Archives April 2024

Leif Assurance Hires Construction Risk Advisor

Vincent Sanfilippo has more than 15 years of insurance and construction experience

Vincent Sanfilippo

(St. Louis, Mo., April 11, 2024) – Leif Assurance, a full-service insurance agency that exclusively handles construction insurance, recently hired Vincent Sanfilippo as a Construction Risk Advisor.

Sanfilippo’s responsibilities include selling multiple lines of insurance coverage to medium-sized and large accounts. His role involves leveraging technology and the agency’s core sales process to maximize new and existing business opportunities. Sanfilippo has more than 15 years of experience in insurance and construction.

“Vince’s extensive industry insight, gained from his construction management experience, positions him as a valuable asset at our organization,” said Leif Assurance CEO JD Powers. “With a background in producing and managing large portfolios, coupled with strong leadership qualifications, Vince is well-equipped to contribute significantly to the growth and success of Leif Assurance.”

Founded in 2022, Leif Assurance offers actionable risk management, as well as data-driven pricing models to build the most accurate risk profiles so contractors are rewarded for safe job sites with earned insurance savings. Leif provides cost-effective and comprehensive insurance solutions for worker’s compensation, general liability, builders’ risk, inland marine, and commercial auto.

Leif Assurance is the sister company of Powers Insurance & Risk Management and Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Powers Insurance & Risk Management is one of the largest family owned and operated independent insurance agencies in the bi-state region. All three companies are located at 6825 Clayton Ave.

Dancer Ranjana Gauhar Hosts Su-Tarang 2024 Dance Recital

World Dance Day Celebrations by Utsav Educational and Cultural Society

Dancer Ranjana Gauhar

April 11th, 2024: As World Dance Day approaches, Odissi exponent Smt. Ranjana Gauhar brings forth her young and budding disciples to perform on Saturday, April 21st, 2024 at Triveni Kala Sangam at 6:30 pm in her annual presentation Su-Tarang propelled and conceptualized by Utsav Educational and Cultural Society, founded by her.

Su-Tarang is Ranjana’s interpretation of making the young generation appreciate the beauty of Odissi Dance as an art and inculcate discipline in them for overall development of their personalities. It is her version of helping them imbibe the riches of Indian heritage and culture whilst enriching their intellect.

A Padmashree Awardee (2003), Smt. Ranjana Gauhar, deems it her prime responsibility to educate, train and mould young minds to imbibe the cultural values of rich traditions in the Guru- Shishya Parampara, which when practiced in daily lives, help to achieve perfection and a sense of responsibility towards self, family and the society at large.

Whilst marching forward towards creating waves and promoting Indian Dance and Culture, Ranjanaji remarks, “We at Utsav aim to empower the disciple through dance for maintaining harmony and balance in the society. The success story of Utsav is that we let children blossom in an environment of love, proper guidance. They are nurtured through disciplined training and are given opportunities to express themselves by showcasing their talent on stage year after year.”

Accredited with umpteen of prestigious a accolades including National Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007), Senior Fellowship for her research in the temple tradition of Odissi dance by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award and Mahari Award in 2007, Delhi Ratna Award, Ranjanaji’s performances bear the signature of a distinctive style because of her extensive training in Chhau, Kathak and Manipuri as well. Her extensive background has led her to boldly explore and reach out to other creative expressions such as authoring a book “Odissi, The Dance Divine”, which was released in 2007.

Utsav founded by Smt Ranjana Gauhar, believes in the spirit of Guru- Shishya Parampara where reinforcement of discipline, fundamental character–building and capacity to create a vision in the minds of the disciples is constantly been nurtured and imparted. Many students of Utsav are receiving National scholarship from Ministry of Culture and from various other organization like ICCR under the Ministry of External affairs, Sahitya Kala Parishad – Delhi Government, and has even received the prestigious President’s award “Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar” from sangeet Natak Akademi. Some of the students are from abroad, countries like Poland, UK, Trinidad, Spain, Argentina, Norway, Russia, Germany and Brazil to name a few.

HMD associates with Rajasthan Royals as Official Smartphone Partner

HMD associates with Rajasthan

Mumbai, 11th April 2024: HMD – the brand renowned for smartphone craftsmanship based on user experience – today announced its association with Rajasthan Royals as their Official Smartphone Partner during this year’s high-octane T20 season. This collaboration will bolster HMD’s position as an innovation-oriented smartphone brand. The partnership aims to enhance HMD’s brand visibility across the nation whilst celebrating, and capturing great sporting moments using HMD’s soon-to-be unveiled aspirational technology, leveraging crickets’ biggest influencers along the way.

Notably, both brands are shaking up their respective playing fields as the Rajasthan Royals is playing great cricket, and one of the largest mobile tech innovators, HMD, secured multiple accolades at this year’s Mobile World Congress 2024 and was noted as a company with big plans to change smartphone design forever.

Speaking about the newly-formed partnership, Tathagat Jena, Head of Marketing & Online Biz, India at HMD, stated: “Together with the Rajasthan Royals we will hit this brand association out of the park, it’s an affiliation of two brands that aim to be ahead of the curve – we both are passionate, bold, and always one step ahead.”

Alok Chitre, Chief Business Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said, “As we embark on this exciting journey with HMD as our Official Smartphone Partner, we envision a partnership fueled by innovation and a shared commitment to transforming society through cricket. At the Royals, our mission is not only to excel on the field but also to pioneer change through innovation. HMD embodies this spirit with its cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking approach, and we are looking forward to leveraging our synergies driven by innovation on and off the pitch.”

B Unplugged—The BFSI Consortium’s Dialogue Event Series held and was organized by the BFSI Consortium

Hyderabad 11th April 2024 : The BFSI Consortium, marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its transformative event series, ‘B. Unplugged—The BFSI Consortium’s Dialogue, disclosed in a press note issued in the city today.

The BFSI Consortium is a global BFSI convergence platform with extensive financial service experiences. It is the first in the country with a unique vision to converge all partners onto a single platform, viz BFSI global & Indian IT companies, Education Institutions, Regulatory & Govt. bodies, Fintech Startups & IT associations.

Held recently, the inaugural edition witnessed enthusiastic participation from industry leaders, academicians, startups, and key stakeholders within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.

Attendees gained valuable insights through a comprehensive progress update on the Consortium’s initiatives, specifically those focused on bridging the gap between academia and the BFSI industry, ultimately enhancing student employability in the sector. The event served as a platform to ignite collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing, propelling the BFSI sector forward.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu- Honourable Minister for IT, E&C, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, drew upon his vast experience to deliver a captivating keynote address. His insights enriched the discussion and offered attendees a unique perspective on the evolving BFSI landscape. He said, “The thought of the BFSI consortium is a very notable idea and a win-win situation for the State, Industry & Education Sector.” He emphasized the importance of striking a balance by including tier-two and tier-three cities in the initiative.

This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “BFSI Today, Tomorrow, & AI,” held in partnership with IIIT. Industry leaders, experts, and innovators delved into the current state of AI adoption within BFSI, the crucial role of startups in providing solutions, and the data challenges inherent in a regulated sector. The discussion concluded with a forward-looking exploration of Generative AI (GenAI) and its potential impact on the BFSI domain.

BFSI leaders, academicians, and industry leaders all contributed valuable insights throughout the event, further enriching the experience for attendees. This insightful session, held in collaboration with social impact partner EQUIPPP, shed light on the future of the BFSI sector and equipped participants with the next steps for building industry-ready talent.

The BFSI Consortium remains committed to hosting future B. Unplugged events, fostering a thriving ecosystem for continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the BFSI sector.

Mumbai Comic Con 2024: The country’s greatest pop culture celebration is back on 20th and 21st April 2024

Mumbai, India – 11th April 2024 – Prepare to step into a world where fantasy meets reality with Comic Con India, the largest pop culture extravaganza in the subcontinent, which is set to make waves in Mumbai. Get ready for an extraordinary weekend filled with excitement and fun as the best weekend of the year makes its highly anticipated return to the city. Anime, gaming, and pop-culture lovers are set to expect an exhilarating experience like never before.

Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Mumbai Comic Con 2024, powered by Crunchyroll, which will see every attendee receive an exclusive copy of Dragon Ball- Z Vol 1 comic book along with a Limited Edition DC Comics Batman Poster & a commemorative Comic Con India swag Bag. The event is all set to showcase comics in a big way with a slew of upcoming publishing houses/Indian artists like Indusverse, Yali Dreams Creations, Sufi Comics, Prasad Bhat, Lilorosh, Acid Toad, Garbage Bin, Corporat Comics, Bullseye Press, Bakarmax, Art of SAVIO, and Abhijeet Kini and many more along with Eisner Award-winning International artists Guy Delisel and Jason Loo will be gracing the event and will be available for fan meet and greet on both days!

On the 20th and 21st of April 2024, the most-awaited event will have daily tournaments, Esports, and popular streamers and gaming experiences among many other exciting activities for all attendees.

Comic Con India will offer panels and exclusive sessions featuring renowned names such as Demon Slayer voice artists Natsuki Hanae and Yuma Takahashi by Crunchyroll, Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, Hallubol, Bakarmax, Corporate, and leading Indian & International creators. Along with a special stand-up performance by the popular Rohan Joshi & Sahil Shah and Harsh Gujral, followed by some electrifying performances by DJ Kazu, MC Altaf, Shah Rule, Geek Fruit, everyone’s childhood favorite Artist Guy Rob, and many more, on the mainstage. While Mumbai attendees will get a chance to witness captivating experiences with Maruti Suzuki Arena, Crunchyroll, and Mumbai’s Biggest Comic Book Store by Penguin Random House India and Bandai Namco Zone. The event will urge pop culture geeks to go shopping with brands like Celio, Bonkers Corner, Red Wolf, Bewakoof.com, and many more.

Key Event Partners include brands such as CELIO, HDFC, Comedy Central, OnePlus, PepsiCo & VH1.

Speaking about the thrilling weekend celebration, Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India, said, “Comic Con is back in Mumbai! We cannot wait to host some of the most passionate fans of the country again. This is our biggest show in the city yet, showcasing the best of Indian comics, fan experiences, cosplay, gaming, geeky shopping and so much more. We look forward to welcoming Mumbaikars.. back to witness this immersive and larger-than-life weekend with us”

Book your passes for Mumbai Comic Con 2024, 20th and 21st April at Jio World Convention Center, BKC. Daily Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM. Passes available on www.comiccon.in & Book My Show. Website link: www.comicconindia.com

Answers by Dr. S.A. Rehman, General Medicine, Associate Prof. Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, NIU

By Dr. S.A. Rehman, General Medicine, Associate Prof. Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, NIU

What do tongue colors reveal about health?
The color of the tongue can provide vital information about general health. Here’s a breakdown of what varied tongue colors could imply about health:
1. Pink: A healthy tongue is usually pink, with a thin white coating. This signifies proper circulation and overall health.
2. White Coating: A thick white layer on the tongue may indicate oral thrush (a fungal infection), dehydration, or poor oral hygiene.
3. Red or Strawberry Tongue: A vivid red or strawberry-like look could indicate a vitamin deficiency, Kawasaki disease in children, or scarlet fever.
4. Yellow Coating: A yellowish coating may indicate liver or gallbladder issues, jaundice, or stomach problems.
5. Blue or Purple Tongue: A bluish or purple discoloration may suggest poor circulation, oxygen deprivation, or cyanosis, which can be a sign of underlying health conditions such as heart or lung problems.

What is considered a normal tongue color?
Normal Tongue Color: A healthy tongue is usually pink with a thin white covering. This signifies proper circulation and overall health.

What does it mean to have a black hairy tongue?
Black Hairy Tongue: This ailment arises when the microscopic bumps on the surface of the tongue grow larger, resulting in a black, hairy look. It is frequently caused by poor dental hygiene, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain drugs. While it may appear alarming, it is mostly harmless and can be managed by improving dental hygiene and treating underlying problems.

Other tongue colors that could be concerning?
Other Concerning Tongue Colors:

  • – White Coating: A thick white layer on the tongue may indicate oral thrush (a fungal infection), dehydration, or poor oral hygiene.
  • – Red or Strawberry Tongue: A bright red or strawberry-colored tongue could indicate a vitamin deficiency, Kawasaki disease in children, or scarlet fever.
  • – Yellow Coating: A yellowish coating on the tongue may indicate liver or gallbladder difficulties, jaundice, or stomach problems.
  • – Blue or Purple Tongue: A bluish or purple tint on the tongue may indicate poor circulation, oxygen deprivation, or cyanosis, all of which can be symptoms of underlying health conditions such as heart or lung difficulties.

While changes in tongue color might provide health hints, they should be addressed in conjunction with other symptoms and medical history to ensure an appropriate assessment. If you detect any persistent changes in the color or texture of your tongue, you should speak with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Acer hits double century with the launch of its 200th store in DLF Mall of India, Noida

 Acer hits double

India, 11th April 2024 – Acer, one of the world’s leading technology brands, achieved a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 200th store in the bustling DLF Mall of India, Noida. This new store provides an immersive environment where customers can fully experience Acer’s cutting-edge range of products. From sleek laptops to powerful desktops, and monitors to immersive gaming devices and a plethora of accessories, the store showcases Acer’s extensive product lineup. Adding to the excitement, the inauguration ceremony was graced by the Indian Actress, Mouni Roy, marking this momentous occasion in style. Mouni also launched two Ai laptops – Swift Go and Predator Helios 16 series during the event.

The opening of the 200th store at DLF Mall of India, Noida, marks a significant moment for the brand. The store promises customers an engaging and dynamic shopping experience, aligning perfectly with Acer’s vision of creating inspiring retail environments. This milestone underscores its unwavering dedication to making innovative technology accessible to customers across India, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in products and services.

By expanding its presence to diverse locations, Acer aims to democratize technology and empower individuals from all walks of life. This strategic move reflects Acer’s ambition to expand access to cutting-edge technology, thereby promoting digital inclusion and socio-economic progress.

At the launch event, Sanjeev Mehtani, Chief Sales Officer, Acer India said, “We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone with the opening of our 200th store in DLF Mall of India, Noida. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Acer team and the unwavering support of our customers and partners. As we continue to expand our retail presence, we remain committed to delivering innovative products, exceptional services, and memorable experiences that enrich the lives of our customers.”

With this launch, Acer is one step closer to its ambitious plans to open 300+ exclusive stores by the beginning of 2025. The future stores will be strategically located to ensure easy access for customers across different cities in India.

Zypp Electric Bolsters Leadership Team with Four Key Appointments

Zypp Electric Bolsters

Gurugram, 11th April 2024 — Zypp Electric, India’s leading tech-enabled EV-as-a-service platform, today announced the appointment of four seasoned industry veterans to its leadership team. These strategic hires underscore Zypp’s commitment to accelerating growth and innovation as it continues to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) landscape across the nation.

Ricky Singh joins Zypp Electric as the Senior Vice President (SVP) of E2W Operations, bringing with him a wealth of experience in spearheading business expansion strategies. With an impressive track record at renowned companies such as Olx Autos, Healthkart, and Snapdeal, Ricky is poised to lead Zypp’s ambitious growth initiatives in the 2W business segment. His proven expertise in driving business growth by 5-10x aligns seamlessly with Zypp’s vision of achieving fourfold growth within the current year.

Rahul Yadav assumes the role of Vice President (VP) of Technology at Zypp Electric, where he will lead product and technology initiatives to advance Zypp’s EV revolution. With a distinguished background at organizations like Radio Mirchi, Airtel, and Times Internet Limited, Rahul brings a wealth of experience in translating business requirements into innovative tech products. His vision to quadruple Zypp’s growth within the current year underscores his commitment to driving technological innovation that enhances the customer experience.

Sudhir Sharma steps into the role of Senior Vice President (SVP) Finance at Zypp Electric, bringing with him a demonstrated history of success across diverse industries such as SaaS, Logistics, and Wellness. With expertise in fundraising, cash flow management, strategic planning, and stakeholder management, Sudhir will lead Finance and Investor relations at Zypp. His focus on setting the right processes and finances aligns with Zypp’s vision of achieving profitability within the current year, driving sustainable growth and financial success.

Sudipto Shome joins Zypp Electric as the Vice President of E3W Operations, specializing in scaling 3W and 4W logistics operations nationwide. With a distinguished academic background from NIT and XLRI Jamshedpur, Sudipto brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Manipal Group and CarDekho (Girnarsoft). His expertise in scaling businesses profitably and maintaining a delicate balance between quality and cost will be instrumental in driving Zypp’s operational growth in the wheeler segment and operational profitability.

“The addition of Ricky, Rahul, Sudhir and Sudipto to our leadership team marks an exciting chapter in Zypp Electric’s journey,” said Akash Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Zypp Electric. “Their extensive experience and proven track record in their respective domains will significantly contribute to our mission of revolutionizing lastmile logistics and driving sustainable growth. We are thrilled to welcome them aboard and look forward to their invaluable contributions as we continue to cement our position as a frontrunner in the electric mobility space.”

The collective expertise and leadership acumen of Ricky, Rahul, Sudhir and Sudipto will play a pivotal role in steering Zypp Electric towards achieving its strategic objectives and cementing its position as a frontrunner in the electric mobility space.

Zypp Electric recently announced a 3X revenue growth in FY24. The revenue has jumped from INR 115 CR in FY23 to INR 325CR in FY24 as the company has become operationally profitable. The company has also announced the launch of its operations in Hyderabad and Mumbai respectively.

Amazon miniTV Expands International Lineup with Switch On, The Girl Who Sees Smells, and More in April

Amazon miniTV

Mumbai,11th April 2024 Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service is geared up to foray into the summer of 2024 with a stellar slate of international releases this April. The enthralling lineup of shows will be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu alongside their original language under “miniTV imported” and is certain to captivate audiences across all age groups. The shows that are set to release on the service span Korean and Turkish dramas, featuring acclaimed titles including Switch On, The Girl Who Sees Smells, 365 Repeat The Year, and Melody of Love. To announce the intriguing new releases, Amazon miniTV released a dynamic poster, offering viewers a sneak peek into the compelling world of the upcoming releases.

The slated releases span across diverse genres and are certain to appeal to audiences of varied preferences. From the high-octane thriller Switch On which attempts to solve a murder mystery through time travel to A Girl Who Sees Smells, an exhilarating suspense drama centered around a woman’s special ability to “see” smells as visible colors and shapes, the shows will keep fans at the edge of their seats as the stories unfold upon them. 365: Repeat The Year presents a captivating story where ten individuals are granted the opportunity to rewind time by one year. However, as they alter their destinies, unforeseen mysteries unfold, complicating their journey with unexpected twists and turns. Melody of Love is a light-hearted romantic comedy that follows the life of a young adult Yaz, who came to Istanbul for her university and doesn’t want to go back to her home city after graduation. To accomplish this, she lies to her mother Emine, and builds a new life in Istanbul, dealing with the ups and downs of living in a new city alongside confusion centered around her love life.

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV shared, “We are delighted to enhance the category of ‘miniTV imported’ by adding internationally acclaimed titles that viewers can enjoy watching, for free. The series that will be released on the service have distinct storylines and having them dubbed in Indian languages will further enhance the viewing experiences of audiences. We will continue to strive to present an unparalleled roster of shows for fans to tune in to as they acquaint themselves with cross-cultural cinema.”

The international shows will stream in Original, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, exclusively on ‘Amazon miniTV Imported for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, and Smart TVs, or download the app from the Play Store.

Quick Heal Technologies Joins U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium, Spearheads AI Safety Initiatives

Pune, 11th April 2024: Quick Heal Technologies Ltd., a global provider of cybersecurity solutions, proudly announces its membership in the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC). The US AISIC is a pivotal initiative dedicated to advancing AI safety and trustworthiness. Quick Heal is the only cybersecurity-focused firm from India to achieve this milestone, marking a significant moment in the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem’s maturity. Following its recent collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) for Data Classification, Quick Heal’s prestigious inclusion in the U.S. AISIC underscores the company’s commitment to fostering responsible AI adoption. The company is known for providing cutting-edge enterprise cybersecurity solutions through its brand Seqrite and its three-decades-long expertise in the domain.

The U.S. AISIC is a key player in developing innovative methods for evaluating AI systems, aiming to enhance the safety and trustworthiness of this rapidly evolving technology. With Seqrite Labs, India’s largest malware analysis facility, and its heavy focus on R&D, Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. is set to make substantial contributions to five working groups within AISIC – Risk Management for Generative AI, Synthetic Content, AI Capability Evaluations, AI Red-Teaming, and Safety & Security.

Dr. Kailash Katkar, MD of Quick Heal Technologies Ltd., said, “The collaboration with the U.S. AISIC is a strategic milestone demonstrating India’s cybersecurity ecosystem’s maturity and readiness to take on the global stage. AI is a double-edged sword, presenting both immense opportunities and significant challenges. It is both an honor and a responsibility to lead in the cybersecurity domain, Quick Heal and Seqrite, supported by Seqrite Labs, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the consortium’s agenda. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our team, we stand poised to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of AI safety and security on a global scale.”

Commenting on the development, Vishal Salvi, CEO of Quick Heal Technologies Ltd., said, “We are honored to collaborate with the U.S. AISIC in advancing the frontier of responsible AI. Quick Heal and our enterprise cybersecurity brand, Seqrite are dedicated to fostering a future where emerging technologies thrive with security and accountability. Leveraging our proprietary GoDeep.AI technology, we, at Quick Heal, have already been at the forefront of integrating AI with digital safety. Our experience with GoDeep.AI underscores our deep expertise within the AI domain and reinforces our role as a vital contributor to the consortium. By actively contributing to critical working groups, we aim to shape global standards and frameworks, forging a path towards an AI landscape that is not only powerful but also secure for the evolving global digital landscape.”

A U.S. Department of Commerce initiative, the consortium includes more than 200 member companies and organizations that are on the frontlines of developing and using AI systems. The consortium also includes the civil society and academic teams that are building the foundational understanding of how AI can and will transform our society. Representatives of professions with deep engagement in AI’s use today, along with state and local governments, as well as non-profits, are also a part of the consortium. The AISIC will also work with organizations from like-minded nations that have a key role to play in setting interoperable and effective safety around the world.

Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. is proud to engage with global cybersecurity and AI industry stakeholders, contributing to the creation of guidance and benchmarks for evaluating and auditing AI capabilities. The company is already leveraging AI to enhance cybersecurity posture through its self-aware malware-hunting technology, GoDeep.AI, which identifies, analyzes, and blocks cyber threats in real-time through a combination of deep learning, behavioral analysis, and predictive analytics. As a natural progression, the involvement of Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. in the AISIC underscores its commitment to shaping the future of AI securely and responsibly.