides comprehensive in-home and doorstep services to seniors, empowering them to live independently and with dignity. Since its inception in 2019, Emoha’s community-centric and technology-driven approach has transformed the eldercare landscape, touching the lives of over 60,000 seniors across 120 cities in India. By offering essential support and companionship, Emoha ensures the safety and well-being of the elderly through a network of dedicated caregivers and specialized services. The company’s expansive reach includes organizing thousands of events and life-saving initiatives, making it a trusted partner for families and a frontrunner in eldercare solutions.

5, Jul 2024
Bajaj Markets Simplifies Credit Health Monitoring with CIBIL Score Check

5th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Bajaj Markets offers a valuable service that allows individuals to effortlessly review their credit health at no cost. The free CIBIL score check is a user-friendly option for users to assess their credit standing. One can use the insights from such checks to identify the various financial products they may be eligible for.

Here are some benefits of checking the CIBIL score on Bajaj Markets:

  • Seamless Process: The online platform ensures a smooth and seamless experience for users
  • Stay Informed: Regular updates on one’s credit score help individuals stay informed about their financial standing
  • Insightful Analysis: Accessing one’s credit profile aids in making informed financial decisions
  • No Impact on Credit Score: The credit check on Bajaj Markets does not affect the individual’s credit score, enabling worry-free monitoring

While the website is a great way to get instant access to one’s CIBIL score, the Bajaj Markets app takes it one step further. On the app, individuals can get a detailed credit health report which consists of information on active loan accounts and credit cards.

This report also consists of the ‘DID YOU KNOW’ and ‘IMPROVE YOUR SCORE’ widgets. The widgets provide interesting information on Credit Scores and tips to enhance one’s CIBIL score, respectively. In addition, the report also has a section that displays personalized offers that one can get on the platform.

By leveraging the free credit health report on Bajaj Markets, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their finances. In addition to CIBIL score checks, users can explore a wide array of financial products on the platform. They can check various investment opportunities, insurance policies, credit cards, and loan options on the Bajaj Markets website or app.

5, Jul 2024
Harpic and News18’s ‘Mission Swachhta Aur Paani’ Marks 1400 Days of Promoting Nationwide Hygiene Awareness

5th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In a shift that once seemed unthinkable, discussing toilets has become a regular part of conversations nationwide. Mission Swachhta Aur Paani campaign, a collaborative effort by Harpic and News 18, has been at the forefront of this change, marking over 1400 days of continuous engagement. A first-of-its-kind awareness campaign, the initiative normalized discussions on good toilet behavior across the country, touching millions of citizens, and bringing together leaders from all walks of life. Integrating culture, comedy, muppets, technology, music, and education, Harpic Mission Swachhta Aur Paani recently celebrated the completion of its third edition, setting the stage for scaling it up in the future. The milestone coincided with the 10th anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission.

The celebration saw participation from Mission Swachhta Aur Paani campaign ambassador, Akshay Kumar; Hon’ble Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat & Mansukh Mandaviya; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, and other prominent figures advocating for a safe and healthy Bharat.

Aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Harpic & News18’s Mission Swachhta Aur Paani has united various stakeholders – policymakers, cultural icons, celebrities, thought leaders, development sector professionals, water and public health experts, and academia. The campaign reinforced the importance of sanitation for clean and accessible toilets along with inculcating toilet-appropriate behavior, particularly in young children. A remarkable feature of this campaign has been leveraging popular culture to simplify the message for mass consumption. A stand-up by Gaurav Kapoor, a song about health and sanitation by Grammy winner Ricky Kej, a message by Akshay Kumar, and a short film like ‘Kar Lo Karmon Ka Uddhar’ appeal to common people, make them think and inspire behavior and attitudinal shift.

Highlighting the significance of a Swachh Samaj for elevating India’s standing, Akshay Kumar said, “A clean society is the foundation of a healthier and better nation. Mission Swachhta Aur Paani has evolved into a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement) for sanitation security and focused on building awareness for right to dignity. I urge each one of you to continue supporting us and join us to drive advocacy for clean toilets to build a cleaner India.”

Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the lasting impact of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, asserting, “India has witnessed a revolutionary transformation in sanitation and hygiene. Over one lakh villages have been declared completely clean based on various parameters. Our persistent efforts under the Swachhta Abhiyan are poised to significantly elevate both the National Health Index and GPI.”

Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the critical role of good sanitation in maintaining good health, crediting the Swachh Bharat Mission for spreading the message of health and hygiene nationwide. He commended the Prime Minister for ensuring dignity for women, sanitation workers, marginalized communities, and others through this campaign.

During the celebration, Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs & Partnerships – SOA, Reckitt, said, “Since its inception, Harpic Mission Swachhta Aur Paani has been working towards integrating a culture of cleanliness in society, particularly among youth, ensuring clean toilets become second nature. Events like G20, which championed ‘India for the World,’ and the profound philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam have deeply inspired and reinforced our commitment. At Reckitt, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of universal sanitation as we continue spreading the message of toilet hygiene and sanitation, helping build healthy habits among masses. While our progress has been commendable, we acknowledge there is more to be done and this marks just the beginning of our journey towards a Swachch Bharat.”

Avinash Kaul, CEO of Network18 (Broadcast) & MD of A + E Networks, expressed pride in spearheading a high-impact campaign on toilet-appropriate behavior, reaching millions across India over the past three years.

“As India strives towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’, establishing itself as a developed global power, our commitment as a responsible media organization to support and contribute to this goal is unwavering. Through initiatives like Mission Swachhta Aur Paani, we are dedicated to promoting mass social awareness programs with a transformative agenda. Network18 will continue to encourage efforts for a Swachh and Swasth Bharat,” he said.

Launched in 2019, the Mission Swachhta Aur Paani campaign worked around the core theme of ‘Healthy Hum, Jab Saaf Rakhen Toilet Hardam,’ which is designed to inspire behavioral change and create a lasting commitment to cleanliness among people. The campaign has made a significant impact nationwide, leveraging the extensive reach of Network 18, spanning 14 channels in 15 languages across 26 states, reaching over 69 crore individuals monthly, in addition to its digital channels reaching millions more.

5, Jul 2024
Chitkara University Welcomes LG Soft India Team for Internship Drive

5th July 2024 Chandigarh / Punjab, India  Chitkara University is thrilled to announce the visit of the HR and Engineering teams from LG Soft India for an exclusive internship drive targeting the Batch of 2025 Engineering students. This event marks a significant step in our longstanding association with LG Soft India, a partnership that has flourished over the past eight years.

Scheduled to take place at our Rajpura campus on the 22nd and 23rd of May, this internship drive represents LG Soft India’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing invaluable industry exposure to aspiring engineers. LG Soft India, renowned for its innovation and excellence in the tech industry, offers our students a golden opportunity to gain valuable experience.

This campus visit not only showcases the strong bond between Chitkara University and LG Soft India but also highlights our shared commitment to academic and professional development. At Chitkara University, we prioritize industry readiness by actively involving industry leaders in curriculum development and various stages of our student’s education. This approach ensures our graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the professional world.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, “We are delighted to welcome LG Soft India to our campus. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to providing students with industry-relevant experiences that bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.”

We extend our best wishes to our talented students as they prepare to demonstrate their skills and potential. The upcoming internship drive reflects Chitkara University’s dedication to providing our students with premier opportunities that pave the way for their future success.

As we welcome LG Soft India to our campus, we look forward to a fruitful engagement that will undoubtedly benefit our students and enhance the collaborative spirit between our institution and one of the leading names in the tech industry.

5, Jul 2024
SKA Arcadia: SKA Group’s Vision for Sustainable Development

5th July 2024  Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India  SKA Arcadia, by the renowned SKA Group, emerges as a beacon of architectural brilliance and visionary planning in Ghaziabad’s commercial real estate realm. Located along the main entrance of Wave City on NH-24, the commercial project is a testament to modern construction with a vision for sustainable development in the region. The project is based within the first Indian pre-certified Platinum-rated Green township, which promises to redefine the retail landscape with state-of-the-art facilities and architecture, offering visitors an exceptional retail landscape. The project’s strategic location ensures easy accessibility for all customers from various parts of the region, making it a coveted destination for locals and commuters.

Furthermore, SKA Arcadia boasts a prime location advantage and a gamut of features that set it apart. Its two-sided open plot and a 150—and 40-meter front-facing main road ensure maximum footfall at the project. The project encompasses an array of offerings, including retail outlets and high-street shops, wide corridors, and double-height shops on the ground floor, promising a spacious shopping experience. Hence, the project’s modern architectural design and prominent amenities offer every retail outlet adequate space to present its products and services.

In addition, one of the key highlights of SKA Arcadia is its unparalleled connectivity. Its proximity to the 14-lane NH 24 Wave City ensures swift connectivity to Noida. Also, the catchment area in the vicinity includes densely populated residential townships like Wave City, Aditya World City, and Jaipuria, positioning SKA Arcadia into a flourishing market. Further, it is within a considerable distance from Delhi, making it a desirable choice for businesses seeking a central location. This prime location not only enhances its accessibility but also opens a gateway for business opportunities to engage in the broader market base.

Besides its strategic location, SKA Arcadia is well-connected to the posh localities of Ghaziabad and Indirapuram, further augmenting its appeal as a commercial hub. The project is 1 minute from the 8-lane Delhi-Meerut Expressway and 5 minutes from the proposed metro station. Further, it is 10 minutes from the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and 20 minutes drive from Noida Sec-62 and Greater Noida West. People living in Raj Nagar Extension can reach SKA Arcadia within 25 minutes, and those living in Anand Vihar, Noida Sec-18, and near Akshardham Temple can enjoy reach here within 35 minutes. Thus, this connectivity not only ensures a steady flow of footfall but also positions SKA Arcadia as an investment opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach.

SKA Arcadia boasts state-of-the-art facilities that not only enhance the retail experiences of businesses but also elevate the customer experience. From reliable and fast Wi-Fi to fine-dine restaurants and a food court, it caters to the diverse needs of customers. The facility of round-the-clock power backup, escalators, elevators, and multi-level mechanical parking ensures convenience and comfort for both shoppers and retailers alike. Moreover, its smart features, such as advanced surveillance, smart metering, fibre optic connectivity, automated lighting, and smart parking, also offer a secure and technologically advanced environment, setting a new standard for commercial developments in the region.

However, what truly sets SKA Arcadia apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. As the world becomes eco-conscious, SKA Arcadia takes proactive measures to integrate sustainable development in every aspect. Initiatives like sustainable construction practices and designs, energy-efficient systems, green building practices, waste reduction strategies, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, and many other features, the project is curated to minimize its carbon footprint while maximizing efficiency.

Moreover, these sustainable practices underscore the SKA Group’s vision for sustainable development that extends beyond the confines of the project itself. Thus, the project aims to create a harmonious ecosystem that benefits everyone. It also ensures maximum space utilization and has incorporated amenities such as energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Located amidst a lush green landscape with pop-up fountains, the project aims to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and minimize operational costs.

As SKA Arcadia continues to take shape, it is a testament to SKA Group’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. The group envisions a future where every project weaves a story of its commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, enhancing the lives of its residents and the wider community. SKA Arcadia is not just a commercial project; it sets a new benchmark for the industry and inspires future generations to build a greener tomorrow.

5, Jul 2024
EU, Smile Foundation Unveil SIFFCY 11th Edition at Cannes

5th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The 11th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) was officially unveiled at the ongoing 77th Cannes Film Festival in the presence of dignitaries, industry leaders, filmmakers, cinema and media personalities from across the globe.

Smile Foundation has been organizing SIFFCY in partnership with the European Union. The annual unique film festival for children is organized across 100 locations of India in a hybrid mode, which makes SIFFCY the largest film festival for children and youth in India.

The active participation of the European Union in SIFFCY is aimed at facilitating cultural exchange between the citizens of India and the European Union countries, due to which a sense of understanding, respect, and global brotherhood will be strengthened. The sense of belonging that arises between people through the exchange of culture, art, and ideas is beneficial for children and youth, who will shape the future course of humanity.

SIFFCY is an initiative of Smile Foundation to entertain, engage, educate, and empower young minds. Smile Foundation believes that meaningful work of art, especially good cinema, not only entertains but also leave an indelible impression on young minds. As a result, children and youth catalyze a positive change thanks to their way of thinking and their sense of duty towards society. Good cinema is a powerful medium to depict reality and inculcate values. A meaningful film becomes an interesting and engaging tool to encourage discussion among the youth about important personal, social, moral and global issues too.

The 11th edition of SIFFCY, scheduled for later this year, aims at bringing 150 curated films from 50 countries to the young Indian audience. Path-breaking films, filmmakers, and creative talents from across the globe are awarded too under various categories during SIFFCY.

Unbridled access to a plethora of content online can hurt young minds, which is a universal phenomenon. Such exposure can result in behavioral and emotional problems, safety concerns, reduced quality of sleep, and even weakened social skills. Instances of loneliness, a sense of insecurity, violence, and aggression have become common traits of a teenager too. Left unattended, these can hamper them even when they grow up. One of the primary missions behind SIFFCY has been to make good content and creative work available to children, which in turn can help them build their emotional intelligence, empathy, opinion-making ability, creative cultivation of mind and develop an overall positive outlook towards life ahead.

Smile Foundation has been representing good cinema for children and youth at Cannes, especially for the young audience, for 15 years now. Incidentally, ‘I am Kalam’, a film produced by Santanu Mishra, Co-founder of Smile Foundation, made waves at the Cannes Festival in the past too. I am Kalam heralded making of films especially for the young Indian audience of the 21st century.

Santanu Mishra, SIFFCY Chairman and Producer of the much-acclaimed film ‘I am Kalam’, states that childhood is the decisive age of human life – the lessons we learn, the habits we make as children, it stays with us forever. Therefore, we must sensitise our youngsters with a positive value system from the very beginning which will help them become kind and responsible citizens.

During the 77th Cannes Film Fest this year, Smile Foundation represented the cause of good cinema at the Bharat Pavilion. Hosted each year at the prestigious Festival by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India, Bharat’s participation is spearheaded by the National Film Development Corporation as the nodal agency and FICCI as the industry partner. Bharat Pavilion marks India’s continued commitment to showcasing its rich cinematic heritage and fostering international collaborations with the global film fraternity.

The Bharat Pavilion at Cannes serves as a hub for networking, collaboration, promotion of Indian Cinema on the global stage.

As the nation with the largest young population with a thriving socio-economic milieu, India has been earning expectation and prominence due to its philosophical contributions, thoughts, and ideas.

The Bharat Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform, providing a gateway to the diverse landscape of Indian films, talent, and industry opportunities, and is set to host a series of scintillating panel discussions and networking sessions during the course of the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

A panel discussion titled “Children’s Films and Festivals: A global perspective” was moderated by SIFFCY director, Jitendra Mishra, wherein stalwarts of the domain from across Europe shared the stage. Another session on Indian Film Festivals was also held at the Bharat Pavilion with the panel represented by the SIFFCY Director.

5, Jul 2024
Gut Microbiota Diets Boost Effectiveness of Anti-Diabetic Medications, Study Finds

5th July 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India  A first-of-its-kind clinical trial in India shows remarkable results for people with diabetes. The trial was conducted using BugSpeaks, a flagship technology of Leucine Rich Bio, India’s first microbiome-based company. BugSpeaks is a gut microbiome profiling test that provides nutritional recommendations based on the individual’s gut microbiota profile. With India being called the diabetes capital of the world housing more than 101 million people with diabetes, the results of this study are groundbreaking for the prevention and management of diabetes.

The clinical trial included 30 Indian adults in the age group 42-65, both male and female, with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). Study subjects were divided into two groups: one received the BugSpeaks-based personalized diet and the other a regular diet for 3 months. The patients who were given a BugSpeaks-based personalized diet showed excellent results across various parameters when examined on day 90 of the study. Their average HbA1c levels were brought down from 8.30 to 6.67, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 14%, and CRP levels, a marker of inflammation, were decreased by 20%. The study has been uploaded onto a preprint server MedRxiv and is undergoing peer review in an International scientific journal.

Speaking on the promising results of the clinical trial, Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder & Director (Business Development and Innovation), Leucine Rich Bio, and the lead author of the study says, “In this study, we have highlighted the positive effect of gut microbiota based personalized nutrition on hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and inflammation markers. This “proof of concept” clinical trial shows that BugSpeaks based nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota can impact the health positively and can supplement medication for diseases like type 2 diabetes.”

He adds, “We plan to conduct more such trials in the coming months for other diseases for which we have anecdotal evidence. Gut microbiota modulation through nutrition can provide a new dimension in the precision or personalized healthcare paradigm and this study is a step towards that direction.”

The study also found that the number of beneficial microorganisms like Phascolarctobacterium succinates, Bifidobacterium angulatum, and Levilactobacillus brevis, increased two-fold and a similar decrease was observed in non-beneficial species like Alistipes finegoldii and Sutterella faecalis. Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota is important as an imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can cause or aggravate different diseases including but not limited to digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and menstrual problems.

Dr. Dhar has previously published two research reviews in renowned peer-reviewed scientific journals: one on the possible link between the gut microbiota and COVID-19 (Virus Research Journal) and another one on the potential impact of nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota in dealing with mental health issues during COVID-19 (Frontiers of Neuroscience journal).

5, Jul 2024
Trustifi Expands its Global Footprint, Signing with CyberDisti to Cover India, the UAE, & Africa

5th July 2024  Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  Trustifi, the premier provider of AI- and cloud-based email cyber security solutions, announced the launch of new geofencing capabilities for its expanding customer base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This demand has been primarily driven by an exclusive agreement with CyberDisti, a major distributor serving the UAE, India, and Africa. This new development extends Trustifi’s geographic base, which already includes an impressive range of countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Singapore, and Brazil, a geographic list that represents some of the world’s most technologically advanced nations.

CyberDisti is one of the leading email security distributors in its market. The company has offices in Mumbai, Kerala, Delhi, Bangalore, and Tamil Nadu in India; Kenya in Africa; Dubai in the UAE; and Oman. This distributor now solely offers Trustifi solutions to its network of managed service providers, giving credence to Trustifi’s position as a one-stop resource for email cybersecurity offerings. Trustifi’s comprehensive suite offers both inbound and outbound security encompassing anti-malware and antivirus, data loss protection, AES-256 encryption with tokenization capabilities, automated compliance to a host of global regulations, smart archiving features, an account takeover protection module, and an integrated new platform providing customizable threat simulation capabilities.

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern in the UAE and its neighboring nations, as threats compound across the globe following the rise of AI-driven malware. For example, an increase in cybersecurity breaches in the UAE has been documented by Dark Reading, which reported that 87% of companies in this region have experienced cyber incidents in the past two years from both external and internal actors. And in India, a December cyberattack on an online government platform, the e-Nagarpalika portal of Madhya Pradesh, shut down that body’s services and compromised the data of residents across 412 cities, triggering a massive loss of revenue.

“Cybersecurity issues are only amplifying as AI-based technologies advance, to the point where it’s becoming near impossible for network users to tell viable emails apart from damaging imposter phishing attempts-and many of the largest breaches in recent memory can be traced to a single password compromise. Companies need to be more proactive and take these risks out of their users’ hands by leveraging advanced, AI-based, layered security solutions. CyberDisti understands that, and has taken action for their solution providers,” said Rom Hendler, CEO and co-founder of Trustifi. “The fact that CyberDisti has entrusted us to be its sole provider of email cybersecurity solutions is evidence of the wide-ranging capability of our products. We’re proud to be able to extend these AI-based protections to CyberDisti’s customers throughout India-one of the most populated regions in the world-in addition to the UAE and Africa.”

Trustifi’s AI-powered solutions provide superior protection compared to traditional security packages. Too many conventional SEG (security email gateway)-based solutions leverage blacklisting and whitelisting of known malicious IP addresses as their main tactic in filtering threats. Such methods are not adequate in this age of clever AI-generated and social engineering attacks, which lure victims to persuasive mock-ups of known vendor websites to commandeer those users’ credentials. In addition, Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks target high-level personnel, hacking their accounts and composing convincing requests to transfer money via wire. Blacklisting techniques simply can’t detect these more sophisticated strategies. Only advanced AI-trained filters that interpret text and identify ill-intentioned keywords can flag such attempts. Trustifi’s next-generation solutions utilize these progressive methods.

“Trustifi’s suite incorporates such a powerful range of capabilities, we felt they presented considerable benefits over many less-versatile email cybersecurity options,” said Jibu John, CEO of CyberDisti. “Trustifi offers a born-in-the-cloud portfolio, developed specifically to address techniques that have developed since the advent of cutting-edge, AI-based threats. Their solutions leverage the same kinds of AI-driven tools to detect and help administrators remediate these advanced attacks. When we weighed these advantages, Trustifi was the clear choice to be our exclusive email cybersecurity provider.”

Trustifi was recognized in the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Email Security* for its Outbound Shield, Inbound Shield, and Account Takeover Protection solution. In addition, Trustifi’s solutions have repeatedly been acknowledged through awards from esteemed sources such as CRN, the American Business Association, ChannelVision magazine, Expert Insights, the Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards, SourceForge, and the “Globee” Business Awards.

*Gartner, “Market Guide for Email Security”, Ravisha Chugh, Peter Firstbrook, Franz Hinner, 13 February 2023. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

5, Jul 2024
LEAD Sees 80percent Growth in Students Scoring Above 90 percent in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam

5th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  The 2024 batch of Class 10 students of LEAD, India’s leading School Edtech, has achieved a significant milestone in their CBSE board exam results. This year, 161 LEAD students scored above 90%, compared to 90 students last year. LEAD offers a complete system for schools to ace board exams with detailed lesson plans, resources for teachers, practice tests, and mock exams for students. Additionally, the LEAD app provides students with unlimited practice opportunities, further supporting their exam preparation.

Top scoring students of LEAD-powered schools include Gainy Akshaya from St. Peter’s High School, Telangana; R. A. Vishaal from Thangam Mount Litera Zee School, Tamil Nadu; and Karnika Paul from Little Flower English School – Alipurduar, West Bengal; all of whom scored 98%. Other high achievers include Shaurya Kishorkumar Shinde from LEAD School Karmala, Maharashtra, who scored 96.8%; and Sidharam Kore from LEAD School Akkalkot, Maharashtra, who scored 96.6%. Several LEAD students have also scored a perfect 100 in subjects such as Mathematics, Social Science, and Music.

Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, LEAD Group, said, “My heartiest congratulations to the 2024 LEAD cohort for their stellar performance in the CBSE Class 10 board exams! Their remarkable academic achievement underscores our belief that with the right school education, every student has the potential to excel, regardless of their location or background. At LEAD Group, we take immense pride in our students’ successes and remain committed to driving holistic educational transformation, one school at a time.”

LEAD Group is improving learning outcomes in schools across India while building 21st-century skills and student readiness for future careers. LEAD’s Integrated School Edtech System is already implemented in 9000 schools across 400+ towns and cities in India; reaches 5 million students; and empowers over 50,000 teachers. LEAD-powered schools offer an international standard of education and national-level exposure, promoting all-around growth and building confidence in students.

LEAD Group provides an advanced CBSE curriculum to schools across India, and offers state board programs in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and J&K. LEAD’s curriculum, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF), adheres to the latest guidelines prescribed by each board, ensuring a holistic education for every child, complete with future-ready skills such as Coding and Robotics.