Archives September 2024

India – September 24, 2024 – Avtr Meta Labs, a leader in AI-driven virtual influencer technology, is excited to announce its partnership with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) for the introduction of India’s First AI Avatar Creator Contest. This unique contest will be a key feature of the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, scheduled to take place from February 5th to 9th, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Abhishek Razdan, Co-founder & CEO, Avtr Meta Labs says, ” “We are incredibly excited to launch India’s First AI Avatar Creator Contest in association with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, a unique initiative that blends the power of artificial intelligence with creative expression. This contest not only showcases the potential of AI in digital artistry but also provides a platform for creators, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to explore new horizons. At Avtr Meta Labs, we believe in the transformative power of AI, and we’re thrilled to see how participants will push the boundaries of technology and imagination.”

Screenshot

WAVES, a globally recognized platform for the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry, highlights India’s position as a rising hub for innovative content creation and storytelling. The 2025 edition of WAVES will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and creators from across the world to explore the future of the media industry, focusing on creativity, technology, and collaboration.

As part of this grand summit, the Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has officially launched the “Create in India Challenge – Season 1”, a series of 25 distinctive contests across multiple domains. Among them is the highly anticipated AI Avatar Creator Contest, which offers creators, technologists, and marketers the opportunity to showcase their skills in developing AI-driven virtual avatars.

AI Avatar Creator Contest: Pioneering Digital Innovation

The AI Avatar Creator Contest is a landmark initiative aimed at driving innovation in the rapidly expanding field of AI influencers and digital content creation. Contest participants will have access to cutting-edge AI tools, both open-source and licensed, to build and design their own virtual avatars. The challenge will allow creators to push the limits of artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, and character design.

Participants will be evaluated on:

• Originality and Purpose of the virtual avatar
• Creativity and Technical Execution in design
• Innovative Application of AI Technology

Awards and Recognition

The contest offers attractive prizes and industry recognition:

• The top 10 finalists will receive certificates of participation.
• The top 3 creators will be invited to present their virtual avatars at the WAVES 2025 Summit.
• The grand prize winner will be awarded a ₹1 Lakh cash prize, offering a platform to launch their career in India’s emerging AI and digital content landscape.

Call for Entries

Registrations for the AI Avatar Creator Contest will open on September 17, 2024. Avtr Meta Labs and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting invite AI enthusiasts, digital creators, and innovators from all over India to participate. This is an unparalleled opportunity for creators to demonstrate their talent, gain industry exposure, and contribute to shaping the future of AI-driven virtual influencers.

Mumbai,  September 24, 2024 –– Trend Micro Incorporated , a global cybersecurity leader, today published research revealing that global organizations lack sufficient resources and leadership buy-in to measure and mitigate risk across their digital attack surface.

Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India & SAARC at Trend Micro: “A lack of clear leadership on cybersecurity can have a paralyzing effect on an organization—leading to reactive, piecemeal and erratic decision making. Companies need CISOs to clearly communicate in terms of business risk to engage their boards. Ideally, they should have a single source of truth across the attack surface from which to share updates with the board, continually monitor risk, and automatically remediate issues for enhanced cyber-resilience.”

Trend polled 2,600 global IT leaders responsible for cybersecurity in small, medium and large organizations to better understand their attitudes toward attack surface risk management (ASRM).

The top three gaps in cyber-resilience revealed by respondents were:

• Sufficient staffing for 24x7x365 cybersecurity coverage – which just 36% have
• Attack surface management techniques to measure the risk of the attack surface (used by 35%)
• Using proven regulatory and other frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (only 34%)

The failure of a majority of global companies to achieve these cybersecurity basics could be traced back to a lack of leadership and accountability at the top of the organization. Half (48%) of respondents claimed that their leadership doesn’t consider cybersecurity to be their responsibility. Just 17% disagreed strongly with that statement.

When asked who does or should hold responsibility for mitigating business risk, respondents returned a variety of answers, indicating a lack of clarity on reporting lines. Nearly a third (31%) said the buck stops with organizational IT teams.

This lack of clear direction on cybersecurity strategy may be why over half (54%) of global respondents complained that their organization’s attitude to cyber risk is inconsistent and varies from month to month.

The leadership required to remediate these issues is not present in many organizations. Nearly all (96%) of those surveyed have concerns about their attack surface. Over one third (36%) are worried about having a way of discovering, assessing and mitigating high-risk areas, and a fifth (19%) aren’t able to work from a single source of truth.

New Delhi, 24^th September 2024: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers, has introduced Tata AIA NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Fund through its unit linked insurance products, which is an open-ended New Fund Offering (NFO) with an alpha investing strategy to benefit from potential growth while securing their loved ones with the protection of a life insurance cover. The NFO will remain open until September 30th, 2024, with units offered at an NAV of Rs. 10 per unit during the NFO period.

The fund will focus on high performing stocks i.e. the top 50 performing stocks that constitute the Nifty Alpha 50 index.

Why consumers should invest in the NIFTY Alpha Index Fund:

• It is a multi-cap market-linked investment fund, enabling policyholders to take exposure in high performing stocks that are part of different market cap segments.
• It will replicate the performance of stocks listed on NSE and generating high alpha. This will allow policyholders with the opportunity to earn higher returns given the focus on benchmark beating stocks.
• The fund will invest 80%-100% in Equity and Equity-related instruments, and 0%-20% in Cash and Money Market Securities. This will ensure a reasonable balance between returns and risk for the policyholders.

Commenting on the launch, Harshad Patil, Executive Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Tata AIA said, “With India’s economy expanding multifold over the next few decades, the Indian equity market presents significant wealth creation opportunities. As a result, businesses will be able to grow their revenues, multiply their earnings, and provide policyholders with sustained returns. With Tata AIA NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Fund, our policyholders can capture market trends effectively by focusing on high performing stocks across market caps. We can thus provide consumers with long-term returns, apart from life cover and health benefits offered by our investment linked solutions. With Tata AIA Nifty Alpha 50 Index fund, our consumers can look forward to an exciting investment opportunity and a fikar-free life.“

Bengaluru, India – September 24, 2024: As World Tourism Day approaches, Airbnb reveals trending travel destinations among Indian travelers for the upcoming festive and autumn season (September-November), showcasing a blend of trending domestic and international destinations captivating Indian travelers. This year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Peace,” emphasizes the vital role travel plays in fostering peace and understanding between cultures and nations, particularly relevant as Indians explore diverse landscapes and experiences.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trends, “The festive and autumn season presents a unique opportunity for Indian travelers to explore both domestic and international destinations. We’re seeing an exciting trend in travel patterns, with more Indians seeking unique travel experiences in culturally rich cities or enjoying the serene beauty of international landscapes especially during the autumn season. This trend not only boosts tourism but also promotes cultural exchange, aligning perfectly with this year’s World Tourism Day theme.”

Leading the list of trending domestic destinations is Kanpur, celebrated for its grand Dussehra festivities, and Lakshadweep, known for its tropical allure, also ranks high among traveler searches. Other standout domestic picks include Ujjain’s spiritual aura during the festive season, and Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, offering breathtaking Himalayan views set against vibrant autumn foliage.^[1] This highlights a growing interest in destinations that combine cultural significance with natural beauty, providing memorable escapes within India.

Indian travelers are increasingly exploring international locales known for stunning views and unique seasonal activities. Tokyo leads the pack, captivating visitors with momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) across its parks. The picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its Mediterranean charm, offers Indian tourists a quieter, off-season retreat. Meanwhile, Baku is emerging as a favorite, where the blend of modern architecture and rich history comes alive against the backdrop of colorful autumn landscapes. Other top trending international destinations include Kyoto’s historic temples amidst fiery fall hues, and Spain’s Nord de Palma District, known for its sun-drenched autumn days.

In terms of countries, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Montenegro are emerging as top trending destinations for Indian travelers during this period. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan captivate with their rich history and scenic autumn landscapes, while Montenegro enchants with its stunning coastlines and mountainous terrain. Additionally, countries like Japan, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia are popular for their favorable weather, picturesque autumn scenery, and rich cultural offerings^[3]. These countries appeal to Indian travelers seeking diverse and immersive autumn experiences, enhanced by good connectivity and appealing seasonal conditions.

As Indian travelers embrace the festive and autumn season, these destinations—both familiar and newly discovered—offer the perfect combination of natural splendour, cultural depth, and seasonal charm, creating unforgettable getaways.

Kozhikode, 25^th September 2024: Instilling positive awareness on road safety and safe driving habits in the city, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) celebrated 5^th anniversary of the Safety Education Training Centre (SDEC) at Kozhikode, Kerala. A cake cutting ceremony was organised to commemorate the occasion in the august presence of Santhosh Kumar CS – Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement), Kozhikode, along with HMSI dignitaries and the company’s dealer partners.

 In September 2019, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) in association with Kerala Motor Vehicle Department inaugurated the Safety Education Training Centre in Kozhikode. Situated in the heart of the city, the SDEC has served as a beacon of education and practical training for participants. Its state-of-the-art facilities and interactive programs have empowered countless individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible and safe road behaviour.

Since its inception, nearly 61,500 people across all age groups have been trained at the Safety Education Driving Centre, enhancing road safety awareness in the city.

The 5^th Anniversary Celebration is a testament to the SDEC’s enduring impact on the community. This event featured engaging activities such as Learner License Registration Training, Corporate Activities and Road Safety Training that included Riding Trainer Session, Safety Gear Awareness and Safety Riding Theory Sessions aimed at reinforcing the importance of road safety.

As HMSI looks ahead to the future, it remains dedicated to further expanding the reach and impact of its Safety Education Training Centre in Kozhikode and beyond. Through continuous collaboration with stakeholders and the community, the company aims to cultivate a culture of responsible road behaviour and ensure safer roads for generations to come.

Actors often put in a lot of effort to look perfect for their roles, including wearing heavy jewelry and sitting for long hours to get their makeup and outfits just right. Sara Khan, who plays the pivotal role of Goddess Kritikayein in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, recently revealed how much time she spends transforming into her character.

Sara shared, “As I play Goddess Kritikayein in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, the costumes and jewelry are both heavy and beautiful. It only takes me about 10 to 15 minutes to get ready because I do my makeup in the car. This makes things easier since, on set, I just have to put on the costume and jewelry. I don’t have the patience to spend hours getting ready, and I don’t know how others do it, but I can’t sit in front of a mirror for that long.”

When asked how she manages wearing the heavy jewelry and costume for long hours during shoots, Sara added, “This kind of heavy jewelry often leaves marks on my body and causes rashes. Sometimes, the weight can be difficult to manage. However, I’m used to wearing such heavy pieces, so it’s not much of a task for me. Kudos to the production and Sun Neo teams—they really work hard to make it as comfortable as possible for me.”

Sara Khan plays Goddess Kritikayein, portraying six different avatars in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. Airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM from Monday to Saturday, the show is a heartfelt family drama. It follows Vaishnavi (played by Brinda Dahal), an orphan who considers Chhathi Maiyya (portrayed by Devoleena Bhattacharjee) her mother. The cast, including Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, highlighting faith and devotion to Chhathi Maiyya, who guides and protects her worshippers.

Mumbai, 24 September 2024 – Primus Partners, India’s leading home-grown consultancy firm, has today unveiled an in-depth analysis of the India-UAE economic relationship, something that got strengthened with the recent visit of UAE President Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India. The analysis explores current trade patterns and future projections, indicating that bilateral trade between the two nations is on track to surpass the ambitious $100 billion target well before 2030. This impressive growth is underscored by a notable 12.7% year-on-year increase.

Key Insights:

• In 2022, the historic India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was enacted and came into force. Prime Minister Modi’s 7th visit to the UAE led to pivotal MoUs on trade, energy, infrastructure, culture & people-to-people initiatives
•  UAE remains India’s 3rd largest trading partner and 2nd largest export destination (FY 2022-23)
•  India solidifies its position as UAE’s 2nd largest trading partner (FY 2022-23)
•  Bilateral trade reached $85 billion in FY 2022-23, expected to cross the 2030 target of USD 100 Bn well before the expected timeline
• Both countries lead the path for key Collaborative Ventures Including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as well as the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition

Nilaya Varma, CEO & Co-founder of Primus Partners, emphasized, “India-UAE trade relations are entering a new era, driven by structural reforms like CEPA that have dismantled long-standing barriers. This shows how this trade growth is not only strengthening existing sectors like gems, jewellery, and IT but is also paving the way for emerging industries such as green energy and food security. The partnership is now more strategic and forward-looking, setting the stage for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths and create an integrated trade ecosystem that will be critical in navigating the shifting dynamics of global commerce.” “As these initiatives unfold, we expect to see transformative impacts across the region and beyond, reshaping global trade dynamics in the coming decades,” concluded Nilaya Varma.

Looking forward, Primus Partners’ analysis outlines a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the India-UAE economic relationship that includes:

• Implementation of a master dashboard to oversee critical infrastructure projects, particularly within the IMEEC framework
• Establishment of a bilateral e-commerce marketplace for goods and services under the CEPA framework, potentially leveraging India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) model
• Creation of an online digital repository highlighting investable projects in identified strategic sectors
• Development of an International Water Credit Exchange Market to address water security challenges
• Introduction of a unified tourism booking platform and special enclaves catering to luxury, religious, and business travel

Nader Haffar, Director of Primus Partners UAE, stated, “The India-UAE economic relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that is reshaping the future of regional and global trade. This highlights how both countries are not just increasing trade volumes but are aligning their strategic goals in key areas like digital innovation, energy sustainability, and infrastructure. This synergy between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies is creating new opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for long-term prosperity that could serve as a global model for emerging market partnerships. Managing these partnerships will create a stronger and more diverse bilateral relationship, one that is less dependent on traditional sectors and more oriented toward future development. “

The India-UAE trade relationship is experiencing robust growth across several key sectors, reflecting the strategic alignment of both economies. Technology and infrastructure development have become vital growth drivers, with both countries collaborating on projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). This initiative encompasses railway lines, sea routes, road networks, electricity grids, optical fiber cables, and hydrogen gas pipelines, promising to revolutionize regional connectivity and trade.

Gems and jewelry, traditionally a cornerstone of trade, have seen increased activity under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The metals, stones, gems, and jewelry sector is among India’s key exports to the UAE. Additionally, India’s agricultural exports to the UAE, including cereals, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and tea, contribute significantly to the trade basket, helping to address the UAE’s food security objectives.

While the growth trajectory is impressive, challenges like the need for water security in both nations remain critical. To address this, the analysis recommends establishing an International Water Credit Exchange Market, involving governments, the private sector, NGOs, and academia to promote sustainable water management practices globally.

The analysis further highlights the transformative potential of the IMEEC and the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition. These initiatives are expected to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, secure supply chains, and foster transformative integration across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The much-anticipated discussion  of “Zaira”, authored by Professor Vinita Dhondiyal Bhatnagar, took place at the iconic Oxford Bookstore, Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of her mentor, Professor Malashri Lal, and the distinguished bureaucrat and polymath, 

The novel’s title, “Zaira”, means “a shining flower,” and it tells the poignant story of a college girl grappling with the guilt of her idol’s untimely death. Themes of hope, resilience, and courage are woven into the narrative, offering readers a message of inspiration and strength.

Following the book launch, a lively and insightful discussion took place. Brigadier Sanjay Agarwal (Former Security Advisor, MHA) offered a nuanced literary critique, delving into the novel’s exploration of friendship, romance, ambition, and glamour. The vibrant city of Bhopal serves as the backdrop for much of the story, adding depth and texture to the narrative.

During the discussion, Vinita shared the inspiration behind the novel, reflecting on her writing journey, creative process, and future literary ambitions. The audience, a diverse mix from various walks of life, engaged actively in the conversation. Kaneez Zehra Razavi, who traveled from Bhopal for the event, emphasized the importance of the dialogues in advancing the plot. Ms. Kasturi Kanthan commented on the novel’s fast-paced storyline and sharp characterizations, while Pravin Dubey expressed hope for a Hindi translation of “Zaira” in the near future.

India, September 24, 2024  – Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the latest Frost & Sullivan Email Security Radar report. Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration is recognized for its powerful technology that integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with user-centric design to provide organizations with top-tier email protection.

Email security continues to be important for organizations of all sizes.  According to Check Point’s 2024 Security Report, email continues to be the leading gateway for initial infections, accounting for 88% of all malicious file distributions. With this startling statistic alongside the growth of AI-powered tools for generating tailored phishing emails, businesses need comprehensive strategies to safeguard their sensitive data and employees.

According to Frost & Sullivan, Check Point ThreatCloud AI’s 50 AI-based engines and impressive threat intelligence capabilities, sets it apart from its competitors. Sarah Pavlak, Industry Principal Cybersecurity at Frost & Sullivan commented, “In contrast to numerous competitors, Check Point has validated its AI prowess through impressive statistics that highlight its cutting-edge technology for enhancing email security, ensuring that customers receive the most advanced protection possible.” In addition to best-in-class AI-powered engines to detect email-borne threats, Harmony Email & Collaboration provides a complete set of features such as Unified Quarantine, DMARC Monitoring, Archiving capabilities, and Smart Banners, to ensure a comprehensive email security solution.

Frost & Sullivan also highlighted Check Point’s robust R&D and extensive threat research team, which offers customers cutting-edge insights that fuel ThreatCloud AI and product development. “In the past three years, Harmony Email & Collaboration’s customer base has expanded eightfold, demonstrating both the urgent need for advanced email security and the strength of our offering,” stated Gil Friedrich, VP of Email Security at Check Point Software. “We are committed to continuous innovation to serve our customers and are proud to receive yet another analyst award recognizing our efforts to deliver advanced email security solutions.”

Check Point Harmony Email Collaboration is part of the Check Point Infinity Platform, a comprehensive ecosystem that provides enterprise-grade security across the data center, network, cloud, branch office and remote users with unified management. In Miercom’s latest security benchmark, Check Point Infinity Platform achieved an outstanding 100% phishing prevention and 99.8% new malware block rate.

Mumbai, September 22, 2024: Amandeep Sidhu, who has been winning audience’s hearts as Baani in Sony SAB’s ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai,’ is currently shooting for the show in Chandigarh, alongside co-stars Aakash Ahuja and Sooraj Thapar, amongst others. Being away from their families, the cast is bonding over shared experiences on set, but for Amandeep, there’s one thing she misses most, her mother’s home-cooked meals as her mother is based in Delhi.

Reflecting on her childhood, Amandeep fondly recalls how she used to swap her mom’s homemade parathas for her friends’ sandwiches at school, not fully appreciating the comfort and love in her mom’s cooking. Now, working away from home, she craves those familiar flavors more than ever, cherishing the warmth and care behind every dish she once took for granted.

Amandeep Sidhu who portrays the lead character of Baani in Badall Pe Paon Hai said, “When I was in school in Delhi, my mother would pack homemade paranthas, roti-sabzi, and other dishes for my lunch. On the other hand, my friends would bring fancy food like sandwiches and Maggi. We often traded lunches—my friends loved my mom’s paranthas, while I preferred their fancy food. Back then, I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s cooking. But now, shooting in Chandigarh and being away from family, I find myself craving her food and no longer caring much for sandwiches or Maggi. I wish I had valued those moments in school. As you grow older and start working year-round, you realize how much those small moments really matter, especially when you no longer live with your parents.”

 Despite the homesickness, Amandeep finds solace in her work and the warm camaraderie with her fellow cast members. “We’ve become like a little family here on set,” she shares. “There’s something about being away from home that makes the bonds you form with your co-actors even stronger. We share our meals, stories, and laughs, and that has helped me feel at home in Chandigarh.”