22, Feb 2024
Viatris Receives Global Minimized Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance Certification

India – February 22, 2024 – Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) a global healthcare company, announced that its Aurangabad, India, facility has received certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for meeting a new industry standard on Minimized Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The standard was facilitated by BSI for the AMR Industry Alliance, an organization made up of over 100 companies and associations from across the life-sciences industry with the shared goal of providing sustainable solutions to curb AMR. The certification is designed to encourage drug manufacturers and those in the supply chain to prioritize the sustainable production of antibiotics.

“We are proud to be the first pharmaceutical site in India to achieve this important Minimized Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance certification from BSI, demonstrating our commitment to controlling antibiotic discharge,” said Sanjeev Sethi, Chief Operations Officer, Viatris. “Many thanks to our cross-functional team members for continuing to implement sustainable systems and processes that advance the responsible manufacturing of antibiotics.”

“Viatris having gained independent certification, and the first to do so in India, is a reflection of their leadership and commitment to tackling global AMR,” said Steve Brooks, Advisor and Manufacturing Work Group Lead, AMR Industry Alliance. “From their initial days with the Alliance, Viatris has been a key contributor to achieving greater results in our shared goal of providing sustainable solutions to curb AMR while being responsible stewards of the environment.”

22, Feb 2024
Uptick In Respiratory, and Cardiac Problems Due To Poor Air Quality In Delhi

Delhi:- As a result of poor air quality, many residents in the capital are experiencing respiratory and cardiac issues. Instances of cardiac arrest, stroke, and gastric problems have risen significantly. It is crucial to refrain from going outdoors during periods of low air quality or to wear a mask as a precaution.

“With levels of particulate matter (PM) reaching hazardous levels, the impact on respiratory and cardiac health is becoming increasingly evident. There is a spike in cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses, while individuals with pre-existing heart conditions are experiencing exacerbated symptoms. The high levels of pollutants in the air can lead to inflammation in the lungs and heart, putting individuals at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. There has been a notable rise in the number of patients seeking medical care for a variety of health concerns, including respiratory issues like asthma, chronic coughs, colds, viral infections, and abdominal distress. This increase has also been observed in cases related to cardiac conditions. People come with signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which are often exacerbated by pollutants. Children and the elderly population are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to weakened immune systems or respiratory function. Air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. last 2 month 200 cases spread across all age group, but mainly old age and adults with comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease.” Said Dr Dixit Thakur, Pulmonologist, Apollo Spectra Delhi, Chirag Enclave.

Dr Thakur Added, “ The high levels of pollutants in the air have been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis, as well as an increase in cardiovascular diseases. The presence of smog can cause direct irritation to the lungs and throat, especially impacting individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues. Common issues include upper respiratory problems such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and a sore throat. Individuals may also experience chest discomfort and fever. However, the majority of these symptoms are mild and typically resolve on their own. Urgent action must be taken to address this pressing issue and improve air quality in Delhi for the well-being of its residents.”

Investing in high-quality air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can significantly improve indoor air quality and help combat the effects of pollution in Delhi. Limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, typically early morning and late evening when the pollutant levels are at their highest. Opt for indoor exercises or activities during these times to reduce exposure to toxic air pollutants and protect your respiratory health in the long run. Avoiding venturing out of the house or wearing a mask can help to keep the lungs and heart healthy,” Concluded Dr Thakur.

22, Feb 2024
Quantum Mutual Fund launches Quantum Multi Asset Allocation Fund

Hyderabad, February 22, 2024:  Quantum AMC announced the launch of a new fund offer (NFO) with Quantum Multi Asset Allocation Fund. It opens for subscription on Monday, February 19, and closes on Friday, March 1, 2024. It is an open-ended equity scheme predominantly investing in a diversified portfolio of Equity & Equity Related  Instruments, Debt & Money Market Instruments, and Gold Related Instruments. It will be co-managed by Chirag Mehta – Chief Investment Officer and Pankaj Pathak, Fund Manager -Fixed Income, Quantum AMC.

Paknaj Pathak

The investment objective of the Scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation/income by investing in a Diversified portfolio of Equity & Equity Related Instruments, Debt & Money Market Instruments, and Gold Related Instruments.

The scheme will be benchmarked against NIFTY 50 TRI (40%) + CRISIL Short Term Bond Fund AII Index (45%) + Domestic Price of Gold (15%).

The scheme will have a Direct and Regular Plan. The Fund managers will allocate Equity & Equity Related Instruments (35-65%), Debt & Money Market Instruments (25-55) and Gold Related Instruments (10-20%). The Fund will predominantly invest in securities of Nifty 50 index and other large-cap stocks for its equity component, sovereign and PSU debt securities across durations for its fixed income allocation and Quantum Gold ETF & Other Gold related instruments for its gold component.

The Investment Strategy:
Portfolio allocation between the equity, debt/ money markets and gold broadly depends on the relative valuations between the asset classes. Relative valuations are determined by evaluation of various influencing factors that include:

 Price/Earnings Ratio relative to historical averages
 The relationship between Earnings Yield to Bond Yield relative to historical averages
 Macroeconomic factors prevailing globally, and within India

Commenting on the fund launch, Mr. Chirag Mehta, Chief Investment Officer, Quantum AMC, said, “The number of investors in mutual funds is increasing rapidly and this fund provides these first-time investors to have a measured approach to equity markets along with diversification from gold and debt, thereby providing a rewarding and relatively smoother investment experience.”

The Co-fund Manager, Mr. Pankaj Pathak, Sr. Fund Manager, Quantum AMC said, “The fund is launched with an intention to provide an option to fixed deposit by potentially providing better returns over the long run. The fund simplifies investment decisions with its one-stop diversified solution that invests across asset classes and enhances tax efficiency through indexation benefits. Investors in the 30% tax slab stand to benefit significantly compared to traditional fixed deposits.”

22, Feb 2024
upGrad Harnesses AI to translate Certs & Bootcamps into vernacular languages

Bengaluru, 21st Feb 2024: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors intends to enhance its product diaspora by translating popular Bootcamps & Certs into vernacular languages using AI for freshers and working professionals.

“Presently over 40% of upGrad’s learner base in India is from Tier 2 cities and beyond where regional languages are more prevalent compared to English,” highlights Asheesh Sharma – President, Certifications and Bootcamps, upGrad. Recognising this opportunity to improve the communication and the learning experience, the skilling major has identified Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali languages in phase 1 to ensure the brand penetrates deeper across every eligible household in the region.

The company aims to combine pedagogy with strong human interventions in the form of counsellors and buddies who could speak local languages further making it accessible and convenient for learners coming out of the vast national diaspora. Focusing on regional insights and demand, the catalogue will include courses in Engineering, Data Science, AI, Cloud Computing, DevOps, UI/UX, and Agile Project Management where upGrad has a strong foothold already, while Phase 2 will target Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Product Management, Business Analyst, and ITIL, with foreign languages like Spanish and Chinese. Over 5 lakh learners have been enrolled in the past with the most demand coming out of Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Odisha, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata among others.

Utilising an in-house tech tool, counsellors will address inquiries related to one’s education, background, interests, and career aspirations to ensure effective guidance and decision-making. Aligned with GOI’s ambition of fostering cultural connection and cognitive development amongst India’s youth, this approach aims to bridge the gap between accurately selecting the right program/domain and achieving one’s desired career goals. “Most scepticism today is fed inorganically and needs stronger course correction. Online is an incredible tool that has come a long way from being a VC tool vs. an interactive and immersive format that’s hands-on and accessible at any given point. Considering that only 7 to 8% of graduates in India are deemed employable, our objective is to substantially elevate this figure by providing millions with some initial support or springboard to get closer to their career aspirations,” said Sharma while talking about the business objective.

The company invests significantly in AI-related developments internally and the onset of FY25 marks an important growth and transformative year for the brand. “We’ve already deployed AI across our operations much before it became the buzzword for building on to learner engagements, we are now taking it a notch higher by harnessing its impact into our curriculum and teaching. There’s wider acceptance and a sense of openness amongst professionals of all age groups,” he added.

The company may also extend these services to its Enterprise arm soon to further personalise corporate training sessions making them accessible to all strata. India being the HQ, the brand has witnessed 100% YoY growth in overall enrolments and further claims to double down its annual active learners in the next 1 year.

22, Feb 2024
Uorfi Javed Embarks on a New Journey:announces Debut Podcast ‘uncancellable With Uorfi Javed’

Mumbai, February 22, 2024: Prepare for an extraordinary experience this season as the dynamic Uorfi Javed steps into the world of podcasting with her debut show, ‘Uncancellable with Uorfi Javed,’ produced by Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social. Uorfi Javed is set to push the envelope with her unapologetic dive into various aspects of her life, promising to entertain, educate, and challenge the status quo. The podcast trailer is now available for listeners.

Uncancellable with Uorfi Javed

Known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, Uorfi Javed fearlessly expresses herself, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The trailer offers a glimpse into her unique perspective and unfiltered style. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, each episode guarantees an exciting exploration into the minds of rebels, independent thinkers, and notable personalities. ‘Uncancellable‘ will unravel the power of authenticity, engaging in meaningful conversations that inspire change. Uorfi Javed will engage in heart-to-heart discussions with her guests, delving into their motivations to break barriers and challenge societal norms.

Guests on the show include comedian Rohan Joshi, actor and creator Dolly Singh, singer Rashmeet Kaur, and actor and doctor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, among others.

Uorfi Javed shared her thoughts on the podcast, stating, “I love exploring new things and learning more about myself. This podcast is all about celebrating authenticity, staying curious, and having the courage to follow your path – principles I deeply believe in. Audiences have always ‘seen’ me; now, I can’t wait for everyone to ‘hear me’ too and enjoy my role as a host. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know me and people who, like me, don’t back down from challenges.”

Anurag Iyer, CEO of Big Bang Social, expressed, “Uorfi Javed has been a social phenomenon in our country, and it is refreshing to witness the world from her unique perspective through the insightful conversations she will share with her guests. We believe the
Indian podcast scene is ready for content that pushes boundaries, and we are proud to produce this show as we are committed to empowering our talent and their dreams. Whether it’s launching brands, products, or new shows, we stand firmly behind our creators. We are confident that this podcast is something like no other, embodying our belief in the creator space and the limitless potential it holds.

22, Feb 2024
Zee Odisha News shines a spotlight on the latest news developments across politics, sports, and community affairs

In a comprehensive coverage of Odisha’s latest developments, Zee Odisha News, one of the digital assets of IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited offered a detailed overview spanning politics, sports, community affairs, and more. As per the headlines of 21st February 2024, highlight significant events shaping the state:

The initiative to renovate Cuttack’s historic Barbati Stadium by the state government underscores a dedication to cricket development. Plans to host a state-level cricket league alongside stadium renewal demonstrate a concerted effort to promote sports regionally, as reported by Zee Odisha News.

In sports, the Kolkata Knight Riders face a potential setback with rumors of Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the upcoming IPL season. This development, covered by Zee Odisha News, emphasizes the importance of team dynamics in sports performance. The ongoing farmers’ agitation, characterized by clashes and tear gas usage on the Punjab-Haryana border, is highlighted by Zee Odisha News. The platform provides insight into the persistence of farmers’ demands and the evolving nature of the movement.

Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s launch of the Lakshmi Bus Scheme aims to enhance rural connectivity and stimulate economic growth across various districts, showcasing the government’s commitment to community welfare, as reported by Zee Odisha News.

Legal and cultural updates, including the withdrawal of cases against tribal members and the suspension of special stamp fees in court filings, are covered by Zee Odisha News. Additionally, the platform pays tribute to renowned personalities like Fali S. Nariman and Amin Sayani for their contributions to society.

Insights into political shifts, such as the induction of MLA Pradeep Manigarahi into the BJP and legal proceedings involving former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, offer a glimpse into the region’s political landscape and its implications for governance, as reported by Zee Odisha News.

Through its comprehensive coverage and timely updates, Zee Odisha News remains a trusted source for staying informed about the latest developments shaping Odisha’s socio-political and cultural landscape.

22, Feb 2024
4 EV financing companies that are helping the EV space to grow in 2024

In 2024, EV financing companies experienced remarkable growth, mirroring the rapid expansion of the global electric vehicle market. Fueled by environmental concerns, government incentives, and technological advancements, demand surged among consumers and businesses for EV financing solutions. These companies diversified their offerings, introducing tailored financing options such as various loan terms, leases, and competitive interest rates, enhancing accessibility to EV purchases. Flourishing partnerships with EV manufacturers led to exclusive deals, further incentivizing the shift towards electric transportation and fostering innovation in sustainable mobility solutions. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionized operations, enabling personalized financing packages through data analysis and enhancing customer interactions via AI-driven chatbots. Embracing green financing principles, these companies prioritized investments in environmentally friendly projects, reflecting a commitment to support the transition to clean and sustainable transportation. Overall, the growth of EV financing companies in 2024 propelled positive change in the automotive industry and beyond.

Finayo Logo

Let’s explore the key players shaping the EV financing landscape in India.

1. Finayo: Finayo, is India’s first AI-enabled SaaS technology green mobility ecosystem that aims to revolutionize the rapidly evolving Indian EV industry. It provides lending technology solutions for the growing EV business. They aim to digitize the entire lending process with the help of modern technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and IoT to provide real-time loans to both retailers and OEMs.

Being recognized for its extensive efforts in accelerating the transition towards sustainable and greener mobility solutions through frictionless loan processing, the company has successfully carved a distinctive niche in the EV lending space backed by a disruptive automation platform. The company is making strides in boosting the adoption of EVs with seamless lending platforms driving the Government of India initiative to reduce carbon emissions. By leveraging its expertise in technology and financing, Finayo assesses all aspects of credit risk, asset valuation, loan-to-value ratio calculation, repossession, and rescale. It enables credit innovation and works towards producing a financially inclusive ecosystem. The company has been successful in empowering lenders, OEM dealers, and EV buyers by streamlining and expediting the entire financing process with loan approval in 5 minutes and disbursal in 48 hours.

2. Revfin: Leading online consumer loan company Revfin wants to increase financial inclusion in India. Individuals can easily obtain loan alternatives from Revfin thanks to its cutting-edge technologies and unconventional data analysis. Revfin recently partnered with Zappit to offer airport pickup services, expanding its offerings to include the 4W EV category. In order to increase the range of financing alternatives available to them and establish a mini secondary market for EVs, it has also partnered with leasing businesses and other EV manufacturers.

3. Ascend Capital: One of the top providers of financial services is Ascend Capital, which provides complete financing options for electric cars. Ascend Capital adopts a customer-centric approach and offers comprehensive assistance throughout the financing process, guaranteeing a smooth and seamless experience for those wishing to buy electric vehicles. In order to satisfy each customer’s particular demands, the organization provides various repayment choices, competitive interest rates, and individualized help.

4. Ecofy: Ecofy is a new participant in the EV financing market that specializes in offering accessible and reasonably priced financing choices for electric cars. The organization provides low documentation requirements, hassle-free loan approvals, and competitive interest rates. By providing more financing choices to a larger audience, Ecofy hopes to expedite the shift to electric vehicles as part of its commitment to promoting sustainable transportation.

The broad adoption of electric vehicles in India must be fueled by the provision of dependable and reasonably priced financing solutions. Finayo, Revfin, Ascend Capital, and Ecofy are among the leading companies providing creative and client-focused finance solutions to help this shift. Their initiatives are crucial in encouraging businesses and people to use electric vehicles, paving the way for India to have a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

22, Feb 2024
Chef Ana Roš’s Exclusive Pop-Up at Taj Mahal, New Delhi & The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, in collaboration with Conosh

New Delhi, 22nd February 2024: Taj Mahal, New Delhi, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, in collaboration with Conosh, bring yet another exceptional dining experience to India with the much-anticipated pop-up of Chef Ana Roš – Chef and owner of the Three-Michelin Starred Hiša Franko. This extravaganza promises an immersive journey for patrons to witness the culinary virtuoso Chef Ana Roš through dinners and masterclasses hosted at the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, paired with the exquisite beverages from the House of Suntory.

R to L - Chief arun

Chef Ana Roš has been recognized as the World’s best female chef in 2017 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Her culinary prowess, embellished with a Michelin Green Star and the Best Chef Pristine Award, will be on display in India for the first time.

This Rendezvous presented guests an opportunity to explore the extraordinary sojourn through the epicurean marvels of Hiša Franko and experience Slovenian gastronomy with a menu meticulously crafted by Chef Ana. The menu featured the celebrated Potato with Hay Crust, Sour Butter with Indian Spices, and Fermented Pumpkin, and the Corn Beignet, filled with Creamy High Mountain Cottage Cheese, Aromatic Herbs, and Roasted Polenta Flour for vegetarians, and for non-vegetarians the Corn Beignet was filled with Trout Roe. Experience the Market Leaf – A One-bite Hiša Franko Special, Orzotto – Almonds & Cauliflower, Market Citrus Textures of Cauliflower, Brown Butter, and Hiša Franko Harvest – A Mélange of Seasonal Harvests, among others. Non-vegetarian enthusiasts relished the Market Leaf with Chicken, Egg Yolk, and Caviar, Fish – King Mackerel, Lentils, Cashew-Sesame-Beurre Blanc, Blackberries, Pasta with Lamb, and Fresh Legumes and Roasted Yeast. The culinary adventure concluded with the Sweet Potato Dumpling – a harmonious blend of bee pollen fonduta, honey, and hazelnuts, and a refreshing FruiteBite.

Vaibhav Bahl, CEO of Conosh & Neha Malik, Co-founder of Conosh, expressed their excitement about this collaboration, stating, “Conosh is deeply honoured to collaborate with Chef Ana Roš as she introduces the exquisite flavours of Slovenia to the Indian audience. As founders, we are very proud to witness this remarkable celebration of culinary excellence, which exemplifies our steadfast commitment to pushing the envelope for narrative gastronomy. Ana’s debut dining experience in India will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in the evolving gastronomic landscape of our country.”

Speaking about catering to the Indian market, Chef Ana Roš, added “I’m excited to team up with Conosh to blend Slovenian charm and my culinary creativity for my first pop-up in India at the country’s landmark hospitality destinations – Taj Mahal, New Delhi and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. We’ll dive into Indian markets and culture to recreate Hiša Franko’s magic – the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Slovenia. My team and I are looking forward to sharing unforgettable dining moments in Delhi and Mumbai.”

Remarking on the successfully concluded Rendezvous at The Chambers, Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director Operations, and General Manager – Taj Mahal, New Delhi, said. “At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, we believe in crafting experiences that transcend the ordinary, and this event is no exception. We are honoured to collaborate with Conosh and Chef Ana Ros to bring the exquisite flavours of Slovenia to our esteemed guests at The Chambers. The culinary creativity of Chef and her team, along with the signature finesse of our iconic hotel and the warmth of Tajness, made this a Rendezvous to remember. Located in the heart of the Capital, Taj Mahal, New Delhi, now in its re-imagined avatar, celebrates 45 glorious years of hospitality, and is a landmark destination for world-class service and bespoke experiences.”

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Ritesh Sharma, General Manager – Of the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai said, “In our continued endeavour to provide unparalleled immersive experiences to our esteemed guests, we welcome Chef Ana Ros to recreate the spirit of her renowned three Michelin-starred restaurants, Hisa Franko, here in Mumbai at an exclusive Rendezvous. We are honoured to partner with Conosh for this extraordinary culinary affair, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our patrons and esteemed guests. As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, we take pride in presenting this exceptional gastronomic journey as one of the many milestone events planned throughout the year.”

22, Feb 2024
Chef Ana Roš’s Exclusive Pop-Up at Taj Mahal, New Delhi & The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, in collaboration with Conosh

New Delhi, 22nd February 2024: Taj Mahal, New Delhi, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, in collaboration with Conosh, bring yet another exceptional dining experience to India with the much-anticipated pop-up of Chef Ana Roš – Chef and owner of the Three-Michelin Starred Hiša Franko. This extravaganza promises an immersive journey for patrons to witness the culinary virtuoso Chef Ana Roš through dinners and masterclasses hosted at the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, paired with the exquisite beverages from the House of Suntory.

R to L - Chief arun

Chef Ana Roš has been recognized as the World’s best female chef in 2017 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Her culinary prowess, embellished with a Michelin Green Star and the Best Chef Pristine Award, will be on display in India for the first time.

This Rendezvous presented guests an opportunity to explore the extraordinary sojourn through the epicurean marvels of Hiša Franko and experience Slovenian gastronomy with a menu meticulously crafted by Chef Ana. The menu featured the celebrated Potato with Hay Crust, Sour Butter with Indian Spices, and Fermented Pumpkin, and the Corn Beignet, filled with Creamy High Mountain Cottage Cheese, Aromatic Herbs, and Roasted Polenta Flour for vegetarians, and for non-vegetarians the Corn Beignet was filled with Trout Roe. Experience the Market Leaf – A One-bite Hiša Franko Special, Orzotto – Almonds & Cauliflower, Market Citrus Textures of Cauliflower, Brown Butter, and Hiša Franko Harvest – A Mélange of Seasonal Harvests, among others. Non-vegetarian enthusiasts relished the Market Leaf with Chicken, Egg Yolk, and Caviar, Fish – King Mackerel, Lentils, Cashew-Sesame-Beurre Blanc, Blackberries, Pasta with Lamb, and Fresh Legumes and Roasted Yeast. The culinary adventure concluded with the Sweet Potato Dumpling – a harmonious blend of bee pollen fonduta, honey, and hazelnuts, and a refreshing FruiteBite.

Vaibhav Bahl, CEO of Conosh & Neha Malik, Co-founder of Conosh, expressed their excitement about this collaboration, stating, “Conosh is deeply honoured to collaborate with Chef Ana Roš as she introduces the exquisite flavours of Slovenia to the Indian audience. As founders, we are very proud to witness this remarkable celebration of culinary excellence, which exemplifies our steadfast commitment to pushing the envelope for narrative gastronomy. Ana’s debut dining experience in India will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in the evolving gastronomic landscape of our country.”

Speaking about catering to the Indian market, Chef Ana Roš, added “I’m excited to team up with Conosh to blend Slovenian charm and my culinary creativity for my first pop-up in India at the country’s landmark hospitality destinations – Taj Mahal, New Delhi and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. We’ll dive into Indian markets and culture to recreate Hiša Franko’s magic – the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Slovenia. My team and I are looking forward to sharing unforgettable dining moments in Delhi and Mumbai.”

Remarking on the successfully concluded Rendezvous at The Chambers, Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director Operations, and General Manager – Taj Mahal, New Delhi, said. “At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, we believe in crafting experiences that transcend the ordinary, and this event is no exception. We are honoured to collaborate with Conosh and Chef Ana Ros to bring the exquisite flavours of Slovenia to our esteemed guests at The Chambers. The culinary creativity of Chef and her team, along with the signature finesse of our iconic hotel and the warmth of Tajness, made this a Rendezvous to remember. Located in the heart of the Capital, Taj Mahal, New Delhi, now in its re-imagined avatar, celebrates 45 glorious years of hospitality, and is a landmark destination for world-class service and bespoke experiences.”

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Ritesh Sharma, General Manager – Of the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai said, “In our continued endeavour to provide unparalleled immersive experiences to our esteemed guests, we welcome Chef Ana Ros to recreate the spirit of her renowned three Michelin-starred restaurants, Hisa Franko, here in Mumbai at an exclusive Rendezvous. We are honoured to partner with Conosh for this extraordinary culinary affair, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our patrons and esteemed guests. As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, we take pride in presenting this exceptional gastronomic journey as one of the many milestone events planned throughout the year.”

22, Feb 2024
Dark Data Steps Into the Infrastructure Spotlight

Sensors are everywhere – turning off highway lights when roads are empty, monitoring the health of bridges, and monitoring the intricate dance of telecommunications networks and electrical grids. Every flicker of these sensors is a byte of data, meticulously logged and stored. With the costs of data storage plummeting over the past decade, we’re talking about an avalanche worth of data digitally warehoused.

Much of this data has been resting in the dark, unanalyzed and unseen. This is what experts call dark data. And now, as AI steps into the infrastructure arena, this dormant data is about to step into the spotlight.

“Indeed, there appears to be an enormous amount of data collected on infrastructure operations that could be better used to improve their effectiveness,” said IEEE Life Senior Member Raul Colcher.

AI thrives on data – the more, the better. And when it comes to training sophisticated AI models, this dark data, collected over years from myriad sensors and systems, may be extremely valuable.

So, what’s the big deal about bringing this dark data to light? For starters, it’s a game-changer for infrastructure operations. With AI algorithms churning through mountains of previously unused data, we can expect leaps in efficiency and new ways to design and use our infrastructure for a future where data moves more frequently than people.

BYTES BUILD BETTER

Much of the time, dark data isn’t used because it isn’t properly tagged, and is therefore difficult to analyze. Some research suggests that the machine learning algorithms that allocate resources within mobile phone networks could be greatly improved with the use of dark data. In another case, data scientists at an oil and gas plant were able to use dark data to improve a digital model of the plant without disrupting operations.

WHERE WILL THE IMPACT BE FELT THE MOST?

The benefits of analyzing and modeling this data are vast and varied. From planning to operations, maintenance, and beyond, every facet of infrastructure could see a transformation. Picture more accurate models, better automation, and a deeper understanding of how our systems truly work.

CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON

But, it’s not all smooth sailing. Dark data, while abundant, isn’t always clean or error-free. Questions of bias, data provenance, and security loom large. How we address these challenges will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of AI in infrastructure.

“The surge in data quantity doesn’t guarantee better results,” said IEEE Member Qi Qi Wang. “Filtering out disruptive or poor-quality data presents a substantial challenge.”

Learn more: 2023 was a landmark year in AI, as broad swaths of the public became more aware of AI thanks to the power of generative AI tools. IEEE Spectrum covered developments in-depth. Check out their run-down of the top AI stories in 2023.