Archives December 2023

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS16th December 2023— Film.io, the world’s most powerful decentralized filmmaking ecosystem, today announced it is granting early access to the influx of creators, fans and influencers joining the platform’s waitlist. The vast fan support and engagement of trending film and TV projects on the platform like ‘Chickenship’ created by Emmy Award-winning comedian Craig Shoemaker and world-renowned animator David Feiss, and ‘Saurus City’ written and directed by Nate Smith starring Dennis Quaid, Ron Perlman, Emma Roberts, Julia Ormond and Tim Meadows, has drawn more fans wanting to collaborate and gain the opportunity to not only peek behind but meaningfully participate in an otherwise closed-off industry. Fans and creators who have signed up to the waitlist before launching to the public will be granted exclusive early access to the platform beginning December 7th.

The platform introduces new opportunities for film investors and producers to scout diverse projects that have an engaged fanbase and commercial viability using Film.io’s proprietary Go Score™. This next wave of users gaining access to the platform can participate in contests, receive rewards and earn FAN Tokens to greenlight the projects and filmmakers they support. Film.io recently wrapped its most recent Creator Contest, awarding $10,000 in film funds to a democratically, fan-selected project. In addition to opportunities for creators to earn film funds, fans and creators joining the platform before the main launch will receive exclusive FAN Token rewards representing a unit of governance power in this new Hollywood.

“The filmmaking industry is changing rapidly and Film.io is already helping to catalyze a more equitable Hollywood during its Early Access phase. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but Film.io’s decentralized filmmaking technology is at the forefront of pioneering a new Hollywood where creators, fans, and film investors can more closely collaborate to shape the industry in a meaningful way,” said Ian LeWinter, Co-Creator of Film.io and the President at Ingredient X. “We’re excited to see the ecosystem onboarding more fans, creators, and film and TV projects onto the platform to grow the community and shine a light on new, unique, and diverse projects fans actually want to see.”

Fans can explore Creator projects and receive exclusive updates on their favorite films and TV shows such as behind-the-scenes photos, teasers, trailers, artwork reveals and more, and are encouraged to stake FAN Tokens, helping their favorite project move through the Film.io ranks. Staked FAN Tokens act as a vote, awarding reputation to the fan while allowing a project to move through the Film.io ecosystem, increasing the project’s Go Score™.

The Go Score™—a project’s success fingerprint represents aggregate totals from fan collaboration with token stakes, project reviews, project shares and a host of other in-platform gamified engagements engineered to better predict a project’s success. As a project’s Go Score increases, it moves the project through Film.io’s ecosystem, bringing it closer to unlocking opportunities like production, funding, distribution, and other filmmaking tools, while gaining market validation and building a fanbase.

The more tokens a user stakes, the more tokens—and governance power—they will earn on the platform. Creators joining the platform will use FAN Tokens to join and participate in the Film.io DAO, allowing them to submit their film or TV projects as “proposals”, while asking fans to show their support for their projects by staking their tokens.

Interested in joining the next wave of Filmioids paving the way to a new Hollywood governed by creators and fans? Join the waitlist here to pioneer the path to a collaborative, equitable film industry and claim FAN Tokens.

Mumbai, 16th December 2023: Quantum CorpHealth Pvt. Ltd. (Quantum), a pioneer as well as, India’s leading provider of healthcare and wellness solutions to corporates and individuals has recently unveiled DOCTOR911, a ground-breaking application that promises to transform the Indian healthcare industry. DOCTOR911, a novel concept, has been designed to address how an individual’s age, gender, and medical history can influence their healthcare access. Business-to-business (B2B) provider Quantum primarily interacts with CEOs, CFOs, and senior HR professionals who are responsible for the health of their employees.

In a statement expressing his excitement for the launch, Quantum founder and promoter Dr. Narendra Vankar said, “DOCTOR911 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the healthcare sector. As a business-to-business organisation, and as doctors ourselves, we recognise the importance of overall health and well-being. This specially created application validates our dedication to providing unrivalled healthcare services, tailored to the demands of both individuals and businesses, backed by a robust network of doctors and medical service providers. In addition the App is also rooted in empathy with users and family members who are at geographic distance from their loved ones. It is created as a support to family members who require medical services and facilities. At some level, we are hoping it also fulfils the human need to care for ones family, even when one is far apart”. With its corporate office located in Mumbai and run by the doctor duo – Dr. Narendra Vankar and Dr. Bhavya Vankar, Quantum has been serving various corporates for over 11 years, bringing comprehensive employee healthcare and wellness solutions under one roof to over five million satisfied individuals as well as over 500 corporates.

By fusing cutting-edge technology with a human-centred strategy, DOCTOR911 provides year-round, comprehensive healthcare solutions for all age groups. Apart from serving business customers, Quantum invites consumers to use the recently released app to discover the next big thing in healthcare.

Key Features of DOCTOR911:

Comprehensive Healthcare Solutions: The AI-powered Doctor911 is a round-the-clock healthcare service that serves Indians of all ages. With access to more than 3000 Indian medical centres & hospitals, it has the potential to drastically transform the quickly expanding healthcare industry. Equipped with one of the broadest collaborations of physicians and other seasoned medical professionals, Quantum can manage all aspects of a patient’s care with efficiency. In addition, users can preserve repositories of medical records using Medilocker, a feature exclusive to the application. (OR A unique feature of the app is the Medilocker, which allows users to save and retrieve past medical records in one click. The same records can be easily available to the medical practitioners, as well)

User-friendly platform: Taking care of our loved ones demands thoughtful planning and preparation. The answer to ensuring their well-being is a yearly personalised, preventive & pre-emptive health care program backed by DOCTOR 911’s round-the-clock emergency on-call doctors and medical staff. DOCTOR911’s user-friendly interface makes it simple to use for anyone, local or remote, seeking immediate medical advice and assistance through virtual consultations.

Transcending Boundaries: DOCTOR911 is strategically positioned to cater to a diverse range of markets, including B2B, B2B2C, and B2C. This inclusivity extends to both Indian and NRI populations across age groups, ensuring that Quantum’s revolutionary healthcare solutions transcend geographical and age-based boundaries.

Mysuru, Karnataka, India,16th December 2023– Carlsberg India and WaterAid India have launched a three-year water-replenishment program in the water-stressed Nanjangud Block of Mysuru. The collaborative efforts of Carlsberg and WaterAid are expected to positively impact over 34 thousand individuals across the five Gram Panchayats- Thagadooru, Karya, Devanur, Badanavalu, Nerale.

Recognizing water as the primary ingredient in beer, Carlsberg is committed to a partnership that aims to replenish the same quantity of water it consumes, back to the local communities and the ecosystem. The program addresses critical aspects such as wetland conservation, source sustainability measures, grey water management, and sustainable agriculture interventions. Beyond tangible water conservation initiatives, the partnership will include awareness campaigns, training programs, and convergence meetings to actively engage key stakeholders within the community.

The Nanjangud Block in Mysuru district, Karnataka, India, grapples with a significant water challenge, given its below-average annual rainfall. Operating within this region, Carlsberg India acknowledges the urgent need to address water conservation.

The collaborative effort also marks the commencement of a global partnership between Carlsberg Group and WaterAid, focusing on a holistic approach to sustainable water management.

Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India said, ” At Carlsberg India, we are committed to achieving zero water waste as part of our Together Towards Zero & Beyond (TTZAB) Program. We are pleased to announce our collaboration with WaterAid to address the scarcity of water in Nanjangud. Together, we aspire to make a lasting impact by implementing sustainable water conservation measures and foster empowerment of the community. This partnership underscores our dedication to make a real difference to build a lasting and sustainable future for all.”

“Our partnership with Carlsberg India furthers our common goal of ensuring assured availability of water, especially in water stressed regions in India. WaterAid India’s holistic and participatory approach, steered by communities’ collective commitment and action to conserve water and protect water sources through conservation, ground water recharge measures, greywater management and efficient water use for agriculture will create a more resilient and water-secure future” said VK Madhavan, Chief Executive, WaterAid India.

“We find it truly encouraging to witness Carlsberg, a Danish company, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing both ecosystems and communities within its operational areas. This collaborative effort with WaterAid sets a commendable example. We trust that this partnership will serve as inspiration for other businesses to emulate the proactive approach demonstrated by Carlsberg and WaterAid,” stated Søren Nørrelund Kannik-Marquardsen, Minister Counsellor, Regional Coordinator South Asia And Head Of Trade & Commercial Affairs New Delhi.

The partnership sets out a holistic programme for sustainable water management in the region, including:

• Wetland restoration: Ponds and check dams will be restored and improved to enhance storage capacity, channelisation, and native vegetation.
• Source sustainability measures: Harnessing stormwater to recharge deeper aquifers, ensuring a reliable secondary water source for the communities.
• Agricultural water efficiency: Promoting precision irrigation techniques to boost crop yields and reduce groundwater dependency.
• Rainwater harvesting: Rooftop rainwater harvesting will provide a sustainable water source for drinking and domestic use, with excess water recharging aquifers.
• Water budgeting: These measures will ensure a sustainable water supply and monitor the impact of the programme.
• Campaigns and training: Awareness campaigns, training programmes, and convergence meetings will engage the community and key stakeholders in water conservation efforts.

Carlsberg India 

Carlsberg India Private Limited (CIPL) commenced its operations in 2007 with the first production in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. CIPL focuses on developing and strengthening its brand portfolio through innovation and commitment to superior quality. The product portfolio of the company includes its brands- Carlsberg Smooth, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong etc. Carlsberg India offers beer for every occasion and for every palate and lifestyle. Our ESG programme, ‘Together Towards Zero and Beyond’ covers our 2030 and 2040 Global Targets on 11 goals including Zero Carbon Footprint, Zero Farming Footprint, Zero Packaging Waste, Zero Waste Water, Zero Irresponsible Drinking and Zero Accidents Culture.

To know more about Carlsberg India, log on to www.carlsbergindia.com

Working Towards ZERO Water Waste

The Group’s ZERO Water Waste ambition is an area of focus in Carlsberg Group’s Together Towards ZERO and Beyond programme. Global targets are set to achieve industry-leading efficiency in water usage at breweries, and to replenish all the water consumed at breweries that are in areas of high-water risk by 2030. More information on the Group’s ESG approach and performance can be found in its latest ESG Report:

http://www.carlsberggroup.com/reports-downloads/carlsberg-group-2022-esg-report/

WaterAid India

WaterAid India (Jal Seva Charitable Foundation) is a Not-for-Profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act of the Government of India. WaterAid India works with community-based institutions to facilitate access to safe and assured drinking water in households, safely managed sanitation facilities, adequate and appropriate WASH infrastructure in schools, anganwadis, healthcare facilities and the promotion of hygiene behaviour change in these institutions.

Gurugram, 16th December 2023– Demand for Grade A offices is forecast to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, but record levels of new supply will cause vacancy rates to also tick upwards, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

The global real estate services company [NYSE: CWK] said in its 2024 Asia Pacific Office Outlook that the top eight Indian real estate cities were expected to cumulatively account for just over half of the region’s total demand. The combined demand forecast for Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune is around 40 million square feet (msf), which is equivalent to around 52 percent of regional demand.

Mainland China’s four key office cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen—were also expected to continue a gentle recovery, with demand of 18 msf forecast for 2024, up from the 13 msf expected by this year-end.

Southeast Asia markets would also contribute to regional topline demand, with Kuala Lumpur and Manila office markets in particular likely to benefit from their countries’ expansive economic growth outlooks, and Singapore likely to remain a steady performer.

Despite improvements in demand, approximately half of the 25 markets forecast will see vacancy rates increase between 2023 and 2027. The largest vacancy rate increases are forecast for Guangzhou (to almost 30% by 2027 from 20% in 2023) and Shenzhen (to almost 35% by 2027 from 27% in 2023). Hyderabad, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok are also forecast to exceed vacancy rates of 25% by 2027. Singapore and Seoul are both expected to retain vacancy rates below 5% while Tokyo and Manila are forecast below 7% through 2027. Key Australian markets are likely to remain stable at around 10%.

Anshul Jain, Managing Director, India & Southeast Asia and Head of APAC Tenant Representation, said, “It is fascinating to see India coming of-age and anchoring commercial real estate demand for the Asia-Pacific region. It is unsurprising though, given the faster-than-expected rise in GDP growth, controlled inflation, vast tech talent pool, and the recent trends of global corporations entering India. Elsewhere in Asia, demand in main cities in China improved YoY, while markets like Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo fared positively as well. Singapore showed resilience in demand despite a tough economic environment.”

He went on to add, “Large-sized deals, which were on hold in the last few quarters due to macroeconomic uncertainty are likely to make a come-back in 2024. With an increase in hiring and a higher return-to-office, overall office absorption is set to change. A healthy supply pipeline, meanwhile, will help occupiers maintain some rental stability.”

Forecast author and Head of International Research for Asia Pacific Dr Dominic Brown said it was unsurprising that the region’s largest office markets would continue to drive both demand and supply in 2024.

“Asia Pacific has entered into a period of above average new supply, which is expected to continue through to 2025 before starting to ease. Sixteen of the 25 markets forecast will see more supply in the 2023–25 period than in 2017–19 as pandemic-delayed construction projects continue to enter the market.”

Hyderabad and Bengaluru in India, and Shanghai and Shenzhen in China are all expecting more than 55 msf of new supply by 2027 – additions of between 32% and 66% of their existing stock, with Hyderabad expecting a record 15.6 million square feet (msf) in 2024. Shenzhen, Hyderabad and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam each expect to welcome more than fifty percent of their existing office stock in 2024.

In contrast, supply pipelines through to 2027 in each of Brisbane, Jakarta, Seoul and Singapore total less than 10% of their existing stock.

Dr Brown said there was reason for ‘cautious optimism’ in the office market despite the global economic uncertainty that was likely to continue into 2024.

“There remain opportunities for both occupiers and investors who understand the nuances of local sub-markets. The ongoing flight to quality by tenants looking to improve their ESG and wellness offerings to employees will continue to encourage supply-led demand across the region while investors who understand true, rather than headline vacancy rates, and who seek out either high-quality assets, or assets with repositioning potential in good areas, will reap the benefits.”

Economic context

Dr. Brown added: “Inflation, while improved, remains elevated in most economies across Asia Pacific. Trade has slowed as businesses and households alike have reined in expenditure in response to interest rate increases.

“On the positive side, growth of between 3.5 and 4.0 percent is forecast for Asia Pacific in 2024, which, while slower than the 4.5 percent forecast for this year, is stronger than both the eurozone, where growth of 0.9 percent is forecast next year, and the US, which is expecting
-0.3 percent.”

Within Asia Pacific, growth forecasts are varied. Emerging markets Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Malaysia are likely to benefit from strong domestic consumption and increasing foreign direct investment, while a potential rebound in tourism, which remains 25 percent below pre-pandemic levels in Asia Pacific, could support growth in Thailand in 2024.

Among the more mature economies, Singapore and South Korea are expected to see the beginning of a rebound as trade starts to recover; Australia and Japan are likely to trail the region’s growth expectations. China’s outlook, impacted by weaker export demand and soft domestic consumption, remains mixed.

Mumbai, 16 December 2023: Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd (formerly Baxalta Bioscience India Private Limited) – a global values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader – presented an industry perspective on the substantial need for vaccine equity and novel strategies for vector-borne disease financing at the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) South Asia Summit December 2023 (https://avpn.asia/event/avpn-south-asia-summit-december-2023/).

Speaking at the summit, Dr Ruchi Sogarwal, Head of Corporate Affairs, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd, said, “South Asian countries have experienced substantial outbreaks of vector-borne infectious diseases which makes the need for newer prevention modalities including vaccine no longer a choice but a strategic imperative. The formation of cross sectoral multi-stakeholder alliances is required to deliver a new collaborative model for accelerated R&D, scale up of vaccines production, leveraging technology for more resilient supply chain networks, and enabling systems for equitable and cost-effective vaccine delivery. Besides that, proactive engagement of civil society organizations is essential to enhance the uptake of such disease prevention modalities across different geographies and epidemiological settings”.

Gopal Agarwal, Head of Market Access and Pricing, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd, added, “As vector borne diseases continue to put increasing financial strain on the already stretched healthcare systems of today, innovative financing becomes indispensable. By[1],[2] fostering public-private partnerships and harnessing impact investments, we can reshape the landscape of disease prevention and control to create a healthier future for at-risk populations.”

The AVPN South Asia Summit December 2023 brought together social impact thought leaders and industry experts from South Asian countries who engaged in decisive dialogues strategically aimed at identifying innovative partnership avenues and steering collective efforts for advancing positive change.

As we step into the year 2024, the trajectory of digital transformation continues to evolve, ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity. In this listicle, we explore five key trends that will shape the way organizations approach and leverage digital transformation in the years ahead.

1. AI-Powered Hyper-Personalization:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize customer experiences through hyper-personalization. In 2024, businesses will leverage sophisticated AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets, enabling them to tailor products and services with unprecedented precision. From personalized recommendations to individualized marketing strategies, AI-driven hyper-personalization will redefine customer engagement, fostering stronger connections and brand loyalty.

2. Blockchain’s Ascendancy for Trust and Transparency:

Blockchain technology is set to become a cornerstone for industries seeking enhanced trust and transparency. As organizations grapple with data security concerns, blockchain offers a decentralized and tamper-proof solution. In 2024, expect widespread adoption across sectors like finance, healthcare, and supply chain, where the need for secure and transparent transactions is paramount.

3. 5G Revolutionizing Connectivity:

The advent of 5G technology will catalyze a seismic shift in connectivity. With faster speeds, lower latency, and increased bandwidth, 5G will unlock new possibilities for the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data processing. This transformative connectivity will not only enhance consumer experiences but also empower industries to explore applications previously constrained by network limitations.

4. The Rise of Edge Computing:

In 2024, the adoption of edge computing will reach new heights. This approach involves processing data closer to its source, reducing latency and enhancing efficiency. Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles will benefit from real-time data analysis, enabling faster decision-making and facilitating the seamless integration of technologies that demand low latency.

5. Sustainability Embedded in digital strategies:

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, digital transformation will increasingly align with sustainability goals. Organizations will embed eco-friendly practices into their digital strategies, leveraging technology to reduce carbon footprints and contribute to environmental conservation. From energy-efficient data centers to sustainable supply chain management, digital transformation will be a driving force for positive environmental impact.

Conclusion:

As organizations embark on their digital transformation journey in 2024, the convergence of AI-driven personalization, blockchain’s trust-building capabilities, the transformative power of 5G, the rise of edge computing, and a heightened focus on sustainability will shape a future where technology not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to a more connected, transparent, and sustainable world. Noventiq is a global leader in digital transformation. They provide solutions and services to help organizations transform and operate efficiently in the increasingly digital economy. With a presence in almost 60 countries, Noventiq is committed to tailoring their approach to suit local requirements and cultural nuances. They collaborate with a network of IT vendors to offer a range of solutions and bridge the gap between businesses and technological advancements. Noventiq places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, providing state-of-the-art solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats. Their global expansion is empowering businesses worldwide to thrive in the digital age and shaping the future of digital transformation. Embracing these trends will position businesses at the forefront of the evolving digital landscape, ensuring relevance and resilience in the years to come.

Roorkee,16th December 2023 IIT Roorkee inaugurated the Indian Geotechnical Conference 2023 (IGC 2023) on December 14, 2023, at the Convocation Hall, signaling the start of discussions on ‘Geotechnical Advances in Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Risk Reduction.’ This significant event, organized in collaboration with The Roorkee Chapter of the Indian Geotechnical Society with the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Roorkee, and CSIR-CBRI Roorkee, marks the commencement of insightful discussions centered around ‘Geotechnical Advances in Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Risk Reduction.’

The opening ceremony featured esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman AICTE New Delhi, and Dr. Anil Joseph, National President of the Indian Geotechnical Society. Prof. K.K. Pant, Director IIT Roorkee, Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head of the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Roorkee and Prof. P.K. Ramancharla, Director, CSIR CBRI Roorkee, were also event patrons.

In the beginning, Prof N K Samadhiya, Chairman of IGC-23 informed about various sessions and themes. He mentioned, “The conference received 877 abstracts, with 503 shortlisted for inclusion in the Proceedings, featuring 450 technical research papers. The structure includes Plenary Sessions with the IGS Annual Lecture, 13 Keynote Lectures, and 16 theme lectures across six parallel Technical Sessions over three days.”

Dr A P Singh, National Hon Secretary of IGS introduced the Indian Geotechnical Society. he said, “IGS has completed 75 glorious years of its formation and is celebrating its diamond jubilee year. The objective of the society is to promote academia and strengthen professional practice.”

Dr Anil Joseph, Managing Director of Geostructural (P) Ltd and National President of OIGS said that IGS has 6000 members. He emphasized, “In Geotechnical Investigation, quantity is not important but quality is important. He proposed that in all engineering project reports, it should be made mandatory for the report to be signed by a geotechnical expert.”

Prof P K Ramancharla, Director, CBRI also apprised about various geotechnical projects, where CBRI is involved.

Prof T G Sitharam, AICTE Chairman and Chief Guest of the inaugural function narrated various national engineering projects including Chandryan-3 and Aditya -1 where success has been achieved through combined efforts. He said “The efforts by the engineers in these projects are mind boggling. Reflecting on the rich legacy of IIT Roorkee, I am reminded that it stands not just as an institution but as a pilgrim for civil and geotechnical engineers, a trailblazer that began its journey in 1847. As we celebrate its history, let us recognize IIT Roorkee’s enduring impact on engineering and its profound contribution to the evolution of our discipline.”

Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, addressed the gathering and said, “IIT Roorkee is proud to host IGC-2023, continuing our legacy of excellence in geotechnical engineering. This conference is a crucible for forging new paths in sustainable infrastructure.”

In the aftermath of the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head of the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Roorkee, expressed profound pride in the department’s historical legacy of nurturing esteemed Geotechnical Experts. He highlighted, “IIT Roorkee actively participates in global IGS activities, demonstrating a dedicated approach to addressing challenging practical issues within the institution and nationwide. The decision to host this event after a decade underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing the field of Geotechnical Engineering.”

The inaugural ceremony organized by the Department of Civil Engineering IIT Roorkee set the tone for a conference poised to redefine the landscape of geotechnical engineering and its role in sustainable infrastructure development.

Nestled within the historic halls of IIT Roorkee, the Civil Engineering Department stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Renowned for its pioneering contributions to geotechnical engineering, the department complements IIT Roorkee’s legacy by nurturing future leaders and advancing cutting-edge research. As a vital participant in IGC-2023, the department symbolizes a commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering sustainable solutions in the realm of geotechnical engineering.

The inaugural ceremony not only marked the commencement of IGC-2023 but also resonated as a defining moment poised to reshape the terrain of geotechnical engineering. It served as the catalyst for a conference that aspires to redefine the very essence of geotechnical practices, emphasizing its pivotal role in steering the course of sustainable infrastructure development. The event illuminated a path forward, encouraging discourse and collaboration that promises to shape the future of geotechnical engineering, contributing significantly to the resilience and longevity of our infrastructure.

IGC-2023, hosted by IIT Roorkee, stands as a premier event dedicated to exploring ‘Geotechnical Advances in Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Risk Reduction.’ This conference serves as a gathering point for industry experts, researchers, and thought leaders, aiming to redefine the geotechnical engineering landscape. The dynamic program includes Plenary Sessions, Keynote Lectures, Technical Sessions, and an innovative exhibition with over 30 stalls showcasing cutting-edge advancements in geotechnical engineering. Beyond product displays, the exhibition fosters networking and collaboration, providing a platform for meaningful interactions among professionals, researchers, and technology enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive view of the industry’s forefront.

Organized by the Indian Geotechnical Society in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Roorkee, and CSIR-CBRI Roorkee, IGC-2023 addresses the evolving geotechnical engineering landscape, covering 18 themes. With active engagement from over 700 delegates, the conference offers vibrant interactions, enriching experiences through industry insights, emerging trends, and in-depth explorations of critical topics, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The official conclusion of IGC-2023 is set for December 16, 2023, after three days of engaging discourse, knowledge sharing, and networking. Two pre-conference seminars and one post-conference training course will complement the conference, offering additional opportunities for learning and engagement.

In the last, various awards were given to the experts as given below:

1. IGS-H C Verma Diamond Jubilee Award jointly to Sivakumar G & V B Maji and Pankaj Kumar and B V S Viswanadham
2. IGS-Sardar Resham Singh Memorial Award to Meghna Sharma and Neelam Satyam D
3. Best Woman Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering to Dr Neelam Satyam
4. Best Teacher of Geotechnical Engineering Award- Dr Deepankar Chaudhary
5. IGS- Forensic Geotechnical Engineering Award Parvathi G S, Anil Kumar Sinha, Vasant G Havangi and Mariya Dayana
6. IGS-Prof G A Annual Award for the best PhD Thesis in Geotechnical Engineering – Dr Minu Abraham
7. Best Doctoral Thesis Award from Non -Premier Institution to Dr Ummath U.
8. IGS-AIMIL Best Local Chapter Award to IGS-Pune Chapter
9. IGS-President Award to K Muthukkumaran

A book on Daughters of Indian Soil was also released along with Souvenir and Proceeding of the Conference.

16th December 2023 – Mumbai: Thought Blurb Communications, a Mumbai headquartered, full-function advertising and design agency has completed the branding and designing activities for the launch of Playseum. Playseum is a new-age kids’ play area, launched in Mumbai.

In the world of children’s imaginative and interactive play, there are very few players in India, and Playseum has dramatically changed it. Since its inception in June 2023, the venture is billed as an interactive playhouse for children where they can learn as they play.

Thought Blurb Communications has been involved in the entire branding and designing activities. The key challenge was to come up with a brand name. The naming strategy was devised by the agency keeping in mind to combine a place of play and a place to learn. There was conscious efforts to eliminate various words like ‘school’, ‘library’ and ‘academy’, for being too trite or cumbersome, and thus the word ‘museum’ was chosen.

The core idea formed from there – that the place was to be a museum where the exhibits were playable. That had some legs. It also had the advantage of sounding like an immersive experience. For parents, it would manifest as a place of education and worthwhile of a child to spend their time there. For the child, it was a place of play, entertainment, and happiness. Thus, the name was formed: Playseum.

The idea of interactivity and imagination comes alive in the space graphics by the design team. The logo, identity and overall design theme had to be warm, friendly, and comforting. The logo typography was designed as a series of curves, symbolizing smiles, carefully placed throughout the letters. The letters were intentionally shaped into soft curves to denote safety and comfort. The color palette chosen also followed similar thinking. The soft pastels of the logo were punctuated by complementary colors like yellow. Large fields and backgrounds were kept neutral with white, grey, light blue, and purple.

Every element of the interior has been treated with the same brush as it was with the collaterals, employee uniforms, printed materials and every other customer-facing communication.

Meera Sheth, Founder of Playseum notes, “Branding and designing in today’s times plays an highly important role in any business and specially in anything where kids are involved. Kids love colours and visuals which helps calm them and bring our joy and fun. With Thought Blurb onboard we were able to find a way to build the right strategy. Children can learn from a very early age. But structured education fails to provide this. I have always involved myself with my children’s playtime. You learn a lot by being with them and observing them pick up basic knowledge and skills, as long as they are all part of playtime.”

Vinod Kunj, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Thought Blurb adds, “This is a unique brand in a unique space. There were really no precedents or examples leading us where we wanted to go. At Thought Blurb, we have made it a point to use our experience in launching new brands into the market to extensive use on this one. We had to establish guide-rails for the entire team to follow as we went about the task. We are proud to have been part of this brand and happy for another successful launch by our agency.”

The 6,000 sq. ft. facility has over 14 exhibits, and more than 50 activities that help children learn, observe, experience and feel as they absorb the meaning of what their actions are producing.

New Delhi,16th December 2023: The Washington Apple Commission, in association with the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Agricultural Affairs, marked the commencement of the new season and new beginning for Washington Apples in India. The celebratory event took place at The Leela Palace in New Delhi.

The guest of honor for the occasion was Mr. Clay Hamilton, Minister Counselor for Agriculture Affairs at the US Embassy in New Delhi along with Master chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Mark Stennes, the Chairman of the Washington Apple Board of Directors also made a special trip to India to participate in this exclusive trade event.

Todd Fryhover, President, Washington Apple Commission said, “India has been a very important market for Washington Apples. Supplies to India were greatly disturbed in 2019 due certain tariffs issues. We are glad that the issues have now been resolved. Washington Apple industry will once again be on equal footing with competitors in the Indian market with Indian government lifting the 20% retaliatory tariffs levied on US apple and other agricultural imports. India has been a top 3 markets for Washington apples and is now destined for further growth.”

Speaking on the occasion Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative, Washington Apple Commission added, “We have seen tremendous demand for Washington Apples in India and these apples literally going out of market from 2019 not only impacted trade but also discerning Indian consumers felt the void. We are very happy that the difficult days are behind us and Indian consumers can now again enjoy the high quality and taste of Washington apples as in the past. The season for Washington Apple peaks when the season for Indian Apples end making good quality apples available to Indian consumers all year round,” Saran added.

New Delhi, 16th December 2023— Verint® (NASDAQ: VRNT), The Customer Engagement Company™, today announced that its Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA)™ solution has received top scores and is positioned as the leader for product completeness, flexibility and strategic potential among 16 solution providers evaluated in the 2023 Conversational AI Intelliview: Decision Makers’ Guide to Enterprise Intelligent Assistants report by Opus Research.*

Verint IVA is cited for exceeding criteria and offering demonstrable advantages in all four of the report’s scoring components including state-of-the-art capabilities, integration points and scalability, real-world success, and vision.

“Verint rated well by covering all the bases for enabling successful conversational AI deployments among organizations looking to transform engagement through intelligent automation,” said Derek Top, research director and senior analyst, Opus Research. “They built an impressive track record by taking an open platform approach with flexible tools for managing purpose-specific bots that empower agents and assist in routing, queuing and analytics, all supported by a vision that scales across multiple industries.”

In the report Opus noted that, in addition to providing the tools and framework for service creation and analytics, the highest ranking vendors support the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), with special attention to those that establish a framework for privacy and trust.

“The conversational AI landscape is changing rapidly in light of advancements made possible by LLMs and Generative AI,” says Verint’s Heather Richards, vice president, go-to-market strategy. “To be recognized by Opus Research as a leader for our IVA including our Digital and Voice Containment Bots is fantastic.”

Verint Containment Bots Delivering CX Automation Results

According to a recent Verint survey, 71 percent of respondents said they have used a chatbot. Of those, 64 percent said they had a negative experience. The research demonstrates that consumers want to use self-service options, but brands need to go beyond using simple decision trees and introduce conversational AI that understands a wide range of customer intents and can deliver efficient and effective service.

Successfully containing the interactions in the self-service environment is key to saving millions of dollars and elevating CX. By letting bots handle repetitive customer inquiries or issues quickly and efficiently, agents are freed up to focus on resolving higher value calls.

“Today’s consumer has outgrown the limited capabilities of common chatbots. By reducing friction created by simplistic chatbots and voice assistants and increasing intelligence, we are driving an entirely new level of CX automation for brands,” says Richards. “An example is Verint Voice and Digital Containment Bots that easily integrate with enterprise applications and deliver personalized self-service experiences effectively resolving customer inquiries and reducing inbound calls.”

Verint Specialized Bots are designed to drive CX automation by supporting specific roles within a contact center and throughout the enterprise. They accelerate and automate existing workflows and seamlessly integrate into the workforce to enhance customer engagement. Integrating bots is also a cost-effective alternative to hiring that will enhance employee experience and offer a valuable solution for bridging the Engagement Capacity Gap where organizations must do more with less.

Learn more about Verint IVA including the Voice and Digital Containment Bots here.

About the 2023 Decision Makers’ Guide to Enterprise Intelligent Assistants

This seventh edition of the Opus Research report offers a comprehensive assessment of enterprise-grade Intelligent Assistant solutions to support customer care, self-service, employee assistance, messaging, and device control. The results are based on five enterprise specific criteria: feature-rich and highly functional resources; robust connectors to sources of knowledge and back-office systems; proven record of transformation without disruption; vision for LLMs and Generative AI to augment offerings; and shifting from rule-based, task-specific language models. Click here for a complimentary copy of the report.