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National : Lovely Professional University (LPU) reaffirmed its commitment to revolutionizing education as it hosted the Annual International Conference & Global Summit (AICGS) 2024. This is based on the “Global Horizons: Bridging Borders, Building Futures”. The event attracted distinguished delegates from over 32 countries, like Europe, Asia, UK, and USA representing more than 60 universities.

The summit served as a platform for educators, thought leaders, and change makers to exchange ideas and tackle pressing global challenges, reinforcing LPU’s commitment to internationalization, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The sessions aimed to explore new trends and strategies for globalizing education, with a focus on global citizenship, cross-cultural understanding, and addressing issues such as climate change and inequality.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, Chief Patron of the Conference, commended the delegates for their dedication to transforming education. Dr. Mittal stated, “Today, we celebrate not only our ongoing partnerships with top global universities but also the significant milestone of over 500 total partnerships.” Dr. Mittal highlighted the importance of concrete actions beyond MoUs, advocating for collaborative efforts in curriculum development, instructional practices, and assessments to revolutionize educational paradigms for holistic student development and promising career prospects.

Dr. Janette K. Muir, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at George Mason University, USA, and Dr. John Murray, Academic Dean of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sunderland, UK, lauded LPU’s commitment to internationalization and educational excellence. They underscored the transformative power of global collaboration in enhancing educational standards and fostering mutual growth through knowledge exchange.

In the address, Dr. Aman Mittal, Vice President LPU, highlighted the significance of the conference as a celebration of internationalization. Dr. Aman emphasized the university’s commitment to action beyond agreements. “Our focus extends beyond summer programs and credit exchanges; we aim to create impactful opportunities for our students.” Dr. Aman also underscored the importance of global partnerships that enhance educational experiences and prepare students for a dynamic future.

The panel discussions on ‘The Future of Education: Creating Global Citizens through International Cooperation’ and ‘Transnational Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Emerging Models in India’ shed light on the significance of international credentials for global career advancement. Students were encouraged to leverage educational programs offered by institutions like LPU to capitalize on global opportunities and enrich their resumes.

The AICGS 2024 conference not only celebrated LPU’s achievements in the field of education but also marked a significant step towards fostering global collaboration in academia. By signing multiple MoUs, LPU is set to create pathways for future partnerships that will further enhance educational standards and global engagement.

The rise of AI in the corporate industry has changed how companies manage the experiences of their employees from onboarding to continuous engagement through communication, assessment of performance, and more focused employee need assistance. However, amidst these advanced technologies that have come forth lies the debate: where is that line drawn between automation and human intervention? Organizations from all around the world use AI for its rapid ability to scan large amounts of data, identify trends, and then give actionable insights that help toward better decision-making and more efficient processes. Still, at the core of everything is to be human-centric to truly build authentic relationships and a supportive work environment.

Balancing this particular percentage of AI and human touch in the process will aim to create an employee experience that resonates at an emotional level and goes beyond the productivity maximization or the accuracy of the information gathered. While AI can predict trends in employee satisfaction and recommend strategies, it certainly cannot substitute for the empathy, intuition, and emotional sensitivity human managers bring to the table. For all its abilities in information processing and trending, AI is a poor substitute for empathy, intuition, and the fine texture of human interaction. Over-investing too much in automation may result in driving the workplace to become increasingly impersonal or even less connected and does not do much for the morale or overall engagement of employees. Thus, it requires a balance in making use of AI for doing repetitive and information-intensive jobs, which then frees up the hands of human managers to get involved with networking, mentoring, and addressing specific employee concerns.

Lumina Datamatics combines the best of technology and the best of human capital to make the experience brilliant for their employees and clients. As an established technology partner to several global publishing and retail houses, they harness the power of AI to shape workflows and bring efficiency into operations, so their teams can deliver world-class service and personalized assistance. It ensures that though they are leveraging this cutting-edge technology and bringing results, it is at all times in the heart of their human-centric values. Lumina’s method weaves human input and AI solutions into increasing productivity and keeping people on top priority. By embracing this duality, Lumina ensures that while their clients benefit from the efficiencies of AI, human elements at the forefront do remain to drive genuine engagement and success.

Bangalore, 22 October 2024: Kuku FM, India’s leading audio led storytelling platform, has elevated Jhoomer Sinha to the position of Vice President of India Hindi Business.

In her new capacity, Sinha will assume responsibility for expanding Kuku FM’s presence across Hindi speaking regions in India.

Her duties will encompass overseeing the entire Hindi content library and production, onboarding creators, developing new storytelling formats, establishing partnerships for new Hindi-related intellectual properties, hiring for strategic roles in her division and expanding Kuku’s reach to newer geographies aimed at higher customer and revenue growth.

She is an industry veteran in the consumer internet ecosystem with over a decade of experience in business strategy, growth, and venture capital. Sinha is recognized as a strategic leader with a particular passion for scaling consumer internet businesses. She has played an instrumental role in identifying and investing in leading consumer/internet brands in her previous roles at leading consulting and venture capital firms.

Her addition to the strategic leadership team comes at a crucial time as Kuku FM sharpens its focus on enhancing revenue and profitability with its industry leading proprietary Generative AI production capabilities, rolling out newer content formats and expanding across multiple territories.

Sinha remarked, “It has been an immensely rewarding experience working alongside inspiring founders and an exceptional team that is immensely passionate about reinventing storytelling across formats for consumers. The India growth story is unfolding rapidly & I am looking forward to leveraging my expertise in the consumer internet ecosystem to make Kuku FM to become a household name in the entertainment industry.”

Over the last 1 year Kuku FM has experienced significant growth in its Hindi user base, with Hindi being one of the primary languages for its audience. On an average 66% of Kuku FM’s active listeners are from the Hindi speaking belts and the consumption of Hindi content has increased by 30% in the last 1 year.

Lal Chand Bisu, Co-Founder and CEO of Kuku FM, commented on the appointment, stating, “We have ambitious growth plans for Bharat as we strive to future-proof our business and create a more extensive storytelling ecosystem irrespective of the format. Jhoomer brings a wealth of experience and has seen India’s digital journey for over a decade that will play a

pivotal role in not only catering to the Hindi heartland but also expanding our business to Hindi speaking audiences irrespective of where they are in the world. We are building from India for the world.”

Jhoomer Sinha is an MBA graduate from IIM Ahmedabad and holds a B. Tech in Electronics from the National Institute of Technology, Surat.

Bengaluru, October 22, 2024: AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), one of India’s leading integrated omnichannel payments providers, today announced that it has commenced issuance of zero-KYC National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation, in partnership with RBL Bank. This will allow faster issuance of NCMC to the users as the card can be activated without the need for full KYC process. Commuters can top-up the zero-KYC NCMC with a maximum and use at all travel only touch points such as Metro, Bus, Water metro, Parking & Toll.

AGS Transact has been issuing NCMC at Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation in partnership with RBL Bank since March 2023. As of today, the company has issued 57,000+ NCMCs for BMRCL.

The launch of zero-KYC NCMC is in line with the Government of India’s vision of One Card One Nation, as a key initiative that will shape the future of mobility. While current closed-loop transit cards are used for specific metro or bus services in India, NCMCs are accepted at all NCMC-enabled locations throughout the country. AGS Transact Technologies’ zero-KYC NCMC eliminates the hassle of KYC verification, offering a faster, more convenient and seamless unified payment solution across diverse transportation modes.

Mr. Ravi B Goyal, Chairman & MD, AGS Transact Technologies Ltd., said, “We are committed to playing a significant role in driving payments-as-a-convenience for our customers across sectors. We are thrilled to be supporting BMRCL in their initiative to provide hassle free and seamless commute experience. Since we first launched the NCMC in Bengaluru, we have seen tremendous commuter enthusiasm for the card due to its simple usage process and easy top-ups. We are confident that the zero-KYC NCMC, with its faster issuance, will resonate strongly with commuters, thereby increasing NCMC adoption.’’

Commuters can conveniently purchase and top up AGS Transact Technologies issued zero-KYC NCMCs from ticket counters at Bengaluru Metro stations.

India, October 21st, 2024 – Rebel Foods, worlds largest internet restaurant company’s flagship brand, Faasos is turning a commonly re-gifted sweet into something more enjoyable this Diwali with its all-new campaign, The Soan Papdi Exchange Program. We’ve all experienced the never-ending journey of Soan Papdi boxes, passing from one household to another during the festive season. Faasos is here to break that cycle and offer people something they actually want—their favourite wrap meal

As part of the campaign, Faasos invites participants to share why they’re ready to part ways with Soan Papdi by filling out a simple Google form between October 18th and 27th. The funniest and most innovative responses will win a free Faasos meal. Up to 500 Winners will be announced just before Diwali, and Faasos will be delivering meals to the lucky recipients between October 28th and 30th.

Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer at Rebel Foods, said, “Diwali is about joy and togetherness, but we all know the amusing saga of Soan Papdi re-gifting. With this campaign, we wanted to tap into a fun cultural quirk and offer people a way to share a laugh and celebrate the festive season with something they’ll truly enjoy. At Faasos, we’re always looking for ways to connect with our customers in a light-hearted yet meaningful way.”

The Soan Papdi Exchange Program is being promoted through various interactive mediums, including the ‘Dude with a Sign,’ where people are spotted carrying fun signs in public places like train stations, university campuses, local trains, office complexes, and markets. The campaign is sparking engagement through a mix of newspaper advertorials, hilarious memes, interactive polls, and relatable videos, while cleverly crafted WhatsApp forwards in society and college groups are further amplifying its reach. To multiply the excitement, influencers from the comedy world are also joining in, sharing their own Soan Papdi experiences on Instagram and YouTube, encouraging their followers to participate.

Delhi, October 2024 – KLK Ventures is excited to announce the launch of its new platform aimed at transforming farming in Jammu and Kashmir with sustainable solar water pumps under the PM Kusum Yojana. This innovative platform will simplify the application process, provide ongoing support, and enhance post-installation services for farmers seeking affordable, renewable energy solutions for irrigation.

The platform is designed to make the entire process seamless, from initial application to post-installation services. Farmers can apply online, and the KLK team will manage every stage: conducting site feasibility surveys, handling documentation, dispatching materials, overseeing pump installation, and conducting quality checks. To ensure long-term satisfaction, KLK will also provide post-installation visits to check the system’s performance.

Under the PM Kusum Yojana, the government offers an 80% subsidy on the cost of solar water pumps, with farmers contributing only 20%. KLK Ventures, a government-empanelled partner, has already installed more than 800 solar pumps in Jammu and 500 in Kashmir, aiming to reach a total of 3,000 pumps in Jammu and 2,500 in Kashmir. These pumps empower farmers, especially those in remote areas, by allowing them to irrigate their fields without relying on diesel or electric pumps, reducing costs and supporting eco-friendly farming.

The scheme supports farmers in areas where electricity is not easily available. Farmers can install solar-powered pumps of up to 7.5 HP, and in special regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and other hilly areas, the subsidy is available for pumps of up to 10 HP. This helps farmers irrigate their fields without relying on expensive diesel pumps.

Akshat Jain, CEO of KLK Ventures, said, “The PM Kusum Yojana is a game-changer for farmers, especially in remote areas. By providing solar water pumps, we are not only helping farmers reduce their costs but also promoting the use of renewable energy in agriculture. Our aim is to complete the installation of all targeted pumps in Jammu and Kashmir, and we are proud to contribute to the government’s mission of making irrigation more accessible and affordable.”

Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir can take advantage of this scheme to improve their irrigation systems and reduce their dependence on traditional power sources. With solar-powered pumps, they can ensure a steady water supply to their fields, even in off-grid areas.

Ahmedabad, 22 October 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of Adani Cement and part of the diversified Adani Group, today announced the signing of a binding agreement for the acquisition of Orient Cement Ltd (OCL) at an equity value . Ambuja will acquire 46.8% shares of OCL from its current promoters and certain public shareholders. The acquisition will be fully funded through internal accruals.

“This timed acquisition marks another significant step forward in Ambuja Cements’ accelerated growth journey, increasing cement capacity by ~30 MTPA within two years of Ambuja’s acquisition,” said Mr Karan Adani, Director of Ambuja Cements. “By acquiring OCL, Ambuja is poised to reach 100 MTPA cement capacity in FY 25. The acquisition will help to expand Adani Cement’s presence in core markets and improve its pan-India market share by 2%. OCL’s assets are highly efficient, equipped with railway sidings and well supported by captive power plants, renewable energy, WHRS and AFR facilities. OCL’s strategic locations, high-quality limestone reserves and requisite statutory approvals present an opportunity to increase cement capacity in the near term to 16.6 MTPA.”

Mr CK Birla, Chairman of Orient Cement and the CK Birla Group, said, “The CK Birla Group is continuously reallocating capital to sharpen its focus on consumer centric, technology driven and service-based businesses. I take pride in Orient Cement’s impressive track record of building premium brands and maintaining a leading market share in the geographies it operates in. We are confident that the Adani Group, with its strong focus on cement and infrastructure, is the ideal new owner to drive continued growth at Orient Cement for our people and stakeholders”.

Ms Amita Birla, Co-Chairman, CK Birla Group, added, “Orient Cement has a strong market presence, with sustainability initiatives, particularly in renewable energy, being a significant part of its DNA. I am convinced that Ambuja Cements is the right home for all our colleagues at Orient Cement, as well as our customers.”

OCL has 5.6 MTPA clinker capacity and 8.5 MTPA cement capacity along with statutory clearance to increase the clinker capacity by another 6.0 MTPA and cement capacity by another 8.1 MTPA. In addition, OCL also has a limestone mining lease in Chittorgarh for setting up an Integrated Unit (IU) with clinker of 4 MTPA and a split Grinding Unit (GU) of 6 MTPA in North India. OCL has also secured a concession from MPPGCL, Madhya Pradesh for setting up a Grinding Unit within the premises of Satpura Thermal Power Plant. Both these complement the Adani Group’s existing cement footprint. (Refer Annexure – 1 for OCL’s location wise cement capacity and other assets and Annexure – 2 for Adani Cement’s footprint post-acquisition of OCL.)

OCL has recently commissioned a WHRS in Chittapur IU and is in the final stage of commissioning 16 MW solar in Chittapur and 3.7 MW solar in Jalgaon. OCL’s efficient plants, highly motivated teams, strong balance sheet and well-distributed dealer network will be excellent additions to the Adani Group’s existing cement business. OCL’s existing dealers will move to Adani Cement’s market network, creating formidable synergies.

Ambuja plans to optimize OCL’s overall capacity utilization to enhance its cost and competitiveness and improve its operating performance while leveraging the synergies inherent in the existing cement business.

Bengaluru, 22 October, 2024: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that it has received a prestigious order from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to supply 1,000 units of the Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis. The order was won by Tata Motors following a competitive e-bidding process conducted via the Government tendering process, and the bus chassis will be supplied in a phased manner as per mutually agreed terms.

This latest order follows the successful fulfilment of a similar, larger order of 1,350 bus chassis received last year, and which are currently running efficiently by the UPSRTC. Designed for safe intercity and long-distance travel, Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis deliver superior performance and excellent passenger comfort with low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

On receiving the order, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “We are delighted to continue to partner UPSRTC in their efforts towards expanding and improving public transport. The Tata LPO 1618 bus chassis is engineered to deliver robust and reliable mobility with high uptime and low maintenance and operating costs. We look forward to commencing supplies as per the guidance of UPSRTC.”

Tata Motors has been at the forefront of delivering advanced buses and public transportation solutions to various cities and states across India. Thousands of these buses operate successfully on the country’s roads, connecting urban and rural areas, facilitating comfortable and efficient daily travel for millions of citizens.

MUMBAI/PUNE: In a celebration of scientific excellence and educational achievement, MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) honoured distinguished scientist Padma Shri Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan with the prestigious MIT-WPU Vigyan Maharshi Samman during its 6th convocation ceremony. The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in recognition of Raghavan’s outstanding contributions to the field of science. The accolade included a certificate, an idol of Saraswati, and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan, a recipient of the Padma Shri, serves as a DAE Homi Bhabha Chair and Emeritus Professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS). He is also a former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and chairs the Prime Minister’s Science Technology and Innovation Council. His extensive career includes serving as Secretary to the Department of Biotechnology and Director of NCBS at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

In his address at the convocation, Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan expressed his gratitude upon receiving the prestigious MIT-WPU Vigyan Maharshi Samman, stating, “I am very proud to receive this honor. A university education is not solely about your time in classrooms. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the classroom is relatively incidental. The key aspect is your ability to communicate and connect with one another, so that you can break these silos as you enter the world.” He also emphasized the critical global challenges we face today and their potential solutions, adding, “The world is now a far more complex place than it was even 10 years ago, and certainly over the last 50 years. We face many formidable challenges: climate change, extreme weather events, issues of sustainable development, water scarcity, and economic growth. These problems are indeed significant, but there is no challenge that cannot be tackled by us.”

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Chief Guest of the ceremony, congratulated Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan on receiving the MIT-WPU Vigyan Maharshi Samman and extended his best wishes to the graduating students. He stated, As you embark on this new journey, remember that the continuous acquisition of knowledge, coupled with the ability to face challenges with determination and hard work, will be the pillars of your success. These milestones will guide you as you transition into the corporate world. It is your responsibility to prove your capabilities and, through your dedication and excellence, uplift the reputation of your family, your organization, and the community you represent. The true value of education is not merely in the knowledge gained but in how effectively you utilize that knowledge to bring about positive changes. Strive to innovate, find solutions to pressing challenges, and work towards enhancing the well-being of others. Your actions have the power to make a lasting impact on society and create a better future for all.”

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President of MIT-WPU, shared his vision rooted in the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, reiterating the importance of harmonizing science and spirituality. “In 1893, Swami Vivekananda declared a vision at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago a vision guiding us today, where science and spirituality coexist harmoniously. We must foster a value-based universal education system connecting spirituality with science, through discipline and character building,”

Shri Rahul V. Karad, MIT-WPU’s Executive President, emphasized India’s potential to become a global leader in spirituality and science. He discussed the university’s vision for a Global Education Managing Council to integrate spiritual components into technical education and encouraged students to innovate, rather than merely replicate Western models, fostering original thinking in engineering and technology.

During the ceremony, MIT-WPU also honoured other outstanding achievers. Abhijit Pawar received the ‘Founder President Medal,’ while Anushree Kulkarni was awarded the ‘Executive President Medal.’

The convocation saw over 5,000 students receive degrees across multiple disciplines, including Engineering and Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Business, Economics and Commerce, Health Science and Technology, Science and Environmental Studies, Law, and Consciousness Studies.

The ceremony was graced by several esteemed guests, including international business consultant Prof. Ram Charan, MIT-WPU Founder Trustee Prof. P.B. Joshi, Chairman of the Management Committee Prof. Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, Vice-Chancellor Dr. R.M. Chitnis, and other distinguished dignitaries adding further prominence to the event.

October 21st, 2024: Sports brand PUMA India is shaking things up on the high streets this season with a massive new collection of its iconic Palermo sneaker! A true OG in the world of street style, the silhouette is rooted in the raw energy of 1980s UK terrace culture and dripping in Italian elegance. Launched in over 30 pop colourways this year – from salmon lime, cobalt, plum, pistachio green, tangerine, electric peppermint, to maple syrup – there’s a Palermo for every mood, every vibe, and every style.

Named after the city of Palermo and born from football fans who fused luxury fashion with cosmopolitan street style, the Palermo was the go-to sneaker for enthusiasts who wished to stand out in the crowd. Now, in 2024, the Palermo is back to reclaim its throne, blending vintage cool with fresh modern twists, that’s impossible to ignore.

The Palermo isn’t just a sneaker; it’s a cultural statement. Whether you’re hitting the streets, showing up at a party, or keeping it casual with your crew, the popular sneaker brings unmatched versatility and swagger. With its clean silhouette, premium finish, and eye-popping colourways, it’s the perfect addition to every sneakerhead’s rotation.

The new drops were announced with the release of an upbeat ad film earlier this week, starring PUMA brand ambassador Ibrahim Ali Khan. The ad film, that is breaking the internet currently, captured the essence of friendship, street style and carefree adventures against the cultural backdrop of India’s three bustling urban landscapes – Mumbai’s hidden gems, Kolkata’s artistic corners and Shillong’s scenic lanes. The film also featured a crew of up-and-coming influencers and highlights the joyful moments of youth culture, friendship, and self-expression. Accompanied by an exclusive soundtrack titled “Jeelo” by composer Achint Thakkar for PUMA India, the film captured the essence of today’s youth and their carefree energy.

The Palermo sneaker is available at PUMA stores, on Puma.com, and the PUMA app, ensuring that your style game is always on point. Don’t miss out on the chance to rock these statement kicks that redefine street style!