Archives 2024

17th December 2024: Pastiche, a one-of-a-kind cultural and culinary destination, is set to open its doors, promising a blend of art, culture, and an exquisite European-inspired elevated café experience. True to its name, Pastiche embodies the idea of transforming traditional influences into fresh, modern expressions. Drawing inspiration from the word itself—meaning a work of art that combines elements from diverse styles—the restaurant brings a new dimension to the city’s dining scene by merging classical European elegance with a distinctly modern twist.

Step into a world where culture and cuisine dance together, crafting unforgettable flavors and stories on every plate. With décor influenced by European bistros, featuring textured walls, warm lighting, and vintage-style chairs, the ambiance exudes charm and elegance, complemented by thoughtfully placed artistic touches.

Here, each wall transforms into a dynamic display, reinterpreting classic masterpieces into something unique—a vision perfectly aligned with Pastiche’s culinary philosophy.

Behind the unique concept of Pastiche are three visionary founders: Dhruv Sharma, Shirin Sharma, and Guido Van Steijn. Driven by a shared passion for travel and uncovering one-of-a-kind experiences around the world, the trio draws inspiration from their global adventures to craft unique spaces and concepts in India. Pastiche reflects this ethos—a harmonious blend of influences, reimagined to create a vibrant community hub in Gurgaon where food, culture, and connection come alive.

Under the culinary guidance of Chef Madhav, who brings experience from Michelin-starred kitchens and a flair for inventive European fusion, Pastiche reimagines classic dishes with bold, unexpected twists. Highlights include the Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, a velvety starter topped with pepper chantilly and paired with black garlic brioche; Green Goddess Salad, a fresh mix of kale, avocado, and confit lemon vinaigrette; and the Lobster Ravioli, served with a luxurious saffron bisque. For those craving something heartier, the Pressed Pork Belly with port sauce offers a rich, decadent main course option. Each dish is crafted to surprise and delight, with ingredients and techniques inspired by Chef Madhav’s extensive culinary journey.

Pastiche’s menu is a fusion of nostalgia and curiosity, evoking the comfort of traditional European flavors with a creative, modern approach. With curated cocktails featuring premium spirits thoughtfully paired with each dish, the dining experience is elevated to a holistic sensory journey that lingers long after the meal.

The restaurant’s ambiance and menu invite guests to enjoy more than just a meal—it’s a space where flavors, stories, and experiences come together to spark moments of discovery and connection. Pastiche aspires to be more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural hub where the flavors, art, and stories behind each dish spark conversation and foster a deeper sense of community.

• It houses an ATM, available 24×7

Chhatarpur: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Panna road in Chhatarpur. The branch, which is the second of the Bank in the city, and fourth in the district, is equipped with an ATM.

The branch was inaugurated by Mr. Sachin Upadhyay, Zonal Head (Retail- MP East), ICICI Bank.

The branch, located in the agricultural belt of Madhya Pradesh, offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan, tractor loan, gold loan, business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising chequebook request, generation of e-statements and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has more than 290 branches, and over 490 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Madhya Pradesh.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centers, internet banking (www.icicibank.com), and mobile banking.

December 17, 2024 – Qlik, a global leader in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), today unveiled research of 4,200 C-Suite executives and AI decision-makers globally. An independent study conducted in November 2024, examined AI adoption challenges and opportunities, including attitudes toward ‘buy-to-build’ deployment strategies. It covered 19 markets and focused on key sectors such as IT, financial services, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

In India, 57% of executives view AI as essential for achieving strategic goals and boosting profitability. However, many organizations struggle to transition from planning to execution due to challenges such as skills gaps, governance issues, trust deficits, and resource constraints. Alarmingly, 20% of businesses report having 51 to over 100 AI projects stalled at the planning stage, while 12% have scrapped or halted projects entirely. To address these hurdles, Indian companies are increasingly adopting ready-made AI solutions to expedite implementation and achieve measurable ROI.

Key Barriers Hindering AI Adoption: Skills, Trust, and Governance

The research highlights critical gaps preventing AI adoption in India. It reports that 31% of Indian businesses lack the talent required to develop AI, 18% face difficulties in rolling out developed solutions and 26% of AI decision-makers cited insufficient access to trusted data as additional obstacle. Furthermore, 28% of respondents cited data governance challenges as a major roadblock, while 25% pointed to budget constraints as a critical hurdle.

The study reveals that 41% of senior managers and 38% of less senior employees lack confidence in AI, while 16% of businesses report concerns about customer trust in AI-driven systems. Notably, 57% of respondents indicated that these trust issues have led to reduced AI investments.

‘Ready-Made’ AI Solutions and Training: A Path Forward

To overcome these barriers, 78% of Indian AI leaders see value in leveraging ‘ready-made’ AI solutions as a starting point to accelerate deployment and ROI. Building trust is another critical focus, with organizations looking to promote AI benefits internally and externally.

Upskilling and Government Support for AI Development

Upskilling is also seen as pivotal to addressing the skills gap, while securing government support is also crucial to overcoming barriers to AI adoption in India. 79% of AI decision makers believe India has the potential to lead the world in AI skills in the next five years. To achieve this, 80% believe their industries need to be better at nurturing and upskilling staff for AI, and 78% advocate for increased government funding and AI training programs.

Unlocking AI’s Potential with Agentic AI

“Business leaders know the value of AI, but they face a multitude of barriers that prevent them from moving from proof of concept to deployment of the technology. The first step to creating an AI strategy is to diagnose where the potential blockades are – be it skills, resource,s or data governance issues. By creating a multifaceted picture of the organization’s challenges, you start to build trust and win management buy-in to help you succeed,” said James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer at Qlik.

“India has the talent and ambition to play a key role in the global AI landscape. To make this happen, we need to focus on developing AI skills, building trust in AI, and helping businesses address challenges around governance and resources. AI is already making an impact across industries, but to fully realize its potential, organizations must tackle issues of trust, data governance, and skills shortages. Our findings emphasize the importance of collaboration between businesses, governments, and educational institutions to strengthen AI capabilities and build trust in these technologies,” said Varun Babbar, Managing Director, India at Qlik.

The survey included insights from 250 senior managers and board-level executives in India who are directly involved in overseeing AI projects at large enterprises with 500 to 4,999 employees. These participants represented diverse industries, including IT and telecommunications (16%), financial services (12%), manufacturing (11%), retail (7%), construction and engineering (7%), as well as healthcare and pharmaceuticals (6%), providing a comprehensive view of AI adoption across key sectors.

17th December 2024: Mahindra University has announced the launch of the School of Hospitality Management in Hyderabad today. The school introduced a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Culinary and Hospitality Management, which aims to equip students with an integrated culinary excellence offering in the dynamic hospitality management business. The course is designed to nurture versatile global professionals combining traditional and core skills with modern technological advancements. This new school will open doors to exciting global opportunities, with a focus on innovation, analytics, and sustainability.

Admissions for the first academic session, 30 seats, will open in January 2025, with classes starting in February 2025. The regular academic session, 60 seats, will begin in August 2025.

All students after their 10+2 across all streams from any statutory board with an 80% score are eligible to apply for the course. They can avail of admission through a valid NCHMCT JEE entrance examination score or by qualifying for the Mahindra University Hospitality Management Entrance Test-2025 (MUHET 2025). A panel interview for shortlisted candidates will follow this. Students can apply online at www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in by filling out the application form.

The School of Hospitality Management has academic partnerships with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including Virginia Tech, Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, Swiss Hotel Management School, César Ritz Colleges and Culinary Arts Academy, Switzerland. The school has also partnered with Mahindra Holidays and Club Mahindra, two of India’s most renowned hospitality brands. These collaborations offer students invaluable industry insights, hands-on training, and opportunities for students to have direct exposure to operational aspects of hospitality, helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices.

According to Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, of Mahindra University, “The School of Hospitality is a remarkable addition to our portfolio of cutting-edge programs, designed to seamlessly integrate industry expertise with academic excellence. This new school will empower its students to master the latest trends and technologies in this ever-evolving field. Guided by renowned faculty, our students will experience an exceptional learning environment through masterclasses, interactive workshops, and immersive real-world simulations, equipping them to lead and innovate in this dynamic field.”

Chef K. Thirugnanasambantham, Dean, the School of Hospitality, at Mahindra University, said, “The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and to stay ahead of the curve, we need to equip our students with a comprehensive skill set that includes technical expertise and strategic thinking. This program is designed to develop culinary skills and cultivate leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices. We aim to inspire students to think critically and innovatively, positioning them to lead and create impactful change in the hospitality industry.”

“Our program will also focus on emerging and futuristic areas, such as enhancing customer experiences through technology and culinary product innovation to address lifestyle diseases. By exploring the intersection of technology and culinary arts, we will empower students to design innovative solutions that elevate guest experiences while contributing to health and wellness trends. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our graduates are prepared for today’s challenges and equipped to lead the future of the hospitality industry. Launching the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Culinary and Hospitality Management at the School of Hospitality, Mahindra University, marks a significant step in transforming hospitality education in India. With its unique combination of academic rigor, industry partnerships, and a focus on leadership and entrepreneurship, this program promises to be a game-changer for students aspiring to succeed in the global hospitality landscape,” he added.

India’s hospitality and culinary sector generates approximately $250 billion annually, representing around 7.5% of the nation’s GDP. Driven by the expanding domestic and international tourism markets, the industry is set to create over 10 million new jobs by 2033. The sector plays a pivotal role in the global economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, entrepreneurship opportunities, and skill development.

December 17, 2024 – Trend Micro Incorporated, a global cybersecurity leader, today warned that highly customized, AI-powered attacks could supercharge scams, phishing and influence operations in 2025 and beyond.

Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India & SAARC, Trend Micro: “As generative AI makes its way ever deeper into enterprises and the societies they serve, we need to be alert to the threats. Hyper-personalized attacks and agent AI subversion will require industry-wide effort to root out and address. Business leaders should remember that there’s no such thing as standalone cyber risk today. All security risk is ultimately business risk, with the potential to impact future strategy profoundly.”

Trend’s 2025 predictions report warns of the potential for malicious “digital twins,” where breached/leaked personal information (PII) is used to train an LLM to mimic the knowledge, personality, and writing style of a victim/employee. When deployed in combination with deepfake video/audio and compromised biometric data, they could be used to convince identity fraud or to “honeytrap” a friend, colleague, or family member.

Deepfakes and AI could also be leveraged in large-scale, hyper-personalized attacks to:
· Enhance business compromise (BEC/BPC) and “fake employee” scams at scale.
· Identify pig butchering victims.
· Lure and romance these victims before handing them off to a human operator, who can chat via the “personality filter” of an LLM.
· Improved open-source intelligence gathering by adversaries.
· Capability development in pre-attack prep will improve attack success.
· Create authentic-seeming social media personas at scale to spread mis/disinformation and scams.

Elsewhere, businesses that adopt AI in greater numbers in 2025 will need to be on the lookout for threats such as:
· Vulnerability exploitation and hijacking of AI agents to manipulate them into performing harmful or unauthorized actions.
· Unintended information leakage (from GenAI)
· Benign or malicious system resource consumption by AI agents, leading to denial of service.

Outside the world of AI threats
The report highlights additional areas for concern in 2025, including:

Vulnerabilities
· Memory management and memory corruption bugs, vulnerability chains, and exploits targeting APIs
· More container escapes
· Older, simpler vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injections
· The potential for a single vulnerability in a widely adopted system to ripple across multiple models and manufacturers, such as a connected vehicle ECU

Ransomware
Threat actors will respond to advances in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tooling by:
· Creating kill chains that use locations where most EDR tools aren’t installed (e.g., cloud systems or mobile, edge, and IoT devices)
· Disabling AV and EDR altogether
· Using bring your own vulnerable driver (BYOVD) techniques.
· Hiding shellcodes inside inconspicuous loaders
· Redirecting Windows subThe result will be faster attacks with fewer steps in the kill chain that are harder to detect.system execution to compromise EDR/AV detection.

Time for action
In response to these escalating threats and an expanding corporate attack surface, Trend recommends:
· Implementing a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, enabling centralized identification of diverse assets and effective risk assessment/prioritization/mitigation
· Harnessing AI to assist with threat intelligence, asset profile management, attack path prediction, and remediation guidance—ideally from a single platform.
· Updating user training and awareness in line with recent AI advances and how they enable cybercrime.
· Monitoring and securing AI technology against abuse, including security for input and response validation or actions generated by AI
· For LLM security: hardening sandbox environments, implementing strict data validation, and deploying multi-layered defenses against prompt injection
· Understanding the organization’s position within the supply chain, addressing vulnerabilities in public-facing servers, and implementing multi-layered defenses within internal networks
· Facilitating end-to-end visibility into AI agents
· Implementing Attack Path Prediction to mitigate cloud threats

December 17th, 2024: This week, royalty collection agencies from the Asia-Pacific region convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the annual CISAC and APMA conference. The event also marked a special milestone—the 35th anniversary of the Malaysian sister society, Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Berhad (MACP).

To commemorate the occasion, Shri Javed Akhtar, Chairman of the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS), and Shri Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, presented the MACP Chairman with a stunning marble statue of Maa Saraswati, the goddess of learning and patron of arts and music. The gesture symbolized IPRS’s dedication to fostering cultural bonds and honoring the shared artistic heritage of the region.

During the ceremony, Shri Javed Akhtar delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the significance of Saraswati Devi in Indian culture as a guiding force for creativity and wisdom. He extended his heartfelt wishes for MACP’s continued success and growth, underscoring the unity and collaboration between copyright societies in Asia.

Reflecting on Reflecting on IPRS’s participation, lyricist, screenwriter, actor, and IPRS Board Member Mayur Puri said, said, “This conference is a testament to the unity of creators across borders. By honoring our shared artistic heritage, we reaffirm not just our dedication to protecting the rights of creators, but also our responsibility to enrich the cultural fabric of our region. The presentation of Maa Saraswati’s statue embodies IPRS’s commitment to celebrating creativity and wisdom while building lasting cultural bonds.”

IPRS remains steadfast in its mission to represent Indian music creators globally and promote Indian values and culture, strengthening international partnerships and advancing the rights of creators worldwide.

December 17, 2024: International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) is hosting the 29th annual International Conference on Advanced Computing and Communications 2024 (ADCOM 2024) from 18th – 20th December 2024 at IIIT-Bangalore.

ADCOM is the flagship Systems Conference of the Advanced Computing and Communications Society (ACCS). ACCS is a registered scientific society established to promote advanced computing and communications technologies through collaboration among individuals, institutions, and industry. The society has consistently supported research and development by organizing seminars, conferences, and mentoring students. Founded in the late 1980s as the Indian Transputer User Group (ITUG), it organized annual meetings to discuss advances in computing. This evolved into the Advanced Computing Conference (ADCOM) in 1993, which has since become the flagship event of the society.

The distinguished keynote speakers of ADCOM 2024 include:

· Prof. Virginia Dignum, Umeå University, Sweden

· Dr. Srinivasan Iyengar, Microsoft, India

· Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, DSAI – IIT Madras

· Dr. Sameep Mehta, IBM Research, India

· Dr. Naveen Yeri, Wells Fargo, India

· Prof. V. Ramasubramanian, IIIT-B

· Dr. Hari Bhasker, Google, India

· Dr. Neelam Sinha, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

· Sakina Pitalwala, Intel, India

· Divyashree Tummalapalli, Intel, India

· Prof. Frank Dignum, Umeå University, Sweden

· Vivek Karna, Zivy, India

· Srilakshmi Subramanian, Wipro, India

· Prakash Narayanan, IBM, India

· Harshad Agashe, Juniper Networks, India

· Prof. Ponnurangam Kumaraguru, IIIT, Hyderabad

· Dr. Minesh Mathew, Wadhwani AI

· Dr. Ashish Tendulkar, Google, India

· Dr. Souvick Chatterjee, MathWorks

· Vivek Kumar Rai, NVIDIA South Asia

“The AI technology has spawned many applications. The need of the hour is to have a framework for Trust, Risk and Security Management (TRiSM). ADCOM 2024 will deliberate on this theme and share insights on democratization of access to AI with responsibility” said Mr. Jailendra Kumar, President, Advanced Computing and Communications Society.

“We are honored to host the 29th edition of ADCOM at IIIT-Bangalore. As AI continues to transform industries, it is essential to develop frameworks that ensure its responsible and ethical deployment. This year’s focus on ‘Responsible AI’ and the democratization of access to AI reflects our commitment to shaping a future where technology benefits society in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. We look forward to the insightful discussions that will drive progress in these critical areas. We are excited to include very interesting pre-conference tutorials and workshops too.” said Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean (Academics), IIIT-Bangalore and General chair of ADCOM 2024.

“The 29th edition of ADCOM has a very relevant focus, i.e. “Responsible AI”. As technology evolves, concerns about AI’s potential to surpass human intelligence and disrupt society are growing. At this critical juncture, establishing a framework for responsible and ethical AI is essential to restore trust in technology. ADCOM 2024 aims to play a key role in shaping the future of computing and communications, driving progress that benefits both individuals and society.” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

17 December 2024: Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, marks its third anniversary with the launch of the campaign Parivarthan Yodha. Through this initiative, Ujaas celebrates and empowers warriors of change—individuals who transform menstrual health practices and awareness within their communities. These Yodhas have the strength to influence a broader network, driving sustainable change and inspiring others to stand up for their rights. By identifying and recognizing these change-makers, Ujaas aims to create a ripple effect, building a chain of empowered adolescent girls who champion menstrual health as a fundamental human right.

Menstrual health management is fundamental, yet millions of girls in India face barriers that impede their education and independence. Ujaas’s work in Tier II markets across Maharashtra has uncovered critical insights: 72% of girls perceive themselves as impure during menstruation, 48% consider periods a curse, and 42% were unaware of menstruation before their first cycle. These findings highlight the urgent need for awareness and systemic change to empower adolescent girls.

In response to these challenges, Ujaas has been dedicated to ensuring maximum outreach. Over the past three years, it has reached 5,92,879 adolescent girls and women, distributed over 4.92 Million free sanitary pads to tackle period poverty, and conducted 18000 awareness sessions to dispel myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. These initiatives have empowered communities with knowledge and resources, challenging entrenched taboos and driving meaningful change in menstrual health management.

Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas, stated, Driving change in the menstrual health landscape requires bold, collective action. Ensuring access to free sanitary pads in schools, providing hygienic facilities, and integrating menstrual health education at the right age are essential steps to tackle stigma and boost school attendance. Ujaas is committed to empowering communities through accurate information, free pad distribution to combat period poverty, and training girls to create and manage sustainable cloth pads. Our Parivarthan Yodhas are breaking barriers, but scaling this impact demands stronger collaboration between governments, corporates, and communities to secure dignity and equality for every girl. Periods should not limit aspirations—they should inspire a movement for change.

The initiative’s impact resonates deeply through stories of transformation led by Ujaas. In Chandrapur, a 14-year-old boy, Lokesh Gajanan Aichwar, inspired by a Ujaas session, began educating his tribal community to break menstrual restrictions. At Durgapur’s Swatantraveer Sawarkar Adiwashi Ashram Shala, Ujaas sessions empowered tribal girls to question isolating traditions like Kurma Ghar. In Latur, a 14-year-old student, Vanita, learned the health risks of delaying periods with pills and became an advocate for informed health choices among her peers.

The awareness created by Ujaas has not only empowered individuals but has also inspired communities to rethink menstrual health practices. The campaign’s rallying cry encourages girls to drive change in their lives, managing their periods independently, with dignity and without shame. As Ujaas enters its fourth year, it is expanding its reach into more states, aiming to create a nationwide movement that transforms the menstrual health landscape. The call to action is clear: every young girl is invited to become a Parivarthan Yodha—breaking barriers, leading change, and ensuring that periods never stand in the way of their dreams.

December 17, 2024 – Lenovo, the global technology powerhouse, today announced the launch of the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition in India, a premium laptop designed to elevate user experiences through cutting-edge innovation. Co-engineered and imagined with Intel®, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition merges sleek design, unmatched performance, and intelligent features, catering to professionals, creators, coders and everyday users to produce smarter, faster, and superior work. The Aura Edition takes PC computing to the next level by offering not just productivity and efficiency, but a complete AI experience.

Ashish Sikka, Director and Category Head, Lenovo India, said, “The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition marks a significant leap in AI-driven computing, setting a new industry standard. This product, imagined with Intel through a multi-year collaboration goes beyond exceptional engineering – it redefines personalized experiences with limitless possibilities. We are excited to bring the epitome of premium build and innovative technology, offering a unique blend of features tailored to enhance the user experience”

Unmatched Performance and AI Capabilities

This AI-powered PC, featuring the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2), represents an elevated premium experience and accelerates productivity, creativity, gaming, and entertainment with exceptional performance, delivering more than 18 hours of battery life. Equipped with a powerful 8-core hybrid architecture and a high-performance GPU, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition delivers seamless multitasking and exceptional speed. With Intel® Core TM Ultra processors (Series 2) offering up to 120 TOPS of AI performance, including over 45 TOPS from the integrated neural processing unit (NPU), it redefines efficiency in AI-driven tasks. The high- performance GPU brings your boldest ideas to life, while the smart NPU (40+ TOPs dedicated to AI) handles complex tasks in record time. The device supports up to 32GB of 8533MHz RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, enabling smooth handling of large files and demanding applications, all while remaining cool even under heavy workloads.

Akshay Kamath, Director PC Client Category, Intel India, said “The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is the result of close co-engineering between Intel and Lenovo. At the heart of this new laptop is our new Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) which powers the next generation of AI PCs with exceptional CPU core performance, massive leap in graphics, and next gen NPU. The Intel® Core TM Ultra processors (Series 2 ) have been rearchitected from the ground up to not just significantly boost AI performance, but also deliver incredible battery life that rivals our competition. And of course, we continue to offer class leading connectivity features with integrated WiFi7 and Thunderbolt TM 4.”

Innovative Features for Every Need

This device offers Smart Modes that adapt on-the-fly to user needs, whether for work, relaxation, or creativity. These modes dynamically adjust performance and system settings, providing optimal conditions for any activity. Attention Mode helps users stay focused by blocking distracting websites, while Wellness Features include eye wellness and posture warnings to combat fatigue. Smart Share enables AI-driven image sharing between smartphones and laptops, supporting both Android and iOS platforms. Smart Care offers real-time support and troubleshooting from Lenovo technicians, accessible via PC and phone through Lenovo’s Premium Care Service.

Enhanced Collaboration and Privacy

This AI PC comes with a suite of collaboration tools designed to enhance video call experiences, including low light enhancement, virtual presenter, and background blur. Shield Mode safeguards privacy with features like privacy alerts, privacy guard, and auto prompt VPN, ensuring safety when working with sensitive information.

Sustainable and Creative

The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is certified carbon neutral and comes with a complimentary 2-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud, making it an exceptional choice for users who demand high performance, stunning visuals, and reliable connectivity in their creative endeavors. With its eco-conscious build, it also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable technology without compromising on innovation and functionality.

Seamless Connectivity and Extended Battery Life

Connectivity is seamless with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth® 5.4, allowing for fast and stable wireless connections. Multiple ports, including Thunderbolt TM 4, provide versatile options for connecting peripherals and transferring data quickly. The 70WHr battery ensures extended creative sessions, maximizing the time between charges.

Tailored to You: Personalize as per your requirements

Lenovo continues to offer the ‘Custom to Order’ (CTO) option with the new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, which permits customers to tailor the features like Processor, Operating System, and storage as per their requirements and build up the base model setup to a dynamic machine for a phenomenal experience. The CTO option is exclusively available on Lenovo.com, and the customized device will be delivered to customers in less that 25 days of purchase.

Pricing, Availability & Services

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is available at a price of INR 1,49,990 and will be available for purchase from Lenovo.com, Lenovo Exclusive Stores, leading ecom websites, and other offline retail stores. The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition also offers Lenovo Premium Care service, an advanced support service that provides personalized hardware and software assistance from expert technicians with fast repairs when needed.

16th December 2024: Walplast, a leading manufacturer of building and construction materials, continues to empower underprivileged girls through education. In collaboration with Project Nanhi Kali, Walplast’s CSR division, the Walplast Welfare Foundation hosted a special event in Pune. This time, Walplast visited the school, engaging directly with the girls in their community and offering an interactive experience that left a lasting impact. Over 75 girls from grades VI to VIII participated in the event, where Walplast employees not only provided educational resources but also spent quality time with the girls, sharing stories and building meaningful connections.

The event was filled with magic, dance, storytelling, enactments, a movie screening, and a fun quiz session—activities thoughtfully organized by Walplast employees. The girls were enthusiastic, fully engaged, and actively participated in every part of the event. Their joy and eagerness to learn were palpable, making it a memorable and cherished experience for everyone involved. Walplast’s continued efforts aim to break through the hard-to-abate barriers that many of these girls face in their pursuit of education, helping to create a more equitable future.

Mr. Kaushal Mehta, Managing Director of Walplast, stated, “It was truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and creativity of the girls at the event. This initiative goes beyond providing resources—it’s about showing these girls that they matter, that their dreams are valid, and that they have the strength to overcome the challenges they face. We believe that education, combined with life skills and vocational training, is the foundation of empowerment. By equipping these girls with critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills, we are helping them build the confidence they need to face their future and break through the barriers in their path. Ultimately, this initiative is about giving them the tools and courage to dream big and the skills and confidence to turn those dreams into reality.”

Aniruddha Sinha, Senior Vice President – Marketing, CSR & Business Head – P2P Division at Walplast shared: “Celebrating with these young girls allows us to connect beyond academics, offering support that builds resilience and essential life skills for their growth. The recent event was a resounding success thanks to our dedicated employees; it was filled with joy and learning. The girls’ enthusiasm highlighted the transformative power of education and self-belief. Our initiative not only provides educational resources but also strengthens emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills—key to overcoming life’s challenges. Seeing their optimism reinforces our commitment to empowering them to shape their own futures.”

Walplast’s event in Pune follows the success of recent programs in Navi Mumbai and Nashik, where over 100 and 160 girls participated in educational and skill-building activities respectively. Through these initiatives, the Walplast Welfare Foundation is committed to making a real difference in the lives of underprivileged girls.

This year marks the continuation of Walplast Welfare Foundation’s efforts to support the education of 1,000 girls in several cities including Pune, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. The program focuses not only on academic support but also on sports, leadership training, and life skills—equipping girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with essential skills for success.

Last year, Walplast’s initiatives helped over 800 girls in districts such as Palghar, Bharuch, and Varanasi—reflecting the foundation’s dedication to social responsibility. This event in Pune further underscores Walplast’s ongoing commitment to fostering positive social change by supporting girls in their pursuit of education and self-reliance.