Archives March 2024

Bengaluru, India – 29th March 2024 – Raina Riyas, Tasfiya Bilal, and Chitturi Spandana, interns at Agency M, have truly shown themselves to be exceptional changemakers with their dedication to social responsibility and innovative design thinking. These talented interns, pursuing BBA at MCC with a specialization in BRANDING AND ADVERTISING under the tutelage of Miles SoBA, have made significant strides with their projects “Safe Paws” and “Pure Pout.”

Their creation, “Safe Paws,” designed to safely dispose of glass bottles to protect animals and waste collectors at dump yards, has received well-deserved praise from BBMP for its effectiveness in enhancing safety and sustainability. Raina, Tasfiya, and Spandana’s collaborative efforts exemplify compassion and foresight in creating a safer environment for all involved.

In addition to their product innovation, the interns have also embarked on thoughtful acts of kindness, such as distributing upcycled slippers to those in need on the streets, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact on lives within their community. Moreover, their eco-friendly lip balm “Pure Pout,” crafted from natural ingredients, underscores their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Dr. Rajakumar, Dean of MCC, expressed his pride in the interns’ accomplishments, hailing their work as a shining example of social responsibility. He commended their initiative, known as The Curious Collective, for its ingenuity and drive to create meaningful change. Mr. Pratish Nair, Founder, and CEO of Agency M, lauded Raina, Tasfiya, and Spandana for their outstanding contributions, emphasizing their application of design thinking in practical contexts. He highlighted their project as a testament to the transformative power of young minds in driving positive innovation and change.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that KV Sridhar, fondly known as ‘Pops,’ the legend of advertising, has expressed his appreciation for the interns’ work. His recognition adds an extra layer of significance to the impactful efforts of Raina, Tasfiya, and Spandana in their pursuit of creating positive change and innovation within their community and beyond.

Agency M is dedicated to supporting MSMEs and solopreneurs by reimagining traditional branding strategies and nurturing growth for businesses that are proudly Made in India.

Gurugram, India, 29th March 2024 – In a bold move that signifies its commitment to evolving alongside its customers’ needs, CARS24, India’s leading Autotech giant, introduces Autopilot, a unique, transformative driver-on-demand service. This latest innovation underscores the brand’s dedication to becoming an all-encompassing hub for automotive solutions, ensuring unmatched convenience and comfort for car owners.

Autopilot is designed from the ground up with the customer in mind. Understanding the dynamic needs of today’s car owners, CARS24 has leveraged its deep insights into customer behavior and preferences to craft a solution that addresses a key pain point: the need for reliable, and on-demand driving assistance.

“Autopilot is our response to what our users have been seeking—a travel option that’s simpler, more enjoyable, and devoid of the usual chaos. We recognize that for many, the act of driving has shifted from a pleasure to a mere necessity. This is why we are launching Autopilot, not just as another service, but as a refreshing alternative. It’s about delivering ‘smiles per mile.’

For us, it means enhancing their journeys, ensuring they’re imbued with the distinct CARS24 touch. My commitment to our customers is clear: Autopilot is more than a route to their destination; it’s our way of making every part of their journey memorable and enjoyable.” said Vikram Chopra, Co-Founder & CEO, of CARS24.

Autopilot eliminates the hassles associated with traditional driving solutions — no more worries about finding qualified drivers and managing them, or last-minute cancellations by cab drivers. With just a few taps on the CARS24 app, customers can now summon a professional driver to their location within minutes, ready to take them to their destination in the comfort and safety of their cars. Starting at prices as low as for an hour, Autopilot is set to transform how people think about and engage with personal transportation.

Autopilot will be launched initially in Gurgaon, and will go live in other major cities soon. According to CARS24, it is more than just a convenient travel option. It’s a movement towards safer roads, reducing incidents of drowsy and drunk driving, while simultaneously creating a substantial income source for professional drivers.

Beyond addressing immediate transportation needs, Autopilot represents CARS24’s vision for a comprehensive automotive ecosystem. Whether it’s dealing with traffic, finding parking, or navigating unfamiliar routes, Autopilot embodies the promise of hassle-free travel, making CARS24 your one-stop solution for all auto-related needs.

“We envision CARS24 not just as a platform for buying and selling cars, but as a holistic partner in the automotive journey of our customers,” added Chopra. “From quick city errands to leisurely weekend getaways, Autopilot is your trusted companion, ensuring every ride is a step towards a more connected, convenient, and enjoyable automotive experience.”

Embrace the future of driving with Autopilot. Available now on the CARS24 app, it’s not just a service but a revolution in personal mobility. With Autopilot, get connected with professional and qualified drivers near you, and embark on journeys where fun and comfort take the front seat, powered by CARS24’s commitment to its users. For Gurugram car owners, there’s never been a better time to use the CARS24 app!

How to use Autopilot in 4 easy steps (Presently for Gurgaon Users Only)

● Download/Update CARS24’s App

● Enter your phone number

● Click on hire a driver

● Choose your trip type and enter your details

● Anndddd Get Going!!!

Mumbai, 29th March 2024: ‘Brush of Hope’ is a powerful Art exhibition curated by Dr. Sheetal Gagrani in collaboration with the Maharashtra Government’s Cyber Crime Branch and The Designer Art Gallery. The exhibition marks the beginning of a vital movement against cyberbullying that aims to ignite a crucial conversation and empower victims. Opening on April 6th, 2024, at The Designer Art Gallery, Mumbai, ‘ Brush of Hope’ will showcase compelling art pieces that explore themes of resilience, empathy, and overcoming adversity. The art show will travel across the country and will be more than just a display of creative talent. It will serve as a beacon of strength and inspiration, demonstrating that cyberbullying victims are not alone.

The two-week exhibition honors the memory of Swara, a young woman who tragically lost her life to cyberbullying. Most notably, the exhibition will carry a collection of Swara’s art pieces.

Dr. Sheetal Gagrani, Swara’s aunt and driving force behind the cause, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue.

“We are facing a cyberbullying pandemic, where bullies relentlessly torment their targets 24/7. Most victims believe that anti-cyberbullying efforts are ineffective and they have nobody to turn to,” says Dr. Gagrani.

She adds, “We believe that art can inspire change and provoke important conversations. By showcasing the stories of cybercrime victims like Swara, we hope to foster empathy and understanding, while advocating for better support systems for those affected by online harassment. With the unwavering support of Gayatri Oberoi, Minu Deora, and Rupal Kanakia, we are committed to championing this cause and ensuring that the impact of ‘Brush of Hope’ reaches as many people as possible. We are also setting up a foundation to offer a protected platform for victims to reach out for help, as well as apprehend the essential conversation around cyberbullying and its consequences.”

Featuring a diverse range of artistic perspectives around cyberbullying, the exhibition will present works of rising artists Hitesh Gilder, Vijay Shinde, Amara De Tori, Sarvesh Chavan, Mukesh Chaudhary, Khushi Gursale, Dhanashree Manjare, Pratish Panchal, and Shreyash Kalambate together with art created from Swara’s diary entries that silently cry for help.

Talking about cybercrime in the country, Yashavi Yadav (IPS), Special IGP Maharashtra Cyber Department, said, “The rise of cybercrime is the numero-uno organized crime syndicate in India fueled by the widespread use of smartphones and social media, particularly at the hands of vulnerable groups like children, college students and senior citizens. Online cyber frauds, cyber-stalking, child pornography, and social engineering are some of the methods employed by cybercriminals to traumatize the young generation, especially females.”

In a world consumed by the digital landscape, a silent epidemic rages on – one of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. The National Crime Records Bureau has reported a 36% surge in cyberstalking and cyberbullying cases following the pandemic. Unfortunately today, India stands as a leader in this crisis, with a staggering 85% of children reporting cyberbullying experiences. Furthermore, a recent UNICEF study highlighted that victims don’t report cyberbullying, due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or social stigma. These numbers and facts paint a grim picture of a growing problem with overwhelming consequences.

Cyberbullying can have devastating repercussions on young minds, resulting in low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and in severe cases, even suicide. Victims of cyberbullying often stay silent, feeling alone, hopeless, and powerless. This silence is compounded by a lack of clarity on legal procedures. ‘Brush of Hope’ seeks to break the silence surrounding cyberbullying. As the exhibition will shed light on the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women, on social media, it will also underscore the critical and urgent need for accessible support systems and resources for victims.

Maharashtra Cyber Department is also actively combating cybercrime. Officials like DIG Sanjay Shintre, Police Inspector Rajesh Pokle, Head Constable Navnath Devgude, and Police Constable Vivek Sawant are tirelessly working to bring perpetrators to justice and create a safer online environment. Yashavi Yadav urges citizens to report cyber crimes immediately on the national cyber crime reporting portal, www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Amrita Deora, founder of Designera Art Gallery, believes the exhibition’s art will spark meaningful dialogue. “I’m honoured to be part of this initiative in association with the Cyber Crime Branch and Dr. Gagrani. Through the power of art, we are trying to encourage everyone to fight back such crimes and help dismantle the stigma associated with being bullied or stalked. Parents, educators, guardians, all need to create a secure environment for their children to openly communicate and seek support in situations like these. I would like to urge as many people as possible to join us at ‘Brush of Hope’ as we honour Swara and all cyber crime victims, and take this crucial first step towards a safer digital tomorrow.” she said.

‘Brush of Hope’ is a powerful message of solidarity for victims. While Dr. Gagrani is in the process of setting up a helpline/website for victims to seek immediate help; she also expressed hope that the exhibition will amplify the initiative’s larger message. “Together, we can send a firm message to all cyberbullying victims, especially young girls: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. With empowerment, you can help yourself and stop the bully.”, Dr. Gagrani concluded.

29th March 2024; Mumbai, India: In an endeavor to revolutionize the world of animation entertainment, QYOU Media India collaborates with Toonz Media, a renowned global animation creator, producer, and distributor to announce the launch of Q Toonz, a FAST animation channel. Currently live, across the Q Play+ app and over 130 smart TV brands, the channel will emerge as the ultimate destination for premium animation entertainment.

With a core messaging of ‘Unrivalled Animation, Timeless Entertainment’, Q Toonz boasts a content slate of over 2500 hours of high-quality, multi-genre animated shows and films. Designed to captivate not only children but also young adults, Q Toonz ensures a comprehensive and engaging viewing experience for families. From action-packed adventures to heart-warming tales, and whimsical comedies to gripping dramas, Q Toonz curates the best of animated content with high entertainment value. The channel offers nostalgia inducing classics such as The Raccoons, Wolverine and the X-Men, along with the latest animated sensations like GummyBear Show: GummyBear and Friends, Cat and Keet, Zoonicorn, Baby Einstein Classics and Sea Explorers, Pinocchio and Friends.

Speaking on the launch of Q Toonz, Krishna Menon, COO, QYOU Media India said, “Our endeavor at QYOU Media India, has always been to expand the network’s portfolio, thus leading us to collaborate with Toonz Media. The launch of Q Toonz marks a significant stride for us in the Connected TV space. The introduction of our premium animation channel not only aligns with the thriving growth of the FAST category but also strategically strengthens our position as innovators in content curation. We are dedicated to delivering an immersive viewing experience tailored for audiences of all ages.”

Speaking on the partnership, P Jayakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Toonz Media Group said, “We are excited to partner with QYOU to launch this FAST Channel in India which will be powered by 100% Toonz managed content. By leveraging their reach into various platforms, we are now in an even better position to offer high quality Toonz kids content to viewers in India to start with.”

Q Toonz stands as a testament to QYOU Media India’s commitment to recognizing the immense potential of animated entertainment. This collaboration with Toonz Media aims to create a channel that transcends age barriers, offering an immersive journey into a world of endless imagination, creativity, and excitement.

Toonz Media has also partnered with Warner Bros Discovery, Peacock, Media Corp., SVT, Sky Kids, TIM Vision, RTVE Clan TV, TV Azteca, Amazon, Netflix, Viacom18, Disney, and Marvel.

The AI ecosystem in India is thriving with a diverse range of startups receiving significant funding over the last few years. India has the third largest startup ecosystem in the world, expected to witness a year-on-year growth of 12-15%. Indian AI companies garnered $1.11 billion across 47 funding rounds in 2022, which increased 12X in 2023 and 45% of the startups that got funding were from Bengaluru.

Just in 2023, 60 startups were launched in India that are focused on building native AI solutions and most of them are using the hybrid approach of building on top of LLM models of OpenAI and LLaMA. But there are trailblazers who are disrupting the industry with innovative solutions that will unleash the next wave of AI in India and across the globe. Here are five AI Bengaluru-based startups to look out for.

Krutrim AI

Krutrim AI, referred to as India’s first full-stack AI solution, was launched by Ola’s founder Bhavish Aggarwal. Krutrim AI has raised $24 million in debt from Matrix Partners, which is also a shareholder of Ola Electric. However, Aggarwal clarified that Krutrim is a separate entity from Ola.

With striking similarities to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Krutrim claims to outperform GPT-4 with its ability to understand over 20 languages and generate content in 10 including Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Odia, Gujarati, and Malayalam.

KOGO OS

Most popular for its AI Travel Expert, KOGO OS is disrupting the AI market with its AI operating system that is built on large action models. While most AI companies in Bengaluru have been focused on the LLM model of OpenAI, KOGO OS is revolutionary with its capacity to perform complex, real-world tasks. KOGO AI OS helps businesses create hundreds of ready-to-use AI assistants for industries like travel and mobility, retail and e-commerce, business and manufacturing, finance and banking, health and insurance, and productivity.

These assistants are like modular building blocks that can work by themselves or in a chain to execute complex tasks in dynamic environments. They are designed to understand human intent and mirror the company’s tone and voice, with in-built topical guardrails to ensure adherence to company values at all times. It is built with enterprise-grade security and continuous monitoring of AI actions. KOGO AI assistants are on their way to becoming India’s first AI Workforce that can safely and smoothly take over company functions in complex workflows.

Karya AI

Founded in 2021, this Bengaluru-based startup focuses on using AI to create employment opportunities for people in rural India. Karya AI’s app allows users to perform tasks like recording audio in their native languages, which contributes to the AI’s data.

The company is expanding its offering into various Indian languages, enriching AI databases with diverse linguistic data. While most LLMs are focused on the English language, Karya’s solution benefits non-English speakers in India, providing rural workers with employment.

Microsoft began using Karya to source local speech data for their AI products and to mitigate gender bias in AI data. Google partnered with Karya AI for speech data collection across 85 Indian districts, aiming to expand its use to all parts of India.

Haptik AI

Haptik AI provides conversational AI chatbots and virtual assistants. The company is a leader in the CX industry with its technologies being used to automate customer service and support processes, providing users with quick, accurate, and efficient assistance.

Haptik AI leverages natural language processing and machine learning to understand and respond to user inquiries in a human-like manner. With $12.2 million in funding till date, the company has been venturing into acquiring customers in the e-commerce, finance, insurance, healthcare, and other sectors.

Entropek

This Bengaluru-based company is reinventing consumer research with its innovative AI solution that can conduct qualitative and quantitative research. Founded in 2016, the startup uses its proprietary technologies—facial coding, eye tracking, and voice AI to conduct market research. With large-scale clients like P&G and Nestle to ICICI and JP Morgan, Entropik works across sectors such as consumer packaged goods (CPG), health care, media and entertainment, and finance.

Facial coding analyzes the expressions of a person using a webcam while eye tracking analyzes where the user is looking. The third is voice AI, which is used to analyze voice transcription, translation, and tonality. Put together, it can understand the sentiment and intent and even read 58 facial expressions.

AI is changing the way we work, and even the way we interact with the world. While a lot of work is being done by hundreds of businesses across the world, several home-grown startups are disrupting the market by thinking out of the box and solving unique challenges that hold the potential to change what we know about AI and its uses. Whether it is to improve productivity, conduct research, or tackle sales and operational workflows, AI holds the massive potential for businesses to grow and thrive and will be the focal point of human innovation in the years to come.

Voices of Women is a contemporary art exhibition under the Young Collectors’ Pop-Up umbrella initially launched in 2022. This exhibition showcases works by emerging and middle-contemporary women artists from across the country. The exhibition highlights the flourishing practices of women artists across mediums. While equal representation between men and women artists is still not a reality, there is a steady increase in exhibitions and platforms like this one that seek to address this disparity. In 2023 the Art Basel and YBS Survey of Global Collecting drew attention to the fact that women collectors are now collecting more than men, and many of them focus on this disparity and address it by actively collecting women artists exclusively.

Through a showcase of diverse mediums, styles, and experiences, the show eliminates stereotypes associated with women artists. This curation intends to move away from stereotypes that are often limiting to the expansion of women in fine arts today. A similar approach has been taken when also curating the subject matter represented. For instance in art universities across the country, the female nude is still not taught in live drawing classes. Historically, specifically within the South Asian context women have been associated more with handicrafts, as opposed to fine arts. However, the adaptability of women when they engage with fine arts offers a unique glimpse at the intersection between physicality and painting. This exhibition does not intend to purport that women are intended to belong to a certain style of art. It provides a stage for women engaging in traditional and nontraditional, expected and unexpected. It is a curation of contemporary women artists across the spectrum today.

A common theme amongst the works displayed is how each woman responds to contemporary stimuli that impact that in a personal or general societal way while respecting diversity. The exhibition will take place from 9th April to 15th April at A2/22 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi.

Participating Artists :

1. Malavika Rajnarayan Malavika Rajnarayan studied painting at the College of Fine Arts, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath and at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda. Alongside her studio practice, she works as an arts resource person with the Azim Premji Foundation. Her works have been exhibited across india and abroad, most recently in the Seattle Art Museum in 2022. She has been an artist-in-residence at The Collective Studio Baroda; The Contemporary Artists Centre, Troy, New York: at CAMAC Centre for Art in Marnay sur-Seine, France, and a collective residency as a member of Surfatial at ZK/U, Berlin. She was the recipient of the Nasreen Mohammedi scholarship for post-graduate study in 2005. Malavika’s paintings use the human figure to create narratives that are infused with a feminine sensibility. Her background in Indian classical music as well as her interest in the progression of Indian and Asian knowledge traditions form the basis of her inquiries. Her visual language is informed by miniature painting traditions, where the poignancy of ideas are conveyed through beauty, grace and poetry.
2. Tanushree Sarkar Tanushree Sarkar is an acclaimed and award-winning art director of films like Parineeta, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, and Eklavya. As a kid, she had always been interested in painting and fine arts. She started her career at Ogilvy & Mather, a media company. After spending about four years and being a cinema enthusiast. she joined a newly opened production house. As her career progressed, she felt that her art was left behind. So after Gabbar, she decided not to do films anymore and dedicate more time to her art. She participated in the Indian Art Fair, at Nehru Centre. Her work is heavily inspired by Indian history and culture.
3. Anushree Rabadia Anushree Rabadia completed her BVA in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and is currently pursuing her MVA in Painting from MSU Baroda. She was awarded the Jeram Patel Award, Faculty of Fine Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, 2020-2021. Anushree’s works are conceptually derived from her environment, nature, and the necessities of daily existence. She manipulates the materials according to the feel of the subject to communicate these observations. She uses pattern, flow, texture, rhythm, softness, sensitivity, and an interest in optical illusion to portray the intensity of her artwork, which enables her to produce 2- dimensional pieces on a mount board. She draws inspiration from India’s rich textile history for her own creative interpretations. Anushree lives and works in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
4. Ekta Singha Ekta Singha pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts in Painting from the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, India, She graduated with an MVA in Painting Faculty of Fine Arts, MSU, Baroda, Gujarat, India. Ekta captivates audiences with her ingenious blend of mediums and materials. Drawing inspiration from Mughal, Persian, and Rajput miniature painting traditions, Ekta has crafted a unique artistic identity. Influenced by her roots in Bangladesh, memories of her ancestral home infuse her work with depth and resonance. Ekta’s art reflects an intriguing fusion of two distinct traditions: miniature painting and Pata scroll paintings. While the former lends intricate visual elements to her work, the latter allows for expansive storytelling, imbuing her art with a sense of dynamic movement. Through her evocative use of materials and forms, Ekta Singha invites audiences on a journey of discovery through her captivating creations
5. Maitreyi Desai Born in Valsad, Gujarat, Maitreyi Desai pursued her Bachelor’s degree of Visual Arts in Painting and Master’s degree of Visual Arts in Print-making from the M.S. University, Baroda. Maitreyi’s artworks feel ageless, like the bark of that hundred year old tree; and yet it is also deeply personal, ethereal in its delicacy. Through these interconnections with nature, she wishes to assert her own identity; an identity synonymous with rootness, and groundedness, to a home, a family, and if we can expand our consciousness, to nature. These are the layered metaphors in her work. The intricacies in her artworks are not just aesthetic representations of nature but also emotive, the essence of what it means to make a home, layer by layer, line by line is seen here. Maitreyi is currently based in Vadodara, Gujarat.
6. Neha Luthra Neha Luthra was born in India and raised in Warsaw, Poland. She obtained her BA in Art History and Management from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and an associate degree in Surface Pattern/Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. Neha studied painting under the mentorship of Despina Sevasti in Athens, Greece, and is currently part of The Royal Drawing School’s 2024 cohort for their Drawing Development Year. Her current art practice draws on her own photography and life experiences as subject matter. She resides between Warsaw & Jaipur.
7. Sareena Khemka Sareena Khemka is a talented visual artist known for her work in mixed media, particularly drawing, painting, and sculptural installations. She has a strong focus on exploring urban landscapes, often weaving together narratives of the past and future of cities. Sareena holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, India. Throughout her career, Sareena has participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing her artwork in galleries and art spaces across India and internationally. Some of her notable exhibitions include ‘Future Foundations, ‘Walk-in Studio,’ and ‘Build & Grow. She has also been a resident artist at esteemed institutions such as Space 118 and The Piramal Art Foundation in Mumbai. In addition to her artistic practice, Sareena is passionate about art education and has conducted workshops with various organizations, including The Kiran Nader Museum of Art, Art 1st Foundation, and the Mohile Parikh Center Mumba. Sareena Khemka currently resides and works in Bangalore, where she continues to create thought-provoking and visually captivating artwork, pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.
8. Astha Patel Astha Patel is a visual artist based in Vadodara, Gujarat. She draws inspiration from topics related to nature ecology and memory. Her practice primarily involves oil on canvas works, and tempera, gouache and watercolor on paper. She completed her Master’s in Visual from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara in 2022. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the same institution. In 2017 she received an ERASMUS Scholarship and completed a semester at The Universided de Politecnica de Valencia, Spain in 2017. In 2019 a collaborative project that she worked on with Pranshu Thakore, Rahi De Roy, and Savitha Ravi was displayed by the Tate Collective. She has also been a part of Residency Programmes at Space Studio Summer Residency, Vadodara 2021, as well as the Students’ Biennale at the Kochi Muziris Biennale. In 2023 she collaborated with the Mumbai-based luxury apparel brand, Aroka.
9. Vijaya Chauhan Vijaya Chauhan received her postgraduate in sculpture from Indirakala Sangeet University, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh (2011). She was awarded by ‘Kalasankranti Puraskar National Award. Vijaya’s practice is inspired by her experiences with learning braille, her works often include encoded messages in the same. Each work invites the viewer to engage both visually and through its tactile nature.She currently lives and works between New Delhi and Vadodara with her husband and son.
10. Tarini Sethi Tarini Sethi is a New Delhi-based artist. Tarini holds a BA in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, and a BFA in Drawing from Pratt Institute, New York. Her artistic practice explores themes like human intimacy, body consciousness, and sexuality, and draws from folklore and mythology through a multimedia practice that includes paintings, drawings, and metal sculptures. Sethi has been featured in Architectural Digest India and many other Indian publications and has been a part of design shows like the Mumbai Urban Arts Festival, as well as solo exhibitions at the IIC Gallery and Chemould Colab. As a woman from India, existing in a space of extreme sexual oppression and constant scrutiny, she tries to focus as much as possible on the idea that bodies can exist as perfect vessels for exploration, action, and sexual emancipation. In the world she create, bodies are freed from the ideas attached to the conventional notion of gender, perfection and beauty. She is the Founder and Curator of The Irregulars Art Fair and has exhibited across the world.

29th March 2024 SmartSoC Solutions, a leading Indian semiconductor design services company founded in 2016, is excited to announce its membership in the Design Center Alliance (DCA) of TSMC’s Open Innovation Platform® (OIP). This partnership signifies a major step forward in SmartSoC’s mission to foster indigenous semiconductor solutions tailored to India’s burgeoning technological landscape.

Established in 2016, SmartSoC Solutions embodies India’s rich legacy of innovation, dedicated to developing cutting-edge semiconductor, embedded, and system designs that drive the nation’s technological progress. With strategically located design centers in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Hubli, SmartSoC leverages local talent and expertise to address the unique challenges and opportunities within India’s semiconductor industry.

By collaborating with the TSMC Design Center Alliance, SmartSoC gains access to a wealth of resources, including TSMC’s process technology information, design methodologies, and support services. This partnership not only enhances SmartSoC’s capabilities but also underscores the company’s commitment to delivering semiconductor solutions that foster innovation and advancement within India’s growing semiconductor sector.

Under the leadership of BharathDesareddy, CEO of SmartSoC, the company expresses profound enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasizing its pivotal role in propelling India’s semiconductor industry forward. Desareddy comments, “As an Indian company with a vision to pioneer semiconductor solutions that empower India’s technological aspirations, our membership in TSMC’s Design Center Alliance is a significant stride towards realizing this vision. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, we aim to drive innovation and shape the future of India’s semiconductor landscape.”

Membership in the TSMC DCA solidifies SmartSoC’s position as a leading player in India’s semiconductor landscape, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. SmartSoC’s status as one of 27 DCA members highlights its standing within the industry. Becoming a member of TSMC’s DCA will help SmartSoC enhance its global presence and contribute to technological advancement within India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

With access to cutting-edge process technologies, including 3nm technologies, SmartSoC is poised to deliver semiconductor designs that offer performance, efficiency, and reliability. As an Indian company with a global outlook, SmartSoC remains steadfast in its commitment to driving semiconductor innovation that not only caters to the Indian market but also contributes to India’s emergence as a leading global semiconductor hub.

29th March 2024: Global waste production has shown no signs of slowing down. Over two billion metric tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated annually worldwide, and this number is projected to rise by approximately 70 percent by 2050. While governments and international organizations need to take steps to address this issue, it is vital to build local awareness and encourage active grassroots involvement. Above all, the scale of the environmental challenge facing us requires a collaborative and multi-stakeholder strategy.

At Embassy Group, we have implemented various green practices that foster collaboration and a holistic approach to waste management, such as:

Embassy, through a partnership with The Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust (TAICT), has been working in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat in North Bengaluru since 2016 to address the issues of irresponsible disposal of waste and the depletion of soil and water. The panchayat suffered from air, water, and soil pollution, with around 53 metric tonnes of waste per month being dumped and burned. To increase community involvement and understanding of sustainable living methods, the partners launched the EcoGram program. EcoGram aims to create an ecologically sound, replicable model gram panchayat.

To complement the solid waste management infrastructural solutions provided in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat, we have emphasized community engagement and awareness initiatives for women and children. Bolstered by the “Ecogram Shakti Programme,” the initiative empowers over 50 women from these villages to drive environmental sustainability in their communities.

What began as a pilot project in the Tarahunise village now encompasses ten villages in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat. In 2022, the Embassy built EcoHub, an integrated solid waste management center that benefits over 4,000 households.

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, it is important to recognise the role that citizen and local-led environmental movements can play. Involving local and key stakeholders greatly increases the effectiveness of engendering systemic change and increasing accountability. Harnessing the strength of our communities and partnerships ensures that we are laying the groundwork for continued and future change.

As champions of sustainable practices, we will continue our endeavors to reduce environmental degradation and create greener communities. Our agenda is to join hands with other corporations, government bodies, and NGOs to create a culture of collaboration and corporate sustainability said Shaina Ganapathy, Head of Community Outreach, Embassy Group on the occasion of International Day of Zero Waste.

Bengaluru, 29th March 2024 – Magicrete, one of India’s frontline producers of AAC Blocks, Construction Chemicals, and Precast Construction Solutions, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Maxlite, a leading AAC Blocks manufacturer located in South India, headquartered in Bengaluru. Maxlite operates two AAC Blocks manufacturing facilities, one in Karnataka and the other in Tamil Nadu, boasting a combined annual capacity of 500,000 cubic meters. This strategic acquisition further solidifies Magicrete’s dominant position in the AAC Blocks industry, elevating its total installed capacity to 1.8 million cubic meters per annum, and establishing it as the industry leader.

AAC Blocks serve as resource-efficient alternatives to traditional red clay bricks, offering superior thermal insulation and reducing construction time and structural load. They are approximately ten times larger than clay bricks and are manufactured using waste fly ash, thereby consuming 70% less energy. The increasing adoption of AAC Blocks in recent years has been instrumental in promoting energy-efficient construction practices.

Sourabh Bansal, Co-founder and Managing Director of Magicrete said, ” This strategic move marks a significant leap in our pan-India growth trajectory. We are highly optimistic about the myriad opportunities, and the synergies between the two companies that will unfold shortly. This acquisition not only solidifies our leadership in the industry but also ushers access to new high-potential geographies of Southern India. We as a company now have the ability to serve from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

R Darshan Kumar, Managing Director, Maxlite, will be spearheading the operations in South India. “Maxlite, as one of the first AAC plants in Bangalore, brings a history of innovation to the table. The expansion plans in south India further enhance the strategic synergy between two industry leaders, combining Magicrete’s stronghold in the North and West with Maxlite’s pioneering position in the South. The joint entity aims to capitalize on regional strengths, leveraging collective expertise and resources to solidify their market dominance” says Kumar.

Magicrete has been at the forefront of modern construction technology in India for the past decade, contributing significantly to the ‘Housing for All’ initiative through the provision of innovative yet affordable construction materials. The company is spearheaded by a team comprising graduates from prestigious institutions such as IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, and IIM Lucknow and is backed by notable investors including Motilal Oswal Private Equity, India SME, and Mukul Agrawal.

New Delhi, 29th March 2024: A momentous movement is gaining traction in India, with the leading accessibility organization, Svayam, taking a bold step towards establishing March 27th as World Accessibility Day. Partnering with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and a network of 20 NGOs, Svayam is spearheading a national campaign to highlight the critical need for inclusive environments and assistive technologies for a significant portion of the population. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to declare March 27 as ‘World Accessibility Day’, highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion for all.

The event, scheduled at ICMR, New Delhi on 27th March 2024, addressed the pressing need for accessibility in India. With an estimated 26.8 million people living with disabilities and 104 million aged 65 and above facing mobility constraints, the need for concerted efforts is evident. Despite these challenges, India lacks a designated day dedicated to accessibility. Establishing such an occasion could catalyse unified action and focused initiatives to enhance accessibility nationwide.

Addressing the event, and resounding the sentiments of unity and empowerment, Mr Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, affirmed to an inclusive future, saying, “The era demands accessibility for all, not as a luxury but as a fundamental requirement. Let us stand together, bridging gaps and empowering every individual towards a dignified life.”

On the honorable platform of ICMR, New Delhi, a convergence of visionaries and change-makers gathered to champion accessibility as a fundamental right for all individuals. Addressing the critical need for declaring ‘World Accessibility Day – 27 March’, discussions centered around the pivotal role of Accessibility and Assistive Devices in fostering a truly inclusive society, especially for Viksit Bharat. Svayam, in collaboration with NDFDC and 20 NGOs spanning 35 districts in 10 states, advocates fervently for the global recognition of 27th March as World Accessibility Day.

During the discussion, Dr Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist at ICMR, showed his alignment with the ethos of inclusivity and emphasized the imperative of creating healthcare environments that are inherently accessible. He asserted, “Accessibility is the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat. We are also dedicated to empowering future healthcare professionals with the values of universal accessibility.”

Expressing her ardour for this noble cause, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, reflected on the profound impact of declaring ‘World Accessibility Day – 27 March’. She exclaimed, “Accessibility is not a privilege but a birthright for all. Let the barriers crumble, and opportunities flourish equally for every individual. Together, with our dedicated partners, we stand united to forge a barrier-free future”.

Dr Swadeep Srivastava, Founder, of HEAL Foundation, added, “Celebrating World Accessibility Day is an important milestone to bring to focus the need for accessibility. Let us recognize that access to healthcare communication is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. With over a billion people living with disabilities, we must ensure all digital health platforms are universally accessible.”

The spirit of ‘World Accessibility Day – 27 March’ resonates with the essence of care, empathy, and progress. This day stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the transformative power of assistive technologies, devices, and collective efforts in nurturing a world where barriers are but a distant memory.