Ananth Technologies Successfully Completes Satellite Integration Project for ISRO

October 18, 2024 –  Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL), a leading Aerospace and Defence company, has successfully completed the integration of two 400 KG class satellites for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This marks a significant milestone as the first time ISRO has awarded such a project to a private industry partner.

Groundbreaking Achievement in India’s Space Sector

The Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) of the satellites were conducted at ATL’s new state-of-the-art facility in the KIADB Aerospace Park, Bengaluru. This 10,000 square meter facility is equipped to manufacture electronic subsystems and integrate up to four large satellites simultaneously.

A ceremony celebrating the successful completion and delivery of the satellites was held at ATL on October 18.Mr. Shankaran, Director of ISRO’s U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), praised ATL’s work on this project, highlighting the company’s expertise and dedication.

A Testament to Vision and Commitment

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman of ATL, attributed this success to the company’s sustained investment in infrastructure and talent over several years. “This achievement is a testament to ATL’s vision and commitment towards India’s space sector,” said Dr. Pavuluri. “We have been manufacturing electronic subsystems for ISRO since 2000 and have been an integral part of every Indian space program over the last two decades.”

The project involved over 100 highly trained engineers and technicians, making it the most sophisticated satellite integration project undertaken by a private sector company in India to date.

Expanding Horizons

ATL’s capabilities extend beyond satellite integration:

  1. At the recent Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX), ATL signed an MOU with Space Machines Company, an Australian firm, to provide AIT services for their satellites.
  2. The company designs and manufactures solar panels for small satellites, which have been exported to international customers.
  3. ATL is also performingintegrationservices for ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in Thiruvananthapuram, having completed work on 10PSLVs so far.
  4. A new facility in Thiruvananthapuram focuses on launch vehicle AIT, capable of integrating equipment bays and other electronic portions of launch vehicles.

Future Outlook

Dr. Pavuluri believes that the Indian space sector is poised for significant growth, drawing parallels with the drone industry. “Just as drones are seeing extensive use in various civilian and strategic sectors, small satellites will also be widely adopted,” he stated. ATL is experiencing substantial demand for its electronics manufacturing and satellite AIT services from both government and private clients.

The company also provides Geospatial Services for urban and rural planning, natural resources management, gas pipeline planning, and municipal property tax management.

Dharmesh Kharwar Joins ENTOD Pharmaceuticals as Independent Director

New Delhi, 18th October 2024: Mumbai-based ENTOD Pharmaceuticals has appointed Mr. Dharmesh Kharwar as a non-executive independent director on its board. Mr. Kharwar brings with him a remarkable career, having held key positions at FDC Ltd, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), and MSD/Merck. He currently also serves on the boards of both listed and private companies. His diverse experience spans development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, business development, intellectual property protection, and commercial leadership across the chemical and biologics sectors.

Dharmendra Nagar-New Independent Director

With a strong history of driving innovation and growth, Mr. Kharwar has led large-scale projects, established international collaborations, and significantly contributed to the advancement of both chemical and biological therapeutics. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and market strategies makes him a valuable addition to ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Kharwar said, “I am honored to join ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, a company that places a strong emphasis on being patient- and physician-centric. This focus has fueled its groundbreaking innovations for nearly five decades, and I am excited to contribute to its continued success.”

ENTOD’s CEO, Nikkhil K Masurkar said “I am confident that Mr. Kharwar’s expertise and leadership will further strengthen our mission of delivering world-class cost-effective pharmaceutical solutions and raising the bar when it comes to research & innovation”

Entod Pharmaceuticals is a 47 year old company specialized in Research and development of ENT, Ophthalmology and dermatology sector with an impressive portfolio comprising over 250 products while working in various R&D branches.

Fall in Love Again with Simran Choudhary’s Heartwarming New Track Aje Na Jaa

 Get ready for Simran Choudhary’s latest release, an emotional and powerful love song that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings – ‘Aje Na Jaa’. From its very first note, the track creates an atmosphere that will soothe your soul. Known for her commanding vocals, Simran showcases a softer, more intimate side of her artistry, offering a sweet, refreshing sound that brings joy and warmth to every listener.

This beautifully crafted feel-good romantic track will instantly uplift your spirit. The production intricately weaves a rich tapestry of sound, complementing Simran’s smooth vocals. As the voice behind the hit song ‘Aayi Nai’ from Stree 2Simran once again proves her versatility, delivering a track that resonates deeply with her ever-growing audience. With previous releases such as her critically acclaimed EP, ‘Folkin Rani’, and catchy numbers like ‘Ni Bhabi’, and ‘Chori’, Simran diverts from her typical pop queen identity to embrace her more intimate side.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the release, Simran Choudhary shares, “With ‘Aje Na Jaa’, I wanted to create something timeless that brings warmth, happiness, and joy to every listener. This track is different from what I usually do, but it felt right to work on something more soothing and light-hearted. I am grateful for all the love and support for all my previous releases, and I hope the audience will embrace and share their love for Aje Na Jaa as well.

With irresistible, warm and feel-good vibes, this song is sure to leave a smile on your face. Whether you’re celebrating love or just need an emotional lift, Aje Na Jaa delivers all the right vibes. It’s a musical journey that invites you to dream and fall in love all over again.

Uber Partners with Indian Air Force to Offer Mobility Solutions

October 18, 2024, New Delhi: Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, has partnered with the Indian Air Force as its exclusive mobility partner to offer mobility solutions for official travel and commute of Air Force officers, veterans and families across the country. This partnership aims to provide reliable, convenient, and safe transportation services for Indian Air Force personnel, veterans and families

Through this collaboration, the Indian Air Force will leverage Uber for Business, a platform that enables organizations to customize Uber’s extensive scale and comprehensive travel benefits, ensuring a seamless commuting experience. This integration will enhance travel experiences by automating processes and digitizing the rider journey. Uber will also facilitate effective change management for official travel and daily commutes, while offering enterprise benefits tailored to the unique needs of the Indian Air Force.

IAF Statement: “The collaboration with Uber represents an important step in the journey towards enhanced mobility solutions for Air Force personnel and families.”

The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by Air Marshal RK Anand VSM, AOA besides other Senior Officers. The MoU was signed by AVM Updesh Sharma VSM ACAS (Accts & AV) and Mr Abhinav Mittoo Sr. Country General Manager with other Senior Officials from both IAF and UBER present on the occasion.

Uber Statement: “We are proud to partner with the Indian Air Force to enhance mobility solutions for the Indian Armed Forces as we continue to play our role in nation building by serving the Indian Armed Forces. This partnership marks a significant step towards digitalization by adopting shared mobility solutions. Through this MoU, we aim to support the Indian Air Force’s broader vision of leveraging technology for a transformative progress. The program brings together a tech-enabled solution and a reliable mobility service aimed at delivering cost efficiencies and rider experience at scale.”

YesMadam and Shraddha Kapoor Promote Trust and Togetherness in Diwali Campaign

India, September 18, 2024: Bootstrapped YesMadam, India’s leading at-home salon service provider, returns this Diwali with a heartwarming campaign featuring Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor. As Diwali—the festival of lights—ushers in an aura of warmth, togetherness, and new beginnings, YesMadam’s latest campaign captures the very essence of these festive values. Building on the success of their previous campaign featuring Shraddha Kapoor and her father, Shakti Kapoor, this new campaign deepens the message of trust and inclusivity by shaping positive perspectives with an inclusive outlook on the gig economy that is much talked about but less practiced, however projecting it as an integral belief is accurately emphasized by YesMadam.

In the video, the radiant glow of Diwali is beautifully mirrored in an authentic and touching interaction between Shraddha Kapoor and a YesMadam service partner, where she extends an invitation to the service partner at her home to join her family’s festive celebrations. This simple, heartfelt yet powerful gesture prominently reflects the bond between the customers and service partners while reinforcing YesMadam’s core philosophy of inclusivity and how we usually don’t even realize how efficiently they contribute to our special occasions from time to time and make us feel good, not just externally but internally as well.

The bootstrapped startup, YesMadam, continues to redefine the at-home salon industry not just with its customer-centric USPs but also by empowering gig workers with meaningful opportunities and financial independence holistically. The majority of gig employees are the sole earners and support their complete family, everyone has a story to inspire, with YesMadam they don’t just add value to customers’ lives but transform theirs as well, making festivities not just about looking good but feeling good—together. YesMadam, extending its belief to the level where it declared on Shark Tank Season 3 that its target is to reach a point where it’ll charge ZERO commission to its Salon Service Providers.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Mayank Arya, Co-founder and CEO of YesMadam, said, “Our new campaign captures our vision of creating an ecosystem where gig workers feel valued not limited on the outer surface but deep within. Often seen, their contributions are silent but the outcomes are loud and make a major difference for the customers and business as a whole. While reshaping the gig economy, we aim to make every service partner experience a celebration of shared humanity.”

Akanksha Vishnoi, Co-Founder of YesMadam, added, “This campaign showcases how our brand values translate into meaningful interactions. We are nurturing connections that brighten everyone’s festive season and enhance the essence of inclusivity for the service partners. We believe this campaign will resonate deeply with all, paving the way for interactions infused with warmth, respect, and greater appreciation.”

Expressing her excitement about continuing her journey with the brand, Sraddha Kapoor said, “The campaign beautifully captures the true essence of Diwali—the joy of togetherness and the warmth that comes from sharing special moments. What truly stands out is YesMadam’s heartfelt message of embracing service partners and gig employees as part of our extended family. It’s a touching reminder to honor those who quietly help brighten our celebrations. I’m confident this campaign will inspire a deeper sense of inclusivity and encourage us all to appreciate the invaluable role service professionals play in our lives, especially during the festive season.”

YesMadam’s Diwali campaign beautifully highlights the often-overlooked contributions of gig economy workers who make our festive season brighter. From beauty service partners helping us look our best, to delivery personnel ensuring our packages/ gifts arrive on time, and the cab drivers getting us to our loved ones—these unsung heroes are essential to our celebrations. This campaign is a warm reminder of how their efforts, convenience, and connection enrich our lives, showcasing a revolutionary appreciation for those who make our daily lives and festivities seamlessly special.

Zendesk builds on complete service solution to strengthen human and AI partnership

Bangalore – October 18, 2024 – Today, Zendesk introduced, including AI-powered agents for omnichannel support, enhanced agent copilot, and agent builder. Leading in AI-powered customer and employee experiences through its complete service solutionZendesk’s new capabilities help companies deliver exceptional service in a way that is easy to use, scale, and drive meaningful business results.

The company also announced a new that can enable agents to deliver faster, personalised, and more human conversations, as well as the ability to solve more complex cases. In addition to the new innovations announced, other enhancements to Zendesk voice include upgrades to call monitoring, advanced routing, enhanced AI support and queue management, allowing human agents to skip repetitive tasks and focus on helping customers with escalations. 

AI is now bridging the gap between high quality service, at a lower cost, while delivering much more personalised experiences,” said Tom Eggemeier, CEO, Zendesk, noting 73% of consumers believe AI improves the quality of customer service. “Our latest innovations, including voice AI, assist human agents in working efficiently alongside AI to deliver tailored, efficient service. This partnership leads to faster issue resolution, higher customer satisfaction and provides valuable business insights.”

According to Zendesk’s a vast majority (89%) of CX leaders in India believe CX will undergo a period of unprecedented change over the next 3 years, with a similar proportion (83%) believing that all conversations will be AI-powered in the same timeframe. But there’s another challenge to contend with—consumer demand for phone support. As Indian consumers embrace a digital-first approach to CX, phone support remains one of the top three channels they prefer for more complex issues. At the same time, they also want the convenience of omnichannel support, with one-third going as far as saying the ease in getting help across channels determines their purchase decisions. 

“Even as consumers in India lead the Asia Pacific region in their attitudes and expectations towards AI adoption, phone support still remains an important communication channel. They want businesses to offer them options in how they choose to engage—be it through email, chat, phone call, or self-service,” said Maureen Chong, Regional Vice President, Asia, Zendesk. “The challenge for brands today is finding ways to manage CX costs while delivering exceptional service in whatever channels customers are on. Zendesk’s latest AI solutions offer Indian businesses a seamless way to integrate AI across all channels, including voice, helping them manage the increasing complexity and volume of tickets while improving agent productivity and delivering on customer expectations.”

New voice innovation transforms the automated call experience

Leaders are facing a reality of rising ticket volumes and increasingly complex issues, prompting them to transform traditional call centres into a modern omnichannel experience complete with new productivity tools powered by AI

Working together with the expanded AI agent and copilot capabilities, the enhanced voice solution allows companies to:

  • Quickly and easily route, and resolve voice calls, plus report on voice metrics–such as call type, answer time, wait time, talk time, abandonment–now on phone alongside all other channels.

  • Resolve customer calls with a new 24/7 AI agent for voice, powered by Poly.ai, that can autonomously resolve up to 50% of all calls.

  • Provide more accurate resolutions, resolve calls faster and cut admin time with transcripts and summaries with enhanced Al-assisted support.

  • Take action on churn risks and outliers with improved QA insights from evaluating 100% of human and AI agent conversations to pinpoint and fix gaps in customer experiences.

  • Deliver faster, more personalised service to customers who call in with complex, high-value issues that require human assistance, with instant call insights and answers from the knowledge base.

Combined power of AI and human agents elevate CX – across all digital channels

As the industry shifts to completely automated interactions, new capabilities for Zendesk AI agents allow companies to tap into the full benefits of AI by:

  • Delivering instant, accurate responses with generative replies and address more sophisticated issues with customisable conversation flows, now extending to email.

  • Automating voice interactions in a new partnership with Poly.ai, ensuring seamless, consistent support across channels.

  • Creating and controlling AI agents using a new AI agent builder, requiring zero training and offering full customisation–such as adjusting the brand’s tone–while reducing the time to build, deploy, and maintain.

Improved autonomy and proactivity for enhanced agent copilot

In more complex, high-value interactions between human agents and customers, agent copilot can now:

  • Anticipate customer needs, offer proactive recommendations, and take actions autonomously with the now widely available “auto assist” mode.

  • Follow specific processes on behalf of an agent and instantly sync changes to ensure agents are always following the latest procedures with the new copilot business procedures.

  • Surface relevant issues and proactive insights–such as similar resolutions–directly within the new AI-powered workspace, ensuring all tools are easily discoverable and keeping workflows uninterrupted.

As part of the enhancements, agent copilot for voice* now provides instant call insights such as customer sentiment and intent, plus quickly surfaces answers from the knowledge base. This allows companies to deliver faster, personalised service to customers who call in with complex, high-value issues that require human assistance.

Supercharged insights provide valuable and actionable business intelligence for CX teams

Zendesk is introducing more AI-powered insights that analyse customer conversations across systems, extract valuable key insights, and enable real-time business intelligence. By surfacing  strategic opportunities, leaders can apply these across teams and make changes needed to improve CX, which can in turn positively influence CSAT. 

With improved AI-driven insights, companies can now:

  • Quickly uncover why customers are reaching out with granular details through enhanced intents and entity detection, enabling faster and more personalised resolutions.

  • Proactively design and refine workflows using out-of-the-box insights from the new intelligent triage dashboard, ensuring critical issues are efficiently routed and automated. 

  • Use Quality Assurance across every touchpoint, now including voice and AI agents to automatically analyse and optimise customer conversations and agent performance.

Earthytweens Announces the Perfect Festive Wardrobe Staple for Little Kids

Delhi NCR; 18th October 2024; Earthytweens announces the latest addition to its festive collection, designed for little kids. This addition offers ultimate comfort and elegance, making it the perfect choice for any festive occasion.

Festive Wardrobe-2

The new range includes cotton chanderi dresses crafted from 100% pure cotton. The dress features a vintage-style corset bodice that ensures that little ones feel comfortable while looking stylish, whether at family gatherings or festive events.

This range of Earthytweens is a celebration of style and comfort, crafted from soft, breathable, and lightweight fabrics. It is perfect for keeping toddlers comfortable all day long. The solid colour offers versatility, making it suitable for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive events. The durable woven construction ensures long-lasting wear without sacrificing softness, making this dress a perfect addition to any child’s festive wardrobe.

Mr. Nishant Kumar, CEO of Earthytweens, says, “We believe that every little one deserves to look stylish while being comfortable, especially during the festive season. Our new addition to the collection is a perfect mix of sophistication and practicality, making it an essential addition to any child’s wardrobe.”

Earthytweens is dedicated to providing children with stylish, comfortable, and environmentally friendly clothing. Our collections are thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of modern families, ensuring that every little one can express their unique style.

RED Health Pioneers Critical Care in a Nation Lacking Timely Emergency Aid for 80% of Patients

India – 18th October, 2024 – In a nation where nearly 80% of patients fail to receive timely medical attention during emergencies, RED Health is taking decisive action to bridge the gap in critical care delivery across India. Recent research underscores the importance of the “Golden Hour”—the crucial window in which rapid medical intervention can significantly reduce mortality rates from trauma, cardiac events, and strokes.

RED Health is Asia’s first JCI accredited medical transport company and a leader in emergency medical services in India. With a fleet of over 5,000 ambulances and operations spanning more than 20 cities, RED Health is committed to improving healthcare accessibility and providing rapid, life-saving medical care.

India’s road traffic fatality rate stands at a staggering 18.9 per 100,000 population, far exceeding the global average. This alarming statistic highlights an urgent need for effective emergency medical services, as many fatalities are linked to delays in receiving immediate care. RED Health is committed to transforming these outcomes by providing swift, reliable emergency medical services that prioritize rapid response and patient stabilization.

Studies reveal that ambulance response times are notably longer in rural areas, with some patients enduring up to 30-minute waits for assistance—delays that can be life-threatening for conditions needing immediate treatment. RED Health’s innovative approach to emergency medical services aims to reduce these critical time gaps, ensuring that every patient receives the urgent care they need regardless of location.

In a recent demonstration of their capabilities, RED Health successfully conducted a life-saving air transfer of a critically ill patient from Siliguri to Hyderabad. The patient’s family expressed their gratitude, stating: “We were losing hope, but RED Health gave us a second chance. Their professionalism and dedication were evident every step of the way.”

Prabhdeep Singh, Founder & CEO, RED Health, Stated, “Our mission at RED Health is to fundamentally transform the landscape of emergency medical services in India. We are committed to redefining what it means to respond swiftly and effectively in life-threatening situations. Every second is crucial when an emergency strikes, and our team is unyieldingly focused on not only saving lives but also enhancing the overall health outcomes for our patients. By integrating advanced care with rapid response, we strive to set new standards in emergency medical services, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to those who need it most.”

Dr. Tausif Thangalvadi, Vice President, Operations, Red Health, Hyderabad, stated that the success of operations that involve rapid intervention highlights a critical truth, these services are not just beneficial—they are essential. In a country where timely medical intervention can significantly alter the course of a patient’s survival and recovery, expanding these services is imperative. By broadening the reach and capacity of such life-saving interventions, we can profoundly impact the national healthcare system, ultimately saving more lives and enhancing the quality of care across the board. This expansion represents a pivotal step towards a more resilient and responsive healthcare infrastructure.”

Canadian International School to host Inter-School Juniors Golf Tournament

CIS CAMPUS.

Bangalore, October 18, 2024: Canadian International School (CIS) will be hosting The CIS 10th Annual Inter-School Golf Tournament on November 15, 2024, at Prestige Golfshire, Devanahalli, North Bangalore. The tournament is open to students across India, aged 6 to 18. Participation is limited to 120 slots, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis upon registration.

The format of the game will be 18 Holes Stroke Play for Categories A, B, C and D; and 9 Holes Stroke Play for Category E. Categories will be assigned based on IGU guidelines.

Mr. Andrew, Middle School Principal at CIS and an avid golfer himself comments, “The CIS Annual Golf tournament is a marquee event. Every year, junior golfers from various schools in India compete in this prestigious tournament. CIS is committed to nurturing learning beyond the classroom, creating fun and challenging spaces for the entire community to come together, share passions, and discover talent through sports like golf. As the great Arnold Palmer described: “Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.” A sport such as golf tests all components of a player’s character, including technique, but also integrity, patience, tolerance and problem solving. It is certainly challenging and can be empowering. Therefore, we hope to see an enthusiastic group of competitors registered to enjoy this experience. Good luck to all participants.”

Endocarditis in Women: Different Risks and Ways to Address them

Authored by Dr. Siddhrajsinh D Vala, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Department of Cardiology, HCG Hospitals, Bhavnagar

Dr. Siddhrajsinh D Vala

Women’s health, involving overall physical, mental, and emotional health is the most critical aspect of their wellbeing throughout different stages of life. The distinctive physiological and hormonal changes women experience, from menstruation and pregnancy to menopause, significantly influence their health needs and risks. These health factors impact women’s longevity and their quality of life, career, relationships, and ability to participate fully in society. While these are widely known health conditions, that we are aware of, women also are vulnerable to various health issues that we are less aware about.

Endocarditis is one such infection that occurs in the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, also known as the endocardium. While this condition is not unique to women, recent studies indicate that women face critical risks and challenges related to endocarditis. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention among women.

Knowing about Endocarditis

Endocarditis normally occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart. Severe complications, including heart failure, stroke, and organ damage can occur due to this. The condition is more frequent in individuals with preexisting heart conditions, artificial heart valves, or a history of intravenous drug use.

What are the Unique Risks Posed to women?

• Underdiagnosis and delayed treatment: One of the key challenges to diagnosing endocarditis in women is that they are often present with atypical symptoms compared to men. While men exhibit symptoms like fever, heart murmur, and positive blood cultures, women may experience more subtle signs such as fatigue, weight loss, or generalized malaise. This may lead to misdiagnosis which can delay the treatment procedure.

• Hormonal influences and differences in heart anatomy: The heart anatomy and hormonal fluctuations can influence the progression and presentation of endocarditis. For instance, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing endocarditis, particularly in women with preexisting heart conditions.

• Impact of autoimmune diseases: Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are among the autoimmune diseases that affect women more than men. These can increase the risk of endocarditis because they often involve inflammation of the heart valves.

How do we address these risks?

It is very important to address the risk factor that leads to more women living with endocarditis without receiving a timely diagnosis.

Awareness and education: It is essential to raise awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the unique presentation of endocarditis in women. This may include understanding the subtle symptoms that differ from the ones witnessed by men. Educating women regarding the risks and those with heart conditions or autoimmune diseases can result in better timely diagnosis.
Regular screenings: Women with a history of heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or those with prosthetic heart valves should undergo regular screening for endocarditis, especially if they experience unexplained symptoms like fatigue or weight loss.
• Preventive Measures: Women at high risk for endocarditis should be proactive in preventing infections that could lead to the disease. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, as dental procedures can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, and avoiding intravenous drug use.

The Way Forward

Endocarditis is a serious disease that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment and for women the risks and challenges associated are distinct. By raising awareness, improving screening, and addressing gender biases, we can better protect women from the dangers of endocarditis and improve their overall heart health.