Archives April 2024

Manipal, 06 April 2024: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, signed a MoU marking a significant milestone in academic-industry collaborations. The objectives of the MoU include joint research programs, academic/training-related programs, placement/ internship opportunities to MAHE students, conducting preclinical and clinical studies of Bioplus novel products at MAHE-affiliated institutions, and conducting key opinion leader’s engagement programs in respective therapeutic areas. Dr Giridhar Kini, the Registrar, represented Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and Ms Neha Aurora- AVP- Business Development, represented Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Bioplus is dedicated to the business of manufacturing and marketing world-class health, wellness, nutritional, pharmaceutical and hygiene products. Part of the Bioplus Group, it carries forward the same level of quality and precision in all its products. Backed by 70+ years of research & manufacturing experience with a presence in 60+ countries, BioPlus is supported by an experienced analytical team of 40+ scientists with technical qualifications like doctorates and masters in pharmaceutical science during every phase of the product development process.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor MAHE stated “The agreement is set to yield mutual benefits, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, academic growth, and shared resources. This synergy is poised to contribute to the advancement of research, development, and overall excellence in both institutions”.

Dr Giridhar P Kini, Registrar, MAHE conveyed his optimism regarding the MoU’s impact on the students and faculty members. The partnership will facilitate collaboration on research projects, and access to advanced facilities, and promote an environment conducive to nurturing creativity and innovation. Both students and faculty members are set to reap the rewards of this collaborative endeavor.

Ms Neha Aurora- AVP- Business Development, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd said “The partnership with MAHE is more about shared aspirations, mutual trust, and the global footprint of professionals from both sides. It will help us in creating an ecosystem that embraces cutting-edge research and training to prepare students to become global leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr Raviraja N S, COO Designate & Director, Planning and Monitoring, MAHE said “This new partnership will offer our students, and faculty members the opportunity to collaborate with experts from Bioplus Lifescience and exchange knowledge and ideas. This will not only enhance their teaching abilities but also contribute to their personal and professional development”.

Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director of Corporate Relations, MAHE delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the collaboration. He also stated that this collaboration will open doors to new opportunities and promote knowledge-sharing between our organizations.

Dr Srinivas Mutalik, Principal, MCOPS, Manipal, Dr Surulivel Rajan M, HOD, Pharmacy Practice, MCOPS, Manipal, Dr Mahadev Rao, Professor, Pharmacy Practice, MCOPS, Manipal, Mr Anand Bhogu, AVP Business Development, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Dr Praveen Kumar, AVP Clinical development, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt Ltd were also present.

By Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, CRISIL

Awaiting a better handle on price trends

As expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. It has been 14 months since the rate was last raised. That said, over the last year, the central bank did tighten monetary conditions by reducing liquidity.

With inflation trends mixed, the MPC prefers to wait for clearer signs of easing towards its 4% target. Strong growth momentum in the economy has provided it space to do so.

While food inflation was above 8% in the most recent reading, non-food was way lower at 2.9%. Core inflation at 3.4% was well below RBI’s 4% target.

Monsoon this year could be better than last year, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expecting La Niña conditions to develop by June-August, which augurs well for the southwest monsoon. Last year El Niño and weak rains curtailed food output. This would be positive for rural demand as well as food inflation in the current fiscal.

The picture of monsoon will be clearer by the next MPC review meeting in June.

Easing food inflation and benign non-food inflation should bring headline inflation closer to the RBI’s target of 4%. That said, any weather disruptions and sustained uptick in crude oil prices will remain monitorable.

The transmission impact of rate hikes since May 2022 and regulatory measures on risky lending are still playing out. We expect growth and inflation in fiscal 2025 at 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively.

Overall, the macro environment is likely to turn favorable for a rate cut by mid-2024 in our base case, lest oil prices and monsoons play a spoilsport.

By Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited

We appreciate the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, marking the seventh consecutive instance of maintaining stability in the rate.

Stable interest rates are beneficial for the economy and are conducive to positive consumer sentiments. Home loan borrowers are finding relief due to the steady interest rates, enabling them to proceed with their borrowing plans confidently. This will also positively impact the Housing Sector and its expansion due to steady Cost.

As we celebrate World Health Day on April 7, it’s essential to recognize the role of technology in fostering healthier lifestyles in today’s dynamic way of life, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities. From setting reminders to staying on top of a medication schedule, practicing mindfulness, dietary recommendations to lifestyle modifications, voice AIs like Alexa can offer assistance tailored to diverse health needs, empowering individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions. With Alexa-integrated Echo smart speakers, users can have a companion that provides access to a wide range of tools and resources to help them prioritize their well-being.

Alexa facilitates the management of daily tasks, fostering smoother mornings, heightened productivity, and overall well-being. Control smart home appliances with simple voice commands such as “Alexa, switch on the geyser at 8:30 AM”. Commands such as “Alexa, remind me to take my medicines at 9:00 PM every night” or “Alexa, send me reminders for my doctor’s appointment this Friday”, can help users to stay on top of their routines. Additionally, users can look up products and groceries on Amazon, enjoy stories, jokes, and music, and set reminders for various tasks, further enriching their daily experiences.

Here are some ways technologies like Alexa can empower the elderly and persons with disability to live a healthier life:

1. Empower healthier living through informative insights on nutrition: Alexa serves as a comprehensive resource for promoting healthier lifestyles by offering a plethora of resources and guidance. From accessing recipes, offering healthier ingredient substitutes, checking calorie counts, and nutritional information, users have a repository of health-related information. Just ask “Alexa, how many calories in an aloo paratha?” or “Alexa, share Quinoa recipes” and make healthier dietary choices. Users can set reminders to stay hydrated, ensuring optimal water intake throughout the day by saying “Alexa, remind me to drink water every hour”.
2. Assist users in maintaining a consistent workout schedule: Alexa offers exercise tips and curated workout playlists from various music providers, adding variety and motivation for getting physically active. Users can request quick workouts, set timers for exercises like planks, and even practice yoga through various skills. For example, just ask “Alexa, give me an easy yoga exercise for building strength”, “Alexa, set a timer for three minutes” to hold a plank or “Alexa, play the workout playlist from my Amazon Music.”
3. Provide support to manage stress and mental well-being: Isolation and loneliness are common issues faced by the elderly with families living a distance away. Users can access meditation and mindfulness resources, including the Audible sleep series, by simply asking “Alexa, help me sleep” to play Audible podcasts. Commands like “Alexa, play guided meditation” or “Alexa, play healing sounds” can foster a serene bedtime ambiance, facilitating the establishment of a regular sleep routine.
4. Strengthen connection and bring loved ones closer: Alexa can help users to stay connected and socialize with friends and family, further enhancing their mental well-being. Through commands like “Alexa, open Bingo” or “Alexa, play the game Tic Tac Toe”, fun games can be played with loved ones, fostering quality time with family. Furthermore, it enables users to drop in on elderly relatives using screen devices to video call them, via commands such as “Alexa, video call grandpa.” This not only combats feelings of isolation but also promotes a sense of belonging and social engagement, contributing to their overall mental and emotional health.

On this World Health Day, let us recognize the collaborative role that technology can play in improving the health and lifestyle of people, catering to their diverse needs and preferences.

Mumbai, 6th April 2024: The concept of #Street2Stadium has transcended mere imagination with the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The tournament, heralded as India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket extravaganza played inside a stadium, was masterfully orchestrated by a distinguished Core Committee comprising legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat. The air crackled with anticipation as the ISPL unfolded its maiden spectacle, held amidst the pulsating ambiance of the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane. Under the floodlights, cricket aficionados converged to witness the fusion of raw talent and electrifying passion.

Six formidable teams—Majhi Mumbai, KVN Bangalore Strikers, Srinagar Ke Veer, Chennai Singams, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, and Tiigers of Kolkata—battled fiercely for supremacy in the gripping 10-day showdown. The arena became a cauldron of unbridled excitement, with the very essence of the tennis ball cricket ecosystem pulsating through every moment.

The ISPL cast its enchanting spell, captivating the hearts of millions. Sony Pictures Network, the league’s official broadcaster, witnessed an unprecedented surge in viewership, with its overall reach (including TV and digital) soaring to a whopping *11 million. Meanwhile, the stands reverberated with the cheers of nearly 5 lakh fervent fans, igniting an atmosphere of pure cricketing euphoria.

Reflecting on the success, Suraj Samat, League Commissioner, ISPL, said, “The overwhelming response to the ISPL underscores the deep-rooted passion for our beloved gully cricket in our country. We are immensely proud to have provided a platform for street cricketers to showcase their talent and for fans to enjoy a new era of sports entertainment.”

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, SPNI, official broadcasters of the Indian Street Premier League, said, “The inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League highlights the immense talent pool for cricket in India. It has also showcased the passion for gully cricket in our country. Sony Sports Network is proud of its association with ISPL and looks forward to exploring new avenues to engage with sports fans in India”.

The Indian Street Premier League, an unprecedented blend of cricketing prowess and star-studded entertainment, has set a new benchmark in sporting extravagance. With Bollywood celebrities taking the helm as team owners, the league radiated an irresistible charm, adding the much-needed glitz and glamour from the heart of B-Town and the celebrity sphere. Legends such as Amitabh Bachchan (Majhi Mumbai, co-owned by Neeti Agrawal’s PATH India Ltd.), Akshay Kumar (Srinagar Ke Veer), Hrithik Roshan (KVN Bangalore Strikers, co-owned by Venkat K Narayana’s KVN Enterprises LLP), Saif Ali and Kareena Kapoor Khan (Tiigers of Kolkata, co-owned by Aksha Kamboj’s Aspect Global Ventures Pvt. Ltd), Ram Charan (Falcon Riders Hyderabad, co-owned by Irfan Razack’s INR Holdings) and Suriya Sivakumar (Chennai Singams, co-owned by Rajdipkumar and Sandipkumar Gupta), lent their star power, ensuring the ISPL captured the imagination of diverse audience segments and demographics.

Enhancing its allure, the ISPL unveiled a spectacular opportunity: 101 scholarships unveiled by Amitabh Bachchan, each worth INR 1 lakh, empowering recipients to fuel their holistic growth and development. Adding to the excitement, every registered ISPL participant was gifted a digitally signed cricket bat bearing the legendary signature of Master Sachin Tendulkar himself. This gesture not only bolstered camaraderie within the community but also bestowed upon each member an ISPL family card, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and privilege for grassroots cricketers. Such initiatives have forged an elite fraternity, previously uncharted in the realm of cricket.

The ISPL’s magnificence was evident from its dazzling opening ceremony, which featured a riveting Exhibition Match between Masters’ XI led by ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sachin Tendulkar and Khiladi XI captained by Akshay Kumar. A galaxy of influential celebrities donned their cricketing attire, sharing the field with cricketing icons to create an unforgettable spectacle. The first ball of the tournament featured a heartwarming moment which saw Jammu and Kashmir para cricketer Amir Hussain Lone don Tendulkar’s jersey to get things underway.

On the field, the action lived up to its billing, with nail-biting encounters captivating audiences from all walks of life. Innovative features such as the ‘Tip Top’ toss, the 50/50 challenge, ‘Tape Ball Over’, and ‘9 Street Runs’ added an extra layer of excitement, enhancing the appeal of the tournament. Beyond the boundary, electrifying performances by artists like MC Stan, Honey Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, and many others kept viewers and fans enthralled throughout the tournament.

The grand finale and closing ceremony were nothing short of spectacular. Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek’s uproarious comedy set the tone for the evening, while superstar DJ Chetas’ mesmerizing Xylo Band Show, a spectacle previously reserved for global acts like Coldplay, illuminated the packed stadium with its lights and sounds. It was the perfect culmination, leaving fans yearning for more. Dipak Chauhan’s role as President of Operations shone brightly as the seasoned professional leveraged his extensive expertise in tennis ball cricket, resulting in the seamless execution of the tournament.

As the inaugural season of ISPL draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of entertaining cricket and enduring camaraderie, epitomizing the spirit of the game and the allure of stardom ingrained in India’s cultural fabric.

The registration portal for Season 2, slated to kick off from January 31 to February 9, 2025, is now open, providing budding cricketers with a platform to shine on the big stage. Buoyed by the resounding success of its debut season in India, the ISPL is set to expand its horizons to the Middle East in November 2024.

As the curtain falls on this remarkable inaugural chapter, the ISPL stands on the cusp of greatness, its promise and potential shimmering brightly. It is poised to emerge as a strong product that will only keep delivering to the Indian cricket growth story and captivating fans across the country in seasons to come.

New Delhi, 6th April 2024: Greenfuel, India’s leading provider of clean mobility solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Home Inverter Batteries, setting a new standard in home energy storage. Crafted with cutting-edge lithium technology and featuring a sleek design, these batteries redefine convenience, reliability, and style in residential power backup solutions.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of modern households, Greenfuel’s Home Inverter Batteries are available in three configurations: 12.8V 100Ah, 25.6V 100Ah, and 48V 100Ah, catering to power requirements ranging from 1KW to 5KW. Incorporating prismatic LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells will ensure that cells generate high usable energy, and reduce energy wastage during charging and discharging cycles.

Benefits of Lithium home inverter batteries over traditional acid batteries

Greenfuel’s home inverter batteries come with a 5-year (60-month) warranty and 2,500 life cycles, offering three times more lifecycles than traditional acid batteries (800 life cycles).

Lithium-powered home inverter battery provides 50% more backup time for uninterrupted household appliance usage compared to acid batteries.

Lithium home inverter batteries require zero maintenance, offering cost-free operation post-purchase.

Greenfuel’s inverter batteries come with a sleek and robust design, making them weigh 55% less than acid batteries of the same capacity.

Speaking on the launch of the Home Inverter batteries, Mr. Akshay Kashyap, MD & Founder, of Greenfuel Energy Solutions said, “We are thrilled to introduce our latest line of Home Inverter Batteries, representing a significant advancement in residential energy storage solutions. We’re not just introducing a product; we’re ushering in a new era of energy storage and sustainability. With increased battery warranty, faster charging, and offering high usable energy compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, we are confident that our batteries will swiftly become the preferred choice for consumers seeking a greener and more reliable power backup solution. At Greenfuel, we are committed to driving positive change, and these batteries are a testament to our dedication to innovation and sustainability.”

Additionally, Greenfuel prioritizes safety and peace of mind for its customers. Each Home Inverter Battery is equipped with a smart Battery Management System (BMS), which continuously monitors battery performance and safeguards against potential hazards such as thermal runaway, short circuits, over/under current, and voltage (3-level protection). This advanced technology ensures optimal operation and protects both the battery and the household electronics connected to it.

In 2016, Greenfuel expanded its horizons by establishing its advanced Battery division, dedicated to revolutionizing electric mobility. The division developed India’s first Lithium-Ion Battery Packs tailored for local conditions, boasting four patents and full in-house capabilities for Hardware Design, Embedded Software, and Safety Critical Control Systems. Greenfuel’s Energy Storage and E-Mobility products, proudly ‘Made in India’, demonstrate a commitment to quality and innovation. With over 100,000 Li-ion batteries sold, covering 80 million clean km and saving 5 million kg of CO2 emissions, the division has made significant strides towards sustainability. With 13% of its engineers dedicated to R&D, Greenfuel ensures customer satisfaction by exceeding expectations.

Mumbai, 6 April 2024: Trend Micro, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, is pleased to announce the elevation of Sharda Tickoo as the new Country Manager for India & SAARC. Sharda has been an integral part of Trend Micro for the past 16 years, serving with steadfast dedication in the capacity of Director of Sales (large enterprises), and Technical Leader for India and SAARC, besides holding other key positions.

In her new capacity, Sharda will lead Trend Micro’s efforts in making product expertise the bedrock of customer engagement. The appointment comes at a juncture, amidst the company’s sustained efforts to consolidate its position as a leading cybersecurity solution provider in an evolving threat landscape in the region.

In her new role, Sharda will report directly to Dhanya Thakkar, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & US-AMEA Sales at Trend Micro. Under her leadership, key business functions like enterprise segment, government and defense verticals alongside the head of the marketing, channel, and technical will support Sharda to drive innovation, customer engagement, and market expansion efforts at the country level.

Congratulating Sharda on her promotion and wishing her success in her new role, Dhanya Thakkar, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing & US-AMEA Sales at Trend Micro stated, “Sharda’s elevation to the role of Country Manager will mark a seamless transition for Trend Micro’s operations in India & SAARC. With her extensive experience as Technical and Sales Director, Sharda possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. Her ability to effectively communicate and advocate our technology makes her an invaluable asset.” He added, “With Sharda at the helm, we are confident that Trend Micro will continue to thrive in the India & SAARC markets.”

Sharda is understandably enthused about the challenges and the opportunities that the new role will offer. “I am excited and look forward to the new responsibility to bring the top-of-the-line technology cybersecurity solutions to customers. By leveraging the deep expertise that Trend Micro’s technology has to offer, we expect to fulfill customer needs and deepen engagement to its full potential,” said Sharda.

She further added, “Cybersecurity landscape in India & SAARC offers exciting opportunities, given our extended suite of products and services, the best still lies ahead of us & Trend Micro is deeply committed to addressing this opportunity”

Sharda has been a crucial part of Trend Micro’s journey in the Indian market. Before joining Trend Micro, she garnered valuable experience at renowned organizations such as EY and Reliance. In her leisure time, Sharda, an avid fitness enthusiast and reader, enjoys spending quality time with her family and actively participating in community initiatives.

Mumbai, 6th April 2024: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service, has been garnering a lot of buzz amongst critics and audiences with its diverse content slate. The streaming service just dropped the highly anticipated third season of the cult family drama Yeh Meri Family, building up excitement for fans. Featuring Rajesh Kumar, Juhi Parmar, Hetal Gada, and Anngad Raaj, in pivotal roles, this series is set in the spring of the 90s. Celebrating the return of the much-loved Awasthi family, Amazon miniTV termed 4th April 2024, as ‘Family Diwas’! It was heartening to see audiences share endearing family photos on social media and bring the feel-good and heartwarming series.

Yeh Meri Family beautifully captures the nuances of a middle-class family from the 90s. Set in the spring of 1995, the third season will dive deeper into the lives of the Awasthi family as they come together to deal with life’s ups and downs. The new season, led by an incredible ensemble, promises to be an engaging blend of nostalgia, humor, and touching moments. Exploring the complexity of family interactions and coming-of-age experiences, Yeh Meri Family Season 3 is certain to have viewers laugh, cry, and reminisce alongside the Awasthi family.

The new season of Yeh Meri Family is now available to stream exclusively, on Amazon miniTV for free, accessible with the click of a button on Amazon’s shopping app, Playstore, and Fire TV.

New Delhi, 06th April 2024: Noise, India’s leading smartwatch, and connected lifestyle brand is expanding its smartwatch lineup with the launch of the Noise ColorFit Ore, demonstrating a dedication to innovation and setting industry benchmarks. The smartwatch brings forth a category-leading AMOLED smartwatch designed to enrich the lives of its users, making them experience the idea of “Live Large”.

Noise ColorFit Ore stands out with its remarkable 2.1” dynamic AMOLED display, setting a new standard in visual excellence. It showcases ultra-thin bezels that add to the sleek design and uninterrupted viewing experience. Launching in a range of vibrant color options such as Elite Black, Elite Silver, Classic Brown, Space Blue, and Jet Black, the smart wearable will be available for purchase tomorrow, 06 April 2024 on Amazon and gonoise.com at a launch price of INR 2,999.

With an always-on display, alongside its 368*448 high-resolution screen and featuring an impressive 600 nits brightness, the Noise ColorFit Ore ensures crystal-clear visibility even in bright sunlight. The Noise ColorFit Ore redefines connectivity with TruSync™ Technology, providing a hassle-free connection with mobile phones. With Bluetooth v5.3, users can enjoy stable calls with longer range and lower battery consumption, providing an industry-leading calling experience. In addition to this, the Noise ColorFit Ore is equipped with a functional crown for navigation purposes, providing intuitive control at one’s fingertips. The smartwatch facilitates swift access to the dial pad, and recent call logs, while featuring storage of up to 10 contacts for quick calling convenience.

Equipped with the Noise Health Suite, the Noise ColorFit Ore prioritizes user well-being with various health monitoring features like heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, sleep tracking, stress measurement, and female cycle tracker. In addition to its health-focused features, the Noise ColorFit Ore offers a comprehensive Productivity Suite to streamline daily tasks ranging from reminders, and weather updates to calculator and music control features. Built to withstand the rigors of daily life, the Noise ColorFit Ore offers IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring peace of mind for users on the go. Its metallic dial adds a touch of sophistication, while the functional crown enhances usability and navigation. With up to 7 days of battery life, users can stay connected and empowered for longer periods without interruption.

Product Specifications

Noise ColorFit Ore