Archives August 2024

21st August 2024: Every year, as the monsoon clouds sweep over Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli, the region comes alive with one of its most vibrant and culturally significant celebrations—the Monsoon Festival. This festival, meticulously organized by the local government, is a testament to the rich tapestry of India’s diverse cultural heritage. This annual event not only serves as a platform to showcase various regional traditions but also fosters a deep sense of national unity and pride.

A Celebration of India’s Cultural Mosaic

The Monsoon Festival, held in the picturesque locales of Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli, is more than just a celebration of the rainy season. It is a grand display of India’s cultural mosaic, bringing together diverse cultural elements from across the country. The festival’s core objective is to celebrate and exhibit the rich cultural heritage of India, and this is achieved through a variety of performances, exhibitions, and traditional activities.

One of the standout features of the Monsoon Festival is its inclusion of various regional cultures. For instance, Odisha’s representation is a highlight of the festival. The Odisha Mitra Mandala, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting Odia culture, plays a crucial role in showcasing the state’s unique traditions. Their participation is a significant aspect of the festival, highlighting Odisha’s rich cultural legacy.

Odisha’s Cultural Showcase

At the Monsoon Festival, the Odisha Mitra Mandala takes center stage with a splendid representation of Odisha’s cultural heritage. The organization brings to the forefront the vibrant traditions of Odisha, including the celebrated Jagannath culture, Santal traditions, Sambalpuri folk arts, and Odishi dance forms.

• Jagannath Culture: The festival provides a platform to display the grandeur of the Jagannath culture, with its colorful rituals and deep spiritual significance. This aspect of Odia culture is deeply revered and reflects the unique blend of religion and tradition that characterizes Odisha.
• Santal Traditions: The Santal community’s rich heritage is showcased through traditional music and dance, offering a glimpse into the lives and customs of this indigenous group.
• Sambalpuri Folk Arts: The festival also celebrates the vibrant Sambalpuri culture, known for its distinctive folk music and dance, which are integral to the cultural identity of Western Odisha.
• Odishi Dance: One of the highlights of Odisha’s cultural presentation is the classical Odishi dance. This ancient dance form, known for its intricate movements and expressive storytelling, captivates audiences and provides a deeper understanding of Odia artistic traditions.

Impact on Local and National Pride

The Monsoon Festival’s focus on cultural diversity not only enriches the local populace but also enhances the national appreciation of Odisha’s heritage. The festival fosters a sense of pride among Odias and showcases their traditions to a broader audience. This, in turn, strengthens the cultural bonds between different regions of India and enhances the overall national pride.
Moreover, the festival serves as a significant platform for interaction between the local community and the government. By providing a stage for cultural exchange and celebrating regional traditions, the festival promotes mutual respect and understanding between the people of Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and other parts of India.

Conclusion

The Monsoon Festival in Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli is more than just a seasonal celebration; it is a grand celebration of India’s diverse cultural heritage. Through the dedicated efforts of the Odisha Mitra Mandala and other cultural groups, the festival highlights the richness of Odia culture and its contribution to India’s cultural mosaic. As the festival continues to grow in prominence, it not only strengthens regional identities but also fosters a deeper sense of unity and appreciation for India’s incredible cultural diversity.

Supplementing India’s fast-growing manufacturing sector across industries, the 14th edition of the International Exhibition and Conference on Minerals, Metals, Metallurgy & Materials (MMMM) will be held at India International Convention & Expo Centre – IICC, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi from 27 – 29 Sep 2024. This trade fair will provide an excellent opportunity for interacting with luminaries from practically all corners of the globe, promoting business and giving a fillip to the growth & development of Minerals, Metals, Metallurgy, and Materials sectors in the country through joint ventures, bulk deals, alliances, investments and technology transfer. MMMM 2024 will feature dedicated country pavilions from China, European Countries, and Russia.

The event will feature six major components: HTF for Advanced Hand Tools, Power Tools, and Fasteners; CWE for Advanced Cutting and Welding Equipment & Technology, including Laser Technology; IMEX for the Latest Machine Tools (CNC, Laser, Shot Blasting, Measuring & Testing Equipment, and more); UMEX for Economical Pre-owned Machinery in the Industry; TECHINDIA for Engineering and Manufacturing (Pumps, Valves, Compressors, and more) alongwith MMMM, the largest and most prestigious event on Minerals, Metals, Metallurgy & Materials. The amalgam of these expos makes it an extended platform for metal, engineering, manufacturing, and machine tools segments and showcases the strength and innovations of the Indian & international manufacturing and technology sector.

The combined events have consistently received global recognition and have been acknowledged as the premier international business platform in India featuring more than 300 exhibitors from over 10 countries and attracting 12000+ buyers from the south Asian region. The event is organized in association with the Indian Institute of Metals – Delhi Chapter and with the active support from World Metal Forum (WMF).

MMMM 2024 is supported by the Ministries of Steel, Coal, Electronic & Information Technology, Commerce & Industry, Government of India and honored to have the Hon’ble Minister of Steel, Government of India, invited to formally inaugurate the event, alongside the Secretary of the Ministry of Steel and leaders from the steel and allied industries.

Says Gagan Sahni, Director, Hyve India P Ltd, “MMMM 2024 showcases latest advancements and technological developments in the field of Minerals, Metals, Metallurgy and Materials Industry and also offers unparalleled business networking opportunities to trade visitors to explore availability of raw materials, alternate suppliers of machinery, equipment and spares. Each edition has been adding value to its profile and has been creating new standards in terms of visitor turnout and the volume of business transactions.”

This unique platform also includes an International Open Seminar on “Green Steel Production: Sustainable Practices and Carbon Reduction” by Metalogic and WMF, an International Conference on “Process & Product Innovations in Metal Production” by Indian Institute of Metals – Delhi Chapter, Business Meets on “Latest Technology for Manufacturing & Maintenance Industries” by WMF, a Secondary Steel Industry Meet under the World Metal Forum, an Exclusive Metal Manufacturers Networking Pavilion, and over 10 Dealers & Distributor meets.

Delhi, 20th August, 2024: SBI Life Insurance, one of India’s most trusted private life insurers, inaugurated an urban afforestation initiative at the Army Equestrian Centre in Delhi, in collaboration with NGO Partner, Prayas Youth Foundation. The objective of the initiative is to combat the climate crisis and improve air quality in the national capital by planting 30,000 native tree saplings. Spanning 2.5 acres of area, the project aims to create a dense, fast-growing forest that will contribute to enhance Delhi’s urban landscape and biodiversity.

Mr. M Anand, President & Chief Distribution Officer, SBI Life Insurance along with Mr. Ravi Choudhary, Founder & President, Prayas Youth Foundation, Mr. Sanjay Bhatnagar, Regional Director- Delhi region, SBI Life Insurance inaugurated the initiative in presence of Mr. Rajinder Singh Shekhawat, Assistant Secretary, Army Polo Riding Club; Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communication & CSR, SBI Life Insurance and other dignitaries from Indian Army, Prayas Youth Foundation & SBI Life.

Recognizing the severe impact of climate change on urban environments, this urban afforestation initiative aims to inspire citizens to take meaningful steps towards enhancing the air quality in Delhi’s urban landscape. Over 100 employees of SBI Life volunteered in the plantation drive which leverages the Miyawaki Technique, known for creating dense, fast-growing forests, it involves planting a diverse mix of native tree species close together. This approach not only accelerates the development of green cover but also supports greater biodiversity.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. M. Anand, President & Chief Distribution Officer, SBI Life Insurance, said, “At SBI Life, our responsibility extends far beyond financial protection i.e. to the larger communities we serve. The urban afforestation initiative embodies SBI Life’s vision of safeguarding the environment which will immensely benefit the locals around the project area. By leveraging innovative techniques like the Miyawaki method, we’re not just planting trees; we’re cultivating resilience in our urban ecosystems.”

He further added, “This initiative is a testament to our belief that the financial sector can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. As we align with global sustainability goals and India’s carbon neutrality commitments, we’re demonstrating how strategic investments in nature can yield dividends for both the environment and the communities we serve. Through such initiatives, we’re redefining the role of insurance in society, from mitigating financial risks to actively shaping a sustainable, and secure future for generations to come.”

Mr. Ravi Choudhary, Founder & President, Prayas Youth Foundation expressed, “Considering current environmental crisis in Delhi NCR these types of project will not only increase the green cover but also enrich the Biodiversity enlarge. With the support of SBI Life, we are going to plant more than 60 different types of indigenous species by using Miyawaki method of afforestation in this project, which will be helpful for maintaining the ecological balance. We are using 100% organic fertilizers and also using modern drip irrigation system to ensure the sustainability”.

By undertaking nature-based solutions, the company is not only addressing environmental concerns but also fostering long-term resilience in urban ecosystems. As this forest takes root and flourishes, it will stand as a living symbol of how the insurance sector can play a pivotal role in building a sustainable future. SBI Life’s innovative approach to corporate responsibility sets a new benchmark, demonstrating that financial security and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, creating lasting value for society and future generations.

Authored By: Aadeesh Sharma and Prof. PB Sharma

If one thing that has created great interest in the minds of people around the world, young and old, and of all walks of life, it is the advent of AI, commonly referred as Artificial Intelligence. The AI revolution is sweeping across the globe and covering all sectors of economic activities and personal and professional endeavours. Be it mobile hand set, laptop, IoT connected devices and systems or tomorrows health informatics, large data analytics and decision-making systems for planning, design and manufacturing, service, supply chain management or governance tomorrow, everywhere AI powered systems of data analytics and decision making are going to empower the people around the world with great capabilities of smart, intelligent, and optimal decision making for creating a new world of happy and blissful habitat. The capabilities of machines as well as the intelligence of man shall witness and ultra new high as we move deeper into the age of AI and virtual reality.

Threats of Data Piracy and Skill Gap for AI Adoptation are Major inhibitors:

As per the IBM Global AI Adoptation Index 2023, Data piracy (57%) and trust and transparency (43%) concerns are the biggest inhibitors of generative AI according to IT professionals at surveyed organizations not exploring or implementing generative AI. 35% also said that lack of skills for implementation is a big inhibitor. Further, one in five organizations reported that they do not have employees with the right skills in place to use new AI or automation tools and 16% cannot find new hires with the skills to address that gap.

New Challenges and Responsibilities:

However, every epoch-making technological innovation and scientific advancement brings added responsibility on the shoulders of the people. Be it nuclear power, space exploration, hyperconnectivity, and network systems of ultra-intelligent smart machines, nano-scale smart systems, and smart and intelligent materials, all call upon people to shoulder a great responsibility for their use for the larger collective good of humanity. As such with the advent of AI, a new era of responsible behaviour and responsible global citizenship must be necessarily ushered in.

Responsible human Behaviour and Responsible Global Citizenship are a must:

Needless to say, that irresponsible use of advanced science and technology could be even more devastating today than the dropping of the nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki during world war- II. The impact of the irresponsible use of technology powered by AI and driven by large data analytics in the connected world, even the hyper-connected universe tomorrow, shall play havoc to the future of humanity and shall undoubtedly pose an existential threat to the planet Mother Earth and other celestial bodies that today are giving us the bliss of the heavens from space.

Responsible Behaviour is the hardest currency:

It is this call for responsible behaviour, and ethical and professional moral conduct that is the highly valued currency as of today. The new generation of learners and their mentors both in the universities as well as in the industries, corporate, and government systems need to bear faith in this great responsibility that advanced technologies like AI bring with them for their responsible use for humanity at large.

The call for action:

The universities around the world today are undoubtedly greatly excited to offer AI and Machine Learning courses alongside with data science and large data analytics, robotics and automation and interdisciplinary courses like advanced nanoscience and technology and even more advanced layers of life sciences and biological and chemical sciences as the age of Pathbreaking Science and game-changing technology innovations has truly arrived.

The university leadership is therefore called upon to respond with great urgency by designing policies and putting them in place with effective strategies and empowered systems to inspire the new generation learners to imbibe the dimensions of ethics and professional integrity that are demanded with the empowerment of advanced science and technologies including Artificial Intelligence and its self-generative applications that are gaining great currency in the campuses of the universities around the world, including here in India. The excitement in the younger generation is undoubtedly very high and naturally so, as the university going new gen netizens are all 21st century global children who have descended on planet earth after the advent of internet and blessed with the empowerment provided by the connected world driven by technological innovations rolled out increasingly from the advent of 21st century.

Purity of Mind needed at all times:

The responsibility for maintaining purity of mind and responsible behaviour needs to nurture in every single corridors of the university campuses including the classrooms, labs, and research centers and more so in the innovation incubators coming up rapidly in the campuses of the colleges and universities. The time is also right to develop operative AI systems both for direct as well as generative AI in which the professional moral codes and ethical use of AI systems should be integrated as mandatory and integral part of the operating systems. The idea of AI on Chip can take this integration of ethical and professional codes into the development of AI on Chip, which is the future for penetration of AI for all and AI everywhere.

The author Aadeesh Sharma, currently pursuing his final year at Arizona State University has witnessed great emphasis on nurturing interdisciplinary, high tech, minds in education and research that goes beyond the classroom, to the collaborative projects and interdisciplinary pursuit of research. “Arizona State University, we are committed to a culture of academic integrity and scholarly ethics and provide a culture of academic excellence and integrity to foster and promote ethical and honest behaviour in connection with the scholarly work and interactions with peers”.

The co-author, Professor PB Sharma, who nurtured great innovations and fostered a culture of academic and research excellence with integrity and responsibility during his long innings at IIT Delhi, Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi Technological University DTU, and is nurturing an interdisciplinary environment for path-breaking scientific advancement at Amity University Gurugram, sees great potential for creating a bright and blissful future for the humanity, given the infinite potential and innovative genius of the new generation of learners and their inspired mentors.

The purpose of writing this article is to emphasize the importance of academic integrity and professional morality alongside with academic and research excellence in the university and college campuses as the era of AI has brought this great responsibility on the shoulders of young and old, more so on the new generation of learners and their peers.

The government of the day in nations of the world would also be within their charter to assert a new era of responsible human behaviour and a new dawn of integrity and professional morality as there is no escape from responding to the challenges of honesty, responsibility and integrity.

Aadeesh Sharma is pursuing his undergraduate degree in computer science at ASU, Phoenix, Arizona, USA and has been a Dean’s Scholar throughout his studies. Professor PB Sharma is an eminent academician, a former Professor of IIT Delhi, former Director of DCE, founder Vice Chancellor of DTU, past President of the Association of India Universities (AIU) and currently Vice Chancellor at Amity University Gurugram.

New Delhi, August 20th, 2024: Aditya Birla Finance Limited (“ABFL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading financial services conglomerate and AU Small Finance Bank Limited (SFB), India’s largest small finance bank, has announced the launch of Aditya Birla Finance AU credit cards, powered by and available on Visa and RuPay payment networks.

 The feature-loaded co-branded credit cards are available in four variants and offer comprehensive reward benefits to serve the financial needs of different customer segments, covering both individual customers and business owners.

i. ABC AU Flex: Affordable option for mass India

ii. ABC AU Nxt: Millennial-friendly with specialized features
iii. ABC AU Pro: High-end card for the affluent

iv. ABC AU Biz: Tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners

Aditya Birla Finance AU credit cards are curated to offer exciting reward points to customers across various categories such as lifestyle, travel, dining, education, entertainment, utilities, insurance, grocery, and government related spends. The cards also come with an unlimited fuel surcharge waiver of 1%.

With ‘Flex’ and ‘Nxt’ credit cards, customers can avail lifetime-free benefits. They have the flexibility to personalize their cards through the Aditya Birla Finance mobile app and can earn rewards, cashbacks and other varied benefits. The ‘Pro’ variant offers accelerated reward points with airport lounge access and a reduced forex markup fee. The ‘Biz’ variant is a monthly fee-based card designed for business customers with accelerated rewards points and up to 30% discount across select dining partners.

Mr. Rakesh Singh, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Finance Ltd., said ”We are delighted to partner with AU Small Finance Bank to introduce the Aditya Birla Finance AU Credit Cards. Our expertise in financial services along with AU Small Finance Bank’s innovative banking solutions, will help us provide seamless and tailor-made financial experience to customers. Powered by Visa and RuPay, cardholders can enjoy greater convenience, superior rewards and a secure and seamless payment experience.”

Hosted on Visa and RuPay payment networks, the Aditya Birla Finance AU co-branded credit cards will provide users with exceptional convenience and seamless transaction experience

Additionally, the RuPay powered variant can be linked to an UPI ID, enabling safe and secure transactions through any UPI enabled app.

 Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank said, “The partnership between Aditya Birla Finance and AU Small Finance Bank signifies a major achievement in the financial services domain, uniting two prominent industry frontrunners to provide unmatched advantages and rewards to customers nationwide.”

“We, at Visa, are delighted to support the launch of the Aditya Birla Finance AU Small Finance Bank series of Co-branded Cards. This partnership between our three trusted brands not only offers more choice and superior rewards and experiences to consumers and small businesses alike, but also the Visa promise of secure, seamless payments and global acceptance, to our cardholders,” said Mr. Sujai Raina, Country Manager, Visa India.

Speaking on this development, Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI said, “We are pleased to collaborate with our partners on this innovative product, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of modern-day consumers. Through this partnership, we aim to provide digitally enabled credit card lifecycle experience for the customers. Furthermore, UPI-enabled RuPay credit cards offer users a convenient way to use their cards and enjoy rewarding benefits.”

The launch of Aditya Birla Finance AU credit cards marks a significant step in Aditya Birla Finance’s commitment to providing customers with a simplified and rewarding financial experience while offering seamless access to credit with unmatched benefits on a single platform.

Hyderabad: August 20th, 2024—CREDAI Telangana, the apex body of private real estate developers in Telangana organised STATECON 2024 . The event was inaugurated by Shri N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister for Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies, Govt. of Telangana along with Shri Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Roads, Buildings and Cinematography as well as Shri Kumbam Anil Kumar Reddy, MLA – Bhongir in presence of Shri Murali Krishna Reddy, Chairman, CREDAI Telangana, Shri E. Premsagar Reddy, President, CREDAI Telangana, Shri. K. Indrasena Reddy, President-Elect, CREDAI Telangana, Shri. G Ajay Kumar, Secretary, CREDAI Telangana . Shri G Ram Reddy, Secretary, CREDAI National, Shri N Ramachandra Reddy, EC Member CREDAI National were also present at the event.

The theme for the convention was Telangana Going Global which highlighted the growth and future prospects of the state of Telangana. CBRE also released a research report which provides a detailed analysis of the state’s economic landscape, underscoring Hyderabad’s centrality and the substantial yet untapped potential of its tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The report focuses on states forward thinking policies and strategic initiatives presenting Telangana as a compelling investment proposition for global and domestic capital.

The sessions at STATECON 2024 delved into the opportunities and challenges to envisage the journey of going Global with a focus on the existing landscape, drafting a blueprint of success for the Real Estate sector, making the state a global investment destination, developing the roadmap of upskilling the youth to grab the opportunities, and building a sustainable, green and smart state. Around 900 member developers from across Telangana attended the conference. They gained insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders and explored innovative strategies, emerging trends, and collaborative opportunities within the real estate domain.

According to Shri E. Premsagar Reddy, President, CREDAI Telangana, “Telangana is the youngest State of Indian Union. It is gradually emerging as a Technology and Innovation Hub. A strong entrepreneurial tradition and an eye for making a mark globally are the key driving factors for the State. The Hon’ble Chief Minister has outlined the vision to develop the state in the 3 ring structure, with the Core Urban Region up to Outer Ring Road (ORR) being the main catalyst for growth. The area between ORR and RRR will be developed as a semi-urban Region. It will help disperse the growth to Tier 2 cities with clusters for manufacturing, city-centric agriculture, and other add-on zones. These will be the epicentre of manufacturing hubs for global organizations with better connectivity with RRR. Hon’ble CM has also announced the setting up of food processing zones, sports zones, automobile, and organic clusters along with IT, Pharma, and Health industries in Zaheerabad. The government has also announced plans to establish a medical tourism hub on 1,000 acres of land at Shamshabad. The government has also announced plans to develop Warangal into a health and eco-tourism hub and build a network of ORR and radial roads connecting it to the National highways boosting the growth. Such initiatives across districts will trigger rapid growth and create the need for building world-class real estate across the state opening new vistas for the industry. STATECON 2024 is designed to enlighten and equip the member developers of CREDAI on a single platform and brace for development which will not only be restricted to Hyderabad but will find tremendous opportunities across the state of Telangana.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Murali Krishna Reddy, Chairman, CREDAI Telangana said, “CREDAI Telangana plays a crucial role in shaping the future of real estate development in the region through advocacy, policy dialogue, and industry collaboration. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri A Revanth Reddy and his vision for 2050, the state is on the path of exponential growth with a multi-dimensional focus on the overall growth and development of the state involving improving the connectivity through an elaborate network of roads and regional rail network, attracting investments for development of dedicated industrial hubs by creating enabling policy framework, developing health infrastructure for present and future, use technology to ensure safety of citizens and set up a robust module for upskilling the youth to grab the opportunities in different industries. During his recent trip to South Korea and the United States of America, Hon’ble CM has garnered an investment of around Rs. 31,500 Crores in varied spheres ranging from ITeS to Data Centre, healthcare, and Manufacturing. Hon’ble Chief Minister pitched Telangana as the future-ready state during his trip, and we are confident that more MNC’s will come to the state. This will ensure a buoyant real estate market all across Telangana. We are hosting STATECON 2024 as a platform to foster growth, innovation, and collaboration amongst the builders across the state, as we brace for the evolving needs of rapid development.”

According to Shri. K. Indrasena Reddy, President-Elect, CREDAI Telangana, “Real Estate activity in any state is an indicator of the development in the region. It contributes 7.3% of the national GDP as of July 2024 and is expected to contribute $1 Trillion to the economy with a 15% contribution to GDP by 2030. This will create massive jobs as this sector is supported by over 250 ancillary industries and is the 2nd highest employment generator after Agriculture. The real estate growth in Telangana has been rapid. This is evident from the continuous growth in the number of registrations and value of properties registered. At CREDAI Telangana, we are actively collaborating with the government to establish a robust framework of rules and guidelines for streamlining the real estate industry. Our efforts are centred on introducing rigorous measures to detect, penalize, and remove unethical players, while also tackling critical industry challenges to foster a more transparent and efficient market environment. The state government is working with a mission to make Telangana a $ 1 Tn economy in the next 10 years. This will be enabled by the 3 rings of development model. This will help spread the growth of the districts and increase the requirement for world-class office and residential infrastructure. The state’s emphasis on enhancing urban infrastructure and simplifying regulatory processes will further support this expansion, positioning Telangana as a significant global player. These initiatives will positively transform the real estate landscape. STATECON 2024 is being organized to provide a comprehensive platform for dialogue and collaboration. The real estate sector is evolving rapidly, and this conference will be instrumental in shaping the future of our industry.”

Adding to this Shri. G Ajay Kumar, Secretary, CREDAI Telangana said, “Telangana is leading the way in innovation, fuelled by grassroots skilling initiatives, diverse funding models, and a supportive ecosystem that attracts major enterprises and multinational companies. As a prominent hub for pharma and health tech in Asia, with an industry valuation exceeding $86 billion, Telangana is well-positioned to become a global centre for IT and medical tourism under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. This progress is expected to energize the state’s real estate market. At STATECON 2024, sessions delved into the various dimensions of Telangana’s growth and the emerging opportunities for the real estate sector. Policymakers and industry leaders from across the nation shared their insights to help our member developers craft their strategies for success. We also unveiled the ‘Telangana – Going Global’ report in partnership with CBRE, underscoring the state’s global aspirations and future potential.”

Mumbai, 20th August 2024: Geojit Financial Services Ltd., a leading investment services company and a trusted Portfolio Management Services provider for over 20 years, announced the launch of its Flexi cap portfolio, the BEACON Fund, designed to guide investors through the complex waters of the Indian equity markets.

As a Flexi cap portfolio, BEACON offers a unique blend of stability and growth potential by investing across all market capitalizations and thus will help in wealth creation for the investors.

Key Highlights of the BEACON Fund:

· Comprehensive Market Cap Exposure: The BEACON Fund is engineered to provide investors with seamless exposure to companies of all sizes, from large-cap stalwarts to promising mid-cap and small-cap growth stories. This approach ensures a balanced portfolio that captures the full breadth of market opportunities.

· High-Quality Growth Portfolio: The fund is meticulously constructed with a focus on high-quality growth companies, carefully selected based on rigorous research and analysis. This emphasis on quality ensures that the portfolio is resilient, with a strong potential for consistent growth over the long term.

· Strategic Flexibility: In an ever-evolving economic landscape, the BEACON Fund stands out for its ability to pivot and adapt its portfolio strategy to align with current market cycles. This flexibility allows for proactive adjustments, ensuring the fund remains well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and navigate potential risks.

· Superior Risk-Adjusted Returns: At the heart of the BEACON Fund’s strategy is a commitment to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns. By blending comprehensive market exposure with a focus on quality and strategic adaptability, the fund aims to generate returns that outperform the broader market while carefully managing risk.

On the fund launch, Gopinath Natarajan, CEO – Portfolio & Managed Assets said, “In our constant endeavour to bring out strategies that are not only relevant to the investors today but also stand the test of time, we are excited to bring to investors the BEACON Fund.

This fund aims to provide a reliable and resilient investment vehicle, maximizing market opportunities, by adapting to shifting economic landscapes. The BEACON Fund has been constructed to be a core investment for the long-term growth investor, integrating a very sharp-eyed view of risk management”.

Pawan Parakh, Fund Manager – Portfolio & Managed Assets, pointed out, “BEACON marries large-cap stability with the growth potential of small and mid-caps with an objective of delivering consistent and superior risk adjusted returns over the long term.”

The BEACON Fund will be managed by Pawan Parakh. He has 18 years of experience in Fund Management and Institutional equity research. During this period, Parakh had an impressive professional journey, with key roles in several financial institutions including Edelweiss, HDFC, HSBC, and Deloitte. As a seasoned fund manager, Pawan has successfully managed large PMS schemes, consistently generating sustainable wealth for investors.

The Hubli Tigers, a prominent team in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), proudly unveiled their new jersey and announced their players list for the upcoming cricket sessions in a grand event held on the evening at One8 Commune, Bangalore. was a celebration of the team’s rich history and their aspirations for the future.

The Hubli Tigers have a storied legacy in the KPL, having clinched the championship titles in both 2019 and 2023. In 2019, the team was led by the charismatic Vinay Kumar, who served as the captain and guided the team to victory. In 2023, the mantle of leadership was passed to Manish Pandey, with Vinay Kumar taking on the role of mentor. This year, in 2024, Manish Pandey continues to lead the team as captain, while Vinay Kumar has transitioned to the role of Head Coach. The staff is further strengthened by Yeregowda as the coach.

The jersey launch event was graced by the presence of two distinguished guests: Vidwath Kaverappa, a rising star who has made a mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Aneeshwar Gautam, an all-rounder who has represented India at the Under-19 level. Their presence added a touch of prestige to the occasion and inspired the team and fans alike.

The new jersey, designed with a modern aesthetic, reflects the team’s vibrant spirit and determination. The jersey features the print of Tiger face and the stripes across the Jersey with the iconic colour combination of dark and vibrant colours, with a modern look that is attractive for the youth. The team’s sponsors, including Jindal Steels, 1xBat, SEQR, KPC, Cricket Central, Omtex, and One8, were prominently featured on the jersey, showcasing their unwavering support for the team.

During the event, the team management also announced the players list for the season.

The players consist as follows; Manish Pandey, Shreesha S Achar, Thippa Reddy, Mohammed Taha, KL Shrijith, Rishi Bopanna, Aadarsh Prajwal, Nishchith Pai, Mitrakanth Yadav, Manvanth Kumar L, Kumar LR, Kruthik Krishna, KC Cariappa, Vidwath Kaverappa, Akash Katamble, Karthikeya KP, Aneeshwar Gautam, Daman Deep Singh, Madhav Bajaj, Adarsh MA.

The squad is a blend of experienced players and young talents, all of whom are eager to make their mark on the field. The team expressed their enthusiasm and confidence in their ability to perform well in the upcoming matches, aiming to add another feather to their championship title.

In addition to the jersey launch and players list announcement, the Hubli Tigers also took the opportunity to highlight their commitment to social responsibility. The team announced their “Save the Tiger” campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about tiger conservation and supporting efforts to protect this endangered species. The campaign underscores the team’s dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field.

Quotes from the Event:

• Vinay Kumar, Head Coach: “It’s an Honor to continue my journey with the Hubli Tigers in a new role as head coach. Our team is a perfect blend of experience and youth, and we are confident in our ability to achieve great success this season. The new jersey symbolizes our unity and determination, and we are excited to wear it with pride.”

• Manish Pandey, Captain: “Leading the Hubli Tigers is a privilege, and I am thrilled to guide this talented group of players. Our focus is on teamwork, discipline, and giving our best in every match. The support from our sponsors and fans motivates us to strive for excellence.”

• Vidwath Kaverappa, IPL Player: “It’s a pleasure to be here and witness the launch of the new jersey. The Hubli Tigers have a rich history, and I am confident that they will continue to achieve great things. The ‘Save the Tiger’ campaign is a commendable initiative, and I am proud to support it.”

• Aneeshwar Gautam, Under-19 India All-Rounder: “The Hubli Tigers have always been a team that inspires young cricketers. The new jersey looks fantastic, and I am sure it will bring good luck to the team. I am excited to see them perform and wish them all the best for the upcoming season.”

The event concluded with a photo session, where the players, coaches, and guests posed with the new jersey, symbolizing the start of an exciting new chapter for the Hubli Tigers. The team is now geared up and ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming sessions, with their eyes set on victory and their hearts committed to making a difference.

About Hubli Tigers:

The Hubli Tigers are a professional cricket team based in Hubli, Karnataka, competing in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL). Known for their competitive spirit and dedication to the sport, the team has a strong fan base and a history of success. The Hubli Tigers are committed to excellence on the field and making a positive impact in the community through various social initiatives.

The Hubli Tigers franchise has been a part of the KPL for the past 10 years, making it one of the most successful franchises with 2 championship titles and 2 runner-up finishes. The franchise is owned by Shri Sushi Kumar Jindal, Mr. Abhishek Jindal, and Mr. Shivek Jindal.

Hyderabad, 19th August 2024: Preetham Goli, a 16-year-old student of Delhi Public School, has made history as one of the youngest climbers from his city to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The ambitious young climber reached the summit on July 17th, 2024, after an 8-day expedition that tested his physical endurance and mental resilience.

Preetham, who is currently in the 12th grade, embarked on his journey on July 12th with a group of four climbers, guided by the experienced mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta. The group faced numerous challenges during the ascent, but Preetham’s determination and perseverance saw him through to the top.

“One of the main reasons I wanted to summit Kilimanjaro was that after finishing Everest Base Camp, I was not satisfied. I wanted to do more, climb more, achieve more,” Preetham shared. “While climbing Kilimanjaro, sometimes I felt lonely, but I learned to enjoy it. Being away from everyone and everything made me realize how simple our life was. Sometimes I felt really peaceful, which I had never felt before.”

The summit day was particularly grueling, starting at 3 AM in freezing conditions. “The summit trail was very hard due to the steep ascent and slippery ground made of fine gravel or sand. Right before reaching the summit, I started having a really bad headache, which I know is common due to the altitude, so I kept pushing on. The feeling when I reached the summit was just magical – all the problems I had while climbing just disappeared.”

At the summit, Preetham proudly unfurled the Indian national flag, the NCC flag, and his school flag, a moment that he describes as one of the best feelings in the world. Although the group had planned to stay at the Crater Camp, bad weather forced them to descend to Barafu Camp the same night.

“I thank my school, Delhi Public School, Nacharam, for all the support, and I especially want to thank Satyarup Siddhanta Sir for helping me summit the mountain. Without him, the summit would have been very hard,” Preetham added.

Austin, TX – August 17, 2024 – WSO2, a leading global provider of digital transformation technologies, said today that its acquisition by EQT, first announced May 3, 2024, has completed. EQT will support WSO2’s next phase of accelerated growth and innovation by drawing on EQT’s deep experience in the software space, global network of industry experts, and dedicated digital value-creation team.

Since its inception in 2005, WSO2 has been at the forefront of building innovative software that allows organizations to seamlessly deliver digital experiences. Today, WSO2’s platform offers a complete set of market leading solutions across integration, API management, identity & access management (IAM) and application development. Thousands of organizations, including hundreds of the world’s largest corporations, top universities, and governments, rely on WSO2’s cloud native software as a service (SaaS) and open-source offerings to drive their digital initiatives — executing 60 trillion transactions and managing over 1 billion identities each year.

WSO2 now joins EQT’s extensive global portfolio of enterprise software companies, which includes firms such as Virtusa, Billtrust, IFS, SUSE, Storable, thinkproject, and Waystar.

New WSO2 Board Positions WSO2 for Accelerated Growth

With the acquisition, a new board of directors has been formed to spearhead the next stage of WSO2’s growth. Leading the board as chair is Jonas Persson, who formerly served as CEO of Microsoft Sweden and has been the chairperson for several portfolio companies like Suse, Acumatica, IFS and Sitecore. He is joined by Hari Gopalakrishnan, a partner in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team and Global co-head of EQT’s services sector team, and Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, who founded WSO2 and will continue his role as CEO.

“WSO2 is a strong enterprise software company that has delivered a proven track record of innovation and scaled to address the digital transformation demands of enterprises worldwide,” said Jonas Personn, WSO2 board chair. “I am excited to partner with WSO2’s management team in building on this momentum to accelerate the company’s growth and global adoption.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Jonas, Hari and the EQT team in accelerating our innovation agenda, expanding our global footprint, and empowering enterprises to thrive in the digital economy,” said Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, WSO2 founder and CEO. “With EQT’s support and the deep expertise of our new board members, we are well-positioned for this next stage of WSO2’s evolution.”