Archives 2024

December 18, 2024: Synchrony, a consumer financial services company and the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to providing access and opportunity for all through two key education initiatives – ‘Digital Academy’ and ‘Path to Parity.’ With an aim to drive systemic change, these initiatives address the critical need for education and skill development among underserved communities, helping to create pathways to meaningful careers and economic independence.

Digital Academy

Synchrony has partnered with Capgemini to announce the launch of the first Digital Academy in Hyderabad, an initiative that provides advanced IT and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) training to youth from underprivileged, underrepresented, and economically challenged backgrounds.

Capgemini’s Digital Academy offers skill development programs in collaboration with partners such as Edubridge and NGOs like the Anirban Rural Welfare Society (ARWS). As part of this collaboration, Synchrony will co-create a curriculum that includes technical/non-technical and domain-specific training, alongside behavioral and life skills education, to better help prepare students for the modern workplace and to acquire the required skills to start their careers.

Chintan Chawla, Senior Vice President of global Operations Initiatives and Technology, at Synchrony, said, “As we launch the first Digital Academy in Hyderabad, we are excited to bring our expertise in technology and skills development to the partnership. Together with Capgemini, we look forward to making a lasting impact, providing access to training, and fostering long-term growth for communities across India.”

“At Capgemini, we believe quality education and skill development drive social and economic empowerment. Our partnership with Synchrony to launch the Digital Academy in Hyderabad makes advanced IT and BFSI training accessible to underprivileged youth. By blending technical, domain, and life skills in the curriculum, we aim to empower students for success in the modern workplace. This initiative reflects our commitment to digital inclusion and building brighter futures”, said Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice-President, Corporate Social Responsibility, India, Capgemini.

The Digital Academy aligns with Synchrony’s broader “Education as an Equalizer” philanthropic initiative, which emphasizes expanding access to higher education, training in high-growth fields, and financial literacy for underserved populations. The insights from this initial launch will serve as a foundation for scaling the Digital Academy model in other cities across India.

Path to Parity

Synchrony’s Path to Parity initiative focuses on bringing industry leaders together to discuss parity issues of different dimensions of diversity. Now in its second year, it builds on the success of its inaugural initiative in 2023 by Synchrony’s tech team, which brought together some of the industry’s most influential personalities as they engaged in impactful discussions about the path to gender parity in the technology sector. It continues to serve as a forum for the organization’s Global Delivery Centers (GDC), industry leaders, and key partners to share best practices, collaborate on CSR initiatives, and advance inclusive growth. This year’s theme, “Equalizing through Education,” aims to break down barriers and provide equal access to educational and employment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on supporting underprivileged students in India.

Gaurav Sehgal, Senior Vice President, Human Resources – Asia, Synchrony said, “At Synchrony, we believe that education is the key to fostering a skilled, inclusive workforce that can lead future transformations in technology and industry. Path to parity is designed to accelerate the benefits of the digital and financial revolution for all, especially those traditionally excluded from such opportunities. We look forward to leveraging our partnerships and resources to make a tangible impact on educational access.”

With partners such as the NASSCOM Foundation, Synchrony aims to mobilize a network of leaders to drive collective change, ensuring that education remains a foundational element in the path toward a more equitable society. Path to Parity has already fostered transformative discussions and initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion, including in-person unconscious bias training and workshops on health, wellness, and financial literacy.

18th December 2024: Vignan Online, the online learning arm of Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (Deemed-to-be-University) has introduced a two-year Master of Business Administration program in Information Technology, aimed at equipping learners with the skills to thrive in the ever-advancing technology sector. This program focuses on managing technological resources, crafting effective IT strategies, and driving digital transformation. Developed by seasoned faculty of Vignan Online and industry professionals, the curriculum will provide explicit knowledge aligned with real-world IT demands.

The program will cover topics such as IT project management, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and emerging technologies. Graduates will be prepared for influential job roles like Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), IT Director, and Data Analytics Manager across sectors, primarily including BFSI, e-commerce, healthcare IT, technology consulting, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

CEO of Vignan Online Mr Srikant Nandigam said, “This program combines essential management knowledge with advanced IT skills which will equip learners to thrive in technology-centric roles. It will prepare them to adapt to evolving industry demands, drive innovation, and contribute effectively across various sectors by integrating strategic thinking with technical proficiency.”

18th December 2024: Premium Japanese lingerie brand, Wacoal has unveiled its largest flagship store in India at the iconic Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai. The launch event was graced by renowned actress Ms. Mouni Roy, alongside Ms. Pooja Merani, COO and Mr. Hirokuni Nagamori, CEO of Wacoal India. This marks a significant milestone in Wacoal’s continued expansion in India, bringing the brand closer to its customers with a premium shopping experience.

Spanning a spacious area, the flagship store at Phoenix Palladium offers an extensive selection of Wacoal’s premium intimate wear. From everyday essentials to luxury lingerie, the store showcases the brand’s dedication to combining comfort, elegance, and the perfect fit. It serves as a testament to Wacoal’s philosophy of delivering intimate wear that caters to the diverse needs of women while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Highlighting the brand’s growth and commitment to quality, Ms. Pooja Merani, COO of Wacoal India, remarked, “Wacoal has always been committed to providing exceptional quality and a perfect fit for women. Our new concept flagship store represents our dedication to delivering a unique premium shopping experience that is not only about our products but also about understanding each woman’s individual needs. We are delighted to continue expanding with more stores planned across India as well as strengthening our presence in multi-brand outlets and e-commerce platforms.”

Actress Mouni Roy, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, expressed her excitement, “It’s a pleasure to be part of Wacoal’s journey in India. This store beautifully reflects what Wacoal stands for: comfort, confidence, and luxury. I’m sure this store will become a go-to destination for women in Mumbai to discover lingerie that fits their unique needs, style, and personality.

As someone who has always championed body positivity, I’m thrilled to see Wacoal embrace and celebrate diverse body types, empowering women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I’m also excited to see the brand’s upcoming launches and how they continue to redefine lingerie for modern women.”

Talking about the new store launch, Mr. Hirokuni Nagamori, CEO of Wacoal India shared “We are thrilled to open our largest flagship store in Mumbai. This store represents our commitment to offering Indian women premium lingerie while offering a great fit, comfort and exemplary service synonymous with Wacoal Internationally. Our extensive range of products are a blend of unique design and creativity, coupled with innovation and quality.

The flagship store’s launch signals Wacoal’s significant investment in the Indian market, with plans to establish a robust presence through multi-channel retail including specialized stores, multi-brand outlets, and a stronghold on the e-commerce platforms.

This milestone represents more than a retail expansion, it’s a statement of Wacoal’s commitment to revolutionizing intimate wear retail in India, blending Japanese precision with local market insights.

18 December 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has launched special, discounted fares and additional benefits for students across its domestic and international route network, making a world-class, full-service flying experience more exciting for them.

New student fare benefits: The special fares provide students up to 10% discount on base fares on all flights, 10kg extra baggage allowance, and the option of a one-time free date change upon booking on Air India’s direct channels, including airindia.com and the Air India mobile app. The special student fares are now available for bookings in Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins.

“With these new student fare benefits, we are making it easier and more affordable for young travellers to explore the world, connect with different cultures, and broaden their horizons. At Air India, we are committed to supporting students on their educational journeys and to making full-service flying more accessible and a rewarding experience for students”, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Global connectivity: Air India operates non-stop between India and 42 destinations abroad, in addition to 49 cities within India. Students travelling between any of these destinations, including those in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, can now travel with greater ease and flexibility.

Additional savings: Air India currently does not charge any convenience fee on mobile app bookings, which enables student travellers to additionally save INR 399 on domestic flights and up to INR 999 on international flights. Furthermore, travellers can unlock further savings when paying via UPI, netbanking, or credit/debit cards issued by Air India’s bank partners on airindia.com or the Air India mobile app. With these offers, students can potentially enjoy a total of up to 25% discount.

Inflight entertainment on all flights: Air India now offers fleet-wide availability of complimentary inflight entertainment, whether in-seat or on their personal devices with Vista Stream (Air India’s new wireless entertainment streaming service). Air India is also progressively rolling out its new inflight WiFi internet connectivity service on international flights, which is currently available on select international flights.

Maharaja Club benefits: Students can also enroll into Air India’s revamped loyalty programme, ‘Maharaja Club’, and earn reward points on every trip to redeem for complimentary tickets, upgrades, etc. Maharaja Club members earn up to 33% additional reward points when they book directly on airindia.com or the Air India mobile app.

To avail the special student fares, a traveller is required to be:

· At least 12 years of age on the day of travel – for domestic travel

· Aged between 12-30 years on the day of travel – for international travel

· Enrolled in a full-time course for at least one academic year

· Attending an educational establishment recognized, aided by, or affiliated with a central or state government, educational board, university, or an accredited school, college, university, etc.

· Carrying a valid ID card or acceptance letter from their school, college or university or a valid Student Visa

Student fare bookings are available only on Air India’s direct channels: Air India’s website, mobile app, customer contact centre, and at airport and city ticketing offices.

18 December 2024 – RV University (RVU), an emerging institution in higher education, announced the appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar as its new vice-chancellor. With more than three and a half decades of experience, Prof. Sanjay has a wealth of knowledge and skills that would help the university to improve its reputation in both research and academia.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, a graduate of BITS, Ranchi University, has two postgraduate degrees in management, an MBA, and an M.Tech and Ph.D. (Engineering) both from IIT Delhi. He has the distinction of having a second Ph.D. in Management from Jain (University), which is noteworthy and demonstrates his dedication to academic excellence. He has excelled in many academic and professional courses and has achieved distinction throughout his educational career. He is a presidential awardee of, Vishisht Seva Medal, for his outstanding research, innovation, and utmost dedication to the nation.

Dr.(h.c.) A.V.S. Murthy, Chancellor of RV University, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment, saying, “Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a perfect example of academic and professional brilliance. His diverse background in leadership, technology, and research will revolutionize RV University. We have no doubt that his vision will raise our university to unprecedented levels of scholarly and research renown.”

Sri D.P. Nagaraj, Pro Chancellor of RV University, added, “We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Dr. Kumar’s caliber. His extensive experience across defense research, space technology, and academic administration makes him the perfect leader for our university. His experience in leading complex multi-crore projects and guiding brilliant scientific teams aligns perfectly with our institution’s goals.”

On his appointment, Prof. Sanjay Kumar said, “I am honored to be part of the RV University family at such an exciting juncture, with its focus on innovation, research and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education. He also added, “RV University has great potential to transform the landscape of Indian higher education and contribute significantly towards the development of New India. He mesmerised the audience with his power-packed speech filled with intellect and humour. He further stated, “I am delighted to meet a group of highly accomplished and experienced faculty members.” He emphatically made a special mention that as a leader he will strive to lead from the front and carve new pathways for all the intellectuals and young brilliant students to contribute significantly towards a national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Prof. Kumar has an excellent record in his academic, research, and leadership career. He has published his works in renowned national and international journals. He is the author of seven publications, including the well-known “Concepts and Applications of Microwave Engineering” and “Wave Propagation and Antenna Engineering.” He has made contributions to a variety of sectors, such as satellite communication, aerospace technology, renewable energy and electronics and communication engineering.

Having previously held the position of Vice Chancellor at reputable universities such as Amity University Kolkata and Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Professor Sanjay has an extensive background in leading academic and research initiatives. He has experience working with prestigious national institutions including the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defense Research Development Organization, and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Prof. Kumar has received numerous national and international honors, including the AVM Harjinder Singh Trophy for academic distinction and the President of India’s Vishist Seva Medal. His initiatives to promote creativity and youth involvement have also received recognition at the state and national levels.

RV University aims to strengthen its dedication to providing quality education, supporting innovative research, and cultivating an inclusive and innovative culture under Prof. Kumar’s guidance.

18th December 2024: Student Tribe, India’s largest and fastest-growing student community, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Marut Drones, a pioneering company specializing in drone technology that has been widely appreciated by the Government of India. This collaboration creates a unique platform connecting students directly with exciting opportunities in the field of drone technology.

This partnership is more than an educational initiative; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem designed to transform how students learn, engage, and build careers in emerging technological fields. By bringing together industry expertise and student enthusiasm, the collaboration aims to create meaningful pathways for young innovators.

Students will now benefit from:

Direct exposure to professional drone technology.
Structured learning beyond traditional academic curricula.
Networking opportunities with industry experts.
Practical skills development.
A supportive community of technology enthusiasts.

Through monthly events, online platforms, and a network of Campus Ambassadors, students will gain insights and experiences that go far beyond conventional learning. The partnership’s annual Drone Fest will be a landmark event where students can interact with cutting-edge technology and showcase their own potential.

Additionally, Marut Drones offers a 5-day Drone Pilot Training (RPC) workshop. This intensive program covers:

Introduction to drones and DGCA regulations.
Flight simulator training and drone flying practice.
Hands-on field experience.
Solo field flying tests.
DGCA certification upon successful completion.

This workshop equips participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them industry-ready in the rapidly growing drone sector. As a DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO), Marut Drones ensures students receive the highest standard of training and certification.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe, said, “Our vision is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. We’re creating an environment where students can transform their technological interest into tangible career opportunities.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sai Kumar, Founder of Marut Drones, stated, “Marut Drones has always been at the forefront of leveraging technology to address societal challenges. By collaborating with Student Tribe, we aim to inspire young minds and provide them with the tools to imagine, innovate, and create impactful solutions for the future.”

Student Tribe and Marut Drones are committed to nurturing the next generation of technological leaders, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and community support needed to succeed in an evolving digital landscape.

Marut Drones, known for its groundbreaking contributions to the drone industry, has recently secured $6.2 Million a Series A funding from Lok Capital underscoring its commitment to advancing drone technology for diverse applications. The company’s focus on innovation and education aligns seamlessly with Student Tribe’s mission to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

18th December 2024: Arete’s Q3 2024 report reveals that the Manufacturing and Scientific & Technical Services industries were among the most targeted by ransomware groups, accounting for 19.5% and 15.6% of total incidents, respectively. Despite the challenges, both sectors demonstrated notable resilience, with Manufacturing standing out as one of the top industries capable of recovering without paying a ransom.

While no single ransomware group explicitly focused on Manufacturing, several prominent threat actors—including Play, Akira, Fog, and RansomHub—were involved in these threats. In contrast, the Professional, Scientific & Technical Services sector experienced significant activity from BianLian, which employed email-based tactics leading to comparatively lower ransom demands.

The Healthcare & Social Assistance sector also faced considerable disruption, with the Rhysida group exploiting fake Microsoft Teams applications to deploy malware, illustrating the continually evolving tactics of threat actors.

A key trend this quarter was Play’s emphasis on high-revenue organizations, with victims averaging $250 million in annual revenue and ransom demands reaching up to $1.5 million. However, Arete’s analysis indicates that ransom payment decisions were more strongly influenced by factors such as backup availability and internal recovery capabilities rather than industry type or revenue alone.

“As threat actors evolve their tactics, Arete continues to monitor their activity, analyze trends, and leverage our threat intelligence to better respond to cyber threats,” said Geoff Brown, Arete’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “Using this unique data, we are dedicated to protecting our clients, informing our partners, and contributing to the shared fight against cyber extortion.” Brown added.

In light of these findings, Arete emphasizes the need for organizations to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes, investing in advanced threat detection technologies, conducting regular security assessments, providing employee training to strengthen overall cyber defenses.

By staying ahead of evolving threats and preparing for potential incidents, organizations can better protect critical assets and ensure faster recovery from disruptions.

Arete advocates for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that prioritizes prevention as well as incident response, safeguarding both data and operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

18th December 2024: Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road successfully treated a 93-year-old male patient with gallstones and an infected gallbladder using advanced robot-aided surgery. The patient, who had a history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, had previously undergone cardiac bypass surgery and angioplasty. Dr. Sreedhara V, Director – Minimal Access & Robotic General Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, performed a complex minimally invasive surgery and the patient was discharged in a stable condition just two days after the procedure.

Patient Somesh had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and discomfort for 4-6 days. Despite undergoing multiple diagnostic tests and treatments over the days, the source of the patient’s discomfort remained unclear and misdiagnosed as a cardiac issue and a urinary tract infection. After visiting multiple hospitals without finding an effective treatment, he finally approached Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road for relief.

Upon a detailed evaluation at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, an infected gallbladder with gallstones was identified as the root cause of the discomfort. The patient’s condition was further complicated by his age and multiple medical conditions, including kidney failure. Given the high risks associated with traditional surgery, Dr. Sreedhara decided to perform robotic surgery, an advanced minimally invasive technique that offers precision, enables quicker recovery, and reduces complications.

Giving details of the case, Dr. Sreedhara V, Director – Minimal Access & Robotic General Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road said, “This case presented unique challenges due to the patient’s multiple underlying health issues. The timely identification of gallstones with infection and the infected gallbladder was crucial. The procedure, which lasted only 20-30 minutes, ensured the patient’s quick recovery and allowed for a faster return to normal activities. This surgery demonstrated the tremendous potential of robotic surgery in addressing multiple medical issues simultaneously, offering patients a safer, faster recovery with fewer disruptions to their daily life.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said, “At Fortis Hospitals, we are committed to providing world-class medical care tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This case highlights our dedication to using cutting-edge technologies such as robotic surgery to ensure faster recovery, reduced risks, and the best possible outcomes. Our skilled team worked together to provide the patient with the highest standard of care, enabling him to recover rapidly despite his complex medical history.”

18th December 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, today announced separate Schemes of Arrangement of its subsidiaries Sanghi Industries Limited (SIL) and Penna Cement Industries Limited (PCIL). The proposed Schemes inter alia provide for the Amalgamation of SIL and PCIL with Ambuja Cements.

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, said, “This merger aims to make our company more competitive and efficient, ultimately enhancing shareholder value. Enhanced working capital management and internal funds will support the growth of our business operations. Unified cash flow management will pool resources for faster expansion and cost savings in administration and governance, thereby simplifying compliance requirements. This advancement through a larger entity will increase market competitiveness and deliver greater value to our shareholders.”

SIL has a clinker capacity of 6.6 MTPA, a cement capacity of 6.1 MTPA, and limestone reserves of ~1 billion tonnes. SIL’s Sanghipuram plant is India’s largest single-location cement and clinker unit by capacity, with a captive jetty and captive power plant.

Penna has four integrated plants in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along with a grinding unit in Maharashtra. It has an operational capacity of 10 MTPA. Additionally, two plants, with a capacity of 2 MTPA each, are under construction in Krishnapatnam and Jodhpur, expected to be completed within next 8-12 months. It also has five bulk cement terminals at Kolkata, Gopalpur, Karaikal, Kochi, and Colombo (Sri Lanka).

Ambuja Cements will issue 12 equity shares of the face value of Rs. 2/- each for every 100 equity shares of SIL of face value Rs. 10/- each as recommended by the valuers and accepted by the Board and thereby, the eligible shareholders of SIL will become the shareholders of Ambuja Cements.

These transactions will be effected with requisite approvals from related stakeholders and authorities, anticipated to be completed within 9-12 months.

#Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, and Padma Shri Dr. D.S. Rana also marked their presence at the Event

New Delhi, December 17, 2024:

An evening dedicated to literature unfolded at Aravali Auditorium, Vasant Vihar, where Milap Publications proudly launched ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’, a poetry collection in Hindi by renowned poet Alok Gaur. The event was graced by Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Chakradhar as the chief guest, alongside the esteemed presence of Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri, President of DAV CMC, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder of Mahajan Imaging, and Padma Shri Dr. D.S. Rana, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ comprises 113 poems that reflect on profound questions of life and delve deep into human emotions. Despite his professional commitments in the corporate world, Alok Gaur’s dedication to literature shines through this third publication.

In his keynote, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Chakradhar praised the collection, saying, “This anthology is a symbol of hope and perseverance. It inspires readers to rise above life’s challenges, something we all face in our journeys. Years from now, we may confront new questions, but this poetry will remain a guide, offering solutions with its simple yet profound words. It’s not heavy literature—it is poetry that soothes and empowers, teaching us how to find happiness.”

The program was ably anchored by ‘Hasya Ratna’ Chirag Jain, who kept the audience engaged throughout with his distinctive style. His rendition of the Ramayana’s Dashrath Death Episode left the audience deeply moved and mesmerized, adding an emotional and unforgettable dimension to the evening.

Mr. Yogi Suri, Managing Editor, Milap Publications, shared his thoughts: “When I began this journey in publishing, I was told that poets and publishers can never truly be friends. But ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ proves that collaboration between creativity and publishing is essential. I am grateful to Alok Gaur and honored by Dr. Ashok Chakradhar’s presence.”

Alok Gaur himself recited selected poems, captivating the audience with their rhythm and essence. Speaking about his work, he said, “My poetry embraces every aspect of life and its emotions. ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ encourages readers to view life positively and inspires them to discover happiness in every moment.”

JP Group’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Manoj Gaur, a long-time friend of Alok Gaur, spoke about the poet’s unwavering commitment to writing. He remarked, “Alok’s poetry is not just an art form but a reflection of his deep thoughts and sensitivity. His words resonate with sincerity and dedication, showcasing his love for the craft. Our friendship runs deep, and I am proud to witness his literary journey.”

Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri congratulated Alok Gaur and applauded the poetry collection. He stated, “Alok’s poems connect directly with the heart. This book is a reminder that happiness is not an elusive dream; it is something we can actively seek in our everyday lives.”

Published by Milap Publication, ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ is now available at leading bookstores and online platforms, including Amazon.