All posts by Rabindra

Bengaluru, India, 9th May 2024 —According to an ISACA pulse poll of 3,270 digital trust professionals, only 15% of organizations have AI policies, and 40% of organizations offer no AI training at all.

These gaps are concerning given that 70% of respondents say staff are using AI, and 60% say employees are using generative AI (e.g., Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT).

The poll showed the most common uses of AI are:

• Increasing productivity (35%)
• Automating repetitive tasks (33%)
• Creating written content (33%)

A full 60% of respondents are worried or very worried that bad actors will exploit generative AI, with 81% saying the top AI risk is misinformation/disinformation. Yet only 35 percent say AI risks are an immediate priority for their organization.

Respondents believe jobs will be significantly impacted by AI, with 45% saying many jobs will be eliminated over the next five years and 80% saying many jobs will be modified. Yet digital trust professionals—those who work in fields such as information security, governance, risk, and privacy—are more optimistic about their own jobs. Seventy-eight percent say AI will have a neutral or positive impact on their careers.

To achieve that neutral or positive impact and retain or advance their careers, 85% say they will need to increase their AI skills and knowledge within two years.

“AI is moving at a speed we haven’t seen before, with its use in organizations outpacing the policies, training and skills that are critical for making sure it is used securely,” said Shannon Donahue, ISACA Chief Content and Publishing Officer. “AI is quickly becoming a business imperative, and ISACA is fully committed to providing the tools, resources and training to help individuals and enterprises thrive in an AI world.”

“While there are many unknowns when it comes to AI’s trajectory, one thing is clear—digital trust professionals must prioritize AI education and training to harness the technology’s value, enhance their own skillset, and evolve and advance their careers with the changing times,” says RV Raghu, Director at Versatilist Consulting India Pvt Ltd, and ISACA India Ambassador.

ISACA is addressing this knowledge gap by releasing a series of on-demand AI training, with three courses launching today:

• AI Essentials—Explores foundational principles and applications of AI and provides a comprehensive overview of core AI concepts, algorithms and application of AI
• Auditing Generative AI: Strategy, Analysis and Risk Mitigation—Explores generative AI, including considerations of usage, associated risks, and its impact on auditing processes, with emphasis on security, ethical considerations, data governance, and compliance with regulations
• AI Governance: Principles, Strategies and Business Alignment—Explores how governance practices apply throughout the AI lifecycle, from development and implementation to ongoing monitoring and maintenance, ensuring consistent and effective governance at every stage

These new courses join additional AI-focused resources from ISACA, including:

• A new book titled Artificial Intelligence: A Primer on Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Neural Networks
• Artificial Intelligence Audit Toolkit
• Using the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework to Achieve Trustworthy AI white paper
• An AI-acceptable use policy template (one of 15 IS/IT policies available in ISACA’s Policy Template Library)

Mumbai, 9th May 2024: Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel forex services company, has announced the launch of its Video KYC with paperless processes, to empower its retail customers. This transformative digital solution aims to bring customers ease and convenience, enabling seamless foreign exchange services from the comfort of their homes.

The initiative reiterates Thomas Cook’s position as India ka Forex Specialist (#IKFS) – highlighting the Company’s sustained focus on innovation, digital transformation, and elevated customer experience.

The Video KYC is a simple 2-step process:

1. Visit www.thomascook.in: Choose your currency and select Video KYC with Home Delivery option.

2. Upload your documents and verify your identity on video call

Post payment, Thomas Cook’s Ghar pe Forex ensures smooth doorstep delivery in 2 hours!

Benefits to Customers:

1. Convenience: Forex from the comfort of your home

2. Efficiency: No branch visits/paperwork. Complete your entire process online

3. Security: Video KYC is conducted securely and in compliance with regulatory standards

4. Doorstep Delivery in 2 hours!

Using the Video KYC, customers can now effortlessly load/top up their prepaid forex cards, transfer funds, buy and sell foreign exchange, etc.

Mr. Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Our Video KYC coupled with paperless services was conceptualized to address the new-age Indian traveler’s increasing demand for digital solutions.

This meaningful initiative hence empowers our customers with remote access, while ensuring secure and seamless services. So, Ghar Baithe Forex indeed!

Our accelerated digital-first strategy combined with the personal touch of our Forex experts aims to provide a truly elevated customer experience.”

Mumbai, 9th May 2024: In a landmark move for Indian healthcare, the introduction of Second Opinion Online Consultation for Children (SOCC) represents a major step forward in revolutionising the way parents seek expert advice for their children’s well-being. Spearheaded by a team of distinguished paediatric specialists, this cutting-edge platform utilises technology to bridge the gap in paediatric healthcare services, ensuring that parents have easy access to top-notch second medical guidance for their children, digitally.

The close-knit launch event was graced by the presence of renowned celebrities Soha Ali Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, and Neha Dhupia. Additionally, enterprising visionary Vinti, and DrZirak Marker, the renowned child and adult psychiatrist and psychotherapist, attended the event underscoring the significance and impact of SOCC in the realm of paediatric healthcare.

Addressing the audience, DrNihar Parekh, a distinguished Paediatrician and Lead doctor at SOCC, emphasised the importance of second opinions and the expanding role of digital healthcare. “In today’s digital age, advancements in technology allow us to extend our reach and provide exceptional care to a wider range of patients,” he states. “Second opinions offer peace of mind and can be instrumental in ensuring the best possible outcomes for children.” DrNihar has also long been associated with the founding of Cheers Child Care Clinic, a speciality child-care clinic established in 2008.

SOCC places a strong emphasis on building trust and ensuring that parents feel comfortable throughout their journey. The fee structure is designed to accommodate varying needs. Parents have the option of choosing a one-time consultation or subscriptions to seek video consultations with a dedicated team of paediatric and para-paediatric specialists. For parents seeking ongoing care and a consistent relationship, SOCC offers convenient three-month and one-year packages. These packages not only provide cost-effective solutions but also foster a strong sense of trust between parents and medical professionals. With prior appointments and cross-referencing available as needed, parents have the flexibility to engage with the SOCC team regularly.

Dr. Parekh states that ‘’I believe access to a wide range of expertise and information can make a significant difference. Technology allows for valuable second opinions, potentially leading to improved outcomes for countless children. Empowering parents to be active participants in their child’s care can lead to earlier detection of potential issues and better overall health management. This focus on comprehensive healthcare is essential, and with us, you can rest assured that your little one is in good hands.’’

SOCC empowers parents to seek second opinions from a curated panel of over 20 renowned specialists, representing diverse paediatric subspecialties. Through video consultations, parents can connect with these experts for tailored solutions and valuable insights into their child’s health.

SOCC’s other lauded specialists include:
Ms. AlifiaBharmal, Speech and Language Specialist.
Dr Harsh Vyas, Paediatric Dentist
DrPreetiGagan, Lactation Consultant
Dr Deepak Garg, Paediatric Eye Specialist
DrShreepal Jain, Paediatric Cardiologist
Dr Vicky S Khattar, ENT Consultant
Dr Amish Udani, Paediatric Nephrologist
DrMandarAgashe, PaediatricOrthopaedic Surgeon
MsVidhi Shah, Child Nutritionist
DrNisreenShabbir,Paediatric Homoeopath
Dr Preeti K. Sheth, Paediatric Dermatologist
DrJuiMandke, Paediatric Surgeon
MrsAartiNandu, Clinical Psychologist
Dr Manini Shah, Paediatric Dentist
DrVibhorBorkar, Paediatric Gastroenterologist
Dr Shweta Bansal, a PaediatricHaematologist
DrRuchi Parikh, Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrine Specialist
Dr IravatiPurandare, Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician
Mrs Dimple Parekh-Safi, Remedial Educator, and Counselling Psychologist

SOCC has proven to be an exceptional asset for parents regardless of where they live. By bringing together a group of paediatric specialists from diverse backgrounds, SOCC is dedicated to offering parents top-notch medical guidance and a sense of comfort.

Hyderabad, 9th May 2024: South Indian Bank has allied with Northern Arc Capital. This association has been formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscoring the commitment of both institutions to a mutually beneficial partnership. The partnership is aimed at exploring and maximizing business opportunities through combined efforts in the areas of loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, collection, and reconciliation processes. The alliance will focus on co-lending and partnership lending activities, as well as facilitate seamless loan transfers between banks and originators.

The partnership signifies a shared commitment to harnessing synergies, expertise, and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of lending operations. By joining forces, South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital aims to capitalize on emerging market trends, diversify their portfolios, and provide innovative financial solutions to a broader customer base. The partnership will enable South Indian Bank to leverage nPOS, Northern Arc’s proprietary technology platform for co-origination, co-lending, and pool buyouts, and to seamlessly connect with multiple originators for loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, and reconciliation abilities.

Mr. P R Seshadri, MD and CEO, of South Indian Bank said, “This alliance with Northern Arc Capital serves as a compelling testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustained growth. As we unite our respective strengths, our collective aim is to forge a formidable presence in the financial sector. This collaboration is poised not only to drive enhanced value for our customers but also to create tangible benefits for our stakeholders. By leveraging the synergies inherent in this alliance, we look forward to pioneering innovative solutions and setting new benchmarks within the dynamic landscape of the financial industry.”

Mr. Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, of Northern Arc Capital Ltd, shared his perspective on the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to partner with South Indian Bank in advancing their digital initiatives. nPOS is tailored to cover the full gamut of retail asset classes. With the ability to handle large number of loans, personalized offerings, and an intuitive user interface, nPOS aims to simplify the interactions amongst borrowers, originators, and lenders. The extensive reach of South Indian Bank coupled with Northern Arc’s experience in structured finance aims to create a powerful synergy. By joining forces, South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital aims to capitalize on emerging market trends, diversify their portfolios, and provide innovative financial solutions to a broader customer base.”

The other noteworthy attendees at the MOU signing ceremony included Mr. Ramesh U, DGM & Zonal Sales Head – Corporate, South Indian Bank, Mr Prashant George Tharakan, AGM & Head – Investor Relations, South Indian Bank, Mr. Prajin Varghese, AGM & Regional Head – Mumbai, South Indian Bank, Mr. Amit Mandhanya, EVP, Direct Origination, Northern Arc, Ms. Sandhya Dhawan, EVP- Markets, Northern Arc, Ms. Geetu Sehgal, Chief of Staff, Northern Arc, Mr. Sumant Paul, Sr. VP – Markets, Northern Arc reflecting the collective commitment to this association. The partnership between South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital is expected to foster an ecosystem that encourages innovation and facilitates the smooth flow of credit across various sectors. Both institutions are confident that this alliance will not only strengthen their market positions but also contribute significantly to the growth of the financial industry.

9th May 2024: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India has today announced the opening of its 7-screen multiplex in Pune’s first luxury lifestyle destination at KOPA Mall, Koregaon Park. The cinema showcases the country’s leading luxury cinema formats, Director’s Cut and the immersive ICE Theatres®, both marking their debut in the West Region.

The most notable aspect of this cinema is that it brings with it 5 Director’s Cut auditoriums within PVR INOX’s ‘The Luxury Collection’ portfolio, known countrywide for offering sophisticated and immersive movie-viewing experiences. The cinema also houses the ICE Theatres® and a Premiere auditorium where modern splendor and redefining comfort meet cutting-edge cinema technologies such as 4K Laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound, and Next Generation 3D. Adjacent to it, the Gatsby restaurant bar adds to an exceptional experience through its unparalleled premium dining entwined with a lavish cinematic experience. Surrounding the theater are world-class culinary options including The Popcorn Bar with its wide array of flavored popcorn, La Cuisine serving contemporary continental cuisines, and Simply Sushi for its authentic sushi.

The new cinema, accommodating 751 guests, serving a high-end catchment area in Pune will augment PVR INOX foothold in the state of Maharashtra with 277 screens in 55 cinemas. The company consolidates its presence in West India to a total of 367 screens in 79 cinemas.

Commenting on the expansion plan, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said “We are excited to bring the first ICE Theatres® and first Director’s Cut experience to the Western Region with Pune.

The city’s vibrant and dynamic culture, rich heritage, cosmopolitan charm, and rich understanding of cinematic artistry, make it the perfect backdrop for our newest venture at KOPA, the City’s esteemed lifestyle hub. Through the launch of our new out-of-home destination, we aspire to enrich Pune’s cultural panorama while offering audiences a unique blend of cinematic opulence and immersive entertainment.”

“At KOPA, we have created an unparalleled shopping and dining experience, curated with a unique collection of brands that provide an elevated lifestyle for Pune. We are grateful to our partners at PVR INOX, who have chosen KOPA as their home for the inaugural PVR Director’s Cut in the state. This marks another milestone in a deep relationship between our organizations as we collectively seek to provide incomparable experiences for our visitors, said Mr. Ashwin Puri, Managing Director and CEO, of Lake Shore, on the collaboration.

Directors’ Cut is the pinnacle of luxury at PVR INOX and sets the bar for sophisticated and high-end hospitality and entertainment. From its ultra-plush auditoriums, world-class projection and surround sound, completely reclaimable armchairs with pillows and blankets, a personal attendant call system, an intriguing in-seat food and beverage menu, and luxurious lounges, every detail is carefully engineered to deliver the ultimate comfort for the patrons.

“In a city that truly understands the richness of cinema, it is only natural that Pune inspires us to build large super premium auditoria through our exclusive Director’s Cut and ICE Theatres® adding to the immersive nature and escapism of the super-premium experience. With Gatsby’s, we aspire to introduce a sophisticated gourmet dining and resto-bar concept for discerning patrons, offering a perfect complement to their cinematic experience” said Mr. Renaud Palliere, Chief of The Luxury Collection and Innovation, PVR INOX Limited.

The state-of-the-art ICE IMMERSIVE® technology from France is a sensorial experience that features LED panels on each side of the auditorium. These fill the moviegoer’s peripheral vision with supplementary ambient colors and shapes while complementing the action on the main screen. While the ultimate visual experience is enhanced through 4K Projection, the optimal audio playback comes alive with the 3D Dolby Atmos®, and the ergonomic comfort is aided by custom-made 60cm-wide seats aligned in curved rows offering ideal orientation towards the screen.

With a visually stunning and refined interior characterized by modern elegance, the cinema is adorned with a sophisticated palette of white, black, and grey stone. Carefully crafted to elevate the movie-going experience, it welcomes visitors for an exceptional cinematic journey.

Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, 9th May 2024 : The Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai, and TeamLease EdTech announced a significant partnership to launch three pioneering eMasters programs: ‘eMasters in Advanced Electrical Vehicle Systems’, ‘eMasters in Applied Mechatronics and Robotics’, and ‘eMasters in Data Science & Data Analytics’. This initiative, developed in collaboration with TeamLease EdTech, is designed to equip working professionals with advanced skills to lead innovation in these rapidly evolving fields.

These two-year programs offer a comprehensive curriculum covering the essentials of each specialized field, tailored to meet the demands of today’s industry and delivered through TeamLease EdTech’s innovative learning management platform. Through this partnership, IIT Bhilai and TeamLease EdTech are committed to providing education that is not only relevant but also transformative, enabling students to excel in their careers and contribute to the advancement of their industries.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for skilled professionals in data science, robotics, mechatronics, and electric vehicle (EV) technology is experiencing significant growth across diverse sectors. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and electric vehicles are creating a wealth of opportunities for those with advanced technical skills. As a result, the job market is expanding, particularly in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and transportation. These Executive programs, through a mix of Virtual Live lectures, Hands-on practical experience, and Industry Projects, will equip mid-career professionals with the knowledge and experience to transition into these high-demand job roles.

Prof. Dr. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai shared his vision, “Students entering these programs stand to gain immensely, not only in terms of acquiring advanced knowledge and skills in high-demand areas such as EV technology, robotics, mechatronics, and data analytics but also in enhancing their overall employability. Through this partnership, we intend to provide our learners with a highly immersive learning experience. These online eMasters programs are mainly targeted toward working professionals and those learners who cannot dedicate full time to undergoing master’s programs and their jobs. Also, eMasters courses include dedicated in-campus modules that offer students physical learning experience in an IIT environment and hands-on laboratory sessions. I believe these courses provide nearly a ‘full-time’ learning experience. Each course perfectly blends theory, practicals, and real-life industrial case studies. Moreover, as these courses cover cutting-edge and emerging technologies, they are delivered by esteemed IIT faculty members and industry experts.”

Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO of TeamLease EdTech, stated, ” This collaboration is geared towards upskilling seasoned professionals, aiming to refine their competencies in these high-demand fields. These Executive Masters Programs are meticulously designed to bridge existing skill gaps, transforming experienced professionals into industry leaders who are poised to spearhead innovation and contribute decisively to sectors crucial for India’s move towards sustainable transport solutions and technological advancements. Our partnership with IIT Bhilai is a milestone event in our efforts towards Making India Employable.”

09th May 2024; Mumbai, India: Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Mudra Group, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network, Malvika Mehra, Sudha Natarajan, Director Response in Times of India Group and Tista Sen join as jury chairs for Brand Activation and Promotion category, Broadcaster category, Young Maverick Abby category, Publisher category and Green Abby category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show.

Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Mudra Group has been appointed Jury Chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Brand Activation and Promotion category.

Under Rahul’s leadership, the DDB Mudra Group became the first Indian agency to be crowned APAC agency of the year at Spikes Asia. The work from the agency has won 4 Grand Prix at Spikes Asia in the last 3 years.

In 2019, DDB Mudra became the first agency in the world to win the D&AD Impact Prize Fund. According to the 2021 Campaign Brief Asia ranking, DDB Mudra Group was ranked #3 in India. The WARC 2021 ranking of DDB Mudra was that of the #1 Effective Agency in India as well as Asia.

Rahul has had the privilege to judge in numerous shows across the world, he was also the Jury President for Press & Outdoor at D&AD ‘22.

Rahul believes that creativity isn’t a department, it’s an attitude.

Avinash Pandey, CEO, of ABP Network has been appointed Jury Chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Broadcaster category.

ABP Network is India’s leading television and digital network with 4 TV channels running 24×7 on cable and satellite, serving in 8 languages on Digital, touching a total audience of over 265 million.

Avinash has over 28 years of experience in Media, news, Advertising, and Digital.

Avinash is also the President of News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), President of International Advertising Association (India Chapter), and serving Director of Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA).

He is the Founding Director of ABP Studios, which has produced award-winning films and TV series.

Avinash is a Delhi University Graduate and Post Graduate in History and an AMP from Harvard Business School.

Avinash has received numerous awards including CEO of the Year Award twice from ENBA.

Malvika Mehra has been appointed Jury Chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Young Maverick Abby category.

In a career spanning 3 decades, Malvika has donned many hats across advertising and marketing. Leading the brand mandate as Chief Creative Officer at Grey and Dentsu, successfully partnering clients and building famous brands like Bingo! at Ogilvy, and running her independent venture, Tomorrow Creative Lab, Malvika has moved on to being an independent consultant and brand partner to CEOs & founders.

Currently, Creative Head, Marketing, Dinshaw’s Dairy Foods, Malvika was formerly Chief Creative Officer, of Good Brands at the Good Glamm Group.

Malvika has been invited 3 times as juror by the prestigious Cannes Lions across the print, film, and design categories. She has been part of other eminent global juries for advertising and design including Clio, Spikes Asia, Dubai Lynx, and Kyoorius apart from Abby awards. Along the way, her work has picked up more than 100 awards at shows like Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Adfest Asia Pacific, Spikes Asia, Kyoorius, The Abbys, and The Effies.

Some of Malvika’s famous brand campaigns have been the launch of ITC Foods’ Bingo!, and her insightful work across Titan, Hutch, Vodafone, State Bank of India, Gillette, Reliance Telecom, Dell, Fiat, Honda, Duracell and the Indian Army.

The impact of her work and leadership has earned her a place among India’s ‘50 Most Influential People in Media, Marketing and Advertising’ (Economic Times – Brand Equity Agency Reckoner 2019), and the ‘Top 20 Creative Directors in India’ (ET, Brand Equity Agency Reckoner) twice in the past.

Sudha Natarajan, Director Response in Times of India Group has been appointed Jury Chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Publisher category.

Sudha has had 25 years of learning experience, with 13 of them being in leadership positions, in marketing, advertising, and media organizations.

Sudha has been Director looking after a diversified revenue portfolio, including the Digital offerings for Bennett, Coleman & Co., the largest and most diversified media company in India, Sudha has served as the CEO of a large international agency network, Lintas Initiative Media (2nd largest, in India).

Sudha was voted as ‘Woman Icon’ of the Marketing & Advertising Industry, she was ranked the 14th most influential Marketing & Advertising person by the Economic Times.

Sudha has served on various juries like the Festival of Media, Asia, and Cannes.

Sudha is also a board member of several Group Companies.

Tista Sen has been appointed Jury Chair in Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Green Abby category.

Tista Sen started her career with Whitelight Production, India’s leading ad film production company. After assisting on over 60 commercials she joined Lowe Lintas as a writer and worked on brands like Johnson & Johnson, Cadbury’s, and Unilever.

Tista joined J Walter Thomson and for over 22 years she was involved with some of the largest brands in India and some of the most memorable and well-loved ad campaigns for Unilever, ITC, Godrej, GSK, Aditya Birla, Sony, SBI Mutual Funds

Tista has been ranked among the 20 most creative people in Asia and worked on campaigns that have won numerous metals at Cannes, Clio, Ad-Fest, One Show, D&AD, Clio, Spikes Asia including the Grand Prix and Gold for her work on Lost Daughters in 2022.

Over the years, Tista has been on the jury of several global advertising festivals including Cannes, D&AD, Clio, LIA, Gerety Awards, Spikes, and The New York Festival. In 2015 Tista had the pleasure of being the only Asian on the inaugural Glass Jury at Cannes that honours gender diversity in communication.

Tista is co-founder of The Collective, an agency-agnostic platform that is a voice for young women in the industry when it comes to discrimination and gender inequality. Passionate about story-telling and the power of the written word, Tista is the only Indian to be published in the Modern Love Column of the New York Times.

Tista recently founded Ladyfinger, an agency that talks to women specifically on issues they can relate to, and has worked with brands to adopt an insightful communication model.

Mumbai – 9th May 2024 – Synology, a prominent leader in offering extensive IT solutions spanning edge, core, and cloud environments, presented its complete lineup of data management and protection solutions designed for the Visual effect(VFX), media, and entertainment sector in India at the VFX and More Summit (VAM Summit) from May 2nd to 3rd, 2024, held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon.

Targeted at directors, VFX supervisors, cinematographers, and professionals in visual effects, Synology storage solutions envision a boundless realm for content creators, merging human creativity with technological innovation.

Russell Chen, Synology Country Manager for the SAARC region, said, “As the media and entertainment industries continue to flourish and evolve, the escalating demands for large-volume data management, secure storage, and comprehensive solutions enabling seamless sharing with external partners are becoming more pronounced. Additionally, there is a growing need for multi-site collaboration, with multiple Synology NAS systems being deployed to streamline the creative process between different branches or departments.” He added, “Over the past three years in India, Synology has witnessed a remarkable increase in revenue share from the media and entertainment sector, rising from 10% to an impressive 15%-20% of our regional revenue. This substantial growth underscores our success in meeting the evolving needs of the VFX, media, and entertainment industries.”

Synology, a trusted choice for esteemed media companies such as BBC Media Action in the UK and RUN Studio in the US, delivers precise, tailored, global-scale solutions to bolster the creative workflows within the media and entertainment industry. Moreover, the company has cultivated strong partnerships with its media and entertainment clients, including those in India.

In India, Synology collaborates with acclaimed photography professionals and the prestigious Pixel Village Academy in Pune. This academy harnesses Synology storage solutions for content creation, collaboration, and future-proofing data protection. Furthermore, it imparts essential knowledge to its photography students regarding the significance of data ownership and the necessity of asset backups. Conversely, an esteemed Bangalore-based animation studio that played a pivotal role in the beloved LEGO movie production uses Synology as its primary storage solution provider. Synology ensures the on-demand provision of reliable and scalable data to fuel the studio’s creative animation endeavors.

To serve these illustrious customers effectively, Synology offers tailor-made storage management solutions, addressing their unique requirements and empowering them to transcend data limitations, ultimately unleashing their boundless creativity.

Graph II. Synology demonstrates comprehensive data protection solutions – Active Backup Suite and Snapshot Replication – including prevention, data backup, and recovery processes.

• Comprehensive Media File Storage Ownership

In the flourishing media industry, there is an increasingly urgent demand for efficient large-volume data storage management. In response to this need, Synology presents petabyte-scale solutions that redefine storage. The solutions offer high density, exceptional scalability, and unmatched high availability, all accessible through an intuitive and license-free portal-DiskStation Manager. Comprehensive data integrity and protection capabilities, seamlessly integrated, ensure peace of mind for customers.

• Revolutionize Editing Efficiency and Facilitate Seamless Collaboration

Online editing plays a pivotal role in the fast-evolving media and entertainment business. Synology introduces a new era of editing efficiency with high-speed online editing and all-flash storage solutions. Supporting network capacities of 10GbE, 25GbE, and more, Synology empowers professionals in this dynamic industry with seamless, lightning-fast capabilities, propelling their workflows to new heights of productivity.

• Unlock Media File Sharing at Unprecedented Speeds

In an era where global collaboration is vital, companies, especially those in post-production and design studios, require seamless connectivity. Synology unveils the Presto File Server, offering an unparalleled leap in file transfer speeds. Leveraging Synology’s exclusive SITA technology, users can effortlessly share media files across borders, experiencing a remarkable 68-fold speed increase compared to traditional FTP and HTTP methods. This innovative solution revolutionizes cross-border collaboration, making it faster and more efficient.

• Robust Backup and Archiving: Guarding Against Threats

Ransomware threats are of utmost concern, particularly within the data-centric media and entertainment industry, where data is a paramount asset. Synology’s security solutions, including Secure SignIn and Security Advisor, play a vital role in enabling customers to protect their invaluable data. Synology consolidated backup and instant recovery solutions running on Synology NAS safeguard digital assets through comprehensive file and block-level backups, near-instant data protection with snapshots, and optimized storage efficiency with Synology’s advanced deduplication technology.

In response to the surging demand for data storage and protection, Synology has recently introduced its flagship model – the High-density HD6500 in India. With the capacity to deliver up to 4.8 Petabytes of storage, this model serves as both a central repository for files and a backup solution for large enterprise organizations with extensive data needs. Particularly well-suited for data volume-intensive industries such as media, entertainment, and VFX, the HD6500 offers unparalleled storage capabilities.

Graph III. The 4U, 60-bay HD6500 streamlines petabyte-level storage with support for up to 960 TB per chassis and can be easily paired with up to 4 additional RX6022sas 60-bay expansion units for over 4 PB of storage in 20U.

Synology® at a glance

Staying at the forefront of data management, Synology innovates and adapts to ever-evolving technologies and continues bringing new possibilities to the table, including but not limited to solutions for data storage and backup, file collaboration, video management, and network infrastructure – all designed with one goal in mind – presenting a centralized platform to simplify IT administration while driving digital transformation for businesses worldwide.

08th May 2024, Mumbai: Parksons Cartamundi, a leading player in the evolving world of playing cards worldwide, today unveiled a new digital film for the launch of “The Official Mumbai Indians Playing Cards”. The exciting new film captures the essence of Mumbai’s passionate fan culture, showcasing how cricket transcends the boundaries of the stadium and brings people together.

Produced by Schbang Motion Pictures, the film explores the essence of what it means to be an “Asli Fan.” These are the passionate supporters who go beyond simply watching the game. They live and breathe their team spirit, actively participating in the experience. They’re the ones proudly sporting Mumbai Indians jerseys, and now, owning a deck of these specially designed playing cards becomes another way to showcase their devotion. Understanding this, Parksons Cartamundi has launched a captivating/fun digital film cleverly highlighting the shared spirit of competition that binds cricket and playing cards. Just like on the cricket pitch, where the best team emerges victorious, playing cards offer a fun and competitive experience that unites people.

The narrative follows a dedicated Mumbai Indians fan navigating the vibrant city, encountering fellow fans from all walks of life – from taxi drivers to fishermen, dabbawalas to gully cricket players. United by their love for the game and their team, they connect through the joy of playing cards, showcasing the diverse and relatable characters that make Mumbai’s fan culture so special. With the tagline “Asli Fan Khelta Hai!” (A True Fan Plays!), the campaign celebrates this passionate fan culture. The film beautifully captures how playing cards transcend boundaries, uniting fans in their shared love for the game.

Speaking about the latest film, Mr. Kapil Kejriwal, CEO & MD, of Parksons Cartamundi Private Limited, said, “At Parksons Cartamundi, we believe playing cards is not just a game to pass your time. Rather, it plays an essential role in adding emotions and unity to every game played. Similarly, the new range of Mumbai Indians playing cards helps the Asli Fans support and play the match along with their favorite team. Our new film perfectly captures this spirit, showcasing how the joy of playing cards transcends boundaries and unites fans in a shared love for the game. Through this digital film, we aim to inspire fans to embrace their passion for cricket and card playing!”

The film opens with a captivating montage of everyday Mumbai characters converging on an empty parking lot. As the camera pans across, we see glimpses of a pack of the Parksons Cartamundi X Mumbai Indians cards being shuffled, hinting at the playful competition to come. The narrative unfolds with the protagonist, a die-hard Mumbai Indians fan, showcasing his signature card moves and infectious enthusiasm. Further highlighting, various types of Mumbaikers showcasing celebration and support in their unique styles for their favorite cricket team.

Speaking on the film Rachaita Vyas, Head of Schbang Motion Pictures said, “We are delighted to announce our successful partnership with Parksons Cartamundi for the launch of an innovative project. Embracing the spirit of IPL, we have created a captivating experience that resonates with the Mumbai-ya vibe. This collaboration has been a rewarding journey, and we are thrilled to have contributed to something special for our target audience.”

Zeeshanali Ruby, Associate Vice President – Brand Solutions, Schbang shared his views, “The most effective approach to selling and generating awareness about an entertainment solution is by captivating and entertaining the audience with the promotional content itself. By immersing them in an engaging experience, we not only grab their attention but also leave a lasting impression that drives interest and enthusiasm for our offering.”

INDIA, Gurugram, 9th May 2024 — OLX, India’s leading online classifieds platform, has announced its strategic move to focus on its classified business post its acquisition by Cartrade Tech (NSE: CARTRADE).

This strategic pivot reflects OLX’s commitment to offering over 35 million monthly active unique (MAU) users a seamless experience of buying and selling pre-owned goods, enhancing their lives every single day.

Beyond buying and selling, these transactions also help build meaningful connections and positive outcomes. The OLX platform provides consumers and businesses with access to the widest array of used goods in India, enabling them to buy their most preferred brands without any budgetary constraints, turning aspirations into reality.

OLX aims to redefine the online classified landscape with its multi-category platform for its users, thereby enhancing user experiences with quality products that foster trust within the community by continuously educating them about online safety.

Focus Categories

OLX continues to have a strong presence across various segments within the online classified landscape, with one of the largest dealer networks and listings spanning 12 broad categories. Going forward, OLX is expanding its focus to encompass a wider range of categories, including real estate, jobs, consumer durables, and smartphones, in addition to its existing pre-owned car and bike category. These five categories collectively contribute to more than 80% of OLX’s listings, of over 3 million each month. This strategic move aligns with OLX’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Furthermore, the recent acquisition of OLX by the CarTrade Group has significantly enhanced the company’s reach, with over 70 million unique consumers being served on a monthly basis across the group companies. This positions OLX as one of the largest consumer-facing businesses in India, further solidifying its market presence.

Key Industry Partnerships

OLX is actively forming partnerships with industry leaders across key categories to enhance its platform and deliver an unparalleled user experience. As the enabler, OLX aims to provide access to relevant business partners that include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other service providers e.g. financial institutions, to its extensive user base of more than 35 million to expand market reach and offer its consumers a wide range of products and services.

OLX recently announced two such partnerships, one with Cars24 and the other with Royal Enfield. The partnership with Cars24 harnesses the synergies between the platforms, offering users an expanded array of options with enhanced features, including warranties on its used cars, an industry first for purchasing and selling pre-owned cars on a used-goods platform.

The collaboration with Royal Enfield introduces ‘Reown,’ their initiative for a company-operated pre-owned motorcycle business. This initiative facilitates seamless access to potential consumers to buy certified pre-owned Royal Enfield motorcycles directly through the OLX platform.

“We are excited about this strategic move and the unprecedented growth achieved through our integration with the CarTrade Group, further solidifying our commitment to serving consumers. It aligns with our vision to be at the forefront of the online classifieds space, offering users not only a reliable platform for automotive transactions but also a versatile marketplace for diverse needs. Our focus on real estate, bikes, jobs, consumer durables, and smartphones is set to solidify OLX’s leadership position and deliver great value to our users.”, said Amit Kumar, Managing Director & CEO OLX India