Archives November 2024

Avocado, often referred to as a “superfood,” is finally gaining the recognition it deserves in Indian kitchens. Packed with nutrients, flavor, and versatility, this fruit (yes, technically it’s a fruit) is redefining the way we think about healthy eating. The World Avocado Organisation encourages you to consider avocados not only for their culinary prowess but also as a nutritious choice that can improve well-being. So, this  festive season, let avocados be your companion in the kitchen.

The journey of incorporating avocados into daily meals can start with something as simple and intuitive as a refreshing cold soup. Just blend avocados with cucumber, mint, and yogurt, and you’ll have a bowl of creamy, delicious nourishment that is both satisfying and filling. Beyond its delectable taste, avocados offer a wealth of health benefits, making them an invaluable addition to any meal.

They Are A Nutrient Powerhouse- Half an avocado contains just 114 calories but it is jam-packed with vital vitamins and minerals – making it a very nutrient-dense food. On top of this, they contain hardly any sugar or salt and have a low glycaemic index (GI), meaning that they are the perfect match for those who need to watch their blood sugar levels. The World Health Organization recommends a healthy diet with low sugars and saturated fats to reduce the risk of diabetes. Adding this fruit as a topping on a salad, chopping it up and enjoying it as a snack or creating exciting avocado-based recipes – this fruit ensures that you get your boost of nutrients and contains monounsaturated fats that help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes.

How to Incorporate Avocado in Your Diet  

Avocados are incredibly versatile. Here are some quick and easy ways to enjoy them:  

– As a Spread: Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado on sandwiches or toast.

– Soup Garnish: Add avocado chunks to enhance flavor and nutrition in any soup.

– Salads: Combine avocado slices with oranges, fresh mint, and toasted walnuts for a refreshing twist.

– Avocado Toast: Mash avocados with lemon juice, spread on toasted rye bread, and sprinkle with a mix of garlic salt, cumin, coriander, and cardamom for a quick, flavorful snack.

November 2024 – Snacking in India has never been the same since Cornitos introduced its premium nacho crisps to the market. Known for its relentless pursuit of flavor innovation and dedication to authenticity, Cornitos has become synonymous with exciting tastes that resonate deeply with the Indian palate. Whether it’s the bold zest of Tikka Masala or the fiery kick of Sizzlin’ Jalapeno, Cornitos brings an unforgettable burst of flavor to every bite.

At the heart of Cornitos’ success lies its commitment to celebrating diversity in snacking. The brand has expertly blended global inspirations with Indian favorites, creating a range of nacho chips that cater to every mood and occasion. Imagine indulging in the tangy, aromatic Cheese & Herbs nachos or savoring the balance of sweetness and spice in the Sweet Chili variant. For those who prefer their snacks with a hint of nostalgia, the Tikka Masala chips offer a comforting reminder of classic Indian flavors.

Understanding the evolving preferences of its consumers, Cornitos has also embraced innovation in ingredients and dietary options. The No Onion No Garlic range, featuring flavors like Tomato Mexicana and Cheese & Herbs, is crafted to meet specific dietary needs without compromising on taste. Meanwhile, the Gourmet Nachos collection – with Spinach, Beetroot, and Quinoa chips – offers a wholesome, guilt-free twist to indulgent snacking.

Cornitos is more than just chips; it’s a lifestyle. With its Nachos and Salsa Combo, the brand has made it easier than ever to enjoy a complete snacking experience, perfect for movie nights or festive celebrations. Its Sea Salt nachos cater to those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity, while the Peri Peri Nachos bring a zesty heat that excites adventurous eaters.

In every bag of Cornitos, there’s a promise of quality, a burst of flavor, and a nod to the vibrant tastes that define modern India. With each crunch, Cornitos invites snack lovers to explore a world of culinary creativity, where authentic ingredients and bold flavors come together to create magic.

Bangalore, 21 November 2024: The University of Melbourne today announced the appointment of Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi. Professor Ashokkumar brings a wealth of experience in international education and organisational leadership, with previous roles as Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), Head of School of Chemistry, Acting Director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and Associate Dean International at the University’s Faculty of Science.

In his new role, he will lead the University’s strategic initiatives, outreach, and collaborations within India, fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, industry leaders, and other sector-specific entities to reinforce the commitment to the India-Australia bilateral relationship.

In his capacity, he will continue to pursue the advancement of Transnational Education (TNE), Transnational Research (TNR), and Community Engagement initiatives designed to foster reciprocal societal benefits, sustained growth, and cultural exchange for both nations.

Congratulating Ashok on his appointment, Professor Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor of University of Melbourne, said, “Professor Ashokkumar’s appointment marks an important moment for our engagement with India. His expertise and passion for transnational partnerships will shape the future of education and research between India and Australia. I look forward to seeing how Professor Ashokkumar will lead meaningful collaborations that inspire and empower future generations.”

Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture, and Engagement) University of Melbourne expressed his enthusiasm for Professor Ashokkumar’s appointment.

“Professor Ashokkumar is deeply respected by his peers and students alike. He represents the essence of international collaboration in education,” said Professor Wesley. “His global network, rigorous research background, and commitment to education make him exceptionally well suited for this role. I am confident that under his leadership, the Melbourne Global Centre- Delhi will flourish as a vibrant hub for innovation and transnational collaboration, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers from both our countries.”

On his new role, Professor Ashokkumar, Director of Melbourne Global Centre said, “The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi is a significant step in our longstanding commitment to fostering wider engagement between India and our University. Building on partnerships that span over 16 years, we are dedicated to empowering and enhancing capacity within India to collaboratively benefit both societies for a shared future through transnational education (TNE) and transnational research (TNR). In my role as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, I am committed to deepening our ties with India and continuing to support the country’s long-term academic and research aspirations. The Centre will connect generations of scholars and researchers, strengthening existing and forging new bilateral connections and facilitating meaningful educational and cultural exchanges to create more pathways and opportunities for students and scholars to thrive in a global environment”.

 Professor Ashokkumar obtained his Bachelor of Science (1982) and Master (1984) degrees from Madurai- Kamaraj University. In 1989, he obtained his PhD from University of Madras, India. He joined the University of Melbourne in 1996, migrating to Australia with his wife and son from Madurai, India. During his 28-year tenure at Australia’s #1 ranked university (globally ranked 13^th), his passion for teaching and research has seen him rise through the ranks of the University’s Faculty of Science, gaining professorialship in 2011, and becoming Head of School of Chemistry in 2023.

Throughout his career, Professor Ashokkumar has established significant Transnational Education (TNE) and Transnational Research (TNR) programs and helped develop the Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy, which involved partner institutions across India.

Research

Through his research in ultrasonics and sonochemistry, Professor Ashokkumar has made substantial contributions to materials science, food technology, and dairy industries. He is recognised internationally, having published around 540 refereed papers, received approximately AUD$15 million in research grants, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. His work has earned him a high reputation in academic circles, and he has delivered over 300 invited lectures at major conferences and institutions worldwide.

Engagement with India

In 2018, Professor Ashokkumar was appointed to the institution-wide role of Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), developing the University’s India Engagement Strategy 2020–2024. The insight and relationships he brought to this role ensured a partnership model of piloting programs with Indian institutions and then testing them for scaling suitability. As part of this, Professor Ashokkumar played a critical role in the establishment of the Bachelor of Science (Blended) program, the Bachelor of Science dual degree program, and the launch of the University of Melbourne’s Schools Engagement Program in India.

Alongside his appointment as Director at the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar will simultaneously commence as Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor International (South Asia and Middle East) for the University of Melbourne. These two roles reaffirm the University’s dedication to enhancing education and research partnerships in these regions and will be instrumental in delivering the University’s international strategy, Advancing Melbourne Globally.

Chennai, November 21: BCT Digital, a global regulatory technology company, today announced that a prominent mid-segment Private Bank has selected its rt360 Early Warning System (EWS) to automate and strengthen bank’s credit monitoring capabilities.

With rt360 EWS, the bank, with a century-old legacy, will be able to improve its credit monitoring capabilities through state of art capabilities. These include regulatory and custom alerts, tailored scoring models for Retail, Agriculture, and MSME portfolios, and enhanced last-mile delivery mechanisms such as workflows, SMS/Email alerts, reports, and dashboards. The platform will also provide a consolidated view of risks, helping the bank proactively address non-compliance issues and manage credit risk more effectively across its diverse portfolio. rt360 EWS monitors assets worth USD 300 bn, resulting in savings of USD 3 bn that would have otherwise led to NPAs.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, commented, “At BCT Digital, we believe that effective credit monitoring is at the heart of sound risk management, and we are proud to bring our rt360 EWS solution to one of India’s most respected banks. By providing customizable alerts, dynamic scoring models, and a consolidated view of risk, this collaboration will help the bank streamline its processes and respond swiftly to emerging risks. Our product equips financial institutions to navigate regulatory challenges with confidence while making data-driven decisions that drive long-term sustainability.”

Sydney, Australia, November 21, 2024 — AI and generative AI (GenAI) are driving rapid increases in electricity consumption, with data center forecasts over the next two years reaching as high as 160% growth, according to Gartner, Inc. As a result, Gartner predicts 40% of existing AI data centers will be operationally constrained by power availability by 2027.

“The explosive growth of new hyperscale data centers to implement GenAI is creating an insatiable demand for power that will exceed the ability of utility providers to expand their capacity fast enough,” said Bob Johnson, VP Analyst at Gartner. “In turn, this threatens to disrupt energy availability and lead to shortages, which will limit the growth of new data centers for GenAI and other uses from 2026.”

Gartner estimates the power required for data centers to run incremental AI-optimized servers will reach 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year in 2027, which is 2.6 times the level in 2023 (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Estimated Incremental Power Consumption of AI Data Centers, 2022-2027

Source: Gartner (November 2024)

“New larger data centers are being planned to handle the huge amounts of data needed to train and implement the rapidly expanding large language models (LLMs) that underpin GenAI applications,” said Johnson. “However, short-term power shortages are likely to continue for years as new power transmission, distribution and generation capacity could take years to come online and won’t alleviate current problems.”

In the near future, the number of new data centers and the growth of GenAI will be governed by the availability of power to run them. Gartner recommends organizations determine the risks potential power shortages will have on all products and services.

Electricity Prices Will Increase

The inevitable result of impending power shortages is an increase in the price of power, which will also increase the costs of operating LLMs, according to Gartner.

“Significant power users are working with major producers to secure long-term guaranteed sources of power independent of other grid demands,” said Johnson. “In the meantime, the cost of power to operate data centers will increase significantly as operators use economic leverage to secure needed power. These costs will be passed on to AI/GenAI product and service providers as well.”

Gartner recommends organizations evaluate future plans anticipating higher power costs and negotiate long-term contracts for data center services at reasonable rates for power. Organizations should also factor significant cost increases when developing plans for new products and services, while also looking for alternative approaches that require less power.

Sustainability Goals Will Suffer

Zero-carbon sustainability goals will also be negatively affected by short-term solutions to provide more power, as surging demand is forcing suppliers to increase production by any means possible. In some cases, this means keeping fossil fuel plants that had been scheduled for retirement in operation beyond their scheduled shutdown.

“The reality is that increased data center use will lead to increased CO2 emissions to generate the needed power in the short-term,” said Johnson. “This, in turn, will make it more difficult for data center operators and their customers to meet aggressive sustainability goals relating to CO2 emissions.”

Data centers require 24/7 power availability, which renewable power such as wind or solar cannot provide without some form of alternative supply during periods when not generating power, according to Gartner. Reliable 24/7 power can only be generated by either hydroelectric, fossil fuel or nuclear power plants. In the long-term, new technologies for improved battery storage (e.g sodium ion batteries) or clean power (e.g small nuclear reactors) will become available and help achieve sustainability goals.

Gartner recommends organizations re-evaluate sustainability goals relating to CO2 emissions in light of future data center requirements and power sources for the next few years. When developing GenAI applications, they should focus on using a minimum amount of computing power and look at the viability of other options such as edge computing and smaller language models.

Gartner clients can learn more in “Emerging Tech: Power Shortages Will Restrict GenAI Growth and Implementation.”

Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference

Gartner analysts will provide additional analysis on cloud strategies and infrastructure and operations trends at the Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conferences taking place November 19-20 in London, December 3-4 in Tokyo and December 10-12 in Las Vegas. Follow news and updates from these conferences on X using  GartnerIO.

New Delhi, 21 November 2024: At an event held in New Delhi, ETS, the global leader in educational assessment and the organization behind the TOEFL® and GRE® tests recognized the top six students for their outstanding TOEFL® scores. This celebration highlighted the exceptional achievements of students from the region, honoring their dedication and drive to pursue higher education abroad.

In addition to acknowledging student excellence, ETS also celebrated the significant contributions of TOEFL Ambassadors and test prep partners. These individuals and organizations play a vital role in broadening access to global educational opportunities. Through this recognition, ETS reinforced its commitment to empowering both students and partners in their journey toward academic success and international aspirations. Notably, TOEFL remains the world’s most widely accepted English proficiency test, recognized by over 13,000 universities and institutions in more than 160 countries worldwide.

The event featured a presentation by the ETS India leadership team on the changing dynamics of the study abroad landscape, followed by insightful panel discussions with industry experts and a ceremony honoring student achievers. One of the panels, led by Dr. Hardarshdeep Singh Madan, Director of Business Development at ETS India, focused on the topic, “What Drives a Student’s Decision to Study Abroad?” Additionally, Ms. Priank Chhabra, Director of Training at ETS India, conducted a session with TOEFL Star Trainers, who shared their experiences and expertise in guiding students toward TOEFL success.

“ETS is dedicated to empowering students with the tools and support they need to succeed on their path to international education,” said Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia. “The exceptional TOEFL scores achieved by students in this region reflect their hard work, determination, and aspirations to study at some of the world’s top institutions. At ETS, our mission is to support students at every stage of their journey by providing high-quality resources and enhancing access, ensuring they can confidently pursue their global education dreams.”

ETS India recently introduced the TOEFL Official Beginner’s Guide, a tailored resource designed to support first-time TOEFL test takers and study-abroad aspirants. This complimentary guide for students includes comprehensive preparation materials such as practice tests, answer keys, sample responses, and audio files to ensure thorough readiness.

For extended preparation, ETS also offers TOEFL TestReady, a flexible, self-paced learning platform aimed at helping users identify their strengths and areas for improvement. With customized prep plans, scored activities, and interactive exercises, TOEFL TestReady prepares students to take the test with confidence.

The OV81 AMSTF built-in oven combines sophisticated technology, modern design, and user-friendly features to enhance your cooking experience. With its Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, this oven brings convenience to your fingertips, whether you’re preparing everyday meals or hosting a special dinner. Here’s a closer look at what makes the OV81 AMSTF the perfect addition to your kitchen:

Key Features:

• 60 CM Electric Oven with 3D Hot Air Technology
  Cook your dishes evenly, thanks to the 3D Hot Air Technology, which ensures consistent heat distribution throughout the oven. Perfect for baking, roasting, and grilling, this feature guarantees optimum cooking results every time.
• Extra-Large 81L Cavity
  With an 81-liter capacity, this oven is ideal for larger meals and gatherings. Whether you’re roasting a whole turkey or cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, the spacious interior gives you plenty of room.
• Steam Cooking with 1.2L Water Tank
  Steam cooking helps retain the natural flavors and nutrients of your food, making meals healthier and more delicious. The built-in 1.2-liter water tank offers enough capacity for extended steam cooking without frequent refilling.
• Air Fry Mode for Healthy Cooking
  Enjoy crispy, fried-like food with minimal oil using the Air Fry mode. It’s a great way to prepare healthier meals for your family without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Smart TFT Touch Control Panel
  The thin-film-transistor (TFT) display ensures a sharp, high-resolution interface, making it easy to navigate through the oven’s multiple settings and functions. The intuitive controls provide a user-friendly experience while enhancing the oven’s overall aesthetic.
• Improved Image Quality and Contrast
  The TFT control panel not only offers superior functionality but also enhances the image quality with better addressability and contrast, ensuring that all menu options and settings are easy to read and adjust.
• Technologically Advanced Wi-Fi and App Control
  Manage your oven remotely via the Wi-Fi-enabled app control. From preheating to adjusting temperatures, you can control your cooking from anywhere using your smartphone. Never worry about leaving the oven on, or having to rush home to start cooking – your kitchen is always connected to you.
• Premium Black Glass Fascia with Stainless Steel Handle
  The elegant design, featuring a sleek black glass fascia and sturdy stainless steel handle, adds a premium and modern touch to your kitchen. This oven is as stylish as it is functional.
• Super Soft Close Three-Layer Glass Door
  Equipped with a soft-close mechanism, the oven door closes gently and silently, preventing slamming. The three-layer glass door design ensures safety by minimizing heat transfer to the outer surface, keeping the exterior cool to the touch.
• Delay Start Function
  With the Delay Start feature, you can schedule your cooking to begin at your convenience. Whether you want your meal ready when you get home or need it to start at a specific time, the oven takes care of it.
• Child Lock and Alarm
  Safety is paramount with the built-in child lock, preventing unintended use, and the alarm system provides alerts to keep you informed throughout the cooking process.
• Self-Clean Mode: Steam Clean and Descaling Mode
  Maintenance is hassle-free with the Self-Clean Mode. The Steam Clean feature uses steam to loosen grime and grease, making cleanup easier, while the descaling function ensures long-lasting performance by removing mineral buildup.
• Customizable Settings Mode
  Tailor the oven to your preferences by adjusting settings such as Wi-Fi connection, brightness, language, date & time, temperature calibration, water hardness, standby time, and more. Keep your oven up to date with system updates and demo mode.

Why Choose the OV81 AMSTF?

The OV81 AMSTF isn’t just an oven – it’s a smart, multifunctional appliance designed to streamline your cooking while delivering professional-level results. Whether you’re looking for healthy cooking options, enhanced convenience, or cutting-edge design, this oven offers it all. With Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple cooking modes, and premium aesthetics, it’s the ideal choice for those who want the best of both technology and style in their kitchen.

Mumbai, November 21st, 2024 – STAAH, a leading provider of cutting-edge hotel channel management and booking engine solutions and a member of Oracle Partner Network (OPN), today announced that STAAH Max Channel Manager is now available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and integrated with OPERA Cloud via the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP). Oracle Cloud Marketplace serves as a centralized repository of enterprise applications offered by Oracle and Oracle partners

The STAAH Max Channel Manager on Oracle Cloud Marketplace helps hotel operators to maximize online distribution by managing room availability and pricing across multiple online travel agencies and direct booking channels from a single platform. By running on OCI, STAAH delivers enhanced performance, scalability, and security, empowering hotels to improve operational efficiency and increase revenue. Additionally, the solution’s integration with the OPERA Cloud offers near-seamless integration and improved data exchange between systems.

Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a one-stop shop for Oracle customers seeking trusted business applications and services offering unique solutions, including ones that extend Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications.

OCI is a deep and broad platform of cloud infrastructure services that enables customers to build and run a wide range of applications in a scalable, secure, highly available, and high-performance environment. From application development and business analytics to data management, integration, security, AI, and infrastructure services including Kubernetes and VMware, OCI delivers comprehensive security, performance, and cost savings. In addition, with multicloud, hybrid cloud, public cloud, and dedicated cloud options, OCI’s distributed cloud offers customers the benefits of cloud with greater control over data residency, locality, and authority, even across multiple clouds. As a result, customers can bring enterprise workloads to the cloud quickly and efficiently while addressing the strictest regulatory compliance requirements.

“By making STAAH Channel Manager available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace, we are addressing the critical needs of our hotel partners for robust and reliable distribution management,” said Rajesh Ghanshani, Director of Partnerships, STAAH. “STAAH’s participation in Oracle Cloud Marketplace further extends our commitment to the Oracle community and enables customers to easily reap the benefits of STAAH Max Channel Manager. We look forward to leveraging the power of OCI to help us achieve our business goals.”

“We are excited to share our unique brand story with residents of Delhi and offer them a distinct range to express themselves through our garments. The new workplace needs new work clothes! Young men today prefer all-day wear that is convenient, comfortable, and stylish. The Bear House fits right in, offering a collection of flexible dressing options for modern young men in flexible work environments. Our minimalist and unpretentious range of garments allows men to toggle from one workplace to another, be it a corporate office, co-working spaces, or a coffee shop seamlessly,” said Harsh Somaiya, Founder, The Bear House.

Kolkata, 21 November 2024: The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology at JIS University successfully conducted its inaugural offline conference, JISUCONPH2024, at the Swami Vivekananda Academy in Agarpara. Themed “Modern Tools and Approaches in the Emerging Field of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research”, this three-day event brought together distinguished experts and participants from India and abroad to discuss cutting-edge advancements. Esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr.) Wong Tin Wui, Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre Smart Manufacturing Research Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia; Dr. Kampanart Huanbutta, RangsitUniversity, Thailand; Prof. (Dr.) Sitesh Chandra Bachar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dhaka University, Bangladesh; Prof. (Dr.) Panna Thapa, Kathmandu University, Nepal; Prof. (Dr.) Balaram Ghosh, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus; Prof. (Dr.) Monica Gulati, Lovely Professional University; Prof. (Dr.) Mahitosh Mandal,  Professor, School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. (Dr.) Milind Parle, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology; Prof. (Dr.) Guru Prasad Mohanta, former WHO officer, Annamalai University; Prof. (Dr.) Biswajit Mukherjee, Professor ,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India; Prof. (Dr.) Inderbir Singh, Chitkara University, India, and Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, graced the occasion, adding significant value to the conference proceedings.

The conference sessions, spread across three days, featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops focused on modern tools and approaches in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Discussions spanned non-destructive biomedical methods, smart manufacturing in pharmacy, and innovation in drug development. Key topics included the integration of artificial intelligence, advancements in drug delivery systems, and biopharmaceutical research. Each session was structured to encourage comprehensive knowledge exchange, offering participants practical insights into the evolving pharmaceutical landscape and supporting international collaboration.

Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, commented on the event’s impact, stating, “JISUCONPH2024 has been a remarkable convergence of global expertise, laying the groundwork for advancements in pharmaceutical science. This conference not only strengthens our commitment to innovation but also builds a collaborative platform where knowledge knows no borders.”