Archives July 2024

Pune, July 2024 – The Ritz-Carlton Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandip Nalawade as the new Director of Engineering. With a distinguished career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Sandip brings a wealth of technical, analytical, and management expertise to our esteemed property.

Sandip Nalawade is a proficient leader in hotel engineering, with a strong background in addressing the engineering needs of luxury hotels, apartments, and commercial properties. In his previous role as Chief Engineer at Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Sandip led a team of 27 skilled professionals, implemented innovative energy-saving initiatives, and played a pivotal role in reopening and sustaining the hotel during the pandemic. His expertise in HVAC, electrical engineering, plumbing techniques, and systems management has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Throughout his career, Sandip has demonstrated a keen ability to devise methods that eliminate wasted energy, time, and resources during operations. His accomplishments include conducting energy audits, implementing environmental management systems, and overseeing facilities’ mechanical systems. Sandip has also been recognized for promoting employee engagement and building high-performing teams.

As the Director of Engineering at The Ritz-Carlton Pune, Sandip will oversee all engineering operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He will manage and train the engineering team, implement preventive maintenance programs, and lead various projects to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and guest experience. Sandip’s dedication to excellence and his innovative approach to engineering challenges will contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued success.

BENGALURU, July 2, 2024 – The DNEG Group (“the Group”), the London headquartered world leader in visual entertainment technology and services, announced today that United Al Saqer Group (“UASG”) will make a strategic investment of $200 million in the Group, at a total enterprise valuation over $2 billion.

The DNEG Group has a consistent 25-year track record of innovating to lead in the visual effects (VFX) segment and strong profitable growth. Like all parts of the media & entertainment sector, the market in which The DNEG Group operates is undergoing a rapid evolution. The investment by UASG will accelerate The DNEG Group’s strategy of innovation and diversification to evolve from a pure visual effects services provider to a sector-agnostic content production and AI-powered technology partner, ensuring continued technology and creative leadership. In particular:

The DNEG Group will fully activate its technology division, Brahma, which is developing the industry’s most comprehensive AI-powered, photo-real CGI creator, including Ziva, to which DNEG recently acquired the exclusive license from Unity. Brahma will democratize photo-real content creation in a wide range of applications and will be built on over 25 years of industry-leading proprietary data to create a product of unique quality.
The DNEG Group’s intellectual property (IP) and content creation arm, Prime Focus Studios, will be enabled to expand its investment in, and production of high-quality content, following its recent successful co-production of The Garfield Movie.
The DNEG Group will open a new office and visual experience hub in Abu Dhabi, with plans to develop a world-class ecosystem in the Middle East for content production, storage, and distribution. This will support the creation of highly skilled jobs across the media and technology sectors, strengthening the region’s place as a creative powerhouse.

DNEG Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra will continue in his current role. He will be joined on the Group’s Board of Directors by Nabil Kobeissi and Edouard Zard from UASG, and by Prabhu Narasimhan from NaMa Capital, a leading investor in The DNEG Group, who will also become Executive Chairman of Brahma. Prabhu Narasimhan will take a leave of absence from NaMa Capital to oversee the launch and expansion of Brahma.

The DNEG Group consists of:

• DNEG will continue providing its Academy Award® winning visual effects, animation, and associated creative services to Hollywood and global visual entertainment creators. DNEG is known for its work on numerous high-profile movies and animations, such as Dune, Oppenheimer, Interstellar, Tenet, and Blade Runner 2049, as well as the Harry Potter, James Bond, Fast and Furious, Mission: Impossible, and Marvel Cinematic Universe franchises.
• Brahma, which will be fully activated and will provide the industry’s leading AI-powered, photo-real CGI creator.
• Prime Focus Studios, will increase its content and IP investment and development across live-action, animation, and gaming. Prime Focus is currently co-producing several high-profile feature films, including Animal Friends, the Indian epic Ramayana, and The Angry Birds Movie 3.
• Prime Focus Technologies, is a leader in cloud-based software and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the CLEAR® AI content creation, content management and content marketing and distribution suite.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said, “The strategic investment by United Al Saqer Group in The DNEG Group is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global powerhouse for creativity, innovation, technology, and investment. This partnership not only accelerates technological advancements in the media and entertainment sectors but also underscores our commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for content creation. By establishing a new visual experience hub in Abu Dhabi, we are creating numerous job opportunities and enhancing our ecosystem that supports high-tech industries and creative excellence. This move reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s status as a prime destination for groundbreaking investments, visionary enterprises, and a thriving environment where creativity and technology converge.”

Nabil Kobeissi, CEO of UASG said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Namit, Prabhu, and the DNEG Group. Namit’s visionary approach to revolutionizing the media and entertainment industry through cutting-edge technology is unparalleled. This strategic partnership not only turbo-charges the development of Brahma, the Group’s ground-breaking AI-powered CGI creator but also, under Namit’s leadership, demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global epicenter for content creation and distribution. By championing advanced AI technologies and expanding Prime Focus Studios, we are set to drive innovation and generate significant job opportunities across the UAE.”

DNEG Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra said, “My career has been built on investing in and leading visual creativity with technology. Our partnership with UASG, the launch of Brahma, and the success of our content creation platform are all being fuelled by the power of our technology. We are redefining our business model as a leader in top-end solutions across the world, raising the bar in storytelling by using the latest technology and creative capabilities.

“This investment will accelerate our plans to further drive The DNEG Group’s existing activities and enable the Group to expand its offering, both in terms of the services we provide and the markets we operate in. We are building on our success with the opening of a studio in Abu Dhabi, bringing content creation and technological capabilities to the region, positioning us as a leader there, and allowing us to leverage our global capabilities like no other.”

Prabhu Narasimhan, Executive Chairman, Brahma said, “We aim to enable every storyteller to translate their imagination to screen faster, cheaper, and better, by equipping them with Brahma, which we are developing to be the most comprehensive AI-driven photo-real CGI creator. In the coming months, we will add to the leadership team of Brahma, fusing top technology and AI talent with visual effects creatives to make Brahma available to everyone with a story to tell.”

New Delhi, 02 July 2024 — ASUS, the Taiwanese technology giant, is proud to announce the launch of its latest campaign, TUF Bano TUF!. The ASUS TUF Gaming laptops are crafted to deliver an unmatched gaming experience, seamlessly blending rugged build with powerful performance and everyday functionality. In a bold move to underpin the tough and immersive experience of the TUF Gaming laptops, ASUS has teamed up with The Great Khali, the first Indian-born World Heavyweight Champion in history.

ASUS TUF Gaming laptops are engineered for gamers who demand top-tier performance and durability. This campaign solidifies ASUS TUF Gaming Laptops as the ultimate choice for those seeking a real, immersive gaming experience without compromising on everyday usability. The collaboration with The Great Khali is a testament to the strength and durability synonymous with the TUF Gaming brand.

The campaign features a captivating storyline where Saloni Pawar, popularly known as Meow16K, a passionate gamer, showcases her new ASUS TUF Gaming laptop. Her friend, Rohan Ledwani, known in the esports arena as HydraFlick, is initially unimpressed but soon realizes the laptop’s true potential. As Meow selects The Great Khali as her in-game character, HydraFlick is astonished to experience Khali’s formidable presence in the room, illustrating the laptop’s ability to bring games to life with stunning realism. The campaign cleverly showcases the exceptional gaming experience provided by TUF, leaving HydraFlick in awe as everything returns to normal once the game ends.

Speaking on the collaboration, The Great Khali said, “I’m thrilled to partner with ASUS. Just like in the ring, where strength and resilience are crucial, the TUF Gaming laptops are built to endure and perform at the highest level. This campaign perfectly captures the essence of toughness and the immersive experience that TUF Gaming offers.”

“The Great Khali epitomizes the spirit of toughness and power, qualities that are fundamental to our TUF Series,” said Paramjeet Singh, Marketing Head Consumer PC & Gaming, Systems Group at AUS India. “Khali’s renowned legacy and formidable performance in the ring make him the ideal match for this campaign. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase that TUF Gaming laptops are not just about playing games; they are about experiencing them most realistically and powerfully possible.”

During the campaign launch, we also successfully announced a meme challenge and leveraged the WCT20 final and TUF as the essence. Through this challenge, we were able to tap a wider audience and garner over 600k organic viewership. This initiative not only amplified our brand visibility but also engaged a diverse group of users, demonstrating the power of creative and timely marketing tactics.

The ASUS TUF laptop series represents a pinnacle of gaming innovation, designed to meet the rigorous demands of today’s gamers. Engineered with a focus on durability and performance, TUF laptops combine robust construction with cutting-edge technology to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. Whether you’re diving into the latest AAA titles or tackling intensive multitasking, the TUF series ensures seamless gameplay and reliability. With a rugged and sleek design that exudes strength and power, coupled with advanced cooling systems to maintain optimal performance under pressure, ASUS TUF laptops empower gamers to conquer virtual worlds with confidence and style.

New Delhi, July 2, 2024: The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative aimed at democratizing e-commerce in India, recorded a high influx of orders during the recent T20 World Cup Final.

The day Team India lifted the trophy after 13 years, the ONDC Network also hit a new milestone of 374,000 orders in a single day during the finals. This showcases the Open Network’s ability to handle high-volume transactions during significant events. Additionally, the F&B category saw exceptional growth, recording 61,000 orders.

These figures demonstrate the increasing adoption of the ONDC Network approach and its role in transforming India’s e-commerce landscape. By providing a level playing field for businesses of all sizes, the Network continues to enhance the digital shopping experience for consumers nationwide.

Pune, June 2024: Lexicon Rainbow-Therapy & Child Development Centre, a brainchild of the Lexicon Group is revolutionizing the way children’s behavioral patterns are shaped. Their unique, scientific, and compassionate approach to child development and parental therapy is shaping the future of children’s development.

“At Lexicon Rainbow, we believe in the transformative power of therapy to enhance the lives of children and families. Our mission is to empower children and families to lead happy, fulfilling lives, and we are committed to providing the highest quality care and support,” says Dr. Isha Soni, Senior Occupational Therapist and Centre Head. “Through our comprehensive programs, we are empowering children to become better equipped in their day-to-day activities, fostering independence and confidence.”

The center offers a wide range of services, including psychotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and educational support. Through personalized treatment plans and evidence-based interventions, we empower children to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

In addition to comprehensive therapy programs, Lexicon Rainbow has been hosting a series of knowledge events focused on autism awareness. The Autism Awareness Series brings together leading experts, educators, and parents to discuss the latest research, treatments, and interventions for autism spectrum disorder. These events provide valuable information and resources to families affected by autism, as well as professionals working in the field.

One of the cornerstones of the center is its commitment to parental therapy. We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child’s development, and we provide them with the tools and support they need to foster a positive and nurturing relationship with their child.

Through parent education sessions, workshops, and support groups, they empower parents to better understand their child’s needs and become effective advocates for their well-being.
Lexicon Rainbow-Therapy & Child Development Centre is equipped with innovative programs, an expert team, and a commitment to excellence, the institution is a trusted partner in the journey towards positive growth and change. As a premier institution, Lexicon Rainbow is playing an instrumental role in providing a holistic and innovative platform for children’s growth and development.

Delhi, India  In rural India, educational disparities emerge as daunting obstacles, challenging the dreams and aspirations of countless students. Despite the strides in global education, rural regions continue to face a shortage of access to quality learning opportunities. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge how geographical location significantly increases this educational disparity in rural areas. In these areas, students face a lack of inadequate infrastructure and qualified educators. Due to this lack of access, students in rural areas have to travel to other cities to obtain basic education. Hence, this gives rise to limited opportunities for academic growth.

In this scenario of educational disparity, the promise of equitable education emerges as a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to empowerment and transformation. Crack Academy, India’s leading online ed-tech platform for civil services examination, envisions a world where every student, regardless of their geographical location, has comprehensive access to quality education and opportunities for educational growth. At the heart of the academy’s vision lies a belief that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right. For 17+ years, Crack Academy has been empowering IAS aspirants by providing high-quality, affordable distance education. Under the leadership of Neeraj Kansal, the CEO of Crack Academy, the academy is pioneering the mission to offer innovative solutions for educational disparities. With the remarkable achievement of being a Civil Engineering Gold Medalist and thrice selected for UPSC interviews, Mr. Kansal embodies excellence and determination in his pursuits. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has not only established himself as a successful business leader but also as a patron of shared prosperity.

The academy’s vision is clear: to deliver quality education to aspiring students in small towns through technology. The academy delivers an affordable and accessible ed-tech solution through the establishment of partner-owned classroom centers in smaller towns, thereby diminishing the educational disparity. Every day, the academy offers valuable resources to lakhs of students, bridging the educational gap. It also hosts sessions with esteemed IAS officers, offering invaluable insights and guidance to students. These initiatives transform the lives of many students, mirroring the educational standards in metropolitan areas. Further, the academy aims to bring “Delhi Wali coaching” to tier 3 & 4 cities, providing a comprehensive learning environment to the students.

To achieve this, the academy offers quality education, catering to the needs of students preparing for exams and courses like UPSC, IAS, SSC, Banking, MS Office, Tally, Google Workspace, and many others. The academy has also partnered with Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation to provide Civil Services coaching to the foundation’s meritorious students of classes 10th & 12th. In addition, it has partnered with the Haryana Government to develop its SSA Module. Hence, the academy has achieved various milestones since its inception, which is evident in its offerings and partnerships. The academy has also been recognized for its educational contributions through its innovative “Mere Sheher ke 100 Ratan” scholarship program. The program has already been launched in Shimla for the students of Himachal Pradesh and in Chandigarh for the students of Punjab, aiming to provide scholarships to hardworking and deserving students.

Furthermore, the academy envisions opening one centre in every small town across India to bring affordable national-level coaching facilities to the students in these areas. In addition, to strengthen the core of the students, the academy plans to offer study materials to Class 6-12 students meticulously curated by a dedicated team of experts. Under this course, students could access the top faculty in Delhi from the comfort of their own space and master their syllabus.

In line with its commitment to delivering unparalleled education, Crack Academy has also been the recipient of the prestigious Educational Leadership Excellence Award at the Global Indians Conclave and Awards (GICA) by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India. Thus, as a team, Crack Academy’s vision is to nurture talent, sculpt the academics of the students, and enrich their learning experience.

Delhi, India  TCL – a leading consumer electronics brand and one of the dominant players in the global TV industry has announced the launch of its iconic Google QLED, 4K QLED & 4K UHD TVs range. Featuring a sleek design and unique tech capabilities, this dynamic range is set to redefine the home entertainment experience for customers.

The product range includes C655, P755Pro, P755, P655 & S5500, with price starting from Rs. 36,990, Rs. 46,990, Rs. 33,990, and Rs. 42,990, and Rs. 15,990 respectively. All new models offer innovative features across accessibility, functionality and performance as they are powered with AiPQ Processor that optimises colour contrast and image for exceptional gaming and entertainment experience.

Delighted with the launch, Philip Xia, General Manager of TCL India said, “As a global leader in TV technology, we are delighted to expand our offering with new QLED, 4K QLED and UHD TVs. The iconic additions are a testament to our commitment to bringing innovative and customer-centric offerings, specifically designed to meet the personalised needs of our Indian customers. We are dedicated to prioritising their preferences and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional value and satisfaction.”

Product Details and Features

TCL’s latest line up 4K QLED TV – the P755 & Pro range is embedded with T-Screen technology which provides outstanding details and is available in different screen sizes – 43” & 50” in P755 and 55”, 65” and 75” in P755Pro. It offers 3x contrast enhancement, 16% lesser energy consumption and a >178-degree viewing experience. Additionally, its HDR shows richer details on the screen with higher contrast, a wider colour gamut and vivid colours for an enhanced viewing experience. TCL has leveraged the unique MEMC technology to make fast-moving action-packed scenes look sharp without blurring. Apart from this, it is an ultimate treat for gamers as TCL’s latest technology of DLG (Dual Line Gate) uses unique algorithms to bring a higher refresh rate at a lower latency than ever before.

Based on advanced full-screen technology, TCL has launched P655 to achieve a higher screen-to-body ratio, providing a larger display to viewers in a 55” screen size. The 4K UHD TV offers a horizontal resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels to deliver more than 8 million pixels for film-grade quality. P655 is one of the revolutionary offerings by TCL based on its clarity which is 8x than that of HD television. In addition, with HDR 10, viewers can experience a more realistic and vivid picture experience. Furthermore, its Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) features help viewers get a wide range of streaming solutions.

Powered by Google TV OS, TCL has added another offering C655 to its distinguished QLED TV range that brings together movies, shows and live TV across a plethora of OTT apps and subscriptions. This next-gen model features a Uni-body ultra slim design for improved visual effect as well as optimised space utilisation. It is available in multiple screen sizes – 43”, 50”, 55”, 65” and 75”, specifically designed according to the user’s home space requirements. Equipped with 4K Quantum Dot Pro, it elevates the standard viewing experience into a cinematic treat with precise light control and a super picture quality chip for extensively improved colour contrast, brightness and saturation across multiple gamuts of colours.

Available in 32-inch screen size, TCL has embedded the latest technologies in its new offering – S5500. The screen offers Full HD viewing experience in 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 178-degree viewing angle. It boasts a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother motion which is highly beneficial for gamers with higher colour accuracy and consistency.

TCL’s newly launched lineup brings the ultimate audio with Dolby Atmos, featuring high-end and the most authentic sound with down-firing speakers. The immersive sound with Dolby decoder optimises the TV’s sound quality and makes the audio fully optimised for devices.

The newly launched lineup is packed with powerful hardware and connectivity for superior performance and fluent experience. The P755, P755Pro and P655 are equipped with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, 2GB and 16GB RAM and 3 HDMI ports – 2.1*1, 2.0*1 & 1.4*1, while C655 is equipped with 2GB and 32GB RAM along with standard connectivity of Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and 3HDMI ports -2.1*1, 2.0*1 & 1.4*1.

Apart from this, the next-gen picture quality chips in the latest TV range are embedded with new tuning to improve colour contrast and adjust screen brightness, specifically based on the ambient lighting to provide a truly personalised experience to the viewer. C655 & P755 Pro is integrated with 35W with ONKYO 2.1 Ch and P655, and S5500 come with a 24W speaker system for an enchanting yet powerful sound while the dynamic colour enhancement in each model features 1.07 billion colours for seamless display and colour transitions.

The newly unveiled C655, P755Pro, P755, P655 & S5500 are available for purchase at offline retail and brand stores including Reliance Digital and Croma. Customers can also shop these offerings online at Amazon and Flipkart.

Pune, Maharashtra, India  Bajaj Markets proudly announces its collaboration with U GRO Capital, a distinguished data-driven lender. This partnership introduces U GRO Capital’s dynamic line of credit on Bajaj Markets, empowering SMEs to borrow up to Rs. 2 Lakhs instantly.

U GRO Capital offers competitive interest rates starting at 24% p.a. on Bajaj Markets. The line of credit stands out with its zero processing fee and simplified documentation requirements. Businesses can apply online, submitting basic KYC documents and proof of business. This eliminates the hassles often associated with traditional loan applications. In short, the partnership prioritizes transparency and user-friendliness.

Businesses can draw funds as required, up to their pre-approved limit, and repay within a year. A 5-day grace period each month provides further flexibility for managing payments. Additionally, businesses have the option to convert all dues to an EMI-based business loan from U GRO Capital at the end of 30 days of withdrawing the amount. This helps ensure long-term financial stability.

In addition, the platform allows businesses to compare lending options from various institutions, empowering them to choose a solution that aligns perfectly with their unique needs.

Pune, Maharashtra, India amber, the leading global student accommodation platform, is thrilled to announce the 3rd edition of the exclusive amberScholar scholarship. Building on the success of its previous two successful editions, this scholarship is available for the September intake students enrolled in any program in the UK, USA, Ireland, or Canada.

The amberScholar scholarship offers USD 15,000 in financial aid, distributed across 3 (three) categories. The first-place winner will receive USD 7,000, followed by USD 5,000 for the second-place, and USD 3,000 for the third-place winner.

amber’s scholarship program is designed to assist students from diverse academic and socio-cultural backgrounds in pursuing their higher education and recognizing their academic achievements and potential. The availability of much-needed financial aid will greatly help them in achieving their educational goals.

The scholarship is specifically tailored for students who are planning to attend universities in the UK, USA, Ireland or Canada and have received acceptance letters from any academic program in these countries.

To apply, students are encouraged to visit the amberScholar scholarship official website page and click the “Apply Now” button. Applicants can articulate their objectives and aspirations by submitting their unique “Statement of Purpose” through the application form. The Statement of Purpose can be presented in various formats, such as video essays, screen-recorded presentations, or any graphical means preferred by the applicants. The deadline for application submissions is 31st August 2024.

Please note that the Statement of Purpose for the scholarship should be unique and separate from any Statement of Purpose you may have submitted for university admission. In this specific SOP, applicants should explicitly outline their need for the scholarship.

Saurabh Goel, CEO & Co-founder of amber, said, “As we launch the 3rd edition of the amberScholar scholarship, we reflect on the overwhelming success of the past two years, during which we received thousands of applications. This overwhelming interest motivates us to not only continue this initiative but also to expand it by increasing the prize pool. Our goal is to make high-quality education accessible to talented students around the world. The financial support we offer is vital, helping these promising students to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial constraints.”

Important dates include the start of the application period on 1st May 2024, the closure of the application window on 31st August 2024, and the announcement of the shortlisted candidates on 15th Sep 2024.

Chennai, 2nd July 2024 – Go Colors, a leading name in the fashion industry, successfully hosted an exclusive Animal Flow session with renowned fitness expert Aishwarya Krishnan. The event took place at Whistle, Nungambakkam on 30th June 2024, to display Go Colors’ latest activewear collection.

The activewear collection was designed to blend style and functionality, catering to the dynamic lifestyles of modern women. This new line featured high-performance fabrics, ergonomic designs, and vibrant colors, ensuring both comfort and fashion-forward appeal.

The Animal Flow session, led by Aishwarya Krishnan, provided attendees with a unique fitness experience that combined various movement disciplines, promoting strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Aishwarya, a celebrated fitness trainer, brought her expertise and enthusiasm to inspire participants, making the event a perfect blend of fitness and fun.

The event was attended by women from Chennai, including 20 micro-influencers from the city. Go Colors aimed to build a strong community – #GoActive – around their brand through this event, bringing together like-minded individuals who are passionate about fitness and fashion. The session with Aishwarya Krishnan fostered a sense of community among attendees, creating a space for the fit community to connect and share their enthusiasm for active living.

The event provided an invigorating morning of movement and style as Go Colors celebrated their fitness community. Attendees were encouraged to stay active and looked uber stylish as all of them donned the latest activewear from Go Colors.

About Go Colors: Go Colors is a premier fashion brand known for its innovative and stylish bottomwear for women. With a commitment to quality and design, Go Colors continues to set trends and redefine fashion standards.