Archives January 2024

India (17th January 2024 ) The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 came to a close on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines with the crowning of new DOTA 2 and VALORANT esports champions and electrifying performances from some of the Philippines’s most talented artists. This year’s edition of the Asia Pacific Predator League was a major success with sold-out arenas and online spectators tuned in via the Predator social media channels during the two-day event. From the 26 teams competing for top honors in Dota 2 and VALORANT, Blacklist Rivalry and Team Secret emerged victorious and lifted the prestigious Predator Shield in their respective categories.

“The success of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 is indicative of the strength of the region’s growing esports community and the Predator brand devices’ ability to support intense gaming sessions when playing the most popular titles,” said Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Operations. “I would like to extend my congratulations to the tournament winners and my heartfelt appreciation to all the players, fans, and staff who make this yearly event possible.”

Dota 2 Highlights

Blacklist Rivalry prevailed over fellow Filipino team Execration in the Dota 2 grand finals. Abed “Abed” Yusop was in incredible form, averaging 8.5 kills and 14 assists in the series to spearhead the offense of his team. They were successful in shutting down Execration’s star Mark “Bob” Urbino, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat for team Execration and another second-place finish in the Predator League grand finals for two consecutive years.

As this year’s DOTA 2 Champions, Blacklist Rivalry will be going home with a cash prize of USD$ 65,000, while Execration will receive $20,000. Third and fourth finishers in China’s Team Aster and IHC Esports from Mongolia will also receive USD$ 7,500 each for their impressive showing.

VALORANT Highlights

Team Secret came into the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 as the favorites and exceeded all expectations. They were in full control of the Japanese side FAV gaming during the final, with Adrian “invy” Reyes continuing to be the brightest spot for the team. Team Secret, also known as the “The Adobo Gang” among its fans, has won its first LAN trophy and Predator Shield since the inception of its VALORANT team.

Team Secret goes home with the USD$ 65,000 prize pool, while FAV Gaming wins USD$ 20,000 for their performance. Third and fourth placers BOOM Esports from Indonesia and Team Flash from Vietnam also receive USD$ 7,500 each.

Intel MVP Award

Merits were given to exceptional players who stood out amongst the competition during the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024. For Dota 2, it was awarded to carry player Polo “Raven” Fausto while in VALORANT it was awarded to duelist player Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera. Both players take home an extra USD$ 10,000 prizes as well as the Intel MVP Award Trophy for their individual performances.

Beyond the live esports action, the audience was also treated to world-class entertainment composed of the Philippines’ brightest stars, including Acer ambassadors SB19 and Sarah Geronimo. There were also meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao.

Felip and Ylona Garcia were the opening acts for Day 1, exciting the crowd with their exhilarating performance. This was followed by numbers from Urbandub and Al James, and with a special appearance by TV personality Donny Pangilinan. Day 2 was just as impressive with amazing performances from Josh Cullen, Sandwich, Spongecola, Pablo, and KZ Tandingan, who sang the Predator anthem, “It Lies Within.”

Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 Host Announced

The next Asia Pacific Predator League will be held in Malaysia, with the qualifiers starting in late 2024 and the grand finals to be held in early 2025.

For more information and updates about the Predator League, visit the official website www.predator-league.com.

Bengaluru, 17th January 2024 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) announced further recognition today for its flagship cybersecurity platform: Trend Vision One™ was named a Leader in Gartner’s latest Magic Quadrant report. Trend has been named a leader in every Gartner Magic Quadrant report for EPPs since 2002.

To read the latest Gartner Magic Quadrant – Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs) report, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/explore/gartner-voc-endpoint

Vijendra Katiyar, Country Manager for India & SAARC at Trend Micro: “Whether it’s a cloud workload, an on-premises server or a traditional PC, the endpoint is where business happens today. And for that reason, it’s also where threat actors congregate. That’s why we offer comprehensive endpoint threat protection, detection and response from a single platform—to boost security and compliance and reduce IT workload. We’re delighted to be recognized by Gartner for our success here once again.”

Trend Vision One – Endpoint Security goes beyond traditional endpoint security to offer protection for physical endpoints (including ATMs and PoS systems) alongside servers, cloud workloads and virtual machines. It blends this with extended detection and response (XDR) for proactive security, and third-party integration with threat intel, SIEM, orchestration, build pipeline, attack surface management, and other offerings.

Gartner’s report noted that Trend Vision One – Endpoint Security suits a “broad range” of global organizations, including those looking to consolidate security vendors, find integrated workspace security, and seek support for hybrid environments.

Key strengths of Trend’s offering listed in the report included:

·         “Integrated attack surface management, security configuration management and XDR capabilities … to aid in proactive risk reduction and security operations.”

·         “Trend Micro’s product benefits from the breadth and integration of its workspace security suite components. Recent enhancements include an ITDR [integrated threat detection and response] capability within the Trend Vision One platform.”

·         “A flexible credit-based licensing model and generally lower-than-average prices compared to other Leaders in this Magic Quadrant.”

·         “Trend Micro’s product offers depth and granularity in its administration console, and broad support for legacy and rare Oss. Trend Micro is one of the few vendors supporting flavors of AIX, Solaris, Red Hat OpenShift and others.”

Noida International University– Noida International University is established by U.P. LEGISLATURE ACT NO. 27 OF 2010 and under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. A World Class University sponsored by the Maruti Educational Trust. The lush green campus of 75 acres with its uniquely designed architecture stands out as an infrastructure. The campus is strategically located near the Yamuna Expressway educational hub in Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida. The University through its 12 schools is offering various multi-disciplinary programs in varied streams of Engineering, Management, Law, Medical, and Social Sciences. The students from more than 54 Nations place faith in the educational curriculum of the University. The Petals leading toward a star are an embodiment of the University’s cherished mission to provide education beyond the boundaries and to felicitate the students and faculty to achieve pinnacles of success throughout the world.

NIU also has a 350+ bedded Hospital and a Medical College named Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS). NIIMS is a Centre of Excellence that endeavors to develop a unique pedagogy for medical education. NIIMS’s greater focus lies on the pragmatic approach to learning that lets a student explore the deeper nuances of medical education.

Bengaluru,17th January 2024: Narayana Health City, Bengaluru achieved a remarkable feat in 2023 by conducting over 215 pediatric bone marrow transplants within a single year – this is amongst the highest no. of pediatric BMTs performed at a single medical center in the World. This exceptional achievement has helped rank Narayana Health City amongst the top centers globally.

BMTs are on a steady rise in India, with about 2,500 transplants being performed yearly unlike five years ago when it was less than 500. Though the number of BMTs being performed is increasing, it is less than 10% of the actual requirement in India.

Dr. Emmanuel Rupert, MD & Group CEO of Narayana Health, said, “In India, over one lakh patients with serious blood related disorders requiring Bone Marrow Transplant are diagnosed every year. We established this unit in 2004 with a vision of providing world-class care, and I am glad to say that our Narayana Health City Bangalore has conducted over 2000 bone marrow transplants in both adult and pediatric age groups. This is just the beginning, and the journey to provide BMT treatment to all beneficiaries still has a long way to go.”

“Narayana Health has also taken proactive measures in the realm of hematological cancers and other blood disorders. The hospital chain’s Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) program has expanded significantly, offering life-saving solutions to patients with suffering from cancers and blood-related disorders. In 2023, 215 children underwent BMT at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru successfully” said Dr. Sunil Bhat, Vice Chairman of Oncology and Director and Head of Pediatric Hematology Oncology at Narayana Health City.

The strong growth in BMTs is highlighted, with Narayana Health – Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre (MSMC) in Bangalore now recognized as the largest facility for BMT in India. This achievement signifies a leadership position in the field of oncology and hematology and reinforces the organization’s commitment to providing advanced and specialized medical services. Narayana Health’s Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are other Centers of Excellence with a significant number of BMTs to their credit.

“Our Centers include specialized units for Autologous BMT, Leukaemia & Lymphoma, Aplastic Anaemia, Thalassemia, and Sickle Cell Anaemia. We are committed to extending the Molecular Research Lab, offering cutting-edge services such as unrelated donor transplants, haplo-identical transplants, cell therapies for viral infections, CAR-T Therapy, and a well-equipped laboratory conducting essential tests for Stem Cell transplants,” added Dr. Sunil Bhat.

Bone marrow transplantation is a vital procedure replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, primarily addressing blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Two types exist—Autologous, using the patient’s own collected stem cells post-treatment, and Allogeneic, utilizing donor stem cells for potential cures. In India, bone marrow transplants have evolved with notable trends, including increased accessibility and affordability. Advancements in transplantation techniques, such as haploidentical and cord blood transplants, enhance outcomes. Hospitals now prioritize comprehensive post-transplant care, featuring specialized units and psychological support for enduring patient well-being, marking significant progress in this critical medical field.

It has often been repeated that Dwarka Expressway’s strategic location, providing quick access to Delhi and the Indira Gandhi International Airport, enhances its appeal for commercial real estate development. This connectivity is crucial for businesses looking for easy accessibility. Gurugram, in general, has witnessed rapid urbanization and population growth. This demographic trend contributes to the demand for commercial spaces, as businesses aim to cater to the needs of the growing population.

Yashank Wason – Managing Director of Royal Green Realty said, “The region along Dwarka Expressway is witnessing a mix of residential and commercial developments. This integrated approach creates a self-sustaining ecosystem, as residents require nearby commercial facilities for their daily needs. The proximity to established business and IT hubs, such as Cyber City and Udyog Vihar, further enhances the appeal of commercial real estate on Dwarka Expressway. Companies may choose this location for expansion or relocation due to its proximity to existing business clusters.”

Sector 37 D needs special mention as it is turning out to be the hotspot in the region. We launched SCO project Courtyard 37D here, which is getting an impressive response. The SCO project Courtyard 37D is one of the most promising sectors of Gurugram, Sector 37D. The launch took place in July 2023, and within a short span, we sold out 90 percent of the project.

The investment climate and development trends in the real estate market play a crucial role. With developers and investors showing confidence in the area, it will attract more businesses and contribute to the growth of commercial real estate. The overall economic and industrial growth of the region is an important factor and will lead to increased demand for commercial spaces from a variety of industries.

India’s homegrown Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL), announced that it now enables convenient payments for car parking at the Airport Authority of India (AAI) authorized Chennai International Airport using FASTag. The Bank has partnered with Olympia Group, a prominent real estate developer based out of South India, to enable frictionless and time-efficient vehicle movement in the parking zone.

Using FASTag, car owners at Chennai International Airport will no longer be required to tender cash, empowering them with seamless and hassle-free travel. As the vehicle passes the entry or exit, a sensor will read the radio-frequency identification (RFID) sticker on the vehicle following which the applicable parking charges will be automatically deducted from the user’s Paytm Payments Bank Wallet or the respective account linked with the FASTag at all enabled parking lots.

Paytm Payments Bank spokesperson said, “We are constantly striving to streamline the airport parking fee payment process and to reduce the time spent at the entry/exit of the parking plaza. Paytm Payments Bank FASTag parking solution provides a convenient digital payment solution for paying the airport parking fees, making vehicle movement in the parking zone frictionless and time efficient. Our aim is to offer a simple, secure, and seamless payment experience to all our customers.”

Balaji A J, CEO, of Olympia Group, said, “The FASTag system has an efficient process for managing vehicular movement that provides a seamless experience to the passengers traveling at the airport.This is another significant step forward in enabling the Digital India initiative.”

Paytm Payments Bank has issued more than 1.80 Cr FASTags till date, making it the largest issuer of Fastag in the country. The Bank has enabled similar solutions at other prominent airports such as Dehradun, Pune and Indore along with enabling various prominent mall parking in India as well. It is also one of the largest acquirers of toll and parking plazas for the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program, offering an interoperable nationwide toll and parking payment solution.

The Biohacking India 2.0 event, India’s first Bio Hacking Platform presented by Physique Global & The Biohacking Directory Delhi supported by D’MONDE Members Club, unfolded at the illustrious D’MONDE Members Club in New Delhi.

Jag Chima, the visionary Founder of Physique Global and Biohacking Directory, brought back the dynamic duo, Kris Gethin and Ben Greenfield, for the second time after the pioneering Biohacking event in 2019. This marks a historic moment as the first-of-its-kind event in India.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of health enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and fitness professionals eager to glean insights from the world-renowned Biohackers. Ben Greenfield, a biohacker, nutritionist, and fitness coach, shared his extensive knowledge, emphasizing the transformative potential of biohacking in India. Greenfield expressed excitement about redefining the future of the fitness industry through a fusion of science and personalized wellness.

Kris Gethin, a celebrity trainer and transformation expert, contributed practical wisdom to the stage. In his reflection on the event, Gethin stated, “The event at D’Monde Members Club was a phenomenal experience for myself, Ben, Jag, and, based on the overwhelming feedback, the enthusiastic attendees. We provided the opportunity for the audience to delve into health-span and longevity insights applicable to anyone across India aspiring to lead a better life for themselves and their families.”

Gethin highlighted the unique perspective offered by combining ancestral wisdom with today’s technology, fostering positive transformations in how individuals perceive and prioritize their health. He emphasized that the event signifies a significant step for India in embracing biohacking practices more widely.

In collaboration with the esteemed D’Monde Members Club, this exclusive event was an invitation-only affair, setting the stage for a transformative experience.

Jag Chima expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “In the presence of extraordinary minds like Ben Greenfield and Kris Gethin, we’ve embarked on a journey to redefine the future of the health and fitness industry. Biohacking is not just a trend; it’s the future, a dynamic fusion of science and personalized wellness.”

Continuing, he said, “As the CEO of Physique Global and the Biohacking Directory, I am immensely proud to bring the best biohackers from around the world to India. Our mission is clear – to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to optimize their physical and mental well-being. We will be introducing new initiatives in India with Biohacking centres and incorporating cutting-edge technology to help people improve their well-being.”

The event marks the commencement of the Biohacking India 2.0 tour, promising a series of transformative events over the next couple of weeks, including one in Mumbai.

Export of Computer Software / Services (including ITES / BPO) registered a growth of 12.21 percent during the year 2022-23 over the preceding year, according to an estimate made by the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).

“In value terms, export of the IT/ITeS/ and BPO during 2022-23 is estimated at US$ 193 billion, up from US$ 172 billion estimated in the year 2021-22, registering a growth of 12.21%, which is mostly contributed by IT software/services at US$126 billion, followed by BPO services (US$ 52 billion) software products development (US$5.1 billion), engineering services US$ 9 billion) and software product development (US$ 5 billion);” says Sandeep Narula, Chairman, ESC, adding that appreciable growth of BPO services at 14.63% and 13.33% growth of IT products are good auguries since such global trading of these products would go up considerably in the coming years.

These estimates are found in ESC’s Statistical Year Book which will be released at the inaugural of IndiaSoft 2024 and the India Electronic Show to be held on17-19 January 2024 in New Delhi. The event, which will be an exhibition cum conference, will be attended by over 600 delegates from 70 countries. Over 1500 exhibitors from India and abroad will be displaying their products and solutions at the three-day event, which will also witness the launch of several innovative products.

The ESC estimates also point out that India is the leading destination for global services of US$550 billion in 2022, accounting for 35% of the market share. This segment grew at a higher pace compared to the IT-BPM industry. “Given the pick-up of the sector, it is poised to register higher growth in 2024, as markets for such products are expanding”; Narula said, adding that the global IT &ITeS market (excluding hardware) clocked at US$ 1.11 trillion in 2023.

ESC study indicates that Indian IT products are increasingly penetrating more countries and at the same time maintaining their footprints in the traditional markets. “The US continues to be the major market accounting for 54.92% of the total software exports from India in 2022-23 (as against 58% in the previous year), which in value terms translated into US$106 billion. The deceleration in the US market share was accompanied by a higher rate of penetration in other traditional markets and forays into newer markets.”., says Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director, ESC.

According to ESC analysis, the other important Indian markets for the IT-BPM sector are the UK (13.09%) the Netherlands (3.63%), Japan (6.50%), Germany (3.11%), Australia (2.59%), and Australia (2.59%).

Mumbai, 17th January 2024: Galaxy Surfactants, a leading manufacturer of performance surfactants and specialty care products with over 220+ product grades used in the Home and Personal Care industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the 13th edition of Home and Personal Care Ingredients Exhibition and Conference India, which is scheduled to take place on January 18th and 19th at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Embracing the theme of “Gallery of Innovation” for its stall design, Galaxy aims to offer a multifaceted experience to attendees. The stall will feature distinct zones, including the Glam Up Gallery showcasing makeup formulations crafted with Galaxy’s cutting-edge ingredients. Furthermore, a Creation Corner will host live demonstrations of new formulations, providing a hands-on experience of Galaxy’s groundbreaking products.

In the Innovation Zone, Galaxy will spotlight versatile conditioning systems for hair care and Fabric care, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the latest advancements in home and personal care ingredients. Galaxy will host a live demo session on the second day focusing on lip tint formulations, showcasing the practical application of Galaxy’s ingredients.

Galaxy Surfactants will showcase innovative display corners introducing three New additions in the emollients category, two patented products designed for hair conditioning and fabric conditioning. Marking their inaugural presentation at HPCI India, these pioneering launches exemplify Galaxy’s dedication to pushing the limits of innovation within the realm of personal care and home care.

Talking about the event, Mr. K Natarajan, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer at Galaxy Surfactants, said, “HPCI is an exceptional platform for us to showcase our latest industry advancements and unwavering commitment to the high-quality, sustainable solutions in home and personal care industry. We are excited to introduce our latest innovations. We aim to highlight our commitment to providing high-quality and sustainable ingredients that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the market. We look forward to engaging with the home and personal care community, sharing our expertise, and learning about the latest science and trends in ingredient innovation.”

Galaxy will host technical seminars conducted by industry experts from its esteemed R&D team. These sessions are poised to offer valuable insights into the nuances of home and personal care formulations.

Home and Personal Care Ingredients Exhibition and Conference India (HPCI) is a leading platform that brings forth a unique opportunity to learn about the innovative ingredients for formulating effective cosmetic and home care products. It is the place to meet peers face-to-face, experience and discuss the latest developments, and identify innovative products and solutions. The exhibition presents companies from all over India as well as overseas and ensures that there is something for everyone – exhibitors, visitors, Industry bodies, and think-tanks and the media to take home.

Delhi/ NCR– Omaxe Group, India’s leading real estate development Group, announces the successful closure of the loan facility obtained by Omaxe Heritage Pvt. Ltd. from Varde Partners, much before its scheduled closure. The Company has fully repaid the loan amount of Rs. 440 Crore, along with accrued interest on the same.

In a strategic move to streamline its financial structure, the Company has secured new financial assistance totaling Rs. 450 Crores from Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. Out of this amount, Rs. 290 Crore has been utilized to repay the facility initially obtained from Varde Partners. The remaining Rs. 160 Crore will be allocated for the Development of its projects.

“We are delighted to announce the closure of Rs. 440 Crore loan from Varde Partners. This reflects our financial discipline, commitment and resilience. This development significantly fortifies our position for sustained growth and success in our endeavors,” Atul Banshal, Director- Finance, Omaxe.

“We sincerely thank Varde Partners for their support and guidance in executing our marque project, Omaxe Chowk. They have been valued partner for us and always supported our strategy and execution. They just not only funded the project, but also given their valuable suggestion for betterment of the Project from time to time. I am grateful for their collaborative spirit, vital for achieving milestones. We look forward to continued success and delivering exceptional real estate projects in coming years,” says Mohit Goel, MD, Omaxe.

The loan facility of Rs. 440 Crore from Varde Partners was initially procured in 2022, specifically for the Omaxe Chowk project. With the recent financial transaction, Omaxe Heritage has successfully settled the remaining balance of Rs. 290 Crore, signifying a significant milestone in the journey of Omaxe.

Omaxe Group remains dedicated to delivering high-quality real estate projects and ensuring the trust and confidence of its stakeholders. The company looks forward to continued growth and success with a strengthened financial foundation.