Archives January 2024

Mumbai, 18th January 2024 – Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a company specializing in science communication and technology, has joined forces with the Indian Society of Cell Biology (Society). This two years partnership aims to enhance academic growth and offer training support to students, postdocs, and researchers in various life sciences fields, highlighting a step forward in academic development.

The 46th All India Cell Biology Conference (AICBC2024), organized by the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, took place from January 10-12, 2024. It was a key event for promoting collaboration and sharing knowledge in the field.

Complementing this, Cactus Communications conducted two webinars in partnership with the Society on January 5, 2024: ‘Writing and structuring your manuscript to make it publish-worthy’ and ‘The power of conferences, networking, and social media in academia’. These webinars, designed for Ph.D. students and postdocs, focused on manuscript writing and effective networking skills in academia.

Mr. Abhishek Goel, Co-Founder & CEO of Cactus Communications shared, “Our commitment extends to fostering academic advancement within the global life sciences community. Collaborating with the Indian Society of Cell Biology enables us to connect with a diverse spectrum of students, postdocs, and researchers, empowering them through upskilling programs and offering comprehensive service solutions”

Dr. Pritha Ray, Principal Investigator, ACTREC and Vice President, Indian Society of Cell Biology commented, “Working with Cactus Communications gives our participants access to important resources and insights. The insightful webinars not only enriched our academic community but also created opportunities for new collaborations and skill building. We are excited about the future of this partnership.”

This collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to advancing academic quality and equipping the Cell Biology academic community with the necessary tools and knowledge for success.

Sony LIV unveils the stellar cast for its Hindi adaptation of the globally acclaimed crime drama Magpie, titled Kan Khajura. The lineup includes Mohit Raina, Roshan Mathew, Sarah Jane Dias, Mahesh Shetty, Ninad Kamat, Trinetra Haldar, Heeba Shah, and Usha Nadkarni. With this ensemble cast, Kan Khajura promises to deliver a compelling narrative rich in depth and emotional resonance.

Mohit Raina, said, “Being part of a thriller is always exciting yet demanding for any actor. My character has various shades associated with it and that has been a great responsibility to portray. To get into the skin of the character, we tried on various looks that brought out a well-etched character. Magpie, a global sensation was always a story waiting to cross borders and be adapted for the Indian audience. I am glad to be part of this story with filmmakers like Chandan at the helm, backed by a stellar cast, and talented writing, creative, and production teams. It’s a collective endeavour to honor the show’s legacy and ensure an unforgettable journey for our audience.”

Kan Khajura, a captivating series, is produced by Ajay Rai and directed by Chandan Arora. The show is in the Original Format under a license granted by yes Studios. Created by Adam Bizanski, Omri Shenhar, and Dana Eden, the show skillfully explores the complexities of fractured familial ties, touching on themes of betrayal, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit.

New Delhi, India, 18th January 2024: Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) and Analog Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADI) announced today at CES 2024 that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the digitization of commercial buildings by upgrading to digital connectivity technologies without replacing existing wiring, which will help reduce cost, waste, and downtime. The strategic alliance would bring this new technology to building management systems for the first time.

Many of the commercial buildings in the United States are outdated and inefficient and, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the majority of them were built before the year 2000. Additionally, organizations are relying on networking technology to transmit ever-greater volumes of data, causing a surge in demand for cloud storage and processing speed. Digitizing building management systems will allow managers to reduce energy consumption through real-time decisions, while it will upgrade a building’s network performance and security to current Internet-protocol networks without extensive costs and remodeling.

“For more than a decade, ADI and Honeywell have collaborated on driving the next waves of innovation,” said Martin Cotter, senior vice president, Industrial and Multi Markets and president of ADI EMEA region. “In this next phase of our work together, we are thrilled to see these ADI technologies move beyond factory automation and into Honeywell’s building management system to help customers reduce building energy consumption, which can save money, improve resiliency, and help meet emissions reductions goals.”

“Honeywell is revolutionizing building management systems to help building owners tackle today’s biggest challenges,” said Suresh Venkatarayalu, Honeywell’s chief technology officer. “This collaboration with ADI would offer building owners the ability to upgrade and enhance their wiring without a significant upfront investment, and with less labor and environmental impact.”

Honeywell plans to adopt ADI’s single-pair Ethernet (T1L) and software configurable input/output (SWIO) solutions in its building management systems. ADI’s single-pair Ethernet enables long-reach Ethernet connectivity with the possibility of reusing a building’s existing wiring, reducing installation time and cost, and reducing waste. Single-pair Ethernet complements existing Ethernet connectivity in building management systems, bringing enhanced connectivity from the edge to the cloud, helping eliminate data islands and better utilizing assets.

ADI’s offering would also reduce product complexities by enabling Honeywell to build a single version of the product for different needs, allowing more future-proofed control and automation for when a building is remodeled, or requirements change. This helps increase the speed of product installation, reduces inventory needs, and enables easier and more affordable changes.

DAVOS, Switzerland and NOIDA, India,18th January 2024 – HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has emerged as the fastest-growing IT services brand with +15.9% YoY growth in brand value among the top 10 IT companies globally, as per the 2024 Brand Finance Global 500 and IT Services Top 25 Report released today in Davos.

Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy, adopted a methodology that evaluates a brand’s strength based on its investments in marketing and brand initiatives, client and employee perception, and overall business performance. These findings come on the heels of HCLTech’s strategic brand transformation efforts initiated 15 months ago. Led by a new brand identity and positioning, these efforts are anchored around Supercharging Progress™ and the company’s refreshed purpose – To bring together the best of technology and our people to supercharge progress.

Commenting on the update, Jill Kouri, Global CMO of HCLTech, said: “HCLTech’s business performance has surpassed the market across various key metrics. Our brand has been an important accelerator of this journey, helping reinforce our differentiation, further strengthen client and employee loyalty, showcase our abiding commitment to sustainability and CSR, and make it easier to connect with prospective clients in emerging markets. It is fulfilling to see our efforts recognized in the Brand Finance report.”

David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, highlighted: “We are highly impressed with the rapid and resilient increase in HCLTech’s brand value and accelerated growth trajectory over the past few years. HCLTech stands out in terms of brand performance, excelling in both volume growth and the ability to drive profitability. This performance indicates a strong engagement with clients and an ability to capitalize on emerging market potential ahead of peer brands in the industry.”

Over the last three decades, HCLTech has evolved as a leading global tech company offering a comprehensive portfolio encompassing digital, engineering, cloud, AI and software capabilities, which empowers clients in navigating end-to-end digital transformation. Fuelled by its holistic portfolio, core engineering DNA and decades of operational experience in AI, HCLTech stands at the pole position to unlock the best value from GenAI for its clients worldwide.

“The past year has been an exhilarating journey for our brand with a rejuvenated brand identity and positioning brought to life through best-in-class campaigns and platforms as well as through the actions, culture and values exhibited by our strong crew of over 224,000 HCLTechies who are our brand ambassadors. We are building on this momentum with strongly differentiated go-to-market campaigns this year,” said Zulfia Nafees, Global Head of Brand, HCLTech.

*Note for the Editors:

Top 10 IT Services providers as per Brand Finance Global 500 and IT Services Top 25 report are (in alphabetical order) — Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Fujitsu (IT Services), HCLTech, IBM Consulting, Infosys, NTT DATA, TCS, Wipro.

India, 18th January 2024: Minosha India Limited, a distinguished partner of RICOH products in India, is all set to make waves at the Pamex Exhibition 2024, happening from 6th February -9th February 2024 at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai. Organized by the All India Federation of Master Printers in collaboration with Print Packaging, the Pamex Exhibition is the epitome of international excellence in Printing and Allied Machinery Industries, offering a platform for the latest products and solutions.

With an unwavering commitment to innovation and RICOH’s legacy spanning 29 years, Minosha’s stall at PAMEX 2024 will be themed as ‘The Legend Is Here.’ This theme pays homage to RICOH’s global reputation and Minosha’s dedication to showcasing the rich history and cutting-edge innovations that have established RICOH as a legendary name in both Office Automation & Commercial Print segments. The stall stands as a testament to RICOH’s enduring impact on the industry and Minosha’s pledge to deliver exceptional printing solutions.

The spotlight of Minosha’s exhibit will be on two groundbreaking RICOH machines- the Pro C9500 and Pro C7500 production printers. These two products, hailed as one of India’s premier production printers and recognized in five prominent publications, cement their position as a printing powerhouse. Highlighting cutting-edge technology and innovative features, these products are the go-to choice for businesses seeking high-quality printing solutions.

In response to the evolving dynamics of modern office environments, the IM 460F multifunction printer takes center stage as a versatile device. Tailored for dynamic workplaces, it accommodates hybrid work styles, optimizing office space and resources. This latest-generation black-and-white multifunction device supports businesses of all sizes, enhancing day-to-day operations with technology that boosts productivity, ensures data security, and offers a seamless user experience.

Sharing his views on the upcoming Exhibition, National Head – DC & PP Business, Sales – Minosha India Limited said, “Pamex 2024 marks a pivotal moment for Minosha as we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to present RICOH’s latest innovations on a prestigious stage. Our chosen theme, ‘The Legend Is Here,’ goes beyond a mere slogan- it embodies the essence of RICOH’s global prominence and serves as a visual representation of our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our valued customers.”

“The enthusiasm surrounding this groundbreaking event is further fueled by the remarkable response we received last year by showcasing 200 demonstrations of our production printers at PAMEX. This overwhelming feedback reaffirms the industry’s eagerness for innovation and the latest technology developments. Encouraged by this, we are determined to build on that success by presenting even more groundbreaking technologies this year with Pro C9500 and IM460F exemplifying RICOH’s legacy and our proactive approach to addressing the industry’s ever-evolving needs. We invite all attendees to witness firsthand the convergence of innovation, legacy, and commitment at Minosha’s stall during PAMEX 2024.”, he added.

Minosha’s strategic choice of PAMEX as the platform to showcase its products is well-founded. The 210-meter stall is designed to offer a comprehensive product tour, emphasizing ‘RICOH Always Current Technology.’ The Exhibition, known as India’s most valuable printing exhibition, perfectly aligns with Minosha’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Singapore/India [18th January 2024] – noco-noco Pte Ltd (“noco-noco”), the wholly-owned subsidiary of noco-noco Inc (Nasdaq “NCNC”), and Greenfield Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd (“Greenfield”) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at revolutionizing India’s clean electric mobility landscape through batteries with superior efficiency, performance, and longevity capabilities.

At the heart of this collaboration, lies noco-noco’s X-SEPA™ separator technology capable of extending the battery life of conventional lithium-ion batteries fivefold, when used with a proprietary electrolyte. Greenfuel is India’s leading provider of clean mobility and energy storage solutions with a 17-year legacy of trust and reliability in the Indian market. As one of the leading suppliers of electric vehicle (EV) components to major automotive manufacturers in India, the company has sold over a hundred thousand batteries powering EVs covering more than 80 million kilometers on grueling Indian roads.

The collaboration avails noco-noco’s groundbreaking separator technology to be embedded into Greenfuel’s EV batteries, enhancing performance and unlocking further use-case opportunities within the battery-related services sector.

Synergizing for success

Under the terms of the MOU, noco-noco will supply Greenfuel with cells inbuilt with the X-SEPA™ technology and Greenfuel will manufacture battery packs with these cells. Greenfuel will also spearhead marketing and sales activities in India and Africa, catering to a diverse range of applications including Drone as a Service (DaaS) and Battery as a Service (BaaS) for solutions such as battery swapping.

The collaboration will unfold in multiple phases, with the final manufacturing capacity determined by noco-noco (or its designated third party) supplying 3MWh of the cells on a quarterly basis. This figure would account for a third of noco-noco’s planned in-house 35MWh production capacity expected to launch in 2024 with the acquisition of noco-tech, the R&D company at the forefront of developing the X-SEPA™.

Speaking on the collaboration, Masataka Matsumura, CEO of noco-noco said, “By aligning with Greenfuel, noco-noco is strategically positioned to capitalize on the nascent but growing battery solutions space in India. This collaboration, which combines our ‘all weather’ battery technology with Greenfuel’s leadership in the EV clean energy and transport space, presents a lucrative avenue for revenue growth in India’s surging e-mobility sector. It evidences our business strategy to bring clean electrification solutions to the Indian market. At the same time, it supports our corporate mission to strengthen ground-up decarbonization goals and value chains.”

Akshay Kashyap, MD & Founder, Greenfuel Energy Solutions said, “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with noco-noco, a collaboration that marks a significant leap forward in our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the electric mobility sector. Our joint efforts are poised to extend the battery life of our two and three-wheeler lithium-ion batteries by more than three times.”

“This revolutionary technology along with meticulously designed battery packs that are proudly made in India can now lower the total cost of ownership of EVs, making them much cheaper than their ICE counterparts. For the first time in India, such value is being offered to customers, aligning seamlessly with our brand’s commitment to a ‘Customer First’ approach to driving technological innovation,” said Mr. Kashyap.

Addressing India’s surging electrification needs

The Indian lithium-ion battery market is rapidly growing and, according to analysts, is expected to reach a value of US$ 25,309.59 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 22.1% within the forecast period.

With India aiming to achieve its 500 GW renewable energy capacity target by 2030, the government has projected the energy storage capacity requirement by the same year to be 41.65 GW from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with storage of 208.25 GWh to address the intermittency of renewable energy and balance the grid.

In addition, the Indian government’s initiatives to electrify its domestic transport are fueling the growing popularity of EVs, and today, 90% of India’s 2.3 million EVs fall under the two- or three-wheeler categories.

In India, electric tricycle rickshaws, a common and affordable mode of public transport, need batteries with 3000 cycle capacities at 45°C. However, the current capacity averages around 1000 cycles. noco-noco’s X-SEPA™ technology allows for 3000 cycles at 60°C while maintaining performance at 0°C. Importantly, it has demonstrated no abnormalities, such as short-circuits or fire-causing swelling, even when cells embedded with the technology were exposed to 150°C conditions for an hour. These technological advancements could provide game-changing EV batteries and energy storage solutions for a country with diverse temperature ranges.

Said Ashok Choudhary, President of the Gas Fuel and Battery Division at Greenfuel, “We are thrilled to embark on a groundbreaking partnership with noco-noco, poised to redefine the landscape of two and three-wheeler battery packs in India. Together, we envision a future where e-mobility vehicles set new standards of quality, reliability, and scalability. The integration of noco-noco’s cutting-edge X-SEPA™ separator technology is a testament to our commitment to sustainable transportation. This collaboration not only strengthens our resolve to provide eco-friendly solutions but also paves the way for a greener, more efficient era in the Indian EV market. We believe this synergy will drive a revolution in the way we power our two and three-wheelers, shaping a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.”

Said Mari Matsushita, Chief Product Officer of noco-noco, “India’s transportation sector is witnessing a radical shift with the widespread adoption of EVs emerging as a key strategy to curb carbon emissions and minimize tailpipe pollution. Extending the lifespan of EV batteries not only encourages adoption but also reduces overall ownership costs for two and three-wheeler operators. Given these dynamics, noco-noco’s expertise is exceptionally well-suited for the unique demands of one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy and mobility markets.”

Bengaluru, India 17th January, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand today has announced exciting offers on the immensely popular Galaxy A05s, A54 5G, and Galaxy A34 5G smartphones.

As a special offer, consumers can buy the Galaxy A05s now with discount. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 for exceptional performance and a massive 6.71” Full HD+ 90Hz display, Galaxy A05s is perfect for seamless multitasking and immersive viewing. Users can capture vibrant photos with its 50MP main shooter and enjoy long-lasting power with a 5000 mAh battery supporting 25W Super-Fast charging. Galaxy A05s stays future-ready with 4 years of security updates and 2 generations of OS upgrades. Galaxy A05s is available across retail stores, Samsung.com, and other online players

Consumers can now also purchase Galaxy A34 5G, originally price , Those looking to purchase the Awesome Galaxy A54 5G can now own the 8GB+128GB variant, reduced from the initial price. Additionally, consumers seeking enhanced affordability can take advantage of the convenient EMI schemes.

Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G are tough, offering spill and splash resistance with an IP67 rating. They withstand 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes and are dust-resistant, perfect for any adventure. With powerful cameras, including a 50MP OIS primary lens on A54 and 48MP on A34, plus a 5MP macro lens, they introduce the popular ‘Nightography’ feature. These stylish devices come with a floating camera setup, a color-matching metal camera deco, and a 5000 mAh battery lasting over 2 days on a single charge. Users can experience Samsung Wallet, Voice Focus, and dual Dolby-engineered stereo speakers for ultimate entertainment.

Consumers can experience true-to-life colors on Super AMOLED displays, 1000 Nits brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth transitions. Secured with Samsung’s Knox, they offer real-time data protection. With four OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates, Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G ensure enduring performance.

Galaxy A05s, Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy A54 5G are available across retail stores, Samsung.com, and other online players.

January 17th, 2024: POCO, one of India’s leading smartphone brands, is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated model, the POCO X6 Pro, with an exhilarating campaign theme: #TheUltimatePredator. This campaign film starring cricket sensation Hardik Pandya aims to showcase how the POCO X6 Pro reigns supreme in the urban tech jungle, delivering unparalleled performance and features.

With Hardik Pandya leading the charge, the film, created by POCO’s creative agency Media. Monks India sets ablaze the monotony of the smartphone market with an action-packed cinematic masterstroke. Dedicated to an audience seeking the thrill and adrenaline no other phone in the category can offer, the highly stylized motion film is an ode to the marvel & exaggeration of South cinema that is sure to electrify and make users join the hype.

Set to launch alongside the POCO X6, the POCO X6 Pro is expected to surpass its predecessor, the POCO X5 Pro. Boasting a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra processor, this smartphone promises exceptional performance, with an impressive AnTuTu score exceeding 1.4 million powered by Xiaomi HyperOS as well.. It features the brand’s most immersive display yet- the stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1.5K. Additionally, the device incorporates WildBoost 2.0 as well.

Kiran Ramamurthy, Chief Operating Officer at Media. Monks India adds: “In this ever-evolving digital age, pushing the boundaries of cinema-grade production has become imperative. Smartphone marketing is constantly trying newer ways to captivate audiences, but most often the retention of such formulaic ads is low. With POCO, the end result is a visual spectacle with unparalleled artistic finesse, that fuels the desire to be part of the tribe and join the hype for the phone.”

“The X series stands as the cornerstone of our brand, embodying our commitment to pushing boundaries and introducing revolutionary innovations. Hardik Pandya is a name that resonates instantly with India; his never-give-up attitude, zeal, and enthusiasm align seamlessly with the DNA of the X series. We are confident that his personality will strike a chord with our audience and fans, and in keeping with our brand imagery, his role in the product video will play a crucial part in fostering a sense of community within the POCO tribe. Collaborations like this enable us to be a part of a cultural movement that deeply connects with the millennial and Gen Z audience.” said Himanshu Tandon, Country Head, POCO India

Starting 16th Jan 2024 (12 PM IST), the POCO X6 Pro 5G, is available on Flipkart in Racing Grey, Spectre Black, and the unique Vegan Leather POCO Yellow, offers two variants On the other hand, POCO X6 5G is available on Flipkart in Mirror Black and Snowstorm White and presented in two variants. Notably, these prices are inclusive of the INR 2,000 discount applicable on ICICI Credit/Debit cards and EMI transactions. Alternatively, customers can enjoy the same discount of INR 2000 through the product exchange offer, ensuring a compelling deal for tech enthusiasts.

The POCO X6 Pro is set to revolutionize the smartphone market with its exceptional performance and innovative features. Stay tuned to witness the rise of #TheUltimatePredator.

Film Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS6JpDKNGkk

Indore, 17th January 2024: Sayaji Hotel Indore, a name synonymous with hospitality and community commitment, marked the end of 2023 with a memorable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. In collaboration with the Sanjeevani Seva Sangam Foundation, Indore, Sayaji Hotel Indore hosted a heartwarming event for specially-abled and orphan children, providing them a day filled with joy and laughter.

The event unfolded with the children and their teachers gracing Sayaji Hotel Indore for a gala lunch. Following which, the Sayaji team engaged the children in fun-filled games, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The highlight of the day was the heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the celebration of life and shared happiness. As part of the festivities, Sayaji Hotel Indore also distributed thoughtful gifts to each child, making the occasion even more special. The commitment to spreading smiles and building a brighter future was evident throughout the event, aligning with Sayaji’s core values of community service and compassion.

Mr. Ranjan Banerjee, General Manager of Sayaji Hotel Indore, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “At Sayaji Hotel Indore, giving back to society is deeply embedded in our culture. We actively support causes that can have a positive impact on the communities we serve. This collaboration with Sanjeevani Seva Sangam Foundation reflects our commitment to creating an effective platform that inspires people to come together with a shared purpose and make a meaningful difference in our community.”

“Sayaji Hotel Indore is honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to the well-being and happiness of these incredible children. We believe that happiness is contagious, and by coming together as a community, we can create a positive impact that resonates far beyond this festive season,” further added Mr. Ranjan Banerjee.

This CSR initiative not only encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season but also reflects Sayaji Hotel Indore’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. As the year came to a close, Sayaji Hotel Indore reiterates its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and looks forward to continuing its efforts in the coming year, spreading joy and creating lasting memories for those in need.

New Delhi, India 17th January, 2024:  GreenCell Mobility, a pioneering electric mobility solutions provider, is proud to announce that the Director of Urban Transport selected Greencell Mobility as a partner to deploy 150 intra-city electric buses to Ayodhya for the momentous Ram Mandir consecration ceremony. This fleet will play a crucial role in providing intra-city transportation service to an estimated 2 million devotees within Ayodhya from mid-January to end of February, including the day of the ceremony and the surrounding days, marking a significant period for pilgrims and believers.

As a company at the forefront of sustainable transportation, GreenCell Mobility is honoured to provide its buses for hundreds of thousands of passengers in need of public transportation during this event where over 2.5 crore devotees are expected to visit the city till March’24, making Ayodhya an eco-friendly tourist hub! The use of these 150 electric buses is a testament to the commitment towards environmentally friendly solutions, significantly reducing carbon footprint by avoiding approximately over 600 tonnes of tailpipe emissions per month. These buses were flagged off in Ayodhya by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Shree Yogi Adityanath ji on 14^th January’24.

Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD of GreenCell Mobility, stated, “We are humbled and excited to be part of Ayodhya becoming an eco-friendly tourist hub, as we deploy our buses in the city. Our mission has always been to promote sustainable transportation solutions, and the government’s decision to utilize electric buses for this grand occasion aligns perfectly with our vision. It’s not just about ferrying passengers; it’s about being a part of a collective journey towards a cleaner and greener future.”

Use of electric buses during this event is a significant step towards promoting electric mobility in India and showcasing the practicality and efficiency of electric buses in managing large-scale public transport needs, especially during such significant cultural and religious events.

GreenCell Mobility has deployed over 700 buses in UP, saving over 22,000 tonnes of tailpipe emissions annually. With these 150 buses in Ayodhya, GreenCell Mobility is looking forward to further strengthen the brand’s partnership with the state and help to achieve its goals of electrifying public transport.