Archives September 2023

Kyndryl Survey Reveals Mainframe Modernization is Driving More Than $12B Collective Cost Savings for Those Surveyed

Bengaluru15th September 2023— Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, today unveiled the findings of its inaugural global survey and analysis of the current and future state of mainframe modernization for businesses. The survey among 500 business and IT leaders finds that most organizations are taking a hybrid approach to mainframe modernization, and the respondents reported collectively achieving $12.5B in cost savings.

In today´s competitive and fast-changing business environment where many leaders are reconsidering spending choices, enterprises are looking for ways to start or accelerate their mainframe modernization journey to drive increased efficiency, agility, and innovation. According to Kyndryl’s survey, as companies seek to transform their mainframe environment:

95% of respondents are moving at least some of their mainframe applications to cloud or distributed platforms, on average 37% of their workloads. Only 1% of respondents plan to move all workloads fully off the mainframe.
90% of respondents state the mainframe remains essential to their business operations due to its high levels of security, reliability, and performance, while having the flexibility to move to cloud platforms for efficiency.

Enterprises looking to update their mission-critical operations are approaching modernization in three ways – modernizing on the mainframe, integrating with the hyperscalers, or moving off to the cloud. Almost all respondents use a combination of approaches, by considering the capabilities of each platform and tailoring projects to their business and technical needs.

A key observation is that regardless of the chosen mainframe modernization approach, businesses report reduced costs and increased profitability by 9% to 11%. Average annual cost savings per organization are $25M, showing that mainframe modernization yields a positive return on investment. In addition to financial benefits, respondents indicate that transformation is fueling innovation by allowing them to take advantage of increased scalability and faster time to market.

Kyndryl’s survey uncovers that respondents share a common concern about security, no matter what transformation path they choose. Security is the most important factor noted (49%) in defining an organization’s transformation strategy. At the same time, it is one of the most crucial elements for the success of a mainframe modernization project and the most popular topic for training and upskilling. Concerns about declining mainframe skills are also cited as a major challenge for more than half of the organizations surveyed, and this skills gap represents job opportunities for rising technical talent. In fact, 74% of respondents say they rely on external firms to support them on the transformation due to their skills challenges.

“Our survey reveals that mainframes increasingly become an integral part of hybrid cloud environments and continue to drive business value. However, the lack of a skilled workforce to support and secure these mission-critical environments is a significant cause of anxiety for many businesses,” said Petra Goude, Global Practice Leader for Core Enterprise & zCloud at Kyndryl. “Finding a trusted advisor and integrator with deep expertise and experience is key to success – no matter where organizations are on their journey and how they aim to execute their transformation. The survey shows that maintaining the status quo is not a path to modernization or growth.”

Kyndryl commissioned Coleman Parkes Research to survey 500 decision-makers including CTO/CIOs, IT Directors and Business Leaders from enterprises across all industries and government, of different sizes, with different levels of dependency on the mainframe, and at different points in their modernization journey.

To learn more about the insights gathered on how respondents view mainframe transformation and application modernization, as well as the challenges, risks, and benefits related to their initiatives, go to: Kyndryl´s 2023 State of Mainframe Modernization Survey Report.

Tulip Infratech Accelerates Gurgaon’s Real Estate Renaissance: Tulip Monsella

Gurugram, 15th September 2023 — In a remarkable turnaround story, Tulip Infratech, a prominent real estate company headquartered in Gurgaon, has been making headlines for its exceptional progress on the transformative Tulip Monsella project, known as one of the tallest Residential project in the millennium City

This project, which had once been on the brink of history due to previous setbacks, is now back on track and flourishing under Tulip Infratech’s leadership. The resounding support and trust of over 5000 homebuyers who have previously invested in Tulip projects have propelled Tulip to unveil Phase II of this prestigious project in record time.

The Phase II of Tulip Monsella spans over 3,50,000 square feet of development including high-end ultra-luxury apartments, duplexes & penthouses

The overall project spans over 20 acres on Golf Course Road, sector 53 and is estimated to be valued at more than 5000 crore. Originally initiated by another real estate player and subsequently stalled, Tulip Infratech stepped in as a beacon of hope for investors and homeowners alike.

Under Tulip Infratech’s capable stewardship, this ambitious project has witnessed significant strides. Having taken over the project in 2021 through negotiations with banks and the previous builder, Tulip Infratech has ambitious plans for Tulip Monsella. These plans include the construction of approximately 1,100 luxury apartments and 150 units designed for economically weaker sections, all thoughtfully integrated into 11 elegant towers. Additionally, two separate commercial buildings will complement this grand development.

Commenting on the phase-II launching of Tulip Monsella, Mr. Parveen Jain, Chairman of Tulip Infratech Pvt Limited, stated, “Today, we are thrilled to announce significant developments that showcase Tulip Monsella’s journey towards becoming a beacon of excellence in the real estate landscape. Phase-II is here for new buyers however our commitment to the 200 buyers who had previously invested with Vipul Ltd, is intact and ensure they will receive their flats at the originally agreed-upon location and cost as per their prior agreement with the developer”

Agilitas Sports Acquires Mochiko Shoes, India’s Largest and First Sports Footwear Manufacturer to Receive BIS license

Agilitas Sports Acquires Mochiko Shoes

Bengaluru,15th September 2023 Agilitas Sports, an innovation-led sportswear and Athleisure solutions platform, co-founded by Abhishek Ganguly, ex-MD, Puma (India & South-East Asia), has in a significant move, announced the acquisition of Mochiko Shoes Pvt Ltd, India’s largest sports footwear manufacturer for the domestic market.

“This acquisition augments Agilitas’ value proposition, by strengthening our supply chain in the rapidly growing sports footwear market. Mochiko’s manufacturing capabilities, operational excellence and strategic partnerships with leading global giants, positions us to address the Government’s clarion call to ‘Make in India’, and to cater to the rising aspirations of an economic superpower, with the largest youth population”, said Abhishek Ganguly, CEO & Co-Founder, Agilitas Sports.

Established in 2008, by Virender Awal and a co-founding team of five members, Mochiko Shoes registered a revenue of INR 642 crore in FY2023, and is estimated to grow by 30 per cent, Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y).

Virender Awal, Founder & CEO of Mochiko Shoes Pvt. Ltd., spoke about the acquisition, “Joining the Agilitas family propels our ambitions. We are now poised to enhance long-term investments, addressing the soaring demand in the Sports and Athleisure footwear sector. We envision multi-fold and multifaceted growth in our business over the next 5-6 years, adding jobs and livelihood.”

Today, Mochiko Shoes is a manufacturing partner to leading international brands, such as Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Reebok, Asics, Crocs, Decathlon, Clarks, US Polo, among others.

With fully integrated, end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, Mochiko is the first sports footwear manufacturer in India to receive BIS licence, and is fully compliant to the soon-to-be-implemented Quality Control Orders (QCOs), by the Government of India. Additionally, all its units are ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified.

The company has manufacturing units located in Dehradun and Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) as well as in the National Capital Region (NCR), of Noida. Mochiko employs nearly 10,000 individuals, across the length and breadth of its operations.

The founding team of Agilitas Sports comprises of Abhishek Ganguly, the former Managing Director of PUMA India and South East Asia, Atul Bajaj, former Executive Director – Sales and Operations of PUMA India, and Amit Prabhu, former Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer of PUMA India.

Eye-Q Among the First to Launch Cutting-Edge ELITA SILK Procedure in India at its Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospital, Gurgaon

Eye-Q Among

New Delhi, 15th September 2023: Eye-Q, the leading hospital eye care chain, has introduced a groundbreaking advancement in eye care delivery with the unveiling of the cutting-edge ELITA SILK Procedure, a technology by Johnson and Johnson, at its flagship eye-care facility. The inauguration ceremony took place on Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospital, Gurgaon on 14th September 2023 in presence of a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, esteemed guests, and healthcare professionals.

The introduction of the ELITA SILK Procedure marks a major milestone in the field of ophthalmology, offering the revolutionary “No Flap Procedure” with a micro-incision of a mere 2mm. This advanced technology is specifically tailored for individuals with high power prescriptions, aiming to free the 18-35 age group from the reliance on eyeglasses. One of the striking advantages of SILK technology is the swiftness of recovery it offers. While traditional LASIK procedures require approximately one week for a full recovery, SILK technology ensures a remarkably swift recuperation, with just one day being sufficient. This not only makes the process safer but also significantly reduces downtime for patients.

Commending the Eye-Q team for their remarkable efforts in advancing ophthalmological treatments, the machine was inaugurated by esteemed Dr Kapil Arneja, Deputy Director- LASIK and Refractive Services alongside the gracious presence of top leaders. The event also saw the participation from the notable members of the Eye-Q team, including Eye-Q Faculty and Doctor’s Team

“My vision for Eye-Q has always been to pioneer transformative advancements in eye care. To be among the first in India to introduce the ELITA SILK Procedure is a testament to this vision. This installation is not just a milestone; it’s a leap forward in revolutionizing how we provide eye care in India. With SILK technology, we aim to empower individuals to break free from the constraints of spectacles faster and safer than ever before. But beyond this facility, our journey continues. We are committed to expanding the reach of SILK technology, making world-class eye care accessible to more regions across the country. This is our promise, and this is our legacy in the making.” stated Dr. Ajay Sharma, Founder and CMD of Eye-Q.

Dr Kapil Arneja, Deputy Director- LASIK and Refractive Services, of Eye-Q’s, Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospital, Gurgaon Facility stated, “Being a part of this Facility during the introduction of the ELITA SILK Procedure is a moment of immense pride. This groundbreaking technology redefines the landscape of eye care, offering a rapid and secure solution for those with high-power prescriptions. It underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the field. With SILK, we are not just changing vision; we are elevating lives, enabling individuals to break free from the constraints of glasses, and embracing the world with newfound clarity.”

With unwavering commitment and dedication, further reaffirming their commitment to enhancing the lives of countless individuals. Looking ahead, Eye-Q envisions expanding the reach of SILK technology to cater to more regions. In the near future, Eye-Q is planning to launch the ELITA SILK Procedure at the Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospital facility, ensuring that more individuals across the country can benefit from this remarkable advancement in eye care.

The New Range Rover Velar: Sophisticated Elegance Coupled With Compelling Design

New Range Rover Velar

Bengaluru, India – 15th September 2023: JLR India has officially launched the new and enhanced Range Rover Velar in India. The Range Rover Velar is a pure expression of modern luxury, featuring the latest technology, trademark Range Rover refinement and a dramatic, clean and reductive new design.

The New Range Rover Velar is available in Dynamic HSE with two powertrain options – the 2.0 l petrol engine delivering a power of 184 kW and 365 Nm torque and a 2.0 l Ingenium diesel engine delivering a power of 150 kW and 430 Nm torque.

Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said: “The New Range Rover Velar is a forward-thinking sanctuary with curated and refined elements that make it both intriguing and desirable. It has been carefully crafted for the transforming tastes of our discerning clients and is all set to elevate the bar for luxury travel in India. The New Range Rover Velar embodies effortless sophistication with a bold elegance and dramatic presence, and its latest technology and reductive design integrate seamlessly with our focus on modern luxury.”

The Range Rover Velar pioneers the brand’s reductive design philosophy, with an updated exterior and a revamped interior. Its design features a new grille combined with the characteristic floating roof, unbroken waistline and flush deployable door handles. On the inside, a full suite of technologies promotes passenger comfort and wellbeing, making the midsize luxury SUV a preferred choice for comfort-conscious consumers.

Intriguing Design

The Range Rover Velar’s reductive design philosophy and its new grille – alongside the introduction of new Pixel LED Headlights with jewel-like effect Signature Daytime Running Lights – ensure a unified look across the entire family. At the rear, the powerful overhang provides balance and highlights the Range Rover Velar’s imposing length. New LED taillights echo this sophistication, with an eye-catching 3D appearance and super-red illumination, complemented by a full-length high-level stop-lamp.

The New Range Rover Velar is available in four exterior colours and two interior colourways in Windsor leather, with two new curations for India. The Ultimate Luxury curation is available in Zadar Grey, with 50.8 cm (20), 10-spoke Satin Dark Grey wheels with Deep Garnet interiors. The Designer’s choice curation is available in the Varesine Blue with 50.8 cm (20), 10-spoke Satin Dark Grey wheels with Caraway interiors.

These are complemented by a curated choice of details, including new Moonlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds, and air vents. Tactile Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer trim finisher underline its elegance.

Seamless Integration

The Velar features the latest evolution of Range Rover’s next-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system as its centrepiece – a single 28.95 cm (11.4) floating curved glass interface that is ergonomically positioned and incorporates controls for all key vehicle functions. The system has been designed to ensure that 80% of tasks are able to be performed within two taps of the home screen, to deliver the most user-friendly technology experience possible.

Pivi Pro supports effortless smartphone connectivity with Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Wireless Android Auto®, while Wireless Device Charging – from a new stowage area in the centre console – provides immediate fast charging. Controls for the climate, seating, audio volume, and Terrain Response modes are accessible via new multi-functional sliding controls on the screen.

At the beginning of every journey, drivers are presented with a Pre-Drive panel for fast access to commonly used features, such as window demisters and the heated/cooled seats. Once on the move, it disappears to reveal the familiar three-panel home screen that can be customised with the Pivi Pro. 80 percent of the vehicle’s total ECUs are capable of seamless wireless updates.

Immersive Sound and Technology

The cosseting cabin of the Range Rover Velar minimises road noise with pioneering Active Road Noise Cancellation technology. This technology automatically processes an anti-noise through the vehicle’s audio system to reduce overall interior noise levels.

A range of powerful Meridian audio systems for New Range Rover Velar delivers high-fidelity music playback using up to 12 speakers and 400 W of amplifier power for an immersive listening experience.

Contemporary Luxury

The New Range Rover Velar provides customary Range Rover refinement in a calm sanctuary, with heightened comfort and convenience features that help to promote wellbeing.

The latest Cabin Air Purification Plus system is available as part of the optional Comfort Pack for the New Range Rover Velar, using CO2 Management and PM2.5 Cabin Air Filtration to improve the cabin environment by monitoring interior and exterior air and adjusting accordingly. The system also combines nanoe™ X technology to combat pathogens and help significantly reduce odours, bacteria and allergens.

Configurable Cabin Lighting provides a choice of 30 interior colours to illuminate the doors, console and footwells. Preset colour themes make it easier to find the perfect combination, while every occupant can select their ideal interior temperature using the four-zone climate control.

When it comes to greater visibility in the dark, New Range Rover Velar pushes the boundaries of pixel LED lighting technology with advanced Pixel LED Headlights with Signature Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Standard on Dynamic HSE, the system features three times as many LEDs as Matrix LED headlights and four pixel modules with 67 precisely controlled LEDs in each one, to accurately adapt to the conditions and the road ahead. Dynamic Bend Lighting uses speed and steering data to respond to the road and illuminate dark corners and verges, while the high beam range can focus light almost half a kilometre in front, for optimum visibility. Able to cast shadows around four oncoming objects and avoid dazzling, Adaptive Driving Beam automatically adapts to vehicle speed, casting a wide beam at low speeds and a more intense, longer beam above 70 km/h.

Performance and Capability

Trademark Range Rover ride comfort and refinement is provided by advanced chassis and suspension set-ups in the Range Rover Velar. Electronic Air Suspension provides serene comfort, maintaining composure on rougher roads while smoothing out bumps with Adaptive Dynamics, an advanced chassis system that continuously varies the damping forces at each wheel.

Terrain Response 2® is accessible through Pivi Pro and allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings to suit the driving environment, with a choice of Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Dynamic and Automatic mode. Each alters the calibration of the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, suspension, and stability control systems for optimum traction and composure.

A comprehensive portfolio of off-road technologies supports Velar’s all-terrain capability. A suite of cameras enable three key features including 3D Surround Camera, ClearSight Ground View and also Rear Camera.

The 3D Surround Camera displays a real-time external 3D perspective of the vehicle via a 28.95 cm (11.4) floating curved touch screen – useful for low-speed manoeuvres across different terrain. The 3D surround camera can even display a plan view from above, seemingly making the car disappear – useful when manoeuvring across different terrains.

Another innovative camera feature is the award-winning ClearSight Ground View, enabled by the 3D Surround Camera. This feature cleverly stitches together camera feeds to offer a virtual view below the bonnet, making it seem invisible. Cameras positioned in the front grille and on the door mirrors offer an accurate representation of different terrain or potential hazards. A virtual 180-degree view helps make manoeuvring easier at speeds up to 30 km/h.

The New Range Rover Velar deliveries have started. For more information visit www.landrover.in

Range Rover Product Portfolio in India

The Range Rover portfolio in India includes the New Range Rover (starting at ₹ 238.87 Lakh), Range Rover Sport (starting at ₹ 164.29 Lakh), New Range Rover Velar (starting at ₹ 94.3 Lakh), and Range Rover Evoque (starting at ₹ 73.07 Lakh), all prices mentioned are ex-showroom in India.

JLR Retailer Network in India

JLR India vehicles are available in India in 21 cities, through 25 authorized outlets in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru (3), Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai (2), Coimbatore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Karnal, Lucknow, Mumbai (2), Noida, Pune, Raipur, Surat and Vijayawada.

Annual Blue-Collar Job Market Index highlights 50% Growth in Hiring Trends from 2022 to 2023 – WorkIndia

India, 15th September 2023: WorkIndia, a leading tech enabled blue collar tech recruitment platform has released of its Annual Blue-Collar Job Market Index, offering a comprehensive overview of hiring activity and trends in the blue-collar job sector in India. The report is based on an extensive analysis of new job listings and job demand by recruiters on the resume database, from April 2022 to April 2023.

work India

This report captures hiring activity across various dimensions, including job segments, cities, salary ranges, experience bands, and future projections. It is aggregated based on the hiring activity of over 1. 4 lakh clients with over 20.7 Lakh Job listings. This year’s report reveals a remarkable 50% growth in the overall hiring trends from April 2022 to April 2023, reflecting a dynamic and evolving job market landscape.

Among the standout revelations are the remarkable growth rates in the top five job segments. Backoffice positions witnessed an astounding 269% increase, closely followed by Telecalling with a 283% surge. Field Sales saw an impressive 288% growth, while the Delivery Boy and Office Boy roles experienced 271% and 284% growth, respectively.

Furthermore, the report highlights substantial growth in several major Indian cities. Delhi experienced an 83% increase in hiring activity, while both Mumbai and Bangalore saw a remarkable 92% growth rate. Kolkata also demonstrated a noteworthy 59% rise in job market activity.

The study also delves into hiring trends across different experience levels, indicating significant shifts in job seekers’ preferences. Job opportunities for candidates with 0-6 months of experience surged by 109%, while those with 1-2 years of experience witnessed a notable 96% growth. Meanwhile, candidates with over 2 years of experience still saw a respectable 56% growth in job opportunities.

Beyond these core findings, the report sheds light on the broader economic landscape in India. It notes that as of March 2023, there were a total of 6 crores Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) operating in the country. Additionally, GDP growth projections for the period were set at an encouraging 8%. Of particular interest is the prevalence of online SMBs in India, numbering 3 crores, with online businesses capturing a 50% share of the SMB market. Internet penetration, a crucial factor in the digital economy, stood at 7%. The report also reveals that a total of 21lakh SMBs were acquired, and the collective market share of these businesses accounted for 7% of the market.

As of March 2023, there were notable variations in monthly salary trend growth across various professions. These trends reflect the diverse economic landscape and evolving workforce demands in March 2023. The most striking trend was in the driver profession, which saw an astonishing 32% growth, likely influenced by the evolving needs of transportation and logistics in our dynamic world. The accounts sector saw a steady 1% growth, reflecting stability in this field. Architectural professionals experienced a slightly higher 2% growth, indicating increased demand for their expertise. The back-office sector also witnessed a 1% growth, suggesting a consistent employment landscape. In contrast, the beautician industry saw a more significant 2% growth, possibly driven by a growing focus on personal grooming and wellness. The chemist profession experienced a remarkable 6% growth, highlighting the significance of healthcare and pharmaceuticals in the current climate.

Commenting on the report, Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO and Co-Founder, WorkIndia said – “This report is a testament to the dynamic growth potential of the blue-collar job market in India, these findings demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of the Indian workforce, as well as the evolving preferences of job seekers and recruiters. We believe that these growth numbers will serve as a valuable resource for businesses, policymakers, and job seekers to make informed decisions in this ever-changing job market landscape.”

These findings collectively demonstrate a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of blue-collar job markets in India, offering valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and job seekers alike as they navigate this dynamic environment.

TEGC 2023: A Decade of Esports Excellence Returns to Crown India’s New Champions with a Grand Comeback, Unveils New Website and Trophy

TEGC

India, 15th September 2023The fun, cool, and futuristic Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup (TEGC) 2023 is back in India in all its splendour to hunt for new esports champions.

TEGC – the longest-running esports championship in India – will complete 10 years in 2023, and the celebrations surrounding the coveted championship promises to be bigger, better, and bolder.

On September 12, Taiwan Excellence (TE) unveiled details of the elimination rounds, the grand finale, and other interesting aspects of the sought-after championship at a special press conference held at Four Seasons, Worli, Mumbai.

This year the event will, for the first time, bring together all former TEGC champions from India on one stage. TEGC has also tied up with leading tech influencers to livestream the event, and the same will be available on the TE YouTube handle. A brand-new website was unveiled during the event, signaling the opening of the TEGC registration for gamers with many interesting prizes up for grabs in the finale.

Recognizing the immense contribution of women in esports, TEGC announced its plans to have an interesting contest between India’s top 10 female gamers. This battle will play out at the same time as the TEGC grand finale scheduled to be held in November.

TEGC 2023 will also be promoted at several college and gaming festivals where visitors will get a first-hand experience of Made in Taiwan products during the festival period and in another first, TEGC will join hands with an NGO working with underprivileged children as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The tie-up will allow the kids to spend a fun-filled day interacting with influential gamers playing educational games and understanding the importance of sports for their holistic development.

Over the years, TEGC has helped launch the gaming careers of many e-sports enthusiasts across India. Several TEGC champions and participants have represented India at international gaming events, winning laurels for the country.

A report by Mordor Intelligence has estimated that India’s gaming market will grow from USD 3.02 billion in 2023 to USD 6.26 billion by 2028, a CAGR of 15.68% during the period.

Speaking at the launch of the 10th edition of TEGC, Mr. Poyi Edison Hsu, Director of Taipei World Trade Centre Liaison Office in Mumbai (TAITRA – Mumbai) said, “Esports is not just about gaming, it is a passion, a career, and a way of life for some of the brightest minds in this country,”.

“From 500 participants at its debut, the TEGC has come a long way with the 10th edition expected to have over 25,000 young Indian gamers battling it out to be the champion,” said Mr Edison

Terming TEGC’s 10th edition as ‘extra special’, he added, “To celebrate 10 years of TEGC, the grand finale will see all former TEGC champions on one platform. For the first time, the TEGC finale will also have a special event to acknowledge women power in esports with India’s top 10 women gamers showcasing their gaming prowess.”

Commenting on the future of esports in the country, Mr. Edison said, “India’s demographic advantage, growing IT infrastructure, and resultant internet and smartphone penetration augurs well for the future of the gaming industry.”

The event also gives gamers and visitors a chance to delve deep into Taiwan’s formidable gaming technology and gadgets. During the event, leading brands displayed the best of products such as AORUS, AROMASE, CyberPower, D-Link, MSI, Predator, Republic of Gamers, Thermaltake, VICTOR, and Zyxel among others.

Should you require any further details, please visit the official website: https://tegamingcup.in/

Nextracker Unveils Next Generation Tech Suite to Address Undulating Terrain, and Rapidly Changing Atmospheric Conditions

Mumbai, 15th September 2023– Solar solutions provider Nextracker today announced the unveiling of next-generation innovations- NX Horizon XTR-1.5™, and Zonal Diffuse. Each of these releases builds upon proven technology that has been delivered to utility scale solar power plants for three or more years. The product suite combines hardware, smart software, and process innovations to deliver value to owners and EPCs.

Speaking on the launch, Nextracker founder and CEO, Dan Shugar said, “Our product development priorities are informed by listening to customers and innovating to create value for them. The suite of hardware and software technologies launched today benefits customers by accelerating construction, reducing risk in extreme hail, and generating more energy in rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. These technologies deliver improved solar project profitability and expand the geographic areas where solar is cost effective, furthering our vision of a world powered by renewables.”

Expressing enthusiasm on the launch, Mr. Rajeev Kashyap, Vice President and General Manager, Nextracker, “I am incredibly excited about Nextracker’s dedication to innovation and sustainability through the launch of these state-of-the-art technologies. As we advance our solar energy initiatives in India, where we encounter distinctive challenges like unpredictable weather conditions and varying landscapes, Nextracker’s solutions become indispensable in ensuring the success and optimization of solar projects throughout our nation. These technologies bear immense importance for India, enabling us to harness solar power efficiently and reshape our energy landscape.”

NX Horizon XTR-1.5™

Nextracker’s latest innovation for hilly sites doubles the capability of the popular NX Horizon XTRTM terrain following tracker, which has been proven on dozens of utility scale projects and in-use since 2019. NX Horizon XTR-1.5 significantly reduces and even eliminates earthwork on extreme terrain sites, without complex joints or additional components. XTR can save many tons of steel with shorter piles and thousands of cubic yards of cut and fill; with the benefits of accelerating construction schedules, minimizing environmental impact, and reducing project risk. Minimizing disturbance also prevents long-term soil erosion and preserves habitats, an important factor when it comes to ease of permitting for new projects. Watch this video to learn how XTR helped an Australian EPC fulfill indigenous no-grading land requirements.

Zonal Diffuse™

Nextracker has expanded TrueCapture’s yield optimization and control software with Zonal Diffuse, a new tracking function that enhances energy generation during rapidly changing irradiance conditions. This new technology includes additional high spatial resolution sensing and new control algorithms, adjusting trackers to variations in cloud cover across the entire power plant. Plants equipped with Zonal Diffuse can “chase clouds” for additional gains, without compromising tracking performance during clear sky conditions. Zonal Diffuse complements TrueCapture’s terrain-adaptive Row-to-Row tracking mode and Split Boost, a tracking optimization algorithm for half-cell modules. Read about our latest IE validation report by independent engineering firm, Enertis.

Nextracker has retained the leading global market share position for the 8th consecutive year, according to WoodMackenzie Power & Renewables for solar tracking, having shipped more than 75 GW of solar generation as of the end of 2022.

Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad Performs Successful Bilateral Lung Transplantation on a 31-Year-Old

Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad Performs

Hyderabad, 15th Sept 2023:A team of highly experienced doctors at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad achieved a remarkable feat by successfully performing a complex bilateral lung transplant on Mr. ShaikGufran, a 31-year-old patient from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Gufran was facing the challenges of complicated silicosis (a progressive lung disease primarily caused by inhaling silica dust) and had a history of treated NTM (non-tuberculous mycobacterial) infection. This intricate bilateral lung transplantation was carried out by a team of distinguished medical professionals, including Dr. Balasubramoniam K R, a Consultant Robotic and Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon, and Dr. ChetanRaoVaddepally, a Consultant Interventional and Transplant Pulmonologist, Dr. Manjunath Bale, Consultant Robotic and Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Vimi Varghese, Consultant Transplant Pulmonologist, Dr. Sricharan G , Transplant Intensivist, Dr.Ravikanth, anaesthesiologist and Dr.Vikram Naidu anaesthesiologists.

Despite effective treatment for his NTM infection, Mr. ShaikGufranstill bore the permanent scars it had left on his lungs, further complicating his condition. These lingering effects added to his struggles, eventually requiring him to rely on constant oxygen support to sustain his life as his health deteriorated.

Following a thorough evaluation, the dedicated medical team at Yashoda Hospitals made the critical decision to proceed with a life-saving double lung transplant as soon as a suitable donor became available. The surgical procedure was carried out with great success, and the transplanted lungs gradually regained full functionality.
Mr.Gufran was discharged from the hospital, no longer reliant on oxygen assistance. This remarkable journey reflects the incredible dedication and expertise of the medical team at Yashoda Hospitals in restoring a better quality of life for their patients.

Commenting on the case, Dr.ChetanRaoVaddepally, Consultant Interventional and Transplant Pulmonologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, said, “Performing this complex surgery is an example of the exemplary skill of our transplant team and the life-extending benefits of transplant surgery. Mr.ShaikGufran is responding well to a bilateral lung transplant. Lung transplants in India have picked up in recent years. Several patients with end-stage lung disease can be saved with lung transplants.”

Dr.Balasubramoniam K. R., Consultant Robotic and Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, added, “the surgical challenge in this patient was to remove the diseased rock like lungs which was plastered in the chest cavity and to the heart . It was amazing to see him recover so fast and leave hospital without oxygen support by 2 weeks after a major surgery . Lung transplantation can improve the quality of life of patients with end stage respiratory failure.”

Star Health simplifies health insurance purchases; launches dynamic UPI QR Code based Payments

Bangalore, 15th September 2023: Star Health and Allied Insurance, the leading Health Insurance Company in India, today announces a significant move towards transforming the insurance payment landscape with the launch of its dynamic UPI QR code-based payment option for policy purchases and renewals. The customized solution simplifies the customer purchase experience to a few clicks. Star Health also launched personalized UPI payment intent links to enhance customer ease. This cutting-edge initiative, enabled by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), represents a paradigm shift in the adoption of modern technology driven payment solutions. The initiative furthers Star Health’s customer centricity, enhances customer experience and convenience while ensuring seamless and secure transactions.

The dynamic UPI QR code, integrated into payment reminder emails, empowers customers to complete their transactions within seconds. All essential payment details, including the premium amount, are pre-fed into the QR code, simplifying the payment process and eliminating the need for manual premium amount entry. With a simple scan of the customized code, customers can make payments within a few seconds, ensuring a hassle-free, error-free and efficient experience.

Star Health’s unique customized UPI payment intent link improves universal accessibility, enabling customers to complete transactions with ease on any mobile phone. Upon clicking the link, the UPI app launches promptly, and in cases where multiple UPI apps are present, customers are prompted to choose their preferred app. The payment details, including the premium amount, are automatically loaded into the chosen app, and customers can authenticate the payment using their UPI PIN, culminating in a seamless purchase experience.

Mr. Anand Roy, MD & CEO of Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. ltd., said, “Catering to our customers’ ever-evolving needs and preferences, we are delighted to introduce our dynamic QR code & intent link based UPI payment options. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to adopting the latest in payment technology, making us a leading insurer in providing cutting-edge solutions to our valued customers. At Star Health, we prioritize the safety and convenience of our customers, and the adoption of customized UPI payment solutions reflects our dedication to providing seamless, efficient, and secure payment experiences. With this development, we empower all our customers to embrace a new era of insurance transactions.”

“By streamlining the payment journey, we empower our customers to secure their insurance with just a scan and a click. Adoption of a dynamic QR code-based UPI process is a testament to Star Health’s continuous pursuit of excellence & innovation. Embracing UPI payments aligns perfectly with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision and IRDAI’s transformative goals for the insurance sector.” added Mr. Chitti Babu, Chief Innovation Officer, Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. ltd

Mr. Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products, NPCI, said “Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has gained significant popularity as one of the most preferred modes of payment in the country, owing to its convenience and wide acceptability. We are delighted that customers of Star Health and Allied Insurance will now have swift access to UPI-based payment options for their insurance-related transactions. The seamless, efficient, and secure payment choices offered through UPI will undoubtedly pave the way for a digitized insurance ecosystem in India. With financial inclusion at the forefront of the nation’s economic agenda, the integration of UPI will make the process of policy renewal and purchases more accessible, thereby, further propelling the penetration of the Insurance sector in India.”

Star Health’s UPI QR code and UPI payment intent link based payment system significantly shorten the payment journey, reducing transaction times to a matter of seconds and delivering a hassle free experience.