Archives November 2023

Mumbai,17th November 2023 Lighthouse Learning (formerly known as EuroKids International), India’s leading Early Childhood and K-12 Education Group, and York College of Pennsylvania in the US, announced the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a three-year partnership today. The partnership is aimed at enhancing students’ educational experiences, higher education pathways and scholarship opportunities.

Through this partnership, Lighthouse Learning students will gain access to annual multi-disciplinary learning workshops conducted by York College faculty. In addition to this, they will also get an opportunity to compete for highly competitive scholarships and explore the diverse range of programs offered by the College. This hands-on and immersive approach to education aligns perfectly with Lighthouse Learning’s mission to foster personal development in students, and develop the skills to thrive in the future global economy.

The MoU was signed by Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and Group CEO, Lighthouse Learning, and Dr. Thomas D. Burns, President, York College of Pennsylvania. York College is recognised for its excellence in professional business, engineering, and education programs, offering a broad spectrum of over 70 majors in these professional programs as well as in the sciences, arts, and humanities. Some of the diverse programs offered by the College include STEM programmes, Pre-Medical Sciences, Film and Media Arts, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Cybersecurity Management, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, among others.

As part of the MoU, students who attend secondary schools operated by Lighthouse Learning for a minimum of two academic years will be eligible to apply for a guaranteed $9,000 USD merit scholarship per academic year for the entire four-year program. Additionally, these students will also have the opportunity to apply for non-guaranteed, competitive-based scholarships offered by York College, including the James L. Mohatt Excellence in Music Scholarship, Vincent Risley Scholarship, Eisenhart Community Scholars, and Presidential Research Fellowship. These scholarships will provide an avenue for deserving students to further their education and realise their academic dreams.

Announcing about the partnership, Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and Group CEO, Lighthouse Learning, said, “We are extremely delighted to announce our partnership with York College, a renowned institution known for its high-quality professional programs. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to student success, as it opens new up possibilities for students. By offering access to diverse learning experiences and an array of scholarships, we are not only reshaping the educational landscape but also providing our students with the tools to unlock their full potential. Together with York College, we are committed to forging a new frontier in education for our students and shaping the trajectory of their futures.”

President Thomas Burns, York College, added, “We are honored to extend our hand in partnership with a renowned institution such as Lighthouse Learning. Our commitment is to be the beacon that guides students toward their dreams. We are not just providing learning opportunities, we are investing in the future of the world, transforming lives, and building a legacy of excellence. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower young minds with the transformative gift of education and opportunity. We look forward to the positive impact that this partnership will have on student’s academic success, their learning journey and their overall development as global future leaders.”

India, 17th November 2023: CNH signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH), Srinagar to collaborate on fruit harvesting technology in India.

The partnership will focus on enhancing the mechanization of fruit harvesting, specifically apples, integrating cutting-edge techniques. It will also foster the development of innovative solutions tailored to India’s unique agricultural challenges.

“This strategic partnership seeks to pioneer groundbreaking innovation within horticulture. Together with ICAR – CITH, we look forward to combining our knowledge and expertise to deliver a step change in agricultural efficiency and productivity, benefiting the farmers and the wider agriculture community,” said Dr. Garv Modwel, Group Leader, Advanced Technology and Innovation, CNH India Technology Center.

According to the MOU, CNH will oversee the design and development process of harvesting. The company will supply prototypes for field tests and make improvements based on the trial outcomes.

Dr. M.K Verma, Director, ICAR – CITH Srinagar, said, “We look forward to collaborating with CNH to bring technological advancement to the Indian horticultural sector. The project offers an opportunity for our experts to apply their experience and understanding in developing solutions that will help reshape the future of fruit harvesting in India.”

ICAR-CITH will support image collection, logistics and operational aspects. The institute will analyze field test data such as picking efficiency, post-harvest losses, and the impact on fruit quality.

CNH India serves the country through its Case IH, New Holland Agriculture and CASE Construction Equipment brands, delivering on the promise to provide world class products of engineering excellence, with ‘Made in India’ manufacturing operations for over 25 years. ICAR-CITH plays a significant role in formulating and advancing research initiatives aimed at enhancing crop improvement, production, protection, and post-harvest management to ensure economic and nutritional stability across the Himalayan region.

CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) is a world-class equipment and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland Agriculture supply 360° agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and CASE and New Holland Construction Equipment deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company’s regionally focused Brands include: STEYR, for agricultural tractors; Raven, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems; Hemisphere, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision satellite-based positioning and heading technologies; Flexi-Coil, specializing in tillage and seeding systems; Miller, manufacturing application equipment; Kongskilde, providing tillage, seeding and hay & forage implements; and Eurocomach, producing a wide range of mini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions.

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH Industrial has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH Industrial’s 40,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world.

Pune, 17th November 2023: Finolex Cables, India’s leading manufacturer of electrical and communication cables announced the introduction of LAN Passive Components to its existing business of LAN cables. The product range includes patch cords, information outlet, patch card and faceplates. These are especially useful in places like data centres, IT networks, conference rooms and branch office connections with high-density switches.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Mahesh Viswanathan, Dy CEO & CFO, Finolex Cables Ltd. said, “We have decades of experience and immaculate track-record in manufacturing telephone cables, JFTC, signal cables, CCTV cables, LAN cables and Fiber Optic Cables (from 6 cores to 576 cores). The company truly understands how to provide better and smarter solutions for our consumers. The number of structured cabling users, including government agencies, educational bodies, telecommunications companies, financial institutions, retailers and social networking services, are growing in tandem with the rising urbanization rate, thus putting additional strain on the current communication infrastructure. Our LAN offerings will deliver a much-needed solution for the structured cabling industry.”

India is undergoing a digital revolution driven by the rapidly changing business requirements and increased usage of data for decision making. The Indian government aims to develop 100 smart cities, where the internet of things (IoT) will play a pivotal role. At the same time, the need for intelligent buildings is increasing, as more companies are working to make their campuses and facilities world class, while saving costs and responding to the government’s smart building initiative. Due to the growing need for data transmission systems, particularly in metropolitan areas, the number of telecommunication companies have exploded in recent years. Structured cabling offers the critical support for high-performance and unified communication systems; and hence rapid digitization has become a key trend in the structured cabling market for India.

Mr. Amit Mathur, President – Sales & Marketing said “Our high performing LAN components surpass industry parameters to meet stringent functionality requirements. We believe our Passive systems are the best option for delivering speed consistently, thus, providing Stress Free Smart Solutions for our customers.”

In India, demand for high bandwidth has risen as internet penetration has increased. Structured cabling enables high bandwidth that is necessary for commercial operations to run smoothly. This ecosystem has evolved at an exponential rate due to its increased data transfer capability, low cost, and flexibility.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Acxyn, a leading visionary in the field of Web3 gaming technology. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the realm of game development education, aiming to empower students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the dynamic world of Web3 gaming.

A game design workshop was held at APU as part of the partnership between APU and Acxyn.

As part of this partnership, Acxyn delivered a game design workshop titled Monetisation Using Web3 for Game Creators on the 7th of November at APU’s campus which represents a leap forward in the educational landscape. This course equipped APU students with the fundamental knowledge needed to appreciate the monetization opportunities presented by Web3, a substantial upgrade from the existing Web2 framework.

During the workshop, Mr. Irfan Kamarulzaman from Acxyn discussed monetization for game creators using Web3.

Students who attended the game design workshop had the privilege of gaining insights from the Acxyn team and their Game Studio Partner, Quurk, who shared their experiences in applying Web3 technologies within the context of a game development studio. This firsthand exposure to real-world applications of Web3 tech provided students with invaluable industry perspectives.

Associate Professor Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, APU’s School of Computing Head, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Game Development has evolved much over the years, from the era of 2-bit monochrome graphics to today’s immersive photo-realistic visuals and open-world sandbox gameplay. This evolution has been driven by advances in hardware and software technology as well as emerging game engines and tools. One of the more recent and indeed significant advances in game development is Web3 technology which offers a secure and decentralised platform for players. An exciting aspect of Web3 in game development is the potential for true ownership of in-game assets and the opportunity to earn real-world value in in-game assets and resources while immersing players in the game.”

Acxyn’s CEO, John Schneider, emphasised the importance of education in the Web3 gaming landscape, saying, “We are excited to work closely with APU in this transformative journey. The gaming industry is rapidly evolving, and it’s essential to equip the next generation of game developers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to providing the opportunities needed to thrive in game development. Our ‘Monetisation in Web3’ masterclass is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful partnership.”

This partnership signifies a significant step toward integrating Web3 gaming education into the academic curriculum. APU and Acxyn are dedicated to preparing students for a future where blockchain technology, NFTs, and decentralized ecosystems are at the forefront of the gaming industry.

Under the newly established partnership, APU and Acxyn are dedicated to preparing students for the forefront of the gaming industry. This is a group picture taken after the game design workshop, featuring trainers and quiz winners. (Front row, L-R) Irfan and Dave from Acxyn, Jacob Sow from the School of Computing at APU, and Jason Loh from Acxyn.

APU has long been a pioneer in nurturing future-ready professionals. APU’s commitment to excellence extends to its wide range of technology-focused degree programmes, preparing students for challenging global careers and roles in business and society. This dedication to a diverse technology-driven curriculum reinforces APU’s status as a premier institution that empowers its students with practical skills for game development from inception to completion.
Acxyn is the world’s first IP tokenization platform, offering cutting-edge technology and strategies to elevate the visibility and value of gaming intellectual properties (IPs). Acxyn is dedicated to unlocking the full commercial potential of gaming IPs by transforming them into marketable products. By utilising Web3 technologies, Acxyn enables gaming studios to tap into new revenue streams and reach their maximum revenue potential, further enriching the gaming industry’s ecosystem.

Mumbai/Delhi,17th November 2023Liberty General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has commenced a significant initiative ‘Suraksha ka Vaada, Bima ke Saath‘to bolster insurance awareness in Delhi. Assigned as a lead non-life insurer by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) under the State Insurance Plan, this initiative signifies Liberty General’s role in amplifying insurance understanding and outreach in the region.

Liberty General Insurance’s ‘Suraksha ka Vaada, Bima ke Saath’ campaign is a two-pronged approach aimed at amplifying insurance awareness at the grassroots level in Delhi. The initiative has begun with a door-to-door campaign, where representatives from Liberty General Insurance personally visit households in Central Delhi’s Sangam Vihar and Paharganj areas. This ground-level engagement allows the company to connect directly with residents, educating them on the importance of insurance, and addressing queries.

This activity will be further followed by auto back branding strategy. This involves branding the backs of autorickshaws with educational messages about insurance. Given the prevalence of autorickshaws in Delhi, this strategy turns these vehicles into moving billboards, reaching a wider audience throughout the city. This visual campaign not only captures the attention of passengers but also turns every ride into an opportunity to spread the word about the necessity of being insured, thereby weaving this message into the fabric of daily life in Delhi.

Other planned campaigns during December 2023 – March 2024 include awareness initiative with the Regional Transport Office, Delhi, dedicated health camps for autorickshaw drivers, and interactive insurance workshops in academic and medical institutions among others.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Parag Ved, CEO & Whole Time Director, Liberty General Insurance said, “As the lead insurer for Delhi, we are poised to work in collaboration with other non-life insurers to foster a deep-rooted insurance culture in every district of the Union Territory. Our sustained efforts in spreading insurance literacy will be crucial in improving the insurance penetration, in step with IRDAI’s vision for 2047. Our mission transcends business; we are here to empower every citizen with the knowledge and tools for insuring themselves.”

Liberty General Insurance brings to the forefront its expansive network, operating across 28 states and union territories, with over 100 locations and partnerships with over 6000 hospitals and 5000+ auto service centers. This extensive presence is instrumental in the company’s strategy to reach the last mile and instill insurance awareness.

New Delhi, 17th November 2023Vitesco Technologies acknowledges that Schaeffler today published the offer document for the unsolicited voluntary public tender offer for Vitesco Technologies. The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of Vitesco Technologies will comprehensively assess the offer document taking into account the interests of all stakeholders and publish a reasoned statement on the offer in due course. The Executive Board and the independent Special Committee of the Supervisory Board will determine whether the price offered by Schaeffler is financially adequate for all shareholders. Vitesco Technologies notes that several shareholders have publicly stated that the offered price of €91 per share is inadequate given Vitesco Technologies’ value and attractive growth prospects as an independent company. It is further the intention of the Vitesco Technologies boards to ensure that the success factors of Vitesco Technologies will be maintained and protected in any potential future corporate structure. Vitesco Technologies is therefore in talks with Schaeffler on the parameters of a potential business combination.

Vitesco Technologies is a leading international developer and manufacturer of cutting-edge drive systems for sustainable mobility. With intelligent system solutions and components for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion drive systems, Vitesco Technologies is making mobility clean, efficient, and affordable. The product portfolio includes electric drives, electronic controls, sensors and actuators, and exhaust gas treatment solutions. In 2022, Vitesco Technologies generated sales of €9.07 billion and employs a workforce of around 38,000 employees at 50 locations. Vitesco Technologies is headquartered in Regensburg, Germany.

Bangalore, 17th November 2023 – GOVO a new challenger in the audio technology space recently introduced its newest addition to its soundbar lineup, the GoSurround 970 Soundbar. This exceptional product is the ultimate ticket to a sensational World Cup finals experience. This new addition is not just a soundbar but a front-row pass to audio nirvana at just Rs. 12,999/-

The soundbar market in India achieved a total size of US$ 153.5 Million. Looking ahead, IMARC Group anticipates substantial growth, with the market projected to reach US$ 284.1 Million by 2028. This expected growth reflects a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% during the period from 2023 to 2028. Soundbars are audio systems designed to deliver stereo effects and provide high-quality audio and immersive surround sound while requiring minimal space

Commenting on the launch of the GOVO GoSurround 970 Soundbar, Mr. Varun Poddar, Founder of GOVO said, “We’re excited to introduce the GOVO GoSurround 970 – the perfect sound upgrade for the Cricket World Cup finals. As cricket fans gear up for this epic event, our aim is simple: to enhance the excitement with top-notch audio. With Dolby Audio, every cheer and boundary will resonate with the energy that defines the game. The GOVO GoSurround 970 isn’t just a soundbar; it’s your way to take the sound experience of the Cricket World Cup finals to a whole new level!”

Here are the salient features of the GOVO GoSurround 970 Soundbar:

• Dolby Audio: Enjoy dramatic, high-quality surround sound from 5.1 separate audio channels with Dolby Audio

• DSP Enabled Subwoofer: Enjoy your theatre experience with the deep bass of the 6.5″ subwoofer

• Dynamic LED Lights: Get the acoustic experience to the next level with the most stylish LED lights in the GOVO’s signature colour

• 5 Equalizer Modes: Switch through Movie, News, Music & 3D modes, and enjoy your home cinema experience

• Remote control: Adjust the Bass, treble & volume with the most stylish remote control

• Multiple Connectivity: Connect with HDMI (ARC), AUX, USB & OPT

• Bluetooth V5.3: Connect automatically your mobile device and enjoy the music louder than ever

• Integrated Controls: Control your music experience and pairing through the key panel on the soundbar

• LED Display: Check the status of your soundbar through the LED display

• Dynamic Mounting (Wall/Shelf): Place it in front of the TV or mount it on the wall, the choice is yours.

The GOVO GoSurround 970 Soundbar is available at GOVO and Amazon at an exclusive price of Rs.12,999/- This product comes with a one-year warranty and is available in the colour Platinum Black.

INDIA,17th November 2023 Barracuda Networks, a trusted partner and leading provider of cloud-first security solutions today announced the addition of a senior MSP sales executive to accelerate MSP sales.

Patrick O’Donnell has joined Barracuda as SVP, of Worldwide MSP Sales. A tenured sales executive with global experience, Patrick’s previous worldwide leadership experience includes IBM and GE. Most recently, he served as Vice President, North America Sales at Datto, which gave him firsthand experience in growing an MSP-focused business. In his new role at Barracuda, Patrick will be responsible for accelerating Barracuda’s MSP sales, driving the go-to-market strategy, execution, and programs for the sale of security, data protection, and Managed XDR offerings through the channel. Patrick will lead the global MSP sales organization to help Barracuda partners achieve new levels of shared success.

“We are pleased to welcome Patrick to the Barracuda team,” said Neal Bradbury, SVP, MSP Business at Barracuda. “As we continue our journey with our channel partners, Patrick brings valuable knowledge and expertise that will help us generate more opportunities for Barracuda and our partners to drives sales growth and achieve shared success.”

“I’m excited to join Barracuda and eager to collaborate with the team to build on the tremendous partner momentum they have established within the channel,” said Patrick O’Donnell, SVP, Worldwide MSP Sales at Barracuda. “Managed service providers are an increasingly important part of the channel ecosystem, and through its growing investments, Barracuda is committed to deliver industry-leading value to its growing partner base.”

Mumbai, 17th November 2023: – Entertainment is soaring high with Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service is bringing in the top international shows dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil on “miniTV Imported”. From fantasy, and supernatural drama to sci-fi action and magical thriller, Amazon miniTV has launched an entire library that boasts international shows and movies. After showcasing popular K-dramas and giving us a glimpse into Korean culture, the streaming service is expanding its horizon with entertainment from all cultural corners of the world at the fingertips of viewers in their own language for free.

Announcing the exciting news, Amazon miniTV gave out a glimpse of the captivating list of global movies, which will enchant Hollywood movie buffs. Whether it is a romantic-dance anthology, fantasy-filled action, or the love story of Vampires, the streaming service has launched its first set of movies for free. The slate guarantees entertainment with a cinematic extravaganza for every cinephile, which includes RED, Now You See Me (1 and 2), The Last Witch Hunter, The Spy Who Dumped Me, Robin Hood, P2, War, Sahara and Bangkok Dangerous, all dubbed in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. In addition to this, Amazon miniTV has included fan-favorites such as the Twilight saga, Lionsgate’s popular The Hunger Games franchise including The Hunger Games 1 and The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire; Step Up and Step-up 2: The Streets dubbed in Hindi.

Sharing his delight on the content offerings, Amogh Dusad, Head of Content Amazon miniTV said, “With an ever-growing slate of titles from all over the globe, Amazon miniTV strives to bring global entertainment with a touch of Indian flavour. After the tremendous response to the Hindi-dubbed K-Dramas, we are elated to add International movies to the offering and expand our content library with these International titles. We will constantly diversify our offering by adding more titles in our endevaour to keep India entertained.”

Gayathiri Guliani, Vice President Licensing and Content Partnerships, Lionsgate, shared, “With the growth in internet penetration, the barriers to watching global content are gone, and the audience is keen to explore alluring storylines and engaging content from across the world. At Lionsgate, we have always received a phenomenal response to our titles across Indian audiences, and through our collaboration with Amazon miniTV, we are excited to take the next leg and reach out to a wider audience with The Hunger Games franchise in a language close to home. This big venture of Amazon miniTV will break language barriers and help bridge the gap between local audience and international content.”

Experience captivating storylines, star-studded casts, bang-on cinematography, and Hollywood flicks with an Indian essence on Amazon miniTV. The international shows are streaming in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, exclusively on ‘Amazon miniTV Imported’ for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Play Store.

17th November 2023:In a recent survey conducted by Genius Consultants Ltd., the importance of a balanced family life and personal well-being on the professional lives of mid and senior-level employees has been highlighted. The survey delves into the perspectives of employees regarding the influence of their family life on their work and how it impacts their overall performance.

The survey, which involves a diverse group of mid and senior-level professionals from various industries, yields insightful results that showcase the intricate relationship between family and work.

A staggering 97% of respondents believe that a peaceful family life has a positive impact on an employee’s professional work outcome. This suggests that a harmonious family environment plays a vital role in enhancing an employee’s overall job performance, job satisfaction, and productivity.

According to 69% of respondents, a “bad day at home” can indeed lead to a “bad day at work” for any employee. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal and professional life and the potential spillover effect of personal issues into the workplace. The survey also finds that 78% of participants think that an unruly and unorganized personal life can lead to indiscipline at the workplace. Maintaining a structured personal life seems to be crucial for maintaining discipline and professionalism at work.

When asked about the role of a supportive family in an employee’s professional life, 70% of respondents believe it plays a significant role. Specifically, 15% think it improves work efficiency, 9% believe it allows employees to strive for professional growth, and 6% feel it increases concentration and dedication toward work.

In the context of remote work, 77% of employees stated that family support is crucial for a professional work environment. Among these respondents, 15% highlighted the importance of peaceful surroundings, 6% valued having work area privacy, and 2% emphasized the need for minimal disturbance for personal requirements.

Lastly, 71% of participants feel that all the mentioned factors and support from family motivate employees to perform better in their organizations. Among these, 17% believe that standing by employees through professional ups and downs is essential, while 10% emphasize the role of providing moral support, and 2% recognize the importance of understanding organizational requirements during extended work hours.

Commenting on the same, Mr. R P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director of Genius Consultants Limited, stated, “These survey results provide valuable insights into the interplay between family life and professional success, particularly for mid and senior-level employees. A contented family life serves as a bedrock upon which employees can build their careers. This survey reaffirms our commitment to creating a workplace that values and fosters the overall well-being of our team members. Employers and HR professionals can use these findings to foster a work environment that acknowledges and supports employees’ personal well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.”

The survey statistics are based on the feedback received from all sectors through the company’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook page, relevant groups, Instagram story polls and Google Free Survey Sites. Post the data collection, an in-depth analysis was conducted, and this report was prepared.