Archives February 2024

BENGALURU, February, 22nd 2024: Saber.Money announces its partnership with Pyse.Earth from the house of Pyse, a prominent retail investment platform for sustainability focused projects. Through Saber.Money, Pyse.Earth will now be able to streamline KYC integration, accept investments and onboard its users seamlessly to invest in its innovative green asset class.

Saber facilitates faster transactions, ensuring speed, security, and compliance. This partnership brings together the strengths of Saber in facilitating transactions and Pyse’s commitment to making climate action profitable for the consumer by enabling them to invest in sustainable projects based in the UAE. Through this partnership, Pyse.Earth’s investors can now invest in international assets.

Saber.Money is a product of Mudrex. Until now Saber.Money has partnered with Firedrops by Flipkart, Polygon, IndiGG, Glip, ANQ Finance, Rage Fan, Colexion, Acme, and others. Saber.Money aims to become the largest crypto on/off ramp solution for businesses globally.

Commenting on this, CEO & Co-founder of Mudrex, Mr Edul Patel said, “We believe Pyse users will benefit from enhanced convenience and efficiency with our Saber.Money’s solutions”.

Commenting on this, CEO & Co-founder of Pyse, Mr Kaustubh Padakannaya said, “This partnership aligns with Pyse’s commitment to financial inclusion and democratizing access to impactful green investments, all within a secure and compliant environment”.

New Delhi, India, February 22, 2024: Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, recently announced a series of generative AI (gen AI)-enabled offerings designed to support personalized learning and enhanced skills development. The comprehensive Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform will include Udemy AI Learning Assistant, Udemy AI Skills Mapping and several new enhancements for content creators/instructors, such as a gen AI-assisted Q&A feature.

“We believe gen AI is radically revolutionizing the way we work and how professionals are developing new skills,” said Greg Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer at Udemy. “As the world transitions to a skills-based economy, our gen AI-powered Intelligent Skills Platform will transform personalized learning and how skills are acquired and verified. Udemy is committed to providing high-quality learning experiences, ensuring learners and organizations can easily identify and develop the skills they need today and in the future.”

Scheduled to launch throughout 2024, the Udemy gen AI-powered ecosystem will empower organisations with personalized learning solutions for professionals by facilitating the discovery, development and validation of competitive skills crucial to accomplishing business objectives. Udemy’s AI-oriented offerings, as well as its overall Intelligent Skills Platform, will support employee training and development, enabling faster real-world application of new skills and integrating learning into existing workflows.

Supporting Top Tech Talent in India

Udemy is continuing to invest in learning and development solutions for Indian organisations and professionals to help them upskill in emerging skills such as gen AI. At the Tamil Nadu Global Investor Meet in January, Udemy committed to establishing a new Research and Development (R&D) center in Chennai that will aim to employ software and product development experts, helping local talent build emerging technical skills. In partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu, Udemy intends to hire more than 200 tech professionals in Chennai.

The establishment of the cutting-edge R&D center aligns with Udemy and Tamil Nadu’s commitment to driving technological excellence and bridging the skills gap in the rapidly evolving landscape of gen AI.

To learn more about how organizations can leverage the Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform, visit bit.ly/udemy-gen-ai. For more details on gen AI learning trends, visit bit.ly/gen-ai-learning-trends.

Preview the new gen AI features Udemy is building here.

Udemy AI Learning Assistant

Focused on helping learners easily identify courses among the wealth of knowledge on the Udemy platform and optimize in-course learning, the Udemy AI Learning Assistant will take a multifaceted approach to strengthen the learning experience by:

• Helping learners discover the right content for them among the thousands of courses on the platform before they get started. The Udemy AI Learning Assistant will aim to surface the most relevant learning content based on learner search terms and desired objectives as captured in the chat. Learners can articulate their needs using natural language and the Udemy AI Learning Assistant will identify the content that best matches the desired skills.
• Summarizing course content for easier consumption and recollection to accelerate learning.
• Offering personalized feedback via the intelligent chat-based assistant to speed up learning, comprehension and subject mastery. When learners raise questions pertinent to the course content, the Udemy AI Learning Assistant can provide concise responses along with links to relevant lectures for constructive guidance.

Udemy AI Skills Mapping & Guidance

Knowing which skills will drive business and learning outcomes, and subsequently, which learning content maps to those skills to upskill internal talent can be a difficult, manual and time-intensive challenge. However, this is the challenge in front of every company that wants to become a skills-based organization. The Udemy AI Skills Mapping tool will make it easy for any organization to transition to a skills-based approach by reducing the effort and time required to translate loosely defined, high-level needs to the detailed list of skills required.

Udemy AI Skills Mapping will help organisations with the development of personalized and scalable custom learning paths (often referred to as guidance) that map skills to learning content. For example, an admin will be able to say that they would like to develop expertise for their team in a particular domain and Udemy AI Skills Mapping will be able to generate the right learning paths based on the desired end skill set and business outcome.

Gen AI-powered Q&A

Building on the success of the gen AI-powered tools launched in 2023 for creating coding exercises in Java, Python and C++ courses, Udemy will further enhance and deliver new capabilities for instructors to more efficiently meet learner needs through a gen AI-powered Q&A Assistant.

This offering will allow learners to receive faster responses to the questions they post in discussion forums while ensuring the instructors will be given the opportunity to review and vet the answers, maintaining quality and alignment with their educational materials. Learners will benefit from accurate and clear responses delivered at speed and instructors utilizing this tool will save valuable time, allowing them to focus on what they do best – teaching.

Gen AI-powered Thematic Analysis for Cohort Learning

Udemy has also launched a thematic analysis feature to facilitate cohort learning experiences in the Udemy Business Leadership Academy. Udemy’s gen AI capabilities summarize and highlight emerging themes from discussions and other group activities to facilitate collaboration, share knowledge and enhance cross-functional understanding for admins and learners.

“Personalized, practical and efficient learning solutions on the Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform will drive greater adoption and engagement for millions of professionals, helping learners find the right part of the right course for the learning outcome that best meets their needs,” said Prasad Raje, Chief Product Officer at Udemy. “Udemy AI Learning Assistant and AI Skills Mapping will enable learners and leaders within organizations to access the collective expertise of thousands of Udemy instructors to personalize learning on an entirely new level. Additionally, it will empower instructors to scale their connections with learners.”

New Delhi, 22st February 2024: JS Institute of Design, in collaboration with École Intuit Lab — a French institute of design and creative strategy, ranked amongst the Top 22 design schools in France, is accepting applications for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses for the academic year 2024-25. École Intuit Lab offers exclusive new-age programs such as Game Design, UI/UX, and Digital Design to address the dynamic demands of the evolving design landscape. The UG programs include Game Art & Design, Visual Communication, and Digital Product Design, while PG programs cover Advertising, Design & Digital Communication. JSID also offers a 12-month PG course in Interior Design.

With a 22-year legacy of École Intuit Lab, these programs stand out for offering a niche international-specific design curriculum. This collaboration is characterized by its commitment to blending global design standards and nurturing the next generation of design leaders and thinkers. JS Institute of Design with its industry-first approach ensures that students not only acquire academic excellence but are also industry-ready, through practical, and hands-on experiences. Students benefit from mentorship and industry exposure through live projects, providing them with invaluable insights.

Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design, remarked, “Recent years have witnessed a significant transformation in design, propelled by technology, shifting consumer behaviors, and changing industry needs. The design industry is currently growing at an annual rate of 25% across disciplines. This rapid evolution is reshaping career paths and creating fresh opportunities for Indian youth, fueled by factors like the evolving job market and the growing importance of unconventional skills, demanding specialized training and knowledge. Recognizing the need for upskilling in the industry, the institute offers contemporary programs.”

École Intuit Lab has an outstanding 98% placement rate. The students have received exceptional placement and internship opportunities at several global brands including National Geographic, Netflix, Jio, Prime Video, Mahindra Accelo, Starbucks, and many others. Internships play a pivotal role in the curriculum, offering students both local and international exposure, ensuring they gain practical, real-world experience.

Prospective students have the opportunity to apply for these programs until the application deadline on 31st July 2024, with the academic session scheduled to commence in mid-August.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for our undergraduate programs, candidates should have completed grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Also, the students can get transfers from other graphic design or visual communication programs.
For postgraduate programs, a completed undergraduate degree from any field is the minimum requirement.
For UG & PG courses, students are required to undergo two phases of screening: Creative intelligence test followed by a personal interview.

New Delhi, 22nd February 2024 : Beyond Key, a leading global technology solutions provider announced the recognition of its Founder and CEO, Mr. Piyush Goel, as a dignified member of the “2024 Chicago Titan 100” by the Titan CEO. This prestigious accolade honors the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in Chicago, representing companies with a collective employment of over 325,000 individuals and an annual revenue surpassing $42 billion.

The Titan 100 program, is an internationally recognized initiative, that celebrates exemplary leaders from the industry. These Titans of Industry are chosen for their exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence within their respective fields. Launched by the think tank President and CEO of Titan, Mr. Jaime Zawmon, the program aims to acknowledge visionary leaders who inspire the business community.

Piyush Goel’s induction into the 2024 Chicago Titan 100 celebrated his exceptional leadership and highlighted his significant contributions to Beyond Key’s unparalleled growth and success. With a global impact on the IT industry, his leadership propelled the company and its workforce toward sustained success which showcased his ability to inspire and drive efficient development in a rapidly evolving landscape. Goel’s recognition underscores his instrumental role in shaping the trajectory of Beyond Key and solidifying its position as a leader in the technology sector.

Under Piyush Goel’s leadership, Beyond Key has achieved remarkable growth and garnered numerous accolades, showcasing the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, professional development with strategic expansions, and the integration of cutting-edge services like Modern BI, Snowflake, and Microsoft 365. Embracing a remote work culture, Beyond Key expanded its team to 325 domain experts. Over the past three years, Beyond Key has garnered multiple accolades, including the title of Software Company of the Year by Stevie International Business and IT Service Provider of the Year by Titan in Business Awards. Moreover, the attainment of ISO certification (ISO 27001:2013) underscored the company’s dedication to compliance and governance.

Profiles of the 2024 honorees were exclusively showcased online and featured in a limited-edition Titan 100 book, highlighting their achievements and impact on the business landscape.

In response to his induction, Mr. Piyush Goel, CEO and Founder at Beyond Key expressed, “I am deeply honored to be inducted into the 2024 Chicago Titan 100. This accomplishment reflects the commitment and diligence of the entire Beyond Key team. We aim to sustain our position at the forefront of the IT industry as well as positively impact the entire business community. This recognition further motivates me and the entire team to continue the pursuit of professional excellence and success. We are excited to be a part of such recognition, Beyond Key extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its clients worldwide. “

The highly anticipated annual Titan 100 awards ceremony took place at the Aon Grand Ballroom in Chicago’s Navy Pier, where distinguished executives from across the region gathered to celebrate their contributions to the dynamic business landscape.

Bangalore, February 22, 2024: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) is gearing up for its grand finale, marking the culmination of a historic inaugural season that has captivated motorsports enthusiasts across the nation. The third and final round is set to take place in the vibrant city of Bangalore on the 25th of February, promising a thrilling spectacle that will conclude the first-ever franchise-based Supercross league in the world. The race will be held at the Open Grounds, Survey No. 95-110, Behind Floating Walls, opposite Dash Square, Airport Road, Chikkajala.

After the adrenaline-fueled races in Pune and Ahmedabad, where the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex and EKA Arena witnessed high-octane action, the CEAT ISRL has left an indelible mark on the motorsports landscape in India. The inaugural season has not only showcased the skill and prowess of the riders but has also established India as a global hub for Supercross.

The leading teams like Bigrock Motorsports, BB Racing and Mohite’s Racing Team, having battled it out in the first two rounds, will bring their A-game to Bangalore for the ultimate showdown. With six franchise teams and 48 riders from around the world, the competition is fierce, promising an exhilarating display of speed, skill, and determination. The categories—450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the highly competitive 85cc junior class—will witness the best of the best competing for the coveted podium.

Mr. Veer Patel, Co-founder & Director of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, expressed his anticipation for the grand finale, stating, “As we approach the final round of our inaugural season in Bangalore, the journey of the CEAT ISRL has been nothing short of phenomenal. The passion, talent, and sportsmanship displayed by the riders in Pune and Ahmedabad have set the stage for an unforgettable finale. We have witnessed India emerge as a force in the world of Supercross, and the grand finale in Bangalore is poised to be a celebration of this remarkable journey.”

The league, accredited by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), has garnered global attention with its unique franchise-based format, attracting over 100 riders from different corners of the world. The CEAT ISRL has not only focused on delivering high-octane racing excitement but has also integrated star-studded music extravaganzas, creating a cultural phenomenon that extends beyond the racetrack.

The city of Bangalore, known for its vibrant culture and enthusiastic sporting community, is all set to host the grand finale with open arms and promises to be the perfect stage for the climax of the inaugural season.

As the CEAT ISRL gears up for the final showdown, it reaffirms its commitment to community engagement, talent development, and environmental sustainability. The league is not just about races; it’s a movement that aims to inspire and nurture the passion for Supercross in India.

For more information on the CEAT ISRL Season One Grand Finale, please visit the official website at https://indiansupercrossleague.com/.

Mumbai, 22 February 2024: Dvara KGFS, a leading rural fintech, dedicated to fostering financial inclusion in deep rural villages across India, has successfully raised $27 million in debt funds. This financial boost will play a crucial role in augmenting the company’s liquidity and accelerating its growth plans. Additionally, Dvara KGFS recently achieved a significant milestone, crossing the INR 2000 crore mark in Assets Under Management (AUM). This milestone underscores the company’s strong performance and commitment to providing comprehensive financial services to underserved rural communities.

Speaking about the funding, Mr. LVLN Murty, Managing Director and CEO, Dvara KGFS, said, “Dvara KGFS, being a rural fintech, aims to provide holistic financial services to its customers, empowering them to enhance their financial well-being and lifetime value. The funds raised will enable us to expand our reach and impact, driving financial inclusion in rural India.”

The company secured $20 million in the form of External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) from NEDERLANDSE FINANCIERINGS-MAATSCHAPPIJ VOOR ONTWIKKELINGSLANDEN N.V (FMO), a Dutch entrepreneurial development bank committed to creating development impact and $7 million was raised from ENABLING QAPITAL Luxembourg SA, a leading Impact Investment Advisory Company dedicated to achieving financial and social returns. This funding from large global impact investors is a testament to the impact that Dvara KGFS is creating in the financial inclusion space in India and will open more avenues for global partnerships.

Commenting on the same, Ms. Shilpa Bhatter, CFO, Dvara KGFS, added, “This fundraising not only diversifies our lender profile but also strengthens our presence in the foreign debt market, unlocking access to lower-cost debt and ensuring a sustainable growth path for Dvara KGFS.”

The company aims to utilize the proceeds of the ECBs towards its onward lending program, focusing on supporting microfinance and microbusiness loans for customers in regions with limited access to formal credit channels. This initiative further fortifies the company’s mission to extend comprehensive financial services to underserved rural communities.

Utilizing an omnichannel approach, Dvara KGFS provides an array of loans and third-party products tailored to meet its customers’ diverse financial needs. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the financial gap and empowering individuals and communities through financial services. With the success of this fundraise, Dvara KGFS is positioned to significantly enhance its impact on the lives of underserved individuals in rural India.

Sensors are everywhere – turning off highway lights when roads are empty, monitoring the health of bridges, and monitoring the intricate dance of telecommunications networks and electrical grids. Every flicker of these sensors is a byte of data, meticulously logged and stored. With the costs of data storage plummeting over the past decade, we’re talking about an avalanche worth of data digitally warehoused.

Much of this data has been resting in the dark, unanalyzed and unseen. This is what experts call dark data. And now, as AI steps into the infrastructure arena, this dormant data is about to step into the spotlight.

“Indeed, there appears to be an enormous amount of data collected on infrastructure operations that could be better used to improve their effectiveness,” said IEEE Life Senior Member Raul Colcher.

AI thrives on data – the more, the better. And when it comes to training sophisticated AI models, this dark data, collected over years from myriad sensors and systems, may be extremely valuable.

So, what’s the big deal about bringing this dark data to light? For starters, it’s a game-changer for infrastructure operations. With AI algorithms churning through mountains of previously unused data, we can expect leaps in efficiency and new ways to design and use our infrastructure for a future where data moves more frequently than people.

BYTES BUILD BETTER

Much of the time, dark data isn’t used because it isn’t properly tagged, and is therefore difficult to analyze. Some research suggests that the machine learning algorithms that allocate resources within mobile phone networks could be greatly improved with the use of dark data. In another case, data scientists at an oil and gas plant were able to use dark data to improve a digital model of the plant without disrupting operations.

WHERE WILL THE IMPACT BE FELT THE MOST?

The benefits of analyzing and modeling this data are vast and varied. From planning to operations, maintenance, and beyond, every facet of infrastructure could see a transformation. Picture more accurate models, better automation, and a deeper understanding of how our systems truly work.

CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON

But, it’s not all smooth sailing. Dark data, while abundant, isn’t always clean or error-free. Questions of bias, data provenance, and security loom large. How we address these challenges will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of AI in infrastructure.

“The surge in data quantity doesn’t guarantee better results,” said IEEE Member Qi Qi Wang. “Filtering out disruptive or poor-quality data presents a substantial challenge.”

Learn more: 2023 was a landmark year in AI, as broad swaths of the public became more aware of AI thanks to the power of generative AI tools. IEEE Spectrum covered developments in-depth. Check out their run-down of the top AI stories in 2023.

Hyderabad, 22nd February 2024 As the vibrant hues of winter fade away, Hyderabad welcomes the gentle breeze of spring, heralding the arrival of a new season. With the changing landscape comes an increase in pollen, subtly announcing the transition from one phase to another. While February might not mark the peak of pollen season in Hyderabad, it certainly serves as the prelude to nature’s annual symphony of blooming flowers and swaying trees. With the city’s mix of life and green spaces like parks, pollen from various flowers becomes more noticeable. As the days grow warmer and longer, pollen finds its way into every nook and cranny, posing a formidable challenge for those plagued by allergies.

In India, approximately 20 – 30% of the total population, suffer from at least one allergic disease and out of this, about 15% develop Asthma. Globally, having an allergy to pollen (also commonly known as hay fever) is one of the 10 most common allergies.

But what is an allergy? It is a condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance that is not typically harmful to your body. Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.

Joanne Kang, Lead Research Scientist at Dyson, says:

“If your flare-ups of constant sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and an itchy throat can be tied to certain seasons of the year, you potentially have a pollen allergy or sensitivity. It is a common misconception that the pollen season falls in spring. However, depending on your location and climate, different plants thrive and pollinate during different seasons and for varying durations. Hence, pollen can still be present all year round.”

While symptoms can be managed medically, understanding your allergy triggers enables you to better anticipate your allergy flare-ups and take precautions when necessary.

Anticipate allergy flare-ups

Different types of pollen trigger reactions for different people – some people are allergic to tree pollen which is common in spring; others have a problem with grass pollen which is more of a summertime issue, while others have trouble with weed pollen which is common in the fall mid-September, when pollen levels peak, is particularly bad.

Look for potential triggers in your home

With pollen spores being as small and lightweight as they are, and with the continuous air exchange between the indoor and outdoor environment, it is inevitable that outdoor dust particles such as pollen can be found in the house. Pollen particles can stick to one’s hair, clothes, and even pets and be brought into the home.

Stick to the cleaning routine

While most people clean their homes regularly, it is important to vacuum beyond just the floors. Pollen particles are extremely small and lightweight, meaning they can become airborne. Open windows mean airborne pollen can enter the home and stick to surfaces including window ledges and curtains. Soft furnishings, fabric covers, pillows, mattresses, sofas, and carpets amongst others can harbor pollen for months and impact one’s health and well-being even outside the peak pollen season.

The best way to reduce pollen allergy symptoms is to minimize your exposure to pollen allergens. Vacuuming different surfaces in the home with a particular focus on upholstery and other neglected spots in the home regularly minimizes your exposure to pollen in the home.

It is also recommended to vacuum in the absence of allergy sufferers and to use an air purifier to eliminate airborne pollen and allergens in the home Dyson’s latest range of Air purifiers are designed to capture a wide range of pollutants and allergens, including the smallest particles that can cause pollen allergies.

Hyderabad, 22nd February 2024 : Guided by the customer need for a comprehensive family proposition, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance has launched Legacy Plus, an innovative participating product that offers life cover for 2 and income lasting 3 generations through a single product.

The product offers an effective way of providing for multiple customer needs including child financial planning, legacy planning and any emergent needs during its tenure. With a view to provide flexibility and liquidity, the product includes Accrual of Survival Benefit (optional) feature, and early income.

Commenting on the new product, Subhrajit Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance said, “An average person typically has 3-4 basic concerns – child’s future, retirement, legacy, any potential contingencies, etc. They want a simple and flexible financial solution to provide for all these needs. Through Legacy Plus, our objective was to provide such a solution to the customer, wherein they can find the means to fulfil multiple aspirations effectively and offer the peace of mind to the entire family that their financial needs are taken care of through a single product.”

Legacy Plus extends personalization to the entire family unit through its optional feature Accrual of Survival Benefit, wherein a policyholder can either withdraw or accumulate income as per their requirements. The product also allows a partial withdrawal of the accumulated corpus as per the financial needs of the policyholder or family.

The product boasts liquidity through its option of Early Income, which offers income to the policyholder from the end of first year of the policy.

The product boasts legacy in its true sense through its benefit of Income till 100 years of age. The plan offers income until the end of policy tenure, even in case of the demise of either the Primary or Secondary life insured. This guarantees that at least 3 generations of a family can benefit from the income payout of this plan.

“We have a demonstrated history of bringing innovative and relevant products to the market which have resonated with the customers. These products are backed by robust investment expertise, as reflected in our consistent record of bonus payouts for the last 10 consecutive years,” Mukhopadhyay added.

Legacy Plus offers 2 base plan options:

• Lifelong Income Option: Income till 100 years of age, annual cash bonus (if declared), and a survival/death benefit.
• Family Secure Option: A joint life cover with the primary life insured being an adult, and the secondary a child, 2 death benefits payable, income till 100 years of age, annual cash bonus (if declared). In case of the death of the Primary Insured, the premium is waived off, policy remains in-force and the income continues till 100 years age of primary insured.

The plan can be enhanced by adding optional features like Accrual of Survival Benefit and additional riders like Waiver of Premium, Payor Waiver Benefit and more.