Archives February 2024

National, 19th Feb, 2023: BITS Pilani is delighted to announce that alumnus Chaitanya Kalipatnapu has made a significant contribution to the establishment of the BITS Endowment Fund, committing over one million dollars to his alma mater. This pledge not only propels the initiative forward but also sets a precedent for alumni engagement and contribution.

Chaitanya is the co-founder of Eruditus group, which is a global leader in professional education. His career journey included roles at Sun Microsystems and INSEAD, where he also served as President of the Alumni Association’s India chapter. He is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and visiting lecturer at INSEAD.His commitment to BITS Pilani is longstanding, evidenced by a INR 2 Crore donation to establish the Kalipatnapu AR-VR Lab, aimed at fostering innovation in augmented and virtual reality technologies.

Chaitanya has been honoured as an inaugural “Lifelong Learning Laureate” by the Haas School at the University of California, Berkeley. He actively supports educational and sport initiatives through the Kalipatnapu Foundation. In recognition of his contributions to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2023 from BITS Pilani in the category of Public Life/Entrepreneurship/Philanthropy.

Chaitanya stated “BITS Pilani played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. This small gesture would support the Institution in driving further impact through high-quality education and in creating a sustainable ecosystem of excellence”.

Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, expressed appreciation for Chaitanya’s pivotal role as one of the founders of the Endowment Fund, stating, “The remarkable progress achieved by BITS Pilani Alumni Relations in just over 5 years since its inception underscores the significance of this culture of giving back in the Institute’s history. We are delighted to welcome Chaitanya as a founder of the Endowment Fund and eagerly anticipate his active participation in the Institute’s activities and future growth endeavours.”

Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations and an esteemed alumnus himself remarked, “Chaitanya’s altruism will be remembered, and its impact will endure indefinitely. We are honoured to have a distinguished professional of his calibre who has brought name and fame to the institution by not only as an entrepreneur but also through his philanthropic initiatives to transform the society at large.”

BITS Pilani, with its illustrious alumni network, remains dedicated to nurturing a tradition of excellence with the continued support from its global alumni community.

INDIA, February 19, 2024 — New research commissioned by IBM (NYSE: IBM) found that about 59% of enterprise-scale organizations (over 1,000 employees) surveyed in India have AI actively in use in their businesses. The ‘IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023’ found early adopters are leading the way, with 74% of those Indian enterprises already working with AI, having accelerated their investments in AI in the past 24 months in areas like R&D and workforce reskilling.

Ongoing challenges for AI adoption remain, including hiring employees with the right skillsets and ethical concerns, inhibiting businesses from adopting AI technologies into their operations. Therefore, in 2024 addressing these inhibitors would be a priority, like providing people with the relevant skills to work with AI and having a robust AI governance framework.

“The increase in AI adoption and investments by Indian enterprises is a good indicator that they are already experiencing the benefits from AI. However, there is still a significant opportunity to accelerate as many businesses are hesitant to move beyond experimentation and deploy AI at scale,” said Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia. “To harness its full potential in the coming months, data and AI governance tools are going to be critical for building AI models responsibly that enterprises can trust and confidently adopt. Without the use of governance tools, AI can expose companies to data privacy issues, legal complications, and ethical dilemmas – cases of which we have already seen plaguing many across the world,” he added.

Highlights for India from the ‘IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023’ conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of IBM:

Over the last several years, AI adoption has remained steady at large organizations surveyed: 

• Today, 59% of IT professionals at large organizations report that they have actively deployed AI while an additional 27% are actively exploring using the technology.
• Similarly, around 6 in 10 of IT professionals at enterprises report that their company is actively implementing generative AI and another 34% are exploring it.
• 74% of IT professionals at companies deploying or exploring AI indicate that their company has accelerated their investments in or rollout of AI in the past 24 months in areas like R&D (67%), reskilling/ workforce development (55%) and building proprietary AI solutions (53%).

Easier to use AI tools and the need to reduce costs and automate processes are driving AI adoption among surveyed companies:

• Advances in AI tools that make them more accessible (59%), the need to reduce costs and automate key processes (48%), and the increasing amount of AI embedded into standard off the shelf business applications (47%) are the top factors driving AI adoption.

The skills gap remains the biggest barrier to AI adoption in India:

• The top 5 barriers hindering successful AI adoption at enterprises both exploring or deploying AI are limited AI skills and expertise (30%), lack of tools/platforms for developing AI models (28%), AI projects are too complex or difficult to integrate and scale (27%), ethical concerns (26%) and too much data complexity (25%).

The need for trustworthy and governed AI is well understood, but barriers are making it difficult for surveyed companies in India to put into practice: 

• IT professionals are largely in agreement that consumers are more likely to choose services from companies with transparent and ethical AI practices (98% strongly or somewhat agree) and 94% say being able to explain how their AI reached a decision is important to their business (among companies exploring or deploying AI).
• However, despite understanding its importance only a minority are taking key steps towards trustworthy AI like reducing bias (36%), tracking data provenance (46%), making sure they can explain the decisions of their AI models (52%), or developing ethical AI policies (46%).
• The top barriers for developing trustworthy and ethical AI are the lack of an AI strategy (57%), lack of company guidelines (55%) and lack of AI governance and management tools that work across all data environments (55%).

Among surveyed organizations in India, AI is already having an impact on the workforce:

• Among companies citing AI’s use to address labor or skills shortages, they are tapping AI to do things like reduce manual or repetitive tasks with automation tools (63%), automate customer self-service answers and actions (63%) or using AI to improve recruiting and human resources (56%).
• 46% are currently training or reskilling employees to work together with new automation and AI tools. 51% said that employees at their organization are excited to work with new AI and automation tools.

Vijayawada, 19 February 2024: Everyone desires to turn the dream of owning a home into reality. However, the escalating prices in the construction sector have become a burden for ordinary and middle-class individuals. Particularly, with the surge in the prices of sand, gravel, bricks, and cement, the dream of owning a house remains elusive for many. To build a house, one needs to procure all these materials, often having to source them from different places. Furthermore, individuals are inundated with the costs and demands of intermediaries, agents, and commissions. For the common and middle-class populace, acquiring all these materials at one place and, more importantly, at wholesale prices, is not a simple task. Many intermediaries and masons take their cut, leaving customers with the original price rather than the wholesale rate. To address this issue, a new emerging company called V Wholesale (Your One-Stop Shop) is launching soon in Vijayawada.

From tiles to paints all in one place!

Home construction materials such as Tiles, Granite, Italian products, Electricals, Electronics, Lights, Fans, Hardware tools, Wooden materials, Paints, Sanitary items, Plumbing supplies, Modular kitchen components, Home decor, Home furnishings, Sofas, Faucets, Sinks, and Gardening pots are all available at “V Wholesale,” your one-stop shop. Mr. N. Hemanth Kumar, the marketing manager of “V Wholesale,” stated that these products will be offered at the lowest wholesale prices in the store. Currently, there are very few stores in the country with such a comprehensive one-stop format for all home-building supplies, mainly located in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. However, with the initiative of Mr. Himansu R Mehta, CEO of “V Wholesale,” this store will soon be opening in Vijayawada.

Home delivery with Wholesale prices

Home builders will find all their home building supplies in one place at wholesale prices at the “V Wholesale” store. Additionally, there is the convenience of home delivery for construction materials to various areas, alleviating transportation concerns for construction workers. City residents have eagerly awaited such facilities for many years. The “V Wholesale” store will soon address the concerns of home builders, much to the relief of the construction industry. Analysts in the construction industry are praising “V Wholesale” as good news for common and middle-class people, builders, contractors, and architects.

Bangalore, February 19, 2024: Shahi Exports, India’s largest apparel manufacturer and exporter, has extended its support to multiple schools in the city to bring meaningful and positive changes in the traditional education system. As part of this Akshara program initiative, Shahi collaborated with the Government Model Higher Primary School, located in Chokkasandra, Peenya, and has provided a computer lab and extended support in supplying basic amenities, including a sanitary napkin incinerator machine. The inauguration of the new facility was held in the city in the presence of the Shahi team, school authorities, teachers, and children.

Sharing details of the infrastructural development of the school, Shahi highlighted the below list of amenities that are provided to the school children:

· Computer Lab: 10 computers and UPS batteries for the children from 5th to 8th standard

· Floor Art painting (Nali Kali Thattegalu) for the 1st to 3rd standard children

· Basic Amenities: Cupboards, sports materials, library books, green boards, a suggestion box, chairs, tables, and academic-related charts for all the children and staff

· Interactive Screen for audio-visual tools and virtual classes: this will be utilized by 1st to 8th-standard students for smart class

· Sanitary Napkin Incinerator: for the girls to burn the sanitary napkin during school hours. This will help to maintain hygiene.

The event was graced by Anjanappa, Block Education Officer, Peenya Bangalore; Mr. M. Muniyappa, BBMP Corporator, Bangalore North along with senior officials from Shahi: Mr. Venkata Chalapathy, Senior General Manager, Human Resource; Ms. Chitra Prasad, Senior General Manager, Organizational Development; Ms. Suguna Sarojini Manne, Senior Manager; and Mr. Ramprasad Murugesan, General Manager Production.

The Akshara program is developed under Shahi’s Shikshanam initiative. The program conducts a thorough need-assessment study to understand issues of the schools and Anganwadis and builds a plan to provide support. The issues found in the assessment highlighted a need for infrastructural improvement, basic amenities for school children to access education, and academic encouragement. Shahi has nationally impacted around 2824 children, 11296 parents, and family members through this Akshara program.

Mumbai, February 19: Cathay Cargo, a global leader in the air cargo industry, received the ‘Air Cargo Sustainability Leader of the Year’ award at Air Cargo India 2024 hosted by STAT Times. Director of Cathay Cargo, Tom Owen accepted the award that recognizes Cathay Cargo’s dedication to sustainability and commitment to creating a greener future.

Commenting on the win, Mr. Owen said, “Globally, aviation contributes to about 2% of carbon emissions and we have a role to play in combating climate change. To this end, we are constantly exploring solutions that will help create a more sustainable future. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our team aimed at bringing us closer to our vision of being the world’s Most Sustainable Cargo Airline.”

The airline received the award for its array of initiatives including commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, pioneering Corporate SAF Programme, and its roadmap to making Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) account for 10% of its total fuel consumption by 2030. Moreover, its dedication to sustainability and social responsibility through initiatives like ‘Greener Together’.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Cathay Cargo has integrated its voluntary carbon-offset program Fly Greener into its online booking platform Click & Ship thus offering customers a more sustainable cargo solution, enabling them to effortlessly offset CO2 emissions with a single click.

Cathay has also introduced more fuel-efficient aircraft into its fleet, such as the Airbus A350, A321neo, and Boeing 777-9X models scheduled to be delivered from 2025. These aircraft promise 20% greater efficiency than their predecessors, resulting in substantial reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Equipped with cutting-edge Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, these aircraft offer fuel consumption and emissions reductions of up to 40% compared to older models like the 747F, while also outperforming competitors in efficiency.

The STAT Times International Award for Excellence in Cargo are decided based on two rounds of online voting by STAT Times magazine readers. Following suggestions from the readers for each category, the top five nominations are shared, and voting is opened for readers to pick their top company or individual, making winners a true choice of the industry.

Mumbai, 19th February 2024: Prepare for laughter galore as Zee Café brings you the uproarious “Breaking In”! Brace yourself to encounter a mismatched group of lovable housebreakers with hearts of gold, transforming pandemonium into comedy every weekday at 6 PM starting February 20th. Anticipate fumbling burglaries, eccentric disguises, and uproarious mishaps as these endearing rogues navigate unexpected twists and turns of each heist. So, bid farewell to the drama and immerse yourself in the pure comedic delight of “Breaking In” – where laughter is the ultimate prize!

Picture this: an unconventional security firm that breaks into houses to demonstrate the need for security. Enter Oz, the charmingly dubious leader with a moral compass that raises eyebrows and a wardrobe stocked with disguises that would make Mission: Impossible envious (portrayed by the ever-charismatic Christian Slater). Then there’s Cameron, the tech-savvy voice of reason amid Oz’s flamboyant chaos (played by Bret Harrison), and the rest of the crew—a diverse assembly of misfits with more heart than brains (although just enough brains to execute the occasional heist, sort of). Buckle up, comedy connoisseurs, because “Breaking In” will burst into your living room and crack open your funny bone like a bank vault. Don’t miss out on the hilarity, exclusively on Zee Café.

Bumbling burglars and big belly laugh from 20th February on weekdays at 6 PM only on Zee Café

[Lisbon, Portugal, February 19, 2024] At the TM Forum Accelerate week, the catalyst project “Intelligent and Value-Driven Network Operations Transformation,” incubated by Huawei and telecom operators China Mobile, STC (Saudi Arabia), and Hong Kong Telecom, etc., was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to TM Forum Assets Award. Presented by TM Forum, this award recognizes a team that has made the most significant contribution to the value of TM Forum’s assets based on the results of a Catalyst project.

The catalyst project leverages several capabilities from Huawei intelligent operations solution. The new metric EDNS (Expected Demand Not Served), the new platform iEM (intelligent Event Management), the new value framework VOF (Value Operations Framework), and cutting-edge technologies like AI and Graph Neural Networks (GNN). These capabilities collectively enhance operational efficiency by prioritizing work order based on service impact, thereby transforming operational mode.

The project team actively contributed over 30 standard proposals across various TMF working groups including AI Closed-loop Automation (AICLA), Measuring and Managing Autonomy (MAMA), Open Digital Architecture (ODA), and TechCo Organization Design (TCOD). These standards cover topics such as EDNS definition and implementation, iEM platform components, VOF for measuring the business value of operation, and talent skill transformation framework. The series of standards provide industry proven references to implement digital transformation and autonomous operation.

India, February 19, 2024: Equitas Small Finance Bank announced its partnership as the “Official Banking Partner with Chennai Super Kings. The rekindled partnership symbolises the champion team’s journey of coming back home with Equitas’ campaign “Bank Behind Champions”.

The campaign also showcases Equitas’ contribution in shaping up individuals’ lives through the “Beyond Banking” initiatives. This alliance not only extends a feeling of home for the team but also promises a sense of pride among citizens banking with Equitas across 16 branches in the city of Chennai. As part of this partnership, Chennai Super Kings team will sport the Equitas Small Finance Bank logo on Leading side of headgear.

Excited to join hands with the champion team, Mr. Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President & Country Head – Branch Banking – Liabilities, Products & Wealth, Equitas SFB, said, “At Equitas, we firmly believe in taking pride of one’s performance and it is our delight to partner with the home team again as CSK has exhibited their resilience and skills across multiple seasons. Associating with a team of champions, we look forward to strengthen the society by providing crucial financial support to our customers be champions in their respective lives. Being the bank behind Champions, we take pride of performance of our team in spreading joy through our beyond banking initiatives is our journey towards building progressive and committed bank. The campaign is a testament of our championship in acknowledging the progressing needs of our customers to gift them a responsible tomorrow. Just like the CSK team, we at Equitas believe in committing to our customers throughout challenges to assist in their victory on and off the pitch.”

Mr. Kasi Viswanathan, CEO, Chennai Super Kings said, “We are delighted to announce the return of Equitas Small Finance Bank to our family for the upcoming 2024 season. Our strong bond extends beyond the cricket field, encompassing collaborations for the Super Kings Academy and Junior Super Kings. We believe that their vision of elevating the lives of Indian youth aligns seamlessly with our quest for excellence and are confident of establishing a winning synergy on and off the field.”

Through this collaboration, Equitas is introducing a range of banking benefits up to 7% interest on savings, no maintenance charges, reward points on all debit cards, and contactless KYC video services with the aim of building stronger connects. Currently, Equitas aims to further expand its footprint and extend its services for both customers and cricket enthusiasts.

Chennai, February 19, 2024: Digital marketing agency Social Beat, known for its innovative strategies and outstanding results, has won the digital mandate for Sukoon, India’s leading mental health hospital chain. Won after a multi-agency pitch, the mandate will consist of overall planning, strategizing, and managing the brand’s digital campaigns.

According to the mandate, Social Beat will be responsible for all digital marketing initiatives with a focus on quality lead generation and admission to Sukoon’s hospitals. Social Beat will be reimaging the brand’s digital journey and working towards digital performance targets using various digital platforms.

Mr. Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat said “With our expertise, our primary focus will be on artfully communicating the brand’s offerings and their benefits to a diverse and nuanced audience by leveraging our entire gamut of digital solutions, to accomplish the goal of quality lead generation and increased admission to Sukoon facilities. We are excited and look forward to adding value to Sukoon’s primary goals and business objectives & creating a top-of-the-mind recall for the brand.”

Mr. Kanishk Gupta, Co-Founder and COO of Sukoon said “We are confident that Social Beat, with their expertise and capabilities in digital marketing and social media campaigns, will help us optimally spread our message and reach out to a wider audience across the country. We truly believe that our affiliation with Social Beat will help us grow and set new benchmarks in mental healthcare and we promote our brand’s philosophy in India”.

Hyderabad 19th February 2024 Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad has been invited to be a Senior Associate in the Diplomacy in Action for Entrepreneurs Group of World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF). Mr. Baybars Altuntas, the Executive Chairman of World Business Angels Investment Forum personally extended the invite to Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan. World Business Angels Angels Investment Forum is an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).

As a Senior Associate, his role involves fostering collaboration and driving positive change in the global business landscape.

“It is my immense gratitude for being invited as a member of an organization as prestigious and esteemed as WBAF. Hope to collaborate with Mr Baybars Atluntas as members of WBAF, and work towards the goal of fostering collaboration and driving positive change in the global business landscape, says Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan.

His Excellency is honoured to join the ranks of such distinguished thought leaders like H.E. Prof. Gjorge Ivanov, 4th President of North Macedonia; H.E. Prof. Dr. SC. Ivo Josipović, 3rd President of Croatia; H.E. Lansana Kouyaté, Former Prime Minister of Guinea and Former Vice President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council; H.E. Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Thailand; H.E. Antonio Santos, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, Portugal; H.E. Prof Hykmete Bajrami, Former Minister of Finance, Kosova; H.E. Yvonne Adélaïde Mougany, Former Minister of SME Development, Congo; H.E. Eduard Shalsi, Former Minister of State for the Protection of Entrepreneurship, Albania; H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad Awal, Minister of Tourism, Ghana; H.E. Manuel A. Gonzalez-Sanz, Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Costa Rica; H.E. Noomane Fehri, Former Digital Economy Minister, Tunisia and H.E. Prof Inderjit Singh, Former Parliament Member, Singapore; as Senior Associate at the prestigious Diplomacy in Action for Entrepreneurs Group of World Business Angels Investment Forum.