All posts by Rabindra

12th September 2024: India, Elastic, the Search AI Company, today announced the Elasticsearch Open Inference API now integrates with Anthropic, providing developers with seamless access to Anthropic’s Claude, including Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Haiku, and Claude 3 Opus, directly from their Anthropic account.

“The integration of Claude with Elasticsearch Open Inference API allows engineers to analyze proprietary data in real time and generate important context like signals, business insights, or metadata with our frontier model family,” said Michael Gerstenhaber, vice president, Product at Anthropic. “Supporting inference during ingestion pipelines provides more flexibility for users, particularly with features that generate and store answers to frequently asked questions to minimize latency and cost. This integration will help our common customers build efficient, reliable and beneficial AI applications. ”

“The pace and sophistication of Anthropic’s innovation in building reliable AI systems is inspiring,” said Shay Banon, founder and chief technical officer at Elastic. “Anthropic’s Claude models are a welcome addition to the simple and powerful abstraction the Elasticsearch Open Inference API provides for developers.”

New Delhi/London, 12th September, 2024: Essar Energy Transition (“EET”, the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Herbert as Managing Director, Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, effective 16 September 2024.

Ruth will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives to support EET’s long-term growth objectives – identifying new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships and ensuring that the Company’s initiatives are in line with the evolving energy landscape.

Ruth brings with her over 15 years of energy industry experience, most recently as Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, where she helped to shape government policy and fostered partnerships that significantly advanced the industry’s progress. CCSA grew from a 50-member organisation to a 120-member organisation, produced its first UK-wide CCUS delivery plan and grew its presence and profile in the UK and Belgium during her three-year tenure.

Ruth has extensive UK Government experience, previously holding several key positions at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, where she played a pivotal role in the UK’s energy policy, including leading negotiations on the EU Directive on CO2 Storage, international CCUS, and policy coordination, stakeholder engagement and programme management for the UK’s Electricity Market Reform. Ruth has been a member of the UK government’s CCUS Council and its Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge Advisory Council, as well as the UKCCSRC Advisory Council.

Ruth has also served as Director of Strategy and Development at the Low Carbon Contracts Company, where she was responsible for shaping the company’s strategic direction, developing its business plans, managing government affairs, and leading external communications. She holds professional qualifications in Programme Management, Sustainable Energy, and is a Master of Physics from the University of Oxford.

Tony Fountain, Managing Director, EET, said:

“We are very excited to have Ruth onboard at EET. Through our hydrogen production and decarbonisation projects at Stanlow, we are fully focused on assisting the UK Government to deliver its net zero goals. Ruth’s strong track record of leadership in both decarbonisation policy and practical implementation regimes will be instrumental as we progress our strategic initiatives.”

Ruth Herbert, Managing Director, Business Development & Strategic Initiatives, added:

“I look forward to joining at such a pivotal time for EET, and for the sector as a whole. EET’s plans present a huge opportunity for the UK’s North-West to be a trailblazer in the net zero industries of the future and for EET to be at the forefront of the emerging low carbon products market. I’m looking forward to working with the EET team to achieve its long-term objectives and make these ambitions a reality.”

New Delhi, India, 12th September, 2024 – Mappls MapmyIndia , India’s pioneering and leading deep-tech digital mapping, geospatial software and location-based IoT company is thrilled to announce its partnership with Zoomcar, the leading marketplace for self-drive car sharing. This unique collaboration enables users to seamlessly book a Zoomcar and plan their trips on the Mappls App, significantly enhancing the end-to-end travel planning and booking experience.

Zoomcar’s vast selection of over 25,000 cars across 99+ cities is fully integrated into the Mappls app, ensuring that there’s a car for every type of traveler. From affordable options for budget-conscious adventurers to premium rides for those seeking luxury, users can easily find and book the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. With zero security deposit, unlimited kilometers and easy availability of car pick up and delivery from popular destinations, Zoomcar has become the preferred choice for self-drive car sharing in India.

Mappls App is India’s own one-stop app with inbuilt digital maps for easy navigation, hyperlocal discovery & travel planning. Aimed to simplify the way Indians travel, users can book a Zoomcar directly on Mappls App and enjoy unique features like 3D junction views for navigation through complex flyovers & junctions with real-time safety & speed alerts, breakers & more. Mappls additionally provides an AI-powered travel platform that offers tailored travel solutions to its users, from destination selection to hotel bookings and detailed itinerary planning.

“Our partnership with Zoomcar brings added convenience and freedom to travelers and marks a significant milestone in our mission to simplify and enhance the travel experience for users. We’re excited to offer more value to Mappls app users and Zoomcar customers through this partnership, and go deeper into travel tech” said Rohan Verma, CEO & Executive Director of MapmyIndia.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mappls and be a part of their cutting-edge maps and travel platform. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a meticulously planned journey, we’re committed to making every trip seamless and enjoyable with Mappls.” added Hiroshi Nishijima, CEO of Zoomcar

Through this collaboration with Zoomcar, Mappls continues to redefine how people explore the world, offering users the tools and flexibility to plan their perfect journeys. An all-in-one solution for today’s tech-savvy travelers ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey, this integration allows Zoomcar customers to save time and effort, where every trip is carefully organized and optimized for convenience and comfort.

Mumbai, September 12, 2024: Alyve Health, India’s fastest-growing healthtech platform, is pleased to announce its recognition in the fourth annual edition of Forbes Asia’s prestigious ‘100 to Watch’ list, which highlights 10 emerging companies that are going to make significant impacts in their sector. This recognition serves as further evidence of Alyve Health’s dedication to redefining and improving healthcare affordability and accessibility across the country.

Alyve Health has rapidly established itself as a leader in health technology by offering innovative, personalized health plans that cater to individual needs. The platform utilizes advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to empower users, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. The platform’s seamless integration of technology and healthcare services ensures that users receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique health journeys. With a growing user base and expanding service offerings, Alyve Health is well-positioned to lead the charge in the health-tech sector.

“We are happy to be featured in Forbes Asia’s ‘100 to Watch’ list, which reflects our commitment to reimagining healthcare in India,” said Shashank Avadhani, Co-founder and CEO of Alyve Health. “This accomplishment is a result of our team’s innovation and passion for improving everyone’s access to high-quality healthcare. We are excited to continue our journey of empowering individuals and organizations to take charge of their health through cutting-edge technology.”

The ‘100 to Watch’ list by Forbes Asia is a significant accolade that showcases the most promising companies across the region. Alyve Health’s inclusion in this list highlights its potential to shape the future of healthcare technology in Asia, making it a company to watch in the coming years. Alyve Health has successfully enrolled 400 Indian companies in its employee healthcare services, which encompass health plans and consultations focused on fitness and nutrition. This growth underscores Alyve Health’s commitment to enhancing employee wellness through accessible and comprehensive healthcare solutions.

In the past, Alyve Health has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Healthcare Startup of the Year and the Healthy Lifestyle Startup of the Year for 2024, awarded by the IHW Council, as well as the Startup Trailblazer 2024 accolade from Dun & Bradstreet. In June, the company secured $5.5 million in Series A funding led by Axilor Ventures, raising its total funding to nearly $6.5 million.

As Alyve Health continues to innovate and expand, it remains dedicated to its mission of making healthcare more personalized and accessible for everyone. The company is excited about the future and looks forward to continuing its journey of transforming healthcare in India.

Bengaluru, 12 September 2024: Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, has reached an impressive milestone by performing over 1000 Robot-aided surgeries using the Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System at Bannerghatta Road highlighting the hospital’s expertise and commitment to advanced surgical techniques. This accomplishment not only underscores the hospital’s capabilities but also its role in leading the adoption of cutting-edge technology in urology. In addition, the introduction of the Da Vinci X system at Fortis Cunningham Road signifies the hospital’s ongoing investment in expanding access to state-of-the-art surgical options. Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru is at the forefront of integrating robotic technology into their surgical practices, which has led to improved patient outcomes, shorter recovery times, and increased precision in complex procedures.

The Urology Team led by Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, has successfully performed more than 1,000 robotic surgeries over the past 79 months, since the installation of the Da Vinci surgical system at Fortis Bannerghatta Road in 2018. These surgeries span a broad range of complex procedures across Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Reconstructive Urology, and Kidney Transplantation. The surgeries conducted via Da Vinci Xi Robot include 92 Robotic Kidney Transplants, 398 Nerve-Sparing Robotic Radical Prostatectomies, 282 Robotic Complex Partial Nephrectomies and 54 Pediatric Robotic Procedures, amongst others.

One such case is that of Patient Amar (name changed), a 50-year-old man who underwent multiple procedures in his hometown Kolkata, for a stone in the Ureter. During the surgical procedure, there were intra-operative complications that led to a traumatic injury to the ureter. A surgical procedure to examine the abdominal cavity was performed, however the ureter could not be repaired. As a result of the injured ureter, a tube was inserted to drain urine from the kidney (Nephrostomy). These complications led to recurrent urinary tract infections in the patient, requiring multiple ICU admissions. The patient was eventually airlifted from Kolkata to Fortis Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, where doctors successfully performed robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery to repair the ureteric injury.

Speaking about the case, Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Director – Urology, Uro-oncology, Uro-gynaecology, Andrology, Transplant & Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru and Chairman, Renal Sciences Specialty Council, Fortis Hospitals, India said, “This was a complicated case considering the patients ureter was damaged. We performed a challenging complex Ileo-Vesical, where a part of the small intestine was used to replace the damaged ureter, connecting it to the bladder to restore urine flow. Additionally, ureteral stenting was done wherein a thin, flexible plastic tube was placed temporarily in the ureter to help urine pass from the kidney into the bladder. The surgery was successful, and the patient was discharged within a week. This case highlights our expertise in utilizing robot-assisted techniques to enhance kidney-related surgeries, whether for performing complex procedures or addressing complications from prior surgeries done elsewhere.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest clinical care in Bengaluru, we have now launched the Da Vinci X robotic surgical system at Fortis Cunningham Road. This cutting-edge technology will further enhance surgical precision, shorten recovery times, and improve overall patient outcomes, reflecting our dedication to advancing healthcare through the latest innovations,” added Dr Mohan.

Da Vinci X is a cutting-edge robotic surgical system revolutionizing the performance of complex procedures by assisting the surgeons with exceptional vision, precision and control through a minimally invasive approach. This advanced technology provides key advantages such as enhanced surgical precision with incredibly fine movements that minimize damage to surrounding tissues, improved visualization through high-definition 3D images for a clearer view of the surgical site, and reduced pain and scarring thanks to smaller incisions. Additionally, there is lower risk of infection, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and a quick return to normal activities. These benefits make Da Vinci X particularly valuable for individuals with diabetes or other underlying health conditions who face higher risks of complications from traditional surgeries.

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said, “Congratulations to Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy and his entire Urology team for the significant clinical achievement. Fortis Healthcare is making significant investments in strengthening its medical infrastructure to enhance patient care and surgical outcomes. The introduction of the Da Vinci X system at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road marks a strategic expansion of our robotic surgery capabilities, reflecting our commitment to staying at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and aligns with our vision of delivering superior, minimally invasive care, Investing Rs 14 crores in this cutting-edge technology to further enhance patient care and surgical precision.”

Bangalore, 12th September 2024 – Wundrsight, a Digital Therapeutics startup has secured $400K in seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures. Social Alpha has also joined the round along with other angel investors. This investment will enable Wundrsight to expand its network of hospital and clinic partnerships across India and accelerate the development of its innovative VR-based mental health solutions.

Wundrsight is first in India to build Virtual Reality and AI based therapy platform for mental healthcare management Established in 2022, the company focuses on digitising and standardising mental health therapy using the immersive nature of Virtual Reality (VR). Their mission is to deliver accessible, effective, and personalized care for various mental, behavioral and neurocognitive health conditions, including Substance Use Disorders, OCD, Anxiety, Phobia, Autism, Dementia and more. They have also been backed by Meta (Facebook parent), DLabs at Indian School of Business, IIT Mandi Catalyst, NASSCOM and others.

Raunak Swarnkar, Co-founder & CEO, an IIT GN-Alumni, brings over 5 years of experience leading product development across AI/ML, B2B SaaS, and R&D in Neuroscience and medical devices, with previous roles at TCS R&D, IBM, and RedSeer Consulting. Nishtha Budhiraja, Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, a psychologist with 10+ years of experience, has worked with over 5000 patients and holds a degree from the University of Essex, with prior clinical leadership roles at Loop Health, Cult.Fit. Together, they are on a mission to build technology to solve for the current inefficiencies in delivering quality mental healthcare treatment to patients.

Vikram Ramasubramanian, Partner, Inflection Point Ventures says, “The mental health crisis is more alarming than ever; solving it with just traditional methods is often limited to accessibility, personalized treatment, and engagement. Many people start therapy but frequently drop off due to ineffective retention and engagement strategies. Wundrsight is at the forefront of addressing these issues by bringing in digital therapeutic and mixed reality technology like Virtual Reality to create personalized, immersive, and effective mental health care experiences. VR augments current solutions, helping to retain and engage users more effectively, ensuring they achieve their results. At IPV, we believe in Wundrsight’s vision to make mental wellness accessible to all through technological innovation.”

Wundrsight stands out with its passionate team, boasting decades of experience in mental healthcare and cutting-edge product development. Wundrsight’s VR solutions have already proven successful in reducing therapy session times by up to 30%, saving time and money while delivering superior patient outcomes. With a focus on evidence-based practices, they’re pioneering VR therapy in India, backed by CDSCO Registration, ISO certifications and CTRI-registered clinical trials.

Currently operating in 3 metro cities, they have already secured contracts with over 5 hospitals, with additional partnerships with leading private and government hospitals underway. Offering more than 6 VR therapy products, the startup has successfully treated over 1000 patients across various mental health conditions, including Substance Use Disorders, OCD, Anxiety, Phobia, and Autism, with clinician-administered therapies.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in mental health care, especially now as innovative software-based medical devices are getting regulatory approvals for prescriptions,” said Raunak Swarnkar, Co-Founder & CEO of Wundrsight. “Hospitals and clinics globally face immense pressure to provide high-quality, scalable mental health services despite a shortage of clinicians. Our VR-based solutions not only reduce the need for medication but also enhance clinician efficiency, allowing for safe, standardized and effective treatments. This funding will help us expand our reach and impact in India and APAC. We look forward to entering the US market next where VR therapy has received CPT codes for reimbursement from insurance providers.”

India Mental Health Market Valuation is projected to reach approximately USD 62.86 billion by 2032, up from USD 6.89 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.16%1.

New Delhi, Sept 12th, 2024: NTPC Ltd. paid the final dividend of Rs. 3,151 crore on 11th September 2024 for the financial year 2023-24, representing 32.50% of the paid-up equity share capital of the company.

This is in addition to the first interim dividend of Rs. 2,182 crore and a second interim dividend of Rs. 2,182 crore paid in November 2023 and February 2024 respectively.

The total dividend paid for FY 2023-24 is Rs.7,515 crore, at the rate of Rs. 7.75 per share of a face value of Rs.10 each.

This is the 31st consecutive year that NTPC Ltd. has paid a dividend

Authored by Prof. G. Shainesh, Priya Venkatesh, and Karthikeyan S, the book celebrates the intersection of education and ecology.

12th September 2024: IIM Bangalore is launching a captivating book that takes you on a visual journey through the campus’s diverse flora and fauna, highlighting the profound connection between education and the environment. On September 14, 2024, IIMB is hosting the book launch titled “Exploring Nature: Flora and Fauna of IIM Bangalore” at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) Library,” Published by Altrim Publishers, the book is co-authored by Prof. G. Shainesh from IIMB’s Marketing faculty, Priya Venkatesh, Founder of The Naturalist School, and Karthikeyan S, Chief Naturalist at Jungle Lodges and Resorts

The launch event will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and will feature a panel discussion titled “Embracing Biodiversity for a Nature-Inclusive Bangalore.” Esteemed speakers include S. Karthikeyan, Chief Naturalist at Jungle Lodges and Resorts; Priya Venkatesh; Dr. G. Shainesh; and P. S. Narayan, Global Head of Sustainability at Wipro. “The panel will explore how IIM Bangalore campus, despite urban challenges, serves as a model for creating spaces that integrate academia and ecology

S Karthikeyan, Chief Naturalist, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

S Karthikeyan is a well-known naturalist with more than three decades of experience teaching about nature who has worked with WWF-India as a professional and volunteer, receiving the prestigious Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award in 2013. He shares his knowledge through interactive activities such as guided nature walks, talks, film screenings, workshops and nature camps; he has also extensively written on natural history topics maintaining a blog on the same. Currently Karthikeyan heads the Naturalists Training Programme at Jungle Lodges and Resorts where he trains the next generation of naturalists to appreciate and interpret their surroundings so that they can have a stronger bond with Mother Earth while still encouraging conservation efforts.

Priya Venkatesh, Founder, The Naturalist School

Priya Venkatesh is the Founder of The Naturalist School, a pioneering institution dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with nature. With a passion for environmental education and conservation, Priya has created a unique learning space that encourages individuals to explore, appreciate, and protect the natural world. Through her school, Priya aims to inspire a new generation of nature enthusiasts, citizen scientists, and sustainability leaders, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact on the environment.

Dr. G Shainesh, IIMB Marketing faculty

Professor G Shainesh is a distinguished academic with over two decades of research and teaching experience in India and internationally. He has collaborated with renowned institutions worldwide, including the University of Gothenburg, University of St. Gallen, HEC Paris, and Bocconi University, among others. His expertise lies in Digital Marketing Strategies, CRM, Services Marketing, and Service Innovations. Additionally, he serves as Vice Chair of the Academy of International Business – South Asia Chapter (AIB-SAC) and on the Board of the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS).

P S Narayan, Global Head of Sustainability

P.S. Narayan is a seasoned executive and sustainability leader, serving as Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives at Wipro Limited and Managing Trustee of the Wipro Foundation. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has shaped Wipro’s sustainability agenda, developing and managing its sustainability charter, advocating for sustainability with prominent organizations, and championing the Wipro earthian Awards. His dedication has made a significant impact, inspiring responsible business practices and earning him recognition as a pioneer in corporate sustainability, driving positive change at Wipro and beyond.

Event: Book Launch- “Exploring Nature: Flora and Fauna of IIM Bangalore”
Date: 14th September 2024
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Venue: Bangalore International Centre Library
Panelists: S Karthikeyan, Priya Venkatesh, Dr. G Shainesh and P S Narayan

12 September 2024: Centricity, India’s fastest growing tech-first wealth management company, has successfully raised USD 20 million in a seed funding round to advance its mission of revolutionising wealth management through its technology-based platform. This investment was led by Lightspeed with returning investors Burman Family Office, Shantanu Agarwal amongst others. The round also saw investments from Paramark VC, a distinguished Korean venture capital fund and a group of renowned Family Offices and angel investors, including MS Dhoni family office, Aakash Chaudhry (Ex Aakash Institute), NB Ventures family office, Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Vishal Dhupar (MD Nvidia) MMG group family office and Action Tesa family office among others.

With a vision to build India’s largest financial distribution franchise and a best-in-class boutique private banking practice, Centricity plans to utilise the fresh capital to expand its operations. The company plans to double its tech development team from 75 to over 150 specialists, focusing on innovations like generative AI led modules, insure-tech, and broking-tech platforms. Through a “phygital” approach, Centricity aims to empower financial advisors to easily access and transact in financial products while simplifying the understanding of financial portfolios.

On the successful fundraise, Manu Awasthy, Founder & CEO of Centricity, said, “Our tech product and business growth are testimony of an impeccable team, immaculately executing a coherent idea. End investors in wealth management are tech starved and crave for simple, sincere solutions. And Centricity is solving this problem through its tech first mind set and practical tech applications. Our scale has been bigger and faster than any wealth management company in India within 15 months of starting the operations”

“Centricity’s vision of redefining wealth management with its one-of-a-kind solution is essential for India’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. The company’s commitment to empowering independent financial advisors and former private wealth professionals with a sophisticated, yet user-friendly platform sets a new benchmark in the industry. By offering democratised accessibility to all financial products for investors and a commitment to addressing the largely underserved Indian wealth market, the platform holds a lot for promise. We have strong belief in Centricity’s innovative approach and its potential to disrupt the wealth management landscape,” said Shuvi Shrivastava, Partner & Advisor, Lightspeed.

Saket Burman from Burman Family Office said, “We backed Centricity’s founding team in the pre-seed round, recognising their potential to transform how UHNWIs and SFOs in India manage their wealth. While others still rely on basic tools, Centricity is offering a cutting-edge solution. The team’s remarkable progress and proven execution reaffirm our belief that they can become a leader in this challenging market.”

MS Dhoni Family Office said, “Centricity’s OneDigital is on a mission to democratize wealth management for a billion Indians and boost financial product distribution, especially in tier 2/tier 3 towns and cities. Investing in Centricity will be step towards partnering in this journey.”

India, September 12, 2024 – Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud-delivered solutions, has been recognized as a Leader in the latest GigaOm Radar Report for Security Policy as Code. As part of the Infinity Platform to secure the cloud, Check Point CloudGuard offers robust code security capabilities that fortify businesses against evolving cyber threats.

“At Check Point, we understand the challenges that come with ensuring the safety and integrity of your digital assets in the cloud. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our positioning as a Leader in GigaOm’s Security Policy as Code report,” said Paul Barbosa, VP of Cloud Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “This recognition highlights our innovative CloudGuard solution, which enables organizations to seamlessly integrate security into their development processes, ensuring robust protection from the start.”

As businesses increasingly rely on advanced software for their daily operations, securing this code becomes crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring seamless operations. Cloud practitioners require dependable security solutions, such as code security, part of the Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), to meet this need. According to Check Point’s 2024 Cloud Security Report, a mere 21% of organizations focus on preventive measures to stop attacks before they happen, highlighting a significant gap in current cloud security strategies. By adopting Security Policy as Code, companies can prioritize proactive security measures, streamline security management, reduce errors, and empower teams to quickly address threats, as early as development, thereby securing cloud environments.

“CloudGuard benefits from Check Point’s deep cybersecurity expertise and integrates seamlessly with the Infinity platform, providing advanced threat prevention and security management capabilities across diverse environments,” said Whit Walters, analyst at GigaOm. “CloudGuard is well-suited for organizations operating in complex multicloud or hybrid environments, particularly those with a strong DevOps culture.”

Additional features of CloudGuard Code Security include:

• Integrated Security Across CI/CD Pipelines: offers seamless, language-agnostic security scanning, enabling early detection and resolution of vulnerabilities and exposed secrets to mitigate production security risks
• Automated DevSecOps Practices: Enforces uniform security policies and regulatory compliance while optimizing security operations, seamlessly integrating with DevOps to enable rapid development without sacrificing security
• Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention: Provides robust detection of vulnerabilities, malware, and weak security practices, reducing the likelihood of costly security incidents
• Actionable Remediation and Continuous Improvement: Offers precise remediation steps for security issues, empowering developers to swiftly address vulnerabilities and continually enhance their security practices