Archives 2024

December 19, 2024: The Captains Professional Basketball Pvt Ltd (CPBL), in partnership with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), today at an exclusive press conference announced the launch of the Pro International Basketball League (InBL PRO U-25), an initiative to transform Indian basketball by creating superior opportunities. The league is set to commence on January 15, 2025, with six teams fighting for the championship. Post commencement, one game will be played each day, culminating with the final fours in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of March 2025. The players will go in for auction on January 9, 2025, and will feature both Indian and international talent from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and others – and mark the beginning of a bold new chapter for Indian basketball.

Key stakeholders present at the launch included Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President, of BFI, Mr. Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General, of BFI, Mr. Chengalraya Naidu, Treasurer, of BFI, Mr. Rupinder Brar, Founder and Chairman, of INBL Pro, Mr. Abhisek Yash Tyagi, Founder and Co-Chairman, INBL Pro, Mr. Dushyant Khanna, Founder and Director, INBL Pro and Mr. Parveen Batish, CEO, INBL Pro.

The INBL PRO features six franchises and will bring together some of the best young talents from India and the world. Each team will consist of 12 players. The composition of each team includes 6 Indian players under 25 and 6 international players. Ensuring top-tier training and development, the league will feature 12 international coaches and six Indian assistant coaches.

A New Era for Indian Basketball

Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President, the Basketball Federation of India, said, “The INBL PRO U-25 is a significant initiative that will raise the standards of Indian basketball. By blending international expertise with local talent, a new benchmark for the sport is being set in India and we, at BFI is happy to collaborate with INBL in this landmark league. It is first time in India U25 Professional League is starting and the College and youth players will benefit.”

Mr. Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General, Basketball Federation of India, added, “This league will elevate the game in India by creating never-seen-before opportunities for India’s young talent to learn, grow, and compete at a professional level. With international players and coaches, the Indian players will be able to get unmatched experiences that will set them for the global stage.”

International Expansion with the Indian Panthers in New Zealand
Justin Nelson, Commissioner of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZ NBL), has awarded INBL a franchise, the Indian Panthers, to allow Indian talent an international platform in the NZ NBL, one of the world’s top 10 leagues. As a part of this, the top 10-12 Indian players will live and train in Auckland, New Zealand, and represent India for 5 months, competing against other professional teams weekly in high-level international games. The Panthers will also provide Indian players with much-needed exposure to advanced training methodologies, game preparation, and strategy in one of the most competitive basketball environments. It is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Indian players to hone their skills globally.

Mr. Rupinder Brar, Founder and Chairman of INBL Pro, said, “InBL Pro has created aspirational pathways for Indian players to play at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of players. We want to make basketball matter more in India and InBL Pro offers players a chance to compete at a high level, while also entertaining fans with the sport’s fast-paced and dynamic nature.”

“InBL Pro U-25 is all about development, entertainment and global exposure. By taking it international with players, coaches, and venues, we are setting a new benchmark for professional basketball in India. It is a leap towards integrating U25 Indian players into the global basketball ecosystem,” said Mr. Parveen Batish, CEO of INBL Pro.

Approximately 50% of India’s population (1.42 billion) is under the age of 25. This represents a significant pool of untapped talent. By targeting this age bracket, InBL Pro aims to develop players early in their careers and prepare them for international exposure. Combining development, entertainment, and international collaboration, the league represents a transformative step in elevating Indian basketball on the world stage.

December 19, 2024: Godrej Professional, a leading professional hair brand offering hair colour and hair care from the house of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), announced Bollywood’s rising star Sharvari as its first-ever brand ambassador. The reveal took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists on a national stage. Known for her standout performances in films like Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa, Sharvari perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to style, confidence, and empowerment. Her fashion-forward persona and values align seamlessly with Godrej Professional, making her the ideal face of the brand.

Commenting on the development, Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “We are excited to have Sharvari as the very first brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Being a fashion & lifestyle icon, Sharvari has millions who look up to her for her impeccable sense of style and grace. Her association with Godrej Professional comes at a time as we are growing and continuing to expand our footprint in the hair and beauty industry.”

Expressing her excitement about the association, Sharvari said, “It’s an honour to be the first-ever brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Godrej has been a trusted name amongst Indian households for over 120 years and has truly revolutionized the hair colour category in the country. They’re known for their innovative and high-quality hair colour range such as Dimension & Colourplay. Hair has always been a defining part of my style—whether I am embodying a character on screen or turning heads on the red carpet. When approached to represent Godrej Professional, I was thrilled as it resonates with my personal style.”

Sharvari dazzled as the showstopper unveiled 2025’s trending hair color and styling looks. The stunning showcase was curated by Godrej Professional’s dynamic trio: Yianni Tsapatori, Creative Director – Hair; Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head; and Najeeb-Ur-Rehman, Technical Ambassador. Godrej Professional also showcased the Dimensions and Colourplay range of its hair colours.

Alongside the unveiling of its brand ambassador, Godrej Professional announced the winners of Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists’ creativity on a national stage. Out of 400+ entries received; 30 finalists showcased curated hair color looks in a grand hair show. Bhavin Bavaliya, from Bonanza Beauty Lounge based in Rajkot, won First Place, receiving INR 5 lakh and the chance to collaborate with a celebrity, marking a milestone in their career. Priyanka Sinha of Kaixo Academy from Kolkata secured Second Place with INR 2.5 lakh, while Laltlan Kimi – Luv Salon from Bengaluru took Third Place with INR 1.5 lakh. A jury including celebrity stylist Yianni Tsapatori, (Creative Director – Hair, Godrej Professional); Monica Bahl (CEO of Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council); and Kanishka Ramchandani (Editor, Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal India); along with special guest jury – actress Adaa Khan and Helly Shah, selected the winners.

Through Spotlight, the 30 shortlisted hair stylists underwent ‘the Recognition of Prior Learning’ certification program from the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), an Awarding Body of the National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Through this program, the hairstylists received National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned Government of India certification. The 30 hair stylists can now use the certificate to procure loans for professional endeavors. Godrej Professional Spotlight is supported by the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) as Industry Trade Partner and Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal India as a Trade Media Partner.

Monica Bahl, CEO, of the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), emphasized the initiative’s impact, stating, “Godrej Professional Spotlight is a shining example of how skill development and industry collaboration can drive growth and recognition for hairstylists across India. By partnering with Godrej Professional, we are elevating Indian talent to global standards and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of salon professionals.”

Abhinav Grandhi of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), added, “We are incredibly proud of the overwhelming response to Godrej Professional Spotlight. This platform not only offers an opportunity for talented hairstylists to showcase their creativity but also reflects our commitment towards education and training. Through this initiative, we aim to empower stylists with the skills and exposure necessary to excel in an increasingly competitive market. This is just one of our steps towards our long-term commitment to nurture and uplift India’s salon professionals.”

The Godrej Professional Spotlight event celebrating hair artistry and the spirit of fashion, was attended by over 300 hair stylists. Adding to the glamour, renowned actor Karanvir Bohra hosted the event, making it a memorable celebration of talent and creativity.

19 December 2024: Interarch Building Products Limited, a pioneer in Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), a leading name in steel manufacturing. This partnership is set to redefine India’s urban infrastructure by promoting the use of steel as the preferred material for multi-story buildings, data centers, and heavy structures.

This collaboration will leverage Interarch’s expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, and project management alongside JSPL’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities for heavier structures, enabling the development of high-performance steel solutions. Together, the two companies aim to drive innovation in the construction industry by advocating for sustainable and efficient urban development practices.

Steel is becoming the material of choice for modern urban construction due to its speed, strength, flexibility, and sustainability. The partnership between Interarch and JSPL seeks to address these demands by combining the former’s proficiency in PEB construction with the latter’s advanced steel production capabilities.

Mr. Arvind Nanda, Founder and Managing Director of Interarch Building Products Limited, said: “Our partnership with Jindal Steel & Power marks a significant step in transforming India’s urban landscape. By enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of construction, we aim to support India’s vision for smarter, safer cities.”

Mr. Ajay Agarwal, EVP, Construction Material Business, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, added: “This strategic partnership with Interarch underscores our commitment to transforming India’s urban infrastructure. By integrating our high-quality, innovative steel solutions with Interarch’s engineering expertise, we aim to set new benchmarks for sustainable,
future-ready construction practices that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving nation.”

Additional Areas of Collaboration
1. Marketing & Awareness Campaigns:
Joint efforts such as seminars, webinars, and conferences for architects and developers to promote the advantages of steel construction.
2. Technical Expertise & Training:
Workshops and technical resources to educate industry professionals on the latest steel design and construction techniques.
3. Advocacy & Policy Support:
Engagement with industry bodies and government agencies to promote favorable policies for steel-based construction.

This partnership signifies a remarkable leap toward transforming India’s urban infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and durable construction solutions.

19th December 2024: As India accelerates its journey toward a $5 trillion economy by 2025, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) continues to set new standards in integrated infrastructure development. Aiming to ensure the effective adoption of PM GatiShakti across states, Primus Partners – India’s leading home-grown consultancy has outlined seven transformative strategies.

Launched in 2021, PM GatiShakti NMP has grown from a platform supporting nine Infrastructure Ministries to include 16 Social Ministries, 15 Economic Ministries, and five other Ministries. Today, it integrates over 1,614 data layers from 36 States/UTs and 44 Central Ministries. Its adoption has already demonstrated measurable results, such as:
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways reduced pre-alignment preparation time from six months to just 15 days
• The Ministry of Railways increased the construction of new rail lines from 4 km/day to 12 km/day
• The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas shortened the time for generating Electronic Detailed Report Surveys (e-DRS) from 6-9 months to 24 hours, resulting in resulting in savings of INR 169 crores (USD 20 million) through optimized pipeline alignment for the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG). These outcomes underscore the potential of the program to address long-standing inefficiencies in infrastructure planning.

Despite these successes, ensuring PM GatiShakti’s uniform adoption across states remains a challenge. Recognizing this, Primus Partners has laid out seven actionable strategies to optimize platform usage:
1. Enhance GIS mapping: Ensure precise representation of assets for better planning
2. Assign comprehensive data attributes: Include detailed attributes to enable efficient decision-making
3. Standardize frameworks: Develop uniform guidelines and SOPs for data integration across departments
4. Implement robust data validation: Adopt layered mechanisms for accuracy and reliability in data usage
5. Digitize land records: Address bottlenecks in land acquisition with updated, accurate data
6. Adopt institutional frameworks: Regularize meetings and approvals through Network Planning Groups (NPG) and Empowered Groups of Secretaries (EGoS)
7. Build capacity: Conduct training workshops and provide resources to support state officials in leveraging the portal effectively

Speaking on the transformative potential of the initiative, Davinder Sandhu, Chairman and Co-founder, Primus Partners, said, “Initially focused on multimodal logistics infrastructure for seamless connectivity, the program has expanded its scope to include comprehensive physical and social infrastructure development, leveraging the Area Development Approach and emphasizing economic corridor planning.

Some of the recent developments of PM GatiShakti are the launch of the District Master Plan portal with necessary planning tools and data layers developed based on discussion with District administration and plan to open access to PM GatiShakti NMP to the private sector by leveraging the platform’s extensive data repository for planning and implementing infrastructure projects efficiently. These advancements signify the program’s shift toward inclusive and collaborative infrastructure development, integrating public and private efforts to achieve the broader vision of sustainable growth and connectivity.”

Primus Partners also emphasizes that states in the early stages of portal adoption can accelerate their progress through policy mandates, adherence to Quality Improvement Plans, and continuous training initiatives. To ensure effective implementation, the appointment of nodal officers from each department or division is recommended to enhance coordination. By fostering collaboration across ministries and encouraging private sector participation, the PM GatiShakti portal has the potential to serve as a transformative tool for India’s infrastructure development.

December 19, 2024: The 19th edition of the India Digital Summit (IDS), the flagship annual conference of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is scheduled for January 16-17, 2025, at Aerocity, New Delhi. Being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and Digital India, the theme of IDS 2025 is “Bharat’s Digital Path: Empowering Future Innovators”.

IDS is India’s oldest and largest conference of the digital ecosystem that brings together policymakers, regulators, senior bureaucrats, industry captains, C-suit executives, academicians, and senior professionals to deliberate the prospects and challenges before all digital sectors and showcase the latest products and services. IDS 2025 has been upscaled many times from previous years’ ones, with an agenda of over 300 sessions spread across 17 tracks, covering all sectors of the digital industry. It is expected to draw more than 15,000 delegates. An expansive exhibition with 100 stalls where more than 50 leading digital brands will showcase their latest innovations will be an integral part of IDS 2025. Numerous ancillary activities such as roundtables, workshops, industry meet-ups, masterclasses, hackathons, breakfast meetings, and sundowners, are set to galvanize the conference into a unique mix of insights, networking,g and exposure to cutting-edge Digitech.

The tracks in which the movers and shakers of India’s digital world will share their insights exemplify the depth and expanse of IDS 2025: Advertising, Artificial Intelligence, Banking, D2C & Logistics, Data & Security, Gig Economy, Global Capability Centres (GCGs), eCommerce, Education, Entertainment, Investments, Multiuser Technologies, Startup, Tech for Health, Tech for Rural, Tech for Sports, and Tech for Travel.

IDS 2025 will have a special focus on startups. There will be a ‘Startup Street’, and ‘Startup Pitching Sessions’ which will provide emerging startups with a dedicated space and sessions to showcase their innovations, visions and plans, through exhibitions, live demos, and one-on-one meetings, before industry leaders, venture capitalists, and domain experts to pitch for funding and partnership.

Instituted under IDS is India’s most prestigious bouquet of digital awards, the India Digital Awards (IDA). Adjudicated by a jury comprising over 40 industry stalwarts, the 15th IDA will be given away in four categories, divided into 47 subcategories, recognizing and celebrating digital excellence.

Underlining the necessity to bridge the various kinds of digital divides that persist across India, despite the country’s exemplary digital growth over the past decade, IAMAI has also introduced 2024 a special bouquet of awards under the IDS umbrella, the Digital Responsibility Awards (DRA). Divided into nine categories, the 2nd DRA will honor companies, campaigns and individuals who have made commendable contributions in bridging the digital divides.

Researchers from Monash University have connected experts from India and Australia to help improve the quality of life for people affected by sleep disorders.

Sleep researchers, physicians, representatives from professional sleep medicine associations, and delegates from Apollo Hospitals met at a roundtable at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi to strengthen engagement in health research.

The group will establish the Australia-India Sleep Health Collaborative Initiative to foster bilateral relationships and address mutual challenges in sleep health by promoting the implementation of sleep medicine clinics in India. There will also be a focus on developing innovative care models that integrate Ayurvedic principles with modern practices.

Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, Professor of Sleep and Circadian Medicine, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia, co-hosted the meeting with Apollo Hospitals. Clinical Professor Garun Hamilton, Respiratory and Sleep Disorders physician at Monash Health, was also in attendance. Professor Rajaratnam said this collaborative and integrative approach presents a unique opportunity to address sleep disorders, such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and circadian rhythm disorders, on a global scale.

“This roundtable will strengthen Australia-India engagement in sleep and circadian health research by establishing a network of experts from both countries to facilitate ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange,” Professor Rajaratnam said.

“Addressing this growing public health crisis requires a multifaceted approach. There is an urgent need for personalized healthcare models and evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatments.

“This underscores the profound impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on overall health and mortality risk, and the importance of including sleep health as a core component of a preventive health framework.”

Professor Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals, Lt. Gen Dr Bipin Puri, Director Medical Services, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi along with their experts from Sleep Medicine and Apollo Clinical Innovation Group co-hosted this roundtable discussion meeting.

Mr. Rajiv Vasudevan, CEO of Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, led by his team of doctors D.r Zankhana Buch, Senior Consultant Physician, Dr Supraja Reddy, Senior Consultant Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Dr Meera Sathish, Senior Consultant Research also attended this discussion meeting.

They were joined by Dr Himanshu Garg, Respiratory & Sleep Physician, Australia, Dr B.P Singh, Ex-President elect of South East Asian Academy of Sleep Medicine (SEAASM), Dr Shivani Swami, Secretary of SEAASM, Dr Pratibha Dogra, President elect of the of SEAASM, Dr Viny Kantroo, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi and others.

Other key outcomes of the discussions identified priority areas for collaborative research initiatives in sleep and circadian medicine, leveraging the diverse expertise of academics, physicians, healthcare providers, and industry professionals from both countries.

Why is this collaboration so important?

Research has shown that insufficient sleep is a critical public health concern with far-reaching consequences. Reduced sleep duration is associated with at least seven of the 15 leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and accidents.

In India, sleep disorders have reached alarming levels, with recent studies indicating a substantial burden of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Estimates suggest that approximately 52 million Indians of working age suffer from OSA, with 29 million experiencing moderate-to-severe cases.

Compounding this issue, an estimated 37 percent of older adults in India experience insomnia highlighting the widespread nature of sleep disturbances across age groups.

December 19, 2024: Paytm Money, India’s home-grown Wealth Tech app, has launched the ‘Pay Later’ Margin Trading Facility, allowing investors to buy and invest in stocks by paying just a fraction of the total value upfront. The platform will fund the balance amount and charge a nominal introductory interest of 1% per month on trades executed through ‘Pay Later’ (MTF). This enhances investors’ ability to capitalize on market opportunities and ensures that investors pay only for the funds they actually use.

This launch of Pay Later (MTF) on Paytm Money would benefit traders and investors by making trading more accessible and flexible, particularly to those looking to enhance their exposure to the stock market without committing the full capital upfront. Additionally, it democratizes stock market participation, making it easier and more affordable for retail investors across the country.

As part of its commitment to providing a seamless experience, Paytm Money has designed the Pay Later (MTF) activation process to be simple and user-friendly. Investors can activate Pay Later (MTF) in a few minutes directly through their account settings, in a seamless way. Alternatively, users can enable Pay Later (MTF) while placing an order for any eligible stock by selecting the ‘Margin’ option and agreeing to the terms and conditions right on the order page.

Rakesh Singh, MD & CEO, of Paytm Money said, “We are committed to simplifying investments and enhancing financial accessibility. Our ‘Pay Later (Margin Trading Facility)’ enhances the purchasing power of investors, especially those looking to increase their exposure to the stock market without committing the full capital upfront. This initiative aligns with our goal to democratize financial growth, making stock market investing more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.”

The platform has introduced a limited-time affordable interest rate of 1% per month, which will be valid until 31st March 2025. With nearly 1,000 MTF-enabled stocks and competitive interest rates, it will enable traders and investors to optimize their investment opportunities with limited funds.

Paytm Money also offers a ‘Margin Pledge’ through which traders can use their stock holdings to get leverage for their trades. With Pay Later (MTF), traders have another facility to use the power of leverage. It has also broadened its extensive range of services including the launch of the BSE Futures & Options (BSE F&O) trading service giving traders the option to trade SENSEX and BANKEX Option contracts.

Notably, Paytm Money recently unveiled a newly redesigned app in a major revamp to simplify investing and enhance user experience. The revamped app features an intuitive interface, personalized dashboards, and smarter tools to empower investors at every step. With enhanced portfolio insights, improved transaction flows, and actionable dashboards for Stocks and F&O trading, the new app caters to the evolving needs of modern investors.

19th December 2024: The healthcare sector in India has emerged as the most targeted industry for cyber threats, according to the latest cyber threat report released by Seqrite, the enterprise security arm of Quick Heal, a global provider of cybersecurity solutions. The report, prepared by researchers at Seqrite Labs, India’s largest malware analysis facility, in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), highlights a concerning trend, with healthcare accounting for 21.82% of all detected cyber threats in 2024, surpassing other high-risk industries such as hospitality (19.57%) and banking, financial services, and insurance (17.38%).

The report, titled ‘India Cyber Threat Report 2025’, also reveals that the healthcare industry experienced an average of 37.29 detections per endpoint, the highest among all sectors analyzed. This vulnerability is attributed to several factors, including the sensitive nature of medical data, outdated systems, and the rapid digitization of healthcare services such as electronic health records and telemedicine platforms. These elements have made healthcare organizations attractive targets for sophisticated cybercriminals.

Malware detections in the healthcare sector were dominated by Trojans, which accounted for 43.38% of all threats. Infectors followed at 34.23%, while worms constituted 8.43%. These malicious programs often exploit vulnerabilities in legacy systems or use phishing tactics to gain unauthorized access to networks. The report also noted that ransomware, though comprising a smaller percentage of detections at 0.30%, remains a significant threat due to its potential to disrupt critical healthcare operations.

Geographically, Telangana recorded the highest detection rate in India with 55.90 detections per endpoint, followed by Tamil Nadu and Delhi. The report also highlights the vulnerability of major urban centers, with Surat leading at 69.34 detections per endpoint, followed by Bengaluru and Jaipur. The prominence of these regions reflects their advanced digital infrastructure and high concentration of technology-driven industries, which inadvertently increases their exposure to cyber risks.

Emerging threats targeting the healthcare sector included Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), vulnerabilities in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), supply chain attacks, and AI-powered attacks. These sophisticated threats exploit the increased digitization and interconnectedness of healthcare systems, posing significant risks to patient data and critical healthcare services.

To combat these evolving threats, Seqrite recommends conducting regular security audits, employee training on cybersecurity best practices, implementation of advanced threat detection systems, and collaboration with cybersecurity firms. The findings of the ‘India Cyber Threat Report 2025’ underscore the critical need for the healthcare industry to prioritize cybersecurity investments and strengthen defenses against the growing tide of cyberattacks.

The implications of these findings extend beyond the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, nationwide approach to cybersecurity. As India continues its digital transformation, protecting critical infrastructure, including healthcare systems, becomes paramount for national security and public health. The joint report prepared by Seqrite and DSCI serves as a wake-up call for healthcare providers and policymakers to bolster their defenses and adapt to the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

December 19th, 2024: Wrapping up an eventful year with a bang, POCO, one of India’s most dynamic consumer tech brands, proudly announces the launch of two groundbreaking smartphones—POCO M7 Pro 5G and POCO C75 5G. Designed to push boundaries in their respective segments, these devices redefine what’s possible in display brilliance, performance, and affordability.

“At POCO, we’ve always believed in crafting tech that empowers everyone,” said Himanshu Tandon, Country Head of POCO India. “The M7 Pro 5G is a powerhouse that reimagines the mid-range category with the segment’s brightest AMOLED display, immersive audio, and flagship-grade cameras. Meanwhile, the C75 5G is the most affordable 5G smartphone, with Only Sony sensor. With these launches, POCO stays true to its mission of delivering more innovation and more value to our fans.”

POCO M7 Pro 5G – The Ultimate Entertainment Beast

Unmatched Visual Brilliance

Set your sights on the segment’s brightest AMOLED display, offering a dazzling 2100 nits peak brightness on a 6.67” GOLED FHD+ screen. With HDR10+ and a 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, every frame comes to life with stunning clarity and fluidity.

Immersive Audio

Dive into a cinematic experience with Dolby Atmos-powered speakers, featuring a 300% volume boost for immersive sound.

Flagship-Grade Photography

From vibrant landscapes to detailed night shots, the 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera with OIS and segment’s largest f/1.5 aperture ensures every click is exceptional. With AI-powered features like AI Night Mode and AI Zoom, photography feels effortless.

Elegant Design Meets Durability

Crafted with a slim 7.99mm premium dual-tone finish and Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the M7 Pro 5G seamlessly blends style and strength.

Power-Packed Performance

Driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset and 7,820.5mm² Graphite Cooling system, this device delivers smooth multitasking and lag-free gaming.

Reliable Battery Life

A massive 5110mAh battery with 45W fast charging ensures you’re always powered up.

Available in Lunar Dust, Lavender Frost, and Olive Twilight, the M7 Pro 5G is as beautiful as it is powerful.

POCO C75 5G – India’s Most Affordable 5G Smartphone

Future-Ready Connectivity

At an incredible price point, the C75 5G brings dual 5G SIM support, ensuring you’re always connected to the latest network technology.

Photography Redefined

Featuring a 50MP Sony camera, this segment-first device captures stunning photos with 4-in-1 Pixel Binning and advanced aperture settings. Classic film filters add a nostalgic charm to your shots.

Lag-Free Powerhouse

Powered by the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor, the segment’s only 4nm chip, the C75 5G offers seamless performance for gaming, multitasking, and more.

Largest, Smoothest Display

The 6.88” HD+ screen with 600 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate promises vibrant visuals. With TÜV-certified eye care, enjoy long hours of entertainment comfortably.

Built to Last

A 5160mAh battery with 18W fast charging, IP52 splash resistance, and ergonomic design ensure the C75 5G stands the test of time.

Available in Enchanted Green, Aqua Blue, and Silver Stardust, this device is all about blending style, utility, and durability.

December 19, 2024: LEAD Group, India’s leading School Edtech pioneer, today announced the launch of Pinnacle — a first-of-its-kind, modern curriculum solution that combines deeply researched curriculum, pedagogy, and content — to address the unmet needs of more than 60,000 high-fee schools across India. Pinnacle brings the much-needed innovation and academic excellence that India’s high-fee schools are seeking beyond regular curricula. Pinnacle not only combines deeply researched, NCF-aligned curriculum, pedagogy, and content but also blends AI and other advanced education technologies to enable a truly multi-modal, personalized and adaptive learning experience for students. Over the next 3 years, Pinnacle is expected to contribute 40% of LEAD Group’s total revenue, underscoring its importance in the company’s growth strategy.

Parental spending in the high-fee school segment is projected to reach Rs. 4,300 billion by 2030, reflecting a growing demand for quality education. Pinnacle’s deeply researched solutions will meet this rising parental demand for propulsive education.

Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, LEAD Group, said, “Designed and developed in India, Pinnacle is built on more than two years of research and insights from collaborations with schools nationwide. It addresses the long-unfulfilled needs of progressive Indian schools by offering a modern curriculum solution that builds on the best in curriculum, pedagogy and technology, and is fully aligned with NCF 2023. This is a first in school education in India and marks a significant shift from traditional approaches that have primarily focused on books, or standalone software or smart classroom content. We are building an education brand that is made in India and is the best in the world!”

Pinnacle’s flagship innovation, the TECHBOOK, introduces India’s first AI-enabled intelligent books, personalizing learning through data-driven insights and AR-enhanced experiences to boost student learning outcomes. Pinnacle also includes Code.AI, a project-based coding and AI program with a free coding platform designed to nurture technology creators and innovators. The TECHBOOK and Code.AI build on Pinnacle’s Textbook series that leverages world-renowned pedagogies for deeper conceptual understanding Pinnacle also includes ACADEMIA for AI-powered assessments and teacher training for schools; and Pinnacle+ for comprehensive school support, including curriculum integration and infrastructure upgrades.

Pinnacle by LEAD Group meets the growing demand for innovation and integration in progressive Indian schools striving to distinguish themselves. It empowers schools to streamline operations while maintaining the highest standards of learning.