Archives January 2024

New Delhi, 25th January 2024:  The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), the forefront organization in safeguarding the rights of creators and publishers in music is hosting an insightful panel at Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024 on 28^th January at 11 AM. The panel will take place at The Blue Box by Antiquity Natural Mineral Water at YB Chavan Centre. The session promises an insightful discussion on the integration between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and creativity with a distinguished panel of speakers including leading creators and industry experts Shalmali Kholgade – Singer-Songwriter, Raghav Meatle: Singer-Songwriter and founder First.wav; Sherrin Varghese (Band of Boys) – Musician-Actor, Himanshu Bagai – Senior Advocate IP and Copyright. The session will be moderated by Chaitanya Chinchlikar educator in the Film, Media, and Creative Arts industry.

The session will explore the significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Creators and Creativity, shedding light on its rapid integration into the creative industries. Drawing examples of AI applications in music, art, writing, and various creative fields the panel will showcase AI’s growing role and adaptation. The panel will emphasize AI’s potential to enhance the creative process for artists, emphasizing collaboration over replacement. Furthermore, the discussion will address concerns about job displacement and contemplate the ethical implications of integrating AI into the creative process. Deliberations will also extend to the adaptation of copyright laws to accommodate the distinctive features of AI-generated works.

Speaking about the panel, Singer-Songwriter Shalmali Kholgade, expressed, “As an artist, I’m thrilled to be part of the upcoming panel discussion at Kala Ghoda Art Festival with IPRS, speaking about the fascinating realm of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creativity. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore how AI is becoming an integral part of the creative industries, shaping the way we approach music, art, and writing. Looking forward to the engaging session that sparks new ideas and perspectives in the ever-evolving landscape of creativity and also to see the collaborative possibilities between human creativity and technology”. 

Commenting on the topic of the panel, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS said, “This discussion is pivotal for addressing the dynamic landscape of music in the era of AI-generated content, navigating job concerns, and ensuring the protection of creators’ rights through appropriate IP laws. It’s time to delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, examining its impact on creators and their careers. IPRS eagerly hosts this dialogue to explore the synergy between AI and human creativity. We envision a future where technology and human ingenuity collaboratively produce extraordinary results.”

Attendees can expect an exploration of potential AI innovations and advancements that hold the power to transform the way creators operate, paving the way for a dynamic and innovative future at the intersection of technology and artistic expression. Fostering an interactive and inclusive environment, the session will encourage a lively exchange of questions and insights from the audience. Join IPRS at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024 for an insightful discussion on the evolving relationship between AI and creativity, and the boundless possibilities it presents.

Event details:

Panel Discussion: AI and its impact on Creators and Creativity at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024

Speakers: Shalmali Kholgade: Singer-Songwriter; Raghav Meatle: Singer-Songwriter; Sherrin Varghese (Band of Boys): Musician-Actor; Himanshu Bagai: Senior Advocate IP and Copyright

Moderator: Chaitanya Chinchlikar educator in the Film, Media, Creative Arts industry

Date: 28^th January 2024

Time: 11 AM IST

Venue: The Blue Box by Antiquity Natural Mineral Water at YB Chavan Centre

New Delhi, 25th January 2024: Noise, India’s leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand has launched a new smartwatch, Noise ColorFit Hexa, today in India. The latest wearable sports the shape of future, combining timeless traditional aesthetics with best in kind technology, and offering the younger generation a distinctive choice in the world of wearables. It boasts an ArcView™ Curved Display while enhancing ergonomics in a conventional smartwatch design. The refreshing display caters to the new-age consumer preferences. Moreover, the Noise ColorFit Hexa promises to bring the smartwatch to life with its in-built animated watch-faces. It comes in an exciting colour range including Jet Black, Teal Blue, Vintage Brown, Classic Black, and Classic Brown. The smartwatch is live for sale on Flipkart and gonoise.com.

The customers can enjoy a vibrant 1.96-inch AMOLED display with Always on Display feature, experiencing stunning visuals and convenience on the go. With 600 nits brightness, the Noise ColorFit Hexa ensures clear visibility at all times despite any lighting condition. The inclusion of a functional crown adds a touch of classic sophistication and offers an easy way to navigate the smartwatch. Noise has further integrated an AI voice assistant in the Noise ColorFit Hexa adding to the seamless functionality. Users can make their calling experience hassle free with a hands-free communication using BT calling, a built-in microphone, and speaker. The smartwatch provides direct access to the dial pad and recent call logs while adding to the customer experience. Additionally, one can save up to 10 favourite contacts for quick and easy calling on the go.

The Noise ColorFit Hexa offers a diverse range of features for both productivity and health monitoring. With the Noise Health Suite™ users can effectively monitor essential health metrics such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep patterns, and stress levels, among others. On the other hand, the integrated Productivity Suite keeps daily reminders and weather forecasts easily accessible. The IP68 water and dust resistance ensures durability in any environment. The new Noise ColorFit Hexa extends wireless charging with a battery life of up to 7 days. It further provides customers with 100+ watch faces alongside pairing seamlessly with the NoiseFit App for enhanced productivity.

Product Specifications

Noise ColorFit Hexa

PARIS, MUMBAI, January 25th, 2024: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) has emerged as a leader in customer satisfaction in France by ranking first in the 2023 French IT Sourcing Study by global think tank Whitelane Research. With a satisfaction score of 84%, TCS retained its position at the top for the fifth consecutive year.

Whitelane Research is an independent organization that conducts in-depth research into information technology procurement policies in Europe and organizes events across the continent. The 2023 French IT Sourcing Study, conducted in collaboration with IT consulting firm Timspirit, is the largest independent survey carried out in France among 200 business managers and customers of IT service providers. It covers 600 IT outsourcing contracts and 700 cloud service contracts.

TCS France consolidated its leadership with a score that is 12% higher than the average of companies in the sector and a lead of 6% compared to the organization that ranked second. The general satisfaction score is also up 3%, a significant jump from last year’s performance.

“We are delighted to be ranked number one in customer satisfaction by our French customers for the fifth consecutive year. For over three decades, TCS has been partnering with many esteemed French organizations on their transformative journeys, contributing to their growth and helping them realize their visionary goals. Our enduring collaboration has been built on a foundation of innovation, customer-centricity, continued investment in local talent, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the French market. We remain committed to fostering success and driving transformational impact for our French clients and this achievement reaffirms our position as their trusted partner.” said Rammohan Gourneni, Managing Director of TCS France.

Operating in France since 1992, TCS has supported more than 80 large French companies in their growth and transformation journeys, including 18 CAC40 companies (Alcatel-Lucent, BNPP, Engie, Sodexo, Société Générale, Total, etc.). In the three decades since, TCS has made significant investments in the country and opened service centers in Paris-Suresnes, Lille and Poitiers. The IT services leader has also been recognized as one of the best employers in Europe and France by the Top Employers Institute for 11 years in a row.

TCS’ growth in France is reflected in its performance in the 2023 survey on indicators such as account management (87%, + 11% vs. average), innovation and ability to drive transformation (79%, + 15% vs. the average), and the use of sustainable technologies (78%, +13% vs. the average).

Jef Loos, Head of Procurement at Whitelane Research, said, “Tata Consultancy Services holds the top position in France for the fifth consecutive year, demonstrating the consistency of its commitment to its French clients. Maintaining such a high customer satisfaction rate year after year and in a rapidly evolving technological context shows the technical capabilities, flexibility, and customer centricity that TCS teams can do, whether in terms of digital transformation, application services, Cloud or workplace.”

The study brings out important insights on the topics that IT managers will be prioritizing for the next two years. Almost 63% of the respondents plan to outsource more or at least maintain their current level of outsourcing. Respondents’ main motivations remain cost reduction (56%), refocusing on core business (45%), improving the quality of service (40%) and better access to resources and talents (32%). The services that managers will focus on include finance, manufacturing industry of chemicals, consumer goods and pharmaceutical products and finally public services.

Mumbai, 25th January, 2024:  Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently released its rom-com series, Badi Heroine Banti Hai. Capturing the essence of romance, drama, thrill, and mystery, the series chronicles the story of Kajal as she moves to Mumbai from a small town and her fates get tangled with her CEO Advait, igniting a love-hate relationship between them. Prerna Lisa who essays the character of the quirky and fun-loving Kajal, recently shared her thoughts on the series.

Talking about what makes the series special and distinct from other rom-coms, Prerna Lisa shared, “I think the fact that it has everything is what makes it so special and different. You can’t specify it or categorize it in any particular genre. Though it shifts towards an angle of romantic drama, it also is a beautiful amalgamation of thrill, mystery, comedy, and all the things that you might or might not expect from a series. It is a complete package for sure.”

Talking about the series Prerna further shared her thoughts, saying, “It will surely be Badi Heroine Banti Hai since it is a romantic comedy. And I have already seen it, so hands down it is my favorite.”

Created by Gul Khan, Badi Heroine Banti Hai features Prerna Lisa, Rajeev Siddhartha, Nehal Chudasama, and Utkarsh Kohli in pivotal roles. The series is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and Play Store.

Mumbai, 25th January 2024: TATA Realty & Infrastructure Ltd (TRIL) has launched the Intellion+ App, a sophisticated addition to its commercial division, Intellion. The app has been initiated across all its four operational assets, Ramanujan Intellion Park, Chennai, Intellion Edge, Gurugram, Intellion Park, Gurugram, and Intellion Square, Mumbai, promising the occupiers a refined and seamless workday experience.

Meticulously designed, Intellion+ aims to streamline and enhance workplace dynamics, emphasizing convenience, productivity, and personalized experiences for its users. The app reflects a strategic shift towards cultivating “Smart” workspaces, unifying fragmented systems into an intuitive platform. Intellion+ offers effortless access to a comprehensive suite of amenities and services within Intellion office parks, accompanied by real-time updates and curated offers. Some of the services that the app is offering its occupiers are coherent amenity bookings, pre-ordering of food from the F&B outlets in the campus, easy access to the occupier, and their visitors, parking slot access, updates on specially curated events and offers all the while presenting a platform to share feedbacks as well.

Positioned as a smartphone gateway to workplace convenience, productivity, and personalized experiences, Intellion+ signals a departure from conventional workplace solutions. The app promotes engagement through curated events, fostering a vibrant and connected workplace community. On the launch across its campuses, TRIL is bringing in attention to the app through the use of AR posters, gaming zones and gift giveaways to the first few downloads.

Accessibility is a key tenet of Intellion+. Available to all occupiers at Intellion, the app democratizes workplace convenience, making empowerment accessible to every individual.

Mr. Sanjay Dutt, MD & CEO, Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd. emphasized the transformative nature of the upcoming Intellion+ App, stating, “Intellion+ marks a pivotal milestone in our commitment to redefine contemporary workspaces. With a strategic emphasis on seamless integration, personalized engagement, and the overarching theme of #PowerOfPlus, this innovative application embodies our dedication to fostering dynamic and interconnected work environments. TATA Realty & Infrastructure Ltd. continues to lead the way in increasing occupier lifecycle value by providing connected workspaces and Intellion+ is our example of excellence in that.”

Adding to this, Mr. Ritesh Sachdev, SVP & Commercial Head- Leasing, Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd. said, “With a focus on seamless integration and personalized engagement, Intellion+ embodies the future of work, where technology enhances every aspect of the workday. By consolidating amenities, services, and communication channels within Intellion office parks, our objective is to not only enhance the efficiency and productivity of our workforce but also building convenient office spaces for our occupier community.”

Intellion+ is a personalized powerhouse that adapts and grows with each user, offering a tailored experience that transcends routine work activities, marking a significant stride towards the future of work.

Intellion Offices by Tata Realty on LinkedIn: #powerofplus #intellionplus #applaunch #futureofworkspace #easyacces.

New Delhi, 25th January, 2024: Liminal Custody Solutions (Liminal), the fastest-growing digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure provider in the APAC and MENA region, announced the appointment of Dr. Sharmila S as Principal Scientist. Dr. Sharmila joins Liminal with over 18 years of experience in cryptography, cloud and blockchain security, and a proven track record of developing innovative solutions for complex cybersecurity challenges.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Sharmila joined our team,” said Mahin Gupta, Founder of Liminal Custody Solutions. “Her expertise in MPC technology is unmatched, and her passion for building secure and scalable solutions will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve. Her leadership will play a crucial role in strengthening our MPC technology and ensuring that our clients’ digital assets are protected with the highest level of security.”

Dr. Sharmila brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Liminal, having held senior positions at leading organizations such as Insaanity, ZebPay, Acekrypt, Microsoft Research India, 0Chain and IIT Madras. Her research interests lie in areas crucial to MPC technology, including encryption, authentication, proxy re-encryption, signcryption, threshold cryptography, and post-quantum cryptography. Her contributions to the field extend beyond industry, with publications in prestigious conferences like IEEE DAPPCON for innovative cryptographic solutions. She also holds a US Patent for policy-based key recovery. She has also authored research papers on splitting and aggregating signatures in cryptocurrency protocols and proxy re-encryption

“I am excited to join Liminal Custody Solutions and contribute to their mission of providing secure and reliable custody for digital assets,” said Dr. Sharmila. “I believe MPC technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we store and protect digital assets, and I am confident that Liminal is at the forefront of this innovation. I look forward to working with the talented team at Liminal to develop even more groundbreaking solutions and further enhance the security of the digital asset ecosystem.”

Dr. Sharmila’s appointment is a significant milestone for Liminal Custody Solutions and underlines the company’s commitment to providing the most secure and reliable custody solutions for digital assets. With her expertise and leadership, Liminal is poised to continue its leadership position in the digital asset custody space.

Hyderabad, 25th January, 2024: As the world gears up to celebrate the International Day of Education on January 24, the Santoor Scholarship Program (view the digital film), is a shining beacon of empowerment, focused on financially supporting young girls to pursue higher education beyond grade 12.  Over the past 7 years, this programme has supported over 6000 young girls across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh in realizing their dreams to build a better future.

This recurring program under the Wipro Cares umbrella, offers support to 1900 students every year, where selected students are supported for the duration of their higher education. The support covers tuition fees and incidental expenses. Besides students inclined towards professional courses, those showing a keen interest in pursuing their higher education in the fields of humanities, liberal arts and sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Recognizing the transformative power of learning, the scholarship offers financial support of INR 24,000 per annum, covering tuition, living expenses, and other related costs. This support becomes a lifeline for those who have completed Grade 12, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations without the burden of financial constraints.

Commenting on the occasion of International Education Day, Prasanna Rai, Chief Marketing Officer, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, said, Over the past seven years, our scholarship program has made a profound impact, enabling over 6000 deserving young girls from underserved backgrounds to pursue higher education. This achievement reinforces our unwavering belief that education should not be a solitary burden borne by individual families, but a collective responsibility. As we commemorate the International Day of Education, the Santoor Scholarship Program serves as a testament to our organizational commitment to fostering accessible education, to create a more equitable society”.

Key Program Highlights:

1. Over 6000 Scholarships Awarded: Santoor Scholarship Program has touched the lives of over 6000 young women, enabling them to overcome economic hurdles and pursue higher education.
2. Inclusive Reach: the program now extends its benevolence to Chhattisgarh, reflecting a commitment to reach beyond boundaries and empower more young minds.
3. 1900 Scholarships in the Current Year: In the ongoing academic year, the program aims to grant 1900 scholarships, further solidifying its dedication to fostering education as a tool for social change.

New Delhi, 25th January 2024: IZI, India’s leading customer-centric consumer electronics brand and a pioneer in drone technology, introduces the IZI MINI X drone, India’s first 4K nano drone weighing 249 grams, featuring two versatile versions: Standalone and Fly More Combo. This cutting-edge drone revolutionizes aerial capabilities with a range of advanced features. IZI has launched this drone.

In the Standalone version, a 3-axis stabilized gimbal ensures a larger perspective and comprehensive shots, coupled with a high-quality CMOS sensor for impressive 20MP (5120*3840) image capability and seamless video recording. The drone offers a robust 4Km live video transmission range, reaching a height of 120m (800m max) and weighing only 249 grams with a 31-minute flight time and speed of 16m/sec (58km/h). It has precise navigation and return mode by using GPS/GLONASS technology, guaranteeing safe returns with one-tap control for low battery or lost control scenarios and backed by 1-year warranty.

The Fly More Combo version encompasses all the Standalone model features and includes three batteries and a triple charging hub for added convenience. The drone consists of a 4x digital zoom capability for detailed and clear images, extended 93-minute long-lasting flight time and high-speed performance.

MINI X offers simplified operations, perfect for quick learning and mastery with 10+ flying modes for diverse captures, easily controlled via remote for a seamless aerial experience. Plus, accommodate ample storage with an SD card slot supporting up to 128 GB Class 100 UHS-1. Seamlessly supported by the IZI Sky Eye App for remote piloting control, aerial photography, cinematography, and flight parameter adjusting to reach peak performance and the mobile device will serve as the main monitor.

Speaking about the drone, Ishan Haydn, Founder, IZI said, “Our substantial investment in cutting-edge technology positions us at the forefront of industry trends, with rigorous research processes forming the bedrock of our products, surpassing established standards. We recognize the pivotal importance of aligning with the pulse of the Indian budget segment. At IZI, we prioritize the highest quality, implementing stringent testing protocols that cover durability, performance, and user experience. Valuing customer feedback as paramount, we actively incorporate insights to refine features and foster collaboration. This milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of drone technology. Designed to cater to both enthusiasts and professionals, our product offers a compact, versatile, and affordable solution for aerial photography and exploration.”

Operating seamlessly on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, MINI X ensures a user-friendly, high-performance experience. The photography modes of the drone include Normal, Helix, Comet, Circle, Follow Me, Dronie, Rocket, Waypoint, Route Plan, and Panorama.

Crafted locally in India, the product has worldwide shipping services and 24/7 customer support. With a powerful 20MP camera boasting 4K resolution, it captures moments with clarity, redefining the norm in the Indian tech landscape.

IZI is at the forefront of drone technology. Their journey began as a distributer of drones in India, but it does not stop there. Their evolution now spans a diverse range of ground-breaking consumer electronics, setting new benchmarks in the industry. IZI‘s story is one of innovation, customer-centricity, and advancements in the thriving drone industry. Focusing on drones and expanding its portfolio to advanced products like the action camera, smartphone gimbal, and Dash Camera, further solidifies IZI‘s position as a trailblazer in cutting-edge and high-quality technology.

Bengaluru, 25th January, 2024: Aster DM Healthcare Ltd (NSE: ASTERDM; BSE: 540975) has received the requisite majority of shareholder votes towards the separation of the GCC business from the Indian operations.

Voting on the two resolutions proposed by the Company, closed on January 22, 2024.

In respect of Resolution 1 being the resolution for approving the sale of the GCC business as a related party transaction, 99.86% of the eligible votes were in favour on this resolution. It is to be noted that since this resolution was for approving a related party transaction, the related parties were not eligible to vote for approving the transaction.

Resolution 2, being the resolution for approving the sale, of a material subsidiary was approved by shareholders with a 99.96% votes in favour of the resolution.

Expressing satisfaction on the voting outcome, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare said: “We are glad that shareholders have appreciated the long-term value-unlocking opportunity in the separation of the two businesses and have strongly supported the transaction with a landslide vote in favour of the transaction. The investors too have shown patience and trust in the company throughout this period. As disclosed earlier, we are looking to declare previously announced dividend soon upon relevant approvals being obtained upon closing of the transaction. The proposed transaction will now create two geographically focussed pure-play entities, each with its own capital allocation policy. The promoters remain committed to both the India and GCC entities and will continue to manage the business as earlier. The Indian healthcare market with a population of 1.4 billion to serve, is posed for rapid and sustainable growth in the next few years. With its aggressive growth plans, Aster DM Healthcare aims to be among the Top 3 integrated healthcare providers in India.”

Post closing of the proposed transaction, the Company is desirous to consider distributing 70-80 percent of the upfront consideration of $903 million as a dividend to its shareholders in the range of

₹110 to ₹120 per share, subject to approvals required under the law. The closing of the transaction is subject to completion of certain conditions precedent which are in advanced stages of completion.

The company also plans to boost its India presence by adding 1500 beds in the next 2-3 years to take the total bed capacity to more than 6000 beds. At present, Aster operates in five states with a network comprising 19 hospitals, 13 clinics, 226 pharmacies, and 251 patient experience centers.

Prince Pipes and Fittings Limited (PPFL), one of India’s largest integrated piping solutions providers, has installed Storefit Water Tanks to provide an unlimited supply of safe drinking water for millions of people visiting Ayodhya today, to witness the ‘Pran Prathistha ‘ ceremony at the Ayodhya temple.12 units of Storefit water tanks of 500 liters capacity have been distributed within 2 km radius of the Ayodhya temple. The locations are as follows:

• Hanumant dham (near Karsewakpuram area)
• Badi chawani (near Karsewakpuram area)
• Pathar shila (near Karsewakpuram area)
• Ram ki paudi next to Nageshwar Nath temple
• Naya ghat Hanumant mandir entrance
• Lata Mangeshkar chowraha chowki
• Gulela temple near (Ram mandir) entrance
• Karsevakpuram (RSS BHANDAR) premises
• Hanuman Garhi (Exit area)
• Rajdwar Temple Opposite Hanuman Garhi
• Food Corner near Ram Ghat station
• Ram Bharat milap temple near Ram temple

Prince Pipes and Fittings Limited (PPFL) (NSE: PRINCEPIPE I BSE: 542907) is one of India’s largest integrated piping solutions providers and multi polymer manufacturers, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Incorporated in 1987, Prince is one of the fastest-growing companies in the Indian pipes and fittings industry. Over 3 decades, the company has been engaged in the manufacturing of polymer piping solutions in four types of polymers – CPVC, UPVC, HDPE, and PPR. In August 2020, the Company announced its association with Lubrizol – inventors and largest manufacturers of CPVC compounds worldwide, headquartered in the United States; thereafter launched Prince Flowguard Plus CPVC plumbing systems. In June 2023, Prince Pipes launched Prince Bathware – Elegant-Indulgent-Stylish – a top-of-line range of faucets and sanitaryware transforming the bath space.

With a network of more than 1,500 distributors, PPFL is steadily increasing its pan-India distributor base to ensure stronger customer proximity to respond faster to their needs. Prince Pipes and Fittings Limited has 7 state-of-the-art manufacturing units located across the country at Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Athal (Dadra and Nagar Haveli), Dadra (Dadra and Nagar Haveli), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Jobner (Rajasthan) and Sangareddy (Telangana).