Archives February 2024

India: Universal Ai University, India’s First AI University, nestled in the picturesque valley near Mumbai’s heart, Karjat has announced an innovative admissions process through the metaverse called “Eventuality.”. This platform transcends traditional admission methods by providing an engaging and transformative student journey experience that transcends traditional admission techniques. Eventuality not only transforms the admissions process, but it also demonstrates Universal Ai University’s dedication to visionary creativity and technological ability.

The standard educational system frequently fails to captivate students’ imaginations, resulting in disengagement and a lack of passion. Universal AI acknowledges this difficulty and strives to improve the admissions experience by making it more fascinating and immersive. Eventuality represents a step into the future of education, embracing the metaverse as a driver of change.

In the metaversal adventure known as Eventuality, students embark on a life-altering journey that takes place beyond the confines of conventional web interfaces. The platform has a user-friendly interface that allows students to easily interact with the environment and select avatars that represent their digital presence.

Eventuality introduces the Droid, a digital companion (ROBOT) who assists applicants through their metaversal adventure. The Droid welcomes candidates, administers dynamic aptitude tests, facilitates personal interviews (PI), and provides a superior and smooth contact experience. Eventuality revolutionizes the admissions process by combining optimization algorithms, crowd-generating tools, and visual-enhancing technologies.

Candidates also get a 360° campus visit experience, with the Droid accompanying candidates to the admission test room, administering tests, and providing results quickly. The Droid oversees virtual interviews, which university administration reviews and distributes via email or read out by the Droid. Candidates can even schedule their own interview slots, marking a significant stride towards a humanless admissions process—an unprecedented feat exclusive to Universal Ai University. Also, in multiple phases elements using AI will allow for the selection of candidates based on sophisticated Ai models based on the wholistic admission eligibility criteria.

Why eventuality? Eventuality departs from typical web interfaces, providing an intuitive and seamless metaverse exploration experience. Candidates can easily browse and interact within the virtual environment.

Universal Ai University’s adoption of the metaverse is revolutionizing not only the admissions process but also the educational landscape for tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers. One of the students, Prakash Kumar from a leading school, Indus International School in Pune, who experienced this, shares, “it’s a fantastic concept that holds great promise for the future.”

As Universal Ai University pioneers the use of the metaverse in education, Eventuality develops as a symbol of innovation and development. Universal Ai University’s Founder & Chancellor, Mr Tarun Anand says, “With Eventuality at its helm, the University not only equips students for a future where technology and creativity intersect but also establishes itself as a trailblazer in shaping the educational landscape of tomorrow. As Eventuality reimagines admissions, Universal Ai University remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, ushering in a new era of educational excellence in the digital age. “

Surat…February 21, 2024… Shish Group proudly announced the triumphant conclusion of Shish Cyclothon 2024, underscoring the organization’s unwavering dedication to championing sustainability, health, and community impact. The Cyclothon, which took place from January 31 to February 2, 2024, showcased not only exceptional athleticism but also a profound commitment to fostering positive environmental and social change.

Shish Cyclothon 2024, led by Shish Group, enters the World Book of Records, London as the Largest Cyclothon: Featuring the Largest Cyclist Group on the longest route. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for sustainability and fitness, 333 cyclists covered 333 kilometers in 3 days from Surat to Sarangpur, exemplifying India’s commitment to sustainable sports. The initiative, supported by the Shish Foundation, underscores the nation’s dedication. Refreshment stalls were set up every 10-15 kilometers along the Surat to Sarangpur stretch for participant support.

The theme of “You Pedal, We Donate!” resonated throughout the event, with each kilometer cycled by participants resulting in a contribution of ₹10 toward the cause of fostering inclusion for vulnerable populations and combating drug abuse. Shish Group pledged its support to this cause, with donations directed to the Manav Seva Charitable Trust and Sevatirth Trust.

Expressing their enthusiasm for the event, Shish Group founders Satish Maniya, Sunil Shah, and Ramesh Kakadiya said, “At the core of Shish Cyclothon 2024 is our steadfast dedication to sustainability, health, and community betterment. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, we didn’t just pedal for records, but for a brighter future. Each kilometer represented our commitment to inclusivity and a drug-free society. With gratitude to all involved, we move forward, fueled by the success of this event, towards a tomorrow where health, sustainability, and inclusivity thrive. We are grateful for the support of dignitaries such as Shri Harsh Sanghvi, Gujarat State Home Minister; Shri. Purshottam Rupala, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries of India; Shi. Daxesh Mavani, Surat City Mayor; IPS officer Anupam Singh Gahlot, Vadodara Commissioner of Police; Collector of Botad District Jincy Roy, and many others.”

Throughout the journey from Surat to Sarangpur, Shish Group collaborated closely with the Gujarat Police, Surat Police, Surat Traffic Police, Vadodara Police, and Botad Police where they played key role in escorting and providing safety to all the cyclists along the whole route from Surat to Sarangpur to build a healthier society. The event received overwhelming support from the community and media, underscoring the collective commitment to creating a future where health, sustainability, and inclusivity thrive.

As the wheels set in motion for this extraordinary event, Shish Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved, reaffirming its dedication to fostering positive change and leaving a lasting impact on society. With the success of Shish Cyclothon 2024, Shish Group looks forward to continuing its journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Mumbai, 21st February 2024 – Unix, one of the fastest-growing mobile accessories brands, is thrilled to announce the launch of the UX-2000 Retro, the ultimate wireless neckband for music enthusiasts. With five customizable voices to suit your mood and style, the UX-2000 Retro Neckband can sound like a small baby, cartoon character, or even an old man, adding a delightful touch of fun to your conversations. The product is backed by a 1-year warranty and is available at leading retail stores, as well as e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, priced at INR 999/-.

Featuring an unprecedented 450 hours of playtime, the Unix UX-2000 Retro ensures uninterrupted music and calls, making it the perfect companion for long journeys and adventures. Equipped with Advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the UX-2000 Retro guarantees crystal-clear sound during calls and music playback, even in noisy environments. Its quick charging capabilities minimize downtime, while the magnetic on/off function provides effortless control and convenience. Plus, with its substantial 1000mAh battery, users can enjoy extended usage without any charging anxiety.

“Several neckbands are available in the market, but the UX-2000 Retro goes beyond the ordinary, offering users a unique experience with 5 changeable voices. It’s a testament to our continuous efforts to bring novelty to our users, ensuring that every product embodies our dedication to quality, affordability, and a touch of innovation for a distinctive user experience.” Said Mr. Sandeep Bafna, Co-Founder, UNIX INDIA on the launch of UX-2000 Retro.

Bluetooth Version V5.3 ensures a stable and seamless connection with all compatible devices, allowing users to enjoy their favourite music and take calls with ease. Designed for comfort and durability, the Unix UX-2000 Retro offers a sweat proof and snug fit, ideal for active lifestyles.

Unix has an extensive range of 600 SKUs, 50+ super stockists, and over 400 distributors across 500 cities nationwide, Unix remains dedicated to delivering quality products to Indian tech-savvy users.

Gurugram, February 21, 2024: RITES Ltd., a prime transport infrastructure consultancy, organized its Annual Sports Day ‘Spardha’ with enthusiasm and zeal at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurugram, on Sunday. The event, hosted by the RITES’ Sports Association (RSA), drew active participation from employees and their families.

The day kicked off with RITES Director (Technical) & RSA Chairperson Dr. Deepak Tripathi administering an oath for sportsmanship and teamwork, setting the stage for a day of spirited athletic contests and community engagement. A variety of sports activities, including track-and-field events, and tug of war, were organized for the staff. At the conclusion of the day, successful participants were honoured with felicitations.

Mumbai, India – February 21, 2024: Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions for the coatings and inks industry, will participate in PaintIndia 2024, to be held from February 22 – 24, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai.

Birla Carbon will showcase its coatings and ink solutions at Stall B7, Hall 1.

Speaking on the participation, John Davidson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “PaintIndia 2024 is an important opportunity for Birla Carbon to showcase its leadership in sustainability, innovation, and our technical expertise. At Birla Carbon, we strive to work hand in hand with our customers, assisting them in achieving their sustainability and enhanced performance goals through our extensive product portfolio and technical expertise. We will showcase our broad range of Raven, Conductex, and Continua™ SCM solutions for the coatings industry.”

At PaintIndia 2024, Birla Carbon, along with ContinuaTM SCM, will focus on specific applications, demonstrating its expertise across various product lines:

High Color Application – Raven 5000U, Raven 5100U

Medium Color Application – Raven 1255, Raven 1185UP, Raven 675U, Raven 1060U, Raven1035

Powder Coating – Raven 3000U

Tinting Application – BC1083, Raven 425

Conductive Application – Conductex 7055U

Birla Carbon is recognized for its technical strength in high and medium color and tinting solutions, offering superior dispersion and color performance in various engineering coatings and inks applications. Offering a comprehensive range of high-performance carbon blacks for coatings/inks, Birla Carbon’s solutions prioritize functionality to help customers find optimal solutions tailored to their specific requirements.

To learn more about these solutions, visit Birla Carbon at Stall B7, Hall 1.

Mumbai, 21th February 2024: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) along with the Bangladesh Automobiles Assemblers and Manufacturers Association (BAAMA), the Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association, Sri Lanka (CMTA) and the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA), recently formed a South Asian Automobile Forum at the sidelines of Bharat Global Mobility Expo in February 2024. This forum aims to promote collaboration and cooperation among automobile sector in the South Asian region. It will serve as a platform for members of the associations to regularly engage in dialogues, share best practices, and work together towards common goals for the advancement of the automotive industry in the region.

On the establishment of this forum, Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, SIAM President and Managing Director & CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd (VECV), said, “The automobile sector plays a significant role in the economic development of South Asian countries, and there is great potential for synergies and mutual growth with closer collaboration in this sector. Creation of this forum will further strengthen the ongoing cooperation amongst the Automobile industry of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India.”

Mr Rakesh Sharma, Chairman of SIAM Exports Group and Executive Director, Bajaj Auto added, “The forum will provide a valuable opportunity for members of each of the associations to address shared challenges and explore opportunities for collective growth, while promoting adoption of best practices and responsible advancement of the automobile sector in the South Asian Region.”

Bengaluru, 21 February 2024: Pearl Academy hosted its much-awaited annual event, What’s Next on February 16 and 17 at Taj West End, Bengaluru. Attendees at the flagship event explored the future trajectory of design-tech convergence.

Conducted in a World Cafe format, the two-day conference allowed attendees to engage in collaborative dialogue, knowledge sharing, and creating possibilities for action focussed on the critical concerns of contemporary times.

Welcoming the participants, which comprised industry stalwarts, Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy, said: “Our journey is rooted in nurturing complete creative professionals who transcend classroom boundaries to impact communities profoundly. With a focus on global exposure, tech expertise, industry-ready competencies and life skills, we empower students to be leaders in various creative domains.”

Celebrating human ingenuity, What’s Next delved into the fascinating interplay between innovation, imagination, and AI through insights from industry leaders, thought leaders, design academicians, and practitioners. The stimulating discussions focussed on the limitless potential of artificial intelligence (AI). The event also initiated a dialogue on the future of creative expression, the evolution of design processes, and the transformative impact of technology on every aspect of human creation.

In his keynote, Dr. Sharad Mehra, President, Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), elucidated the megatrends shaping society in the 21st century, influencing various aspects of life including technology, demographics, environment, economics, and culture, “Rapid advancements in technology, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, demographic shifts owning to aging populations in many parts of the world, coupled with urbanisation and migration patterns, and increasing recognition of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems, present both opportunities and challenges for individuals, communities, and governments to navigate in today’s world,” Dr. Mehra said.

Featuring an array of themes, the conference included a series of sessions led by experts like Mr. Biren Ghose, MD Asia Pacific & Global Excom Member- Technicolor Creative; Mr. Alok B. Nandi, – Designer, Creative Director at Architempo, and Author; Mr. Niyam Bhushan, Design Leadership, Google and TEDx Speaker; Mr. Surya Vanka, Founder of Authentic Design, Chair-elect of Industrial Designers Society of America, and Founding Advisor of the Global Impact Collective; and Mr. Nikhil Malhotra, Chief Innovation Officer, Tech Mahindra. Mr. Malhotra announced that they will be establishing Tech Mahindra Maker’s Labs at Pearl Academy. These sessions discussed the intricate relationship between visual aesthetics, user interfaces, and user experiences; the transformative impact of emerging technologies on design education, user experiences, and creative expression; and the intersection of technology and creativity in fashion, animation, and visual effects.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Surya Vanka said, “In a world defined by uncertainty and complexity, the three things that are going to impact the future of creative learning are technology of intelligence, collective imagination, and inclusion.  Moving beyond a traditional approach to learning and embracing a dynamic and flexible framework that integrates technology, design thinking, and ethical leadership has become more important than ever before. Incorporating AI-driven tools and platforms can further enable educators to provide students with personalised learning experiences and tailored support. Another critical responsibility as educators is to empower our students with the tools and values to navigate the challenges of our rapidly changing world with creativity, compassion, and innovation.”

The panel discussions in PechaKucha format allowed the participants to engage in collaborative dialogues and share insights on the next wave of innovations poised to reshape industries and societies.

What’s Next stands as a catalyst for change and inspires design professionals to reimagine the future of creativity and technology. As the industry evolves, Pearl Academy remains committed to fostering meaningful conversations and driving innovation.

HYDERABAD, India  February 21, 2024:  Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) a global healthcare company, announced that its Aurangabad, India, facility has received certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for meeting a new industry standard on Minimized Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The standard was facilitated by BSI for the AMR Industry Alliance, an organization made up of over 100 companies and associations from across the life-sciences industry with the shared goal of providing sustainable solutions to curb AMR. The certification is designed to encourage drug manufacturers and those in the supply chain to prioritize the sustainable production of antibiotics.

“We are proud to be the first pharmaceutical site in India to achieve this important Minimized Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance certification from BSI, demonstrating our commitment to controlling antibiotic discharge,” said Sanjeev Sethi, Chief Operations Officer, Viatris. “Many thanks to our cross-functional team members for continuing to implement sustainable systems and processes that advance the responsible manufacturing of antibiotics.”

“Viatris having gained independent certification, and the first to do so in India, is a reflection of their leadership and commitment to tackling global AMR,” said Steve Brooks, Advisor and Manufacturing Work Group Lead, AMR Industry Alliance. “From their initial days with the Alliance, Viatris has been a key contributor to achieving greater results in our shared goal of providing sustainable solutions to curb AMR while being responsible stewards of the environment.”

AMR is recognized around the world as a significant threat to global health and economic development and is a major driver of death globally. Recent research shows that in 2019, more than 1.2 million people are estimated to have died directly from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. By 2050, it is estimated that AMR will cause more deaths than cancer unless concerted efforts are undertaken to counter its progression.¹ 

Viatris’ Commitment to Combatting AMR

Viatris remains committed to doing its part to address AMR by advancing access, stewardship and responsible manufacturing. Access to a wide array of high-quality antimicrobials and timely treatment are key in mitigating the rise of AMR. The company currently has approximately 90 antimicrobials in its global portfolio, including antibiotics that can be valuable in treating resistant bacteria. As a founding member of the AMR Industry Alliance (AMRIA), Viatris is committed to partnering across the industry to collectively advance initiatives addressing AMR.

India – 21st February 2024: In the age of AI and automation, SurveySparrow, the leading experience management platform, takes the lead by incorporating generative AI to redefine customer experience management. Recognized as the world’s first chat survey software, SurveySparrow is pioneering the integration of AI into the customer experience realm through its cutting-edge features, “Wings” and “CogniVue.” These innovations are designed to optimize and elevate every aspect of experience management.

AI Wings, aka your own Jarvis, become the autopilot for making feedback collection faster and more efficient. Wings goes above and beyond by curating questions for surveys, creating custom workflows, drilling down data and visualizing with widgets, and even managing customer tickets and your online reviews. Businesses can effortlessly ‘Wing it’ across approximately 20+ features within the product, using this comprehensive toolset for crafting exceptional customer experience.

To further address the challenge of extracting actionable insights from vast data volumes, SurveySparrow launches CogniVue, its intelligent data analyst. With the ability to drill down into survey responses, it identifies customer sentiments and uncovers key drivers behind important business metrics. CogniVue simplifies the daunting task of data analysis by offering smart, industry-specific insights. This advanced analytics tool is a game-changer for Voice of the Customer (VOC) analysts.

Shihab Muhammed, Founder and CEO, SurveySparrow says “Embracing generative AI allows us to turn data into dialogues and insights into actions. It’s about elevating the customer experience to be more human-centric, even in a digital domain. Our platform is now more intuitive, responsive, and, importantly, more personal.”

SurveySparrow is known for its unique approach to surveys, with the help of a conversational UI, which has reimagined the feedback collection process. The mobile-first design and ability to customize the survey look and feel have played a significant role in achieving higher completion rates and more effective feedback collection. SurveySparrow’s surveys have consistently delivered response rates exceeding 40%, far surpassing the industry average of 15%, and sometimes even reaching an impressive 80-90%. With AI now in the picture, the numbers will only get bigger and better.

Rishul Raj Aggarwal, Business Unit Head, SurveySparrow commented “Generative AI is reshaping the landscape of customer experience, making it more intuitive, personalized, and efficient. With Wings and CogniVue, we’re not just automating processes; we’re elevating them to meet the needs of today’s dynamic customer interactions.”

SurveySparrow’s commitment to innovation doesn’t end with these features. The company is on a mission to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in customer experience, ensuring businesses can not only meet but exceed customer expectations.

In line with this vision, SurveySparrow is hosting its exclusive CX event, ‘RefineCX India’, on February 23rd at Sofitel BKC, Mumbai. This second edition of the exclusive gathering of top CX professionals will feature insights from leading industry leaders on themes like mastering personalization and harnessing social reputation and showcase a sneak peek of SurveySparrow’s cutting-edge innovations.

As we look to the future, SurveySparrow promises more groundbreaking developments, signaling a new era where every customer interaction is powered by understanding and foresight. With SurveySparrow, the future is not just automated; it’s personalized.

Pune, February 21, 2024: Manipal Hospital, Kharadi today commenced its specialized Vein Clinic to offer comprehensive care to people suffering from various vein conditions. With this clinic, the hospital aims to provide early diagnosis, preventive measures, and advanced treatments, all under one roof. This is an initiative to raise awareness and give importance to venous diseases which are extremely common, however often neglected, leading to critical health problems.

The collaborative approach brings together the knowledge and expertise of specialists in vascular medicine, vascular interventional radiology, dermatology, and diagnostic radiology. These experts are experienced in the diagnosis and advanced minimally invasive treatments of various venous diseases like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous malformation, central vein stenosis/occlusion, superior vena cava syndrome and May-Thurner syndrome.  

Speaking on the commencement of the clinic, Dr. Santosh Patil, Consultant, Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology at Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune said, “Venous problems especially varicose veins tend to be overlooked and underdiagnosed, leading patients to ignore possible health issues. Previously, surgical procedures were the only option, but with advancements like laser therapy and venaseal treatments, minimally invasive solutions are now available. These procedures offer faster recovery times and excellent results, yet there’s still a lack of awareness among the public about these advanced treatments.” 

Parameswar Das, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, said, “We at Manipal Hospital believe in providing easy access to quality care for everyone. With our new Vein Clinic, we’re committed to providing specialised consultants and the best medical care to the people of Pune and nearby areas. This initiative not only reflects our dedication to clinical excellence but also shows our commitment to making an impact in the lives of individuals in our city.” 

The Vein Clinic will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Patients with varicose ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or varicose veins need to schedule appointments by calling 020 6165 6666.