18Oct, 2024
    Sphere Entertainment And The Department Of Culture And Tourism – Abu Dhabi Announce Plans To Make Abu Dhabi Next Sphere Venue Location

    Sphere Entertainment And The Department Of Culture And Tourism – Abu Dhabi Announce Plans To Make Abu Dhabi Next Sphere Venue Location

    Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) (“Sphere Entertainment”) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (“DCT Abu Dhabi”) announced today that they will work together to bring the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This next-generation entertainment medium is expected to be a landmark addition to this premier international capital city, elevating the entertainment offerings for residents and visitors alike.
    “The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment. “Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city.”
    H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are excited to bring Sphere to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Sphere Entertainment, providing our residents and visitors with an extraordinary new form of entertainment. Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits. This partnership aligns with our Tourism Strategy 2030, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a vibrant hub for culture and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we’re not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.”
    Since opening the first Sphere in Las Vegas to worldwide acclaim in September 2023, Sphere Entertainment has actively pursued its plans to develop a global network of Sphere venues. This expansion is expected to provide significant growth potential and drive new revenue streams by leveraging Sphere Entertainment’s expertise, proprietary technology, and original content.
    Located in a prime spot in Abu Dhabi and echoing the scale of the 20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas, this venue promises to redefine entertainment in the region. Sphere in Abu Dhabi is expected to be a major year-round draw for both residents and visitors from around the world, offering opportunities to experience events, concerts, and shows like never before in an unforgettable and revolutionary setting.
    Sphere Entertainment and DCT Abu Dhabi, the organization driving the growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and promoting the city as a global destination, have agreed to collaborate on building the next Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi, which welcomed more than 24 million visitors in 2023.
    Under the terms of the partnership, which is subject to finalization of definitive agreements, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the venue, utilizing Sphere Entertainment’s proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property. Construction will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Entertainment’s team of experts providing services related to development, construction, and pre-opening of the venue.
    Following the venue’s opening, Sphere Entertainment plans to maintain ongoing arrangements with DCT Abu Dhabi that are expected to include annual fees for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment, such as Sphere Experiences; use of Sphere’s brand, patents, proprietary technology, and intellectual property; and operational services related to venue operations and technology, as well as commercial and strategic advisory support.
    17Oct, 2024
    Seniors who live alone lose important nutrients from their diets: Research

    Seniors who live alone lose important nutrients from their diets: Research

    A recent study found that elderly persons who are socially isolated are more likely to be deficient in important micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6, which raises their risk of health issues.

    Researchers at University College London (UCL) discovered that those with higher levels of social isolation were also more likely to consume less of the five micronutrients—magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6—than is advised.

    Fish, vegetables, legumes (including peas, beans, and lentils), and fruit all contain trace amounts of these micronutrients, which suggests a diet low in these foods.

    “This is important as inadequate intake of these micronutrients puts people at greater risk of health problems as they get older,” said professor Andrew Steptoe from UCL Behavioural Science and Health in the study published in the journal Age and Ageing.

    A possible reason for this connection is that individuals who are more isolated may not have as many people in their immediate vicinity to enlighten them about healthful options and motivate a more diverse diet.

    According to the scientists, elderly individuals also have a tendency to stick to meals they are familiar with and may not eat as diversely as they formerly did.

    The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), in which a nationally representative population sample in England responds to a series of inquiries every two years, provided the data used by the researchers. Based on whether or not they lived alone, how frequently they encountered friends and family outside of their home, and whether or not they were involved in any groups or organizations, the respondents were rated according to how socially isolated they were.

    The researchers discovered that, two years later, a one-point rise in individuals’ social isolation scores was associated with a higher risk of insufficient intake of five of the nine essential micronutrients.

    Lack of social interaction did not appear to increase the risk of low levels of calcium, iron, or vitamin B12—micronutrients that are mostly found in meat, eggs, and dairy products. This implied that a more conventional diet with less fruit, nuts, seeds, and legumes, as well as fewer vegetables (such dark leafy greens), may be more common in those who were less socially connected during the study.

    17Oct, 2024
    The World bid a Sorrowful Farewell to the Great Business Titan

    The World bid a Sorrowful Farewell to the Great Business Titan

    President Droupadi Murmu has conveyed his condolences on the passing of Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, stating that the country has lost an icon who combined business prosperity with national development.

    “In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence,” the President said in a post on X.

    “He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe,” she added.

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed deep sorrow over Ratan Tata’s death.

    He went on to say that Ratan Tata’s contributions to creating a self-sufficient ‘Bharat’ will continue to inspire businesses in India and around the world.

    “A man of deep commitment and compassion, his philanthropic contributions and the humility he embodied aptly reflect the ethos he embraced. As ‘the legend’ of Indian industry leaves behind a lasting legacy, Bharat would miss him very dearly. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, admirers and to the entire Tata Group in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” Vice President Dhankhar posted on X.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences on the death of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who died at the Breach Candy Hospital due to age-related health issues.

    “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

    Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, too expressed condolences over Ratan Tata’s death. In a post on X, he said: “India today lost a great industrialist and philanthropist who not only took the Indian industry to new heights but also inspired every section of society with his selfless service and generosity.”

    “Shri Ratan Tata’s simplicity, foresight and spirit of service will remain a source of inspiration for ages. His departure is an irreparable loss for the country,” he said.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sadness, saying Ratan Tata will be remembered for his contributions to the economy.

    “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata. He was a Titan of the Indian industry known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade and industry. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” the Defence Minister wrote on X.

    N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, stated that it is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a genuinely exceptional leader whose incalculable contributions have impacted not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.

    “For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” he added.

    Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed deep grief over the death of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who died at Breach Candy Hospital due to age-related health issues.

    “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti,” Gautam Adani wrote on X.

    In a post on X, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, Ratan Tata represented a rare combination of ethics and entrepreneurship. He was a living legend who successfully led the Tata Group, which has a nearly 150-year legacy of brilliance and integrity… I give him a heartfelt tribute. “Ratanji Tata was the pride of India, he will always remain a role model for the next generation of entrepreneurs,” he added.

    Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep grief on Thursday at the death of the legendary businessman. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Tata, one of India’s greatest industrialists. A visionary leader, humanitarian, and legendary figure in India’s corporate world, Shri Tata’s life was an extraordinary journey of humility and success,” said Chief Minister Reddy in his condolence message.

    “Under his great leadership, the Tata brand reached unprecedented heights, exploring new vistas and filling every Indian with pride. His unparalleled efforts to transforming India into a worldwide industrial powerhouse have left an indelible legacy. Shri Ratan Tata’s legacy of corporate prowess, steadfast ethics, and dedication to social good will continue to inspire future generations, particularly the youth of an aspiring and enterprising India,” CM Reddy said.

    Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed condolences on Ratan Tata’s demise. “Few men have left such an indelible mark on the world with their vision and honesty as Ratan Tata. Today, we have lost not only a corporate titan, but also a real humanitarian whose impact will live on in every heart he touched,” he stated.

    “As I grieve his departure today, I am reminded of his outstanding achievements to business, philanthropy, and nation-building, which will continue to inspire future generations. A life well lived. A memorable legacy to cherish. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed. “Our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and the Tata Group,” Naidu added.

    S. Abdul Nazeer, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, too expressed tremendous grief and sadness over Ratan Tata’s departure.

    Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed grief at Ratan Tata’s death.

    As India and the rest of the globe mourn the death of iconic Ratan Tata, the Indian film industry has come together to pay respect to the Tata Group’s chairman emeritus. Actors, directors, producers, musicians, and other celebrities from various industries have expressed their sorrow and shared fond memories of the visionary leader.

    Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan took to Instagram to post an old photo of himself with the great. Big B is accompanying Ratan Tata in the photo. Big B was also there at the city’s NCPA lawns to pay his respects to the departed soul.

    The actor said in the caption, “An era has just passed away, his humility, great resolve, vision, and determination to do the best for the nation, always a source of pride.” It was a huge pleasure and privilege for me to collaborate on humanitarian issues. A really sad day. “My prayers”.

    Ratan Tata and Big B collaborated on the film “Aetbaar,” which remains Ratan Tata’s only film venture. Ratan Tata entered the film industry as a financier in 2004. The film also stars John Abraham and Bipasha Basu. Tata BSS produced the film, which is an adaptation of the 1996 Hollywood thriller ‘Fear’. The video delves into obsession and familial ties, revealing the darker side of love fixation.

    Ajay Devgn took to X and wrote, “The world mourns the loss of a visionary. Ratan Tata’s legacy will forever inspire generations. His contributions to India and beyond are immeasurable. We are deeply grateful. Rest in peace, Sir.”

    Akshay Kumar bid him farewell with an emotional note: “The world bids farewell to a man who built more than just an empire. Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata. His legacy of kindness, innovation, and leadership will continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace, a true legend. Om Shanti.”

    Priyanka Chopra shared , “Through your kindness, you touched the lives of millions. Your legacy of leadership and generosity will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for your unmatched passion and dedication to everything you did for our country. You have been an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed, Sir.”

    Shraddha Kapoor wrote , “Sir Ratan Tata showed us that true success is measured by the lives we touch. Grateful for his inspiration and for teaching us to lead with kindness. True legacies are built on what we leave behind… Thank you for everything, Sir.”

    Salman Khan expressed, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Ratan Tata.”

    Anushka Sharma paid tribute, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic news of Shri Ratan Tata. He upheld the values of integrity, grace, and dignity through everything he did and was truly an icon and a jewel of India. RIP, Sir. You have touched so many lives.

    In the post, Riteish Deshmukh recounted an unforgettable moment, saying: “As I look back, April 2012 feels like a lifetime ago. Genelia and I were basking in the joy of our honeymoon in Rome. Little did we know, our breakfast at the hotel would become an unforgettable experience.”

    He continued, “Genelia nudged me, her eyes locked on a familiar figure far across the room – Mr. Ratan Tata. My father and he shared a fond relationship, but I never had the pleasure of meeting him before. I mustered the courage to approach him, and before I could introduce myself, he welcomed me with a warm smile, ‘Hello Riteish.’”

    He concluded his heartfelt tribute with, “Mr. Tata, you will always be remembered as a legend, a true icon of grace and compassion. Your legacy continues to inspire generations. You will live on forever.”

    On Thursday, Aamir Khan paid his final tribute to the late industrialist Ratan Tata alongside his ex-wife and director Kiran Rao.

    Aamir Khan stated that he will always be remembered for his service to the country. He stated, “Today is a sad day for all of us and the entire country. What he has accomplished for the country through his organization under his leadership is invaluable. He was an unusual individual. We will all miss him a lot.

    The actor said in the caption, “An era has just passed away, his humility, great resolve, vision, and determination to do the best for the nation, always a source of pride.” It was my greatest honor to have the opportunity and privilege to work together towards common humanitarian causes. A very sad day. My prayers”.

    Many thousands, including top political leaders, industry titans, celebrities, and commoners, bid a sorrowful farewell to Ratan Naval Tata, the iconic business titan and a genteel Parsi, on his final voyage on Thursday. Tata (86), who had been battling age-related health concerns at the Breach Candy Hospital since Monday, died soon before midnight on Wednesday, casting sorrow over the world of industry and corporates.

    His mortal remains were moved to the NCPA Lawns this morning so that people might pay their final respects before the funeral at the Worli Crematorium in the evening.

    Thousands of people and dignitaries have been paying their respects since the morning, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Central and state ministers, MPs, legislators, and leaders from all political parties.

    India’s top industrialist tycoons, including Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani, as well as representatives or heads of leading business families such as the Piramals, Godrejs, Hindujas, Mahindras, Bajajs, Birlas, and others, attended and paid tribute to the country’s departed business star.

    17Oct, 2024
    Insurance-Tech Startup Healspan Raises Seed Funding Led by Lead Angels

    Insurance-Tech Startup Healspan Raises Seed Funding Led by Lead Angels

    Bengaluru-based insurance-tech startup Healspan – provider of a disruptive revenue cycle management software enabling hospitals to seamlessly manage all key aspects relating to their health insurance claims settlement and revenue enhancement – has raised an undisclosed amount of seed funding led by financial services and angel investing network Lead Angels. The round also witnessed participation from several other angel investors like Ankitt Jain (Founder, Paper Arizona); Chief Investment Officer of a GCC based Investments firm, Srijith Nair (Founder & CEO, Gowelnext Solutions); and The Doctorpreneur Academy. Prior to this, Healspan had closed a pre-seed funding round of INR 1.2 Cr last year.

    Healspan will be utilizing the fresh capital raised through this seed round majorly towards bolstering its marketing and sales, and growth. Additionally, the funds will play an instrumental role in enabling Healspan to maintain its continued focus on engineering and tech, and aid them in bringing to the fore innovative tech-enabled solutions for solving various pain points and/or operational challenges faced by its core target audience, i.e. healthcare administrators across hospitals.

    Speaking about the fundraise, Sabarinath U and Abhi Sinha, Co-Founders of Healspan said, “We are elated to announce Healspan’s seed fundraise – which is a testament to our growing credibility and growth focus. The capital raised through this seed round comes just at the right time, when we’ve already started riding upon the fast-track growth curve, and are attempting to grow exponentially in the months and years to come.

    Besides fostering Healspan’s growth, a significant portion of these funds would be invested towards acquiring talent for building a robust sales team, launching our new line of products and tech innovations, expanding our hospitals’ network, and capturing a greater market share.

    As Healspan continues to take significant strides in disrupting the health-insurtech market, we will be focusing on these strategic aspects in the near future, in lines with our mission and vision of streamlining health insurance claims and making healthcare administration effortless and simplified in the long run”.

    Hanuman Tripathi, Partner – Fintech, Lead Angels commented, “We at Lead Angels were quite impressed by Healspan for innovating a tech-led solution to minimize the pervasive issue of delays in processing medical insurance claims, affecting both hospitals and patients. In addition to that, the co-founding team’s business acumen, exemplary business ethics, and vision and commitment to make Healspan a market leader in this space also served as the key factors shaping our decision to back Healspan.

    As we onboard Healspan as our portfolio startup, we are excited about propelling its mission, and helping the startup in leveraging its growth potential amid the rising insurance penetration in this sector”. 

    Notably, Lead Angels’ fintech vertical provides exclusive, high-potential investment opportunities for Indian fintech startups. Backed by a proven track record in early-stage investments and a leadership team with domain expertise, it targets promising pre-seed to pre-Series-A companies via a SEBI-registered Category 1 AIF.

    On the other hand, Healspan has, till date, tied-up with and catered to more than 50 hospitals across 10+ cities in India. By cutting down significantly on manual effort, reducing insurance payment turnaround time, and ensuring efficient cashless claims management with the help of advanced technology, Healspan’s platform eliminates the hassle for these hospitals and simultaneously enhances patient experience.

    Having already consolidated its presence by partnering with numerous reputed hospitals across North India, the startup is now looking to expand into the Eastern states of the country over the next few months. Healspan has witnessed an impressive 3x revenue growth in the last six months, and is now aiming to achieve 10x year-on-year (YOY) growth by the end of the current fiscal, i.e. FY 2024-25, while catering to at least 200 hospitals pan India. To support its ambitious growth and expansion goals, the startup would be attempting to secure at least one more round of funding by the next year-end.

    14Oct, 2024
    Kinetic Green announces New Limited Edition of its Electric 3- Wheeler

    Kinetic Green announces New Limited Edition of its Electric 3- Wheeler

    Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, India’s premier electric two-wheeler (e2W) and electric three-wheeler (e3W) manufacturer, is thrilled to announce a limited edition of Safar Smart passenger vehicle available in both lead acid and lithium battery variants. Designed for customers who require dual functionality, it offers space for both passengers and cargo. It features a hard top roof with a dedicated carrier, allowing passengers to travel comfortably while securely storing their goods on top. Additionally, it includes a new music system, floor mats, and stylish wheel caps—all for just ₹5,000 more than the standard model.

     In alignment with the upcoming festive season, Kinetic Green is also offering special deals across its entire e3W range, combining affordability with enhanced features to deliver exceptional value. These electric three-wheelers, including the special edition, are paired with attractive financing options from leading partners, making ownership easy and accessible. These offers can be availed at dealerships starting from the first day of Navratri.

     Kinetic Green has teamed up with two prominent financiers, Cholamandalam Finance and ReVfin Finance, to offer an appealing financing package, making it convenient for customers to own their desired e3W. For instance, the Kinetic Green Passenger Safar Smart Lead Acid e3W now requires a down payment as low as ₹29,000, with EMIs starting at ₹8,200. Similarly, the Kinetic Green Lithium Battery version comes with a down payment of ₹32,000 and EMIs from ₹8,500. In addition to this, customers can choose either a one-year warranty and 18 months loan term for the lead acid e3W or a three-year warranty and three-year loan period for the lithium model, based on their individual preferences and usage patterns. These initiatives will ensure that e3W ownership becomes easier and more accessible while offering a seamless buying experience for consumers.

     Commenting on these initiatives, Mr. Debashish Mitra, President of Kinetic Green’s 3 Wheeler Business said, “This is an exciting opportunity as we aim to make electric vehicles more accessible by offering attractive financing and choice of batteries for their Kinetic Green electric three-wheelers. These options will enable people to switch to sustainable mobility with ease. By making electric vehicles more accessible and feature – loaded, we hope to encourage a larger segment of the population to embrace sustainable transportation solutions and decarbonize last mile connectivity in India.”

     As part of its growth strategy, the three-wheeler division aims to achieve significant milestones by expanding its dealership network from 200 in 2024 to 400 dealers by 2025 end. Kinetic Green is also targeting a strong revenue of ₹250 to ₹300 crore in the three-wheeler segment for the 2024-25 financial year, strengthening its market presence and driving business growth.

    14Oct, 2024
    KMC Manipal Welcomes New MBBS Students at MedOrient 2024 Inaugural Ceremony

    KMC Manipal Welcomes New MBBS Students at MedOrient 2024 Inaugural Ceremony

    Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, part of the prestigious Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), hosted a grand inaugural event on October 14, 2024, to welcome the new MBBS Batch of 2024-25. Held at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, the event marked the beginning of an important academic journey for the students who attended the ceremony with their families, faculty members, and dignitaries in celebration of this milestone.

     Chief Guests of the ceremony were Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) of MAHE, with Dr. Raviraja N.S., Chief Operating Officer of MAHE Manipal, attending as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital Manipal, serving as the Chief Guest.

     Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of what the students could expect in the coming years. He warmly welcomed the new batch of students, emphasizing KMC’s commitment to shaping not only competent doctors but also compassionate human beings. He highlighted the importance of balancing academic excellence with empathy, urging students to take advantage of every opportunity provided by the institution and to remain committed to the core values of the medical profession—compassion, empathy, and service.

    The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a tribute to Dr. TMA Pai, the visionary founder of MAHE. The highlight of the event was the White Coat Ceremony, Conducted by Dr Anil K. Bhat, Associate Dean, KMC, Manipal a symbolic rite of passage into the medical profession. The new students donned their white coats and took the Charaka Shapath, pledging to adhere to the ethical principles of medicine throughout their careers.

     In his keynote address, Dr. Sharath K. Rao emphasized the responsibility that comes with entering the medical profession. “Today marks the start of a journey where knowledge meets compassion. As future doctors, you will be the source of hope and healing for your patients. Remember that while your academic excellence is crucial, your empathy and integrity will define your career,” he said, encouraging the students to remain committed to both learning and service.

     Dr. Raviraja N.S., in his address as the Guest of Honour, highlighted KMC’s legacy of academic excellence and urged the students to embrace the challenges ahead. “Medical education requires perseverance, dedication, and a continuous thirst for knowledge. At Kasturba Medical College, we will provide you with every opportunity to grow and succeed, but it is your passion and hard work that will truly determine your future,” he remarked, motivating the students to strive for success both academically and personally.

     The event also featured a special address by Dr. Avinash Shetty, who officially welcomed the batch by releasing the Student Handbook and handing over the white coats. “The white coat you wear today is a symbol of trust, responsibility, and service. Embrace it with integrity, and always strive to serve the community with the highest ethical standards,” he said.

     Students and their parents also had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions organized by faculty members and students of KMC, which showcased the rich history, academic achievements, and research contributions of the institution. These exhibitions provided a glimpse into the wide range of opportunities available to students at KMC, from cutting-edge research to cultural and co-curricular activities, fostering a deeper connection between the students, their families, and the institution.

     Throughout the day, students attended several informative and engaging sessions designed to help them transition into medical school life. These sessions focused on peer mentoring, the importance of research, and the value of co-curricular and cultural activities, ensuring that students are well-prepared to thrive both academically and socially. A panel discussion titled “What I Wish I Knew When I Entered Medical School” provided valuable insights from senior students and faculty, offering practical advice to help the new students navigate the challenges ahead.

     The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kanthilatha Pai. To symbolize the beginning of their new journey at KMC, students participated in a sapling planting ceremony at Endpoint, marking the start of their academic careers and their connection to the institution. The successful inauguration ceremony left students and their families excited and motivated for the journey ahead, as Kasturba Medical College reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in medical education and its role in shaping the future of healthcare.

    10Oct, 2024
    Team ’24 Europe: Atlassian Rovo now generally available, new AI capabilities, and a glowup for Jira

    Team '24 Europe: Atlassian Rovo now generally available, new AI capabilities, and a glowup for Jira

    During its Team ’24 Europe conference, Atlassian, a leading provider of team collaboration and productivity software, announced the general availability of Rovo, an AI-powered tool that enables teams to unlock organizational knowledge at scale, less than six months after its introduction.

    It was announced alongside a host of new AI capabilities across its product suite, empowering teams to unlock greater levels of productivity and collaboration. Atlassian also unveiled new features and a new look for its flagship product Jira that make it easier, more flexible, and powerful for all types of work.

    Mike Cannon-Brookes, CEO and co-founder, Atlassian said, “Rovo is one of the most ambitious and important products we’ve ever built. I’m thrilled we can get it into our customers’ hands just five months after we first announced it in Las Vegas.

    “Whether you’re a dev team building the next big thing, a marketing team creating your next big campaign, or a service agent helping your customers solve a really big problem, AI is going to transform the way your work gets done. It’s a huge opportunity for us, and most importantly, for our customers.”

    Rovo: Unlocking organizational knowledge at scale

    Powered by generative AI and the teamwork graph, Rovo seamlessly integrates into the Atlassian platform, and helps speed up work by making it easier to access the information teams need. Teams are already saving 1-2 hours of time per week on average, with 75% of beta users saying Rovo helps them get work done faster and 80% say Rovo helps them find the right information at the right time.

    With the newly announced Rovo Search Connectors, Rovo Data Center Connectors, and the Rovo Browser Extension, these teamwork graphs become even richer as they get access to more sources. The search connectors also provide more knowledge to Rovo Chat, helping teams get the answers they need without switching tabs. Teams globally are pulling Rovo Agents into workflows to get better outcomes, while simultaneously saving hours or even days.

    AI-powered innovation across the Atlassian suite

    To improve collaboration and empower teams, Atlassian infused AI into all its products under the Atlassian Intelligence umbrella. The newest in-product AI features help customers reduce friction for developers, promote better collaboration across all teams, and accelerate service delivery and incident management. The key highlights include:

    • Jira: The new AI capabilities automatically break down work items, generate tickets, and streamline project management.
    • Jira Service Management: The AI-powered agents now assist with incident management, resource allocation, and post-incident reviews.
    • Development Tools: AI assists developers with code generation, analysis, and pull request reviews, boosting velocity and code quality.

    A refreshed Jira for all teams

    Earlier this year, Atlassian announced the next evolution of Jira – a shared place for every team to align on goals and priorities, track and collaborate on work, and get the insights they need to build something incredible, together.

    Today at Team 24 Europe, Atlassian shared a refreshed and improved Jira experience to empower all teams to collaborate effectively and achieve ambitious goals. Now, Jira is bringing more flexibility to support any team’s work style, through a new customizable sidebar that simplifies navigation and brings AI-powered search front and center. There are also new background colors, images, and card covers to take personalization even further.

    To better reflect Jira’s expanded user base to all teams, issues will no longer be the default name in Jira and teams can choose what to call their work (whether it’s “task” or “launch” or “issue”). Teams can also create custom project templates with pre-configured workflows, automations, permissions, and more, to scale their ways of working while remaining consistent.

    10Oct, 2024
    Ratan Naval Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons passed away

    Ratan Naval Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons passed away

    Ratan Tata, Tata Sons’ Chairman Emeritus, died at the Breach Candy Hospital from age-related health issues. He was 86. Tata was brought to the hospital on Monday, prompting widespread speculation about his health in corporate, political, and public circles.

    Later, he stated that he was undergoing standard medical tests for age-related health concerns. He was then reportedly put on life support, though Tata Group executives declined to confirm or refute this.

    N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, stated that it is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a genuinely exceptional leader whose incalculable contributions have impacted not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.

    “For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than just a chairman. For me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He led by example. Under his leadership, the Tata Group extended its global footprint while maintaining committed to its moral compass.

    “Mr. Tata’s commitment to philanthropy and social development has had an impact on millions of people. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a lasting impact that will benefit future generations. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction served to reinforce all of this work.

    “On behalf of the whole Tata family, I send our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we try to maintain the principles he so passionately championed.”

    Tata, known for his genteel demeanor hiding a stern and keen commercial acumen, was the all-powerful Chairman of Tata Sons, the Tata Group’s holding company, from 1991 until his retirement on December 28, 2012.

    Under his leadership, the group’s revenues increased dramatically, reaching more than $100 billion (in 2011-12).
    Tata has previously served as Chairman of important Tata firms such as Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Power, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, and Tata Teleservices.
    He was also involved with several groups in India and overseas, serving on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase.

    Tata was also Chairman of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research’s Council of Management, as well as a member of the Cornell University and University of Southern California Boards of Trustees.

    The Mumbai-born and educated Tata, born on December 28, 1937, joined the Tata group as a young executive in 1962, after earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University that year.

    He temporarily worked with Jones and Emmons in Los Angeles before moving to India at the end of 1962 and working on Tata Steel’s shop floor.

    After working for several organizations, he was appointed Director-in-Charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company in 1971, and he later attended an Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School in 1975.

    In 1981, he was appointed Chairman of Tata Industries, the firm’s other holding company, where he was in charge of developing it into a group strategic think tank and supporter of new ventures in high-technology enterprises.

    After retirement, Tata was given the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals.

    Tata was the current chairman of the Tata Trusts, which included the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts, as well as the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts.

    Under his guidance and leadership, these Trusts grew from reactive charities to India’s leading philanthropic foundations, working to improve the lives of millions of people through meaningful partnerships with like-minded non-profit organizations, communities, governments, corporations, and foreign funding organizations.

    In 2008, the Indian government presented Tata with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award. He has also earned numerous prizes, honours, and honorary doctorates from various Indian and international universities, among other distinctions.

    He is survived by his brothers and sisters, including Simone Tata, Jimmy Tata, Noel Tata, Aloo Tata, Shireen Jejeebhoy, Deanne Jejeebhoy, Leah Tata, Maya Tata, Neville Tata, Manasi Tata, Jamset Tata, Tiana Tata, and others, according to a family statement.

    8Oct, 2024
    Green technology goods to assist India in achieving its climate targets

    Green technology goods to assist India in achieving its climate targets

    Industry experts stated on Monday that while enterprises are aligning with the government’s ambition to produce sustainable solutions and products, India is also striving to meet its climate action goals by moving towards a green future.

    The government is stepping up efforts to achieve its aim of having no net carbon emissions by 2070, encompassing everything from electronics to non-fossil energy sources and green data centers.

    Data center capacity in the nation is expected to double, reaching 2000 MW by 2026, as the nation moves toward a developed market economy and “green energy” solutions become more popular. In India, green data centers are the next big thing in environmentally friendly digital infrastructure.

    Hardware that uses less energy and produces less heat is being used in modern data centers. In an effort to lessen their influence on the environment, many data centers are implementing green initiatives.

    The nation may add an additional 500 MW of data center capacity over the course of the next four years, which is why the green strategy is being implemented. With the data center industry doubling from 540 MW in 2019 to 1,011 MW in 2023, India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

    The next wave of real estate and artificial intelligence investments will be made possible by the growth of India’s data center sector, which will unlock enormous stakeholder value, according to Prateek Jhawar, Managing Director and Head of Avendus Capital’s infrastructure and real assets investment banking.

    Under its new ‘Ecoverse’ program, telecom gear manufacturer GX Group has become the first company to introduce wi-fi routers constructed from recyclable and biodegradable materials.

    With 110 million active fiber connections, India is expected to become the second-largest fiber broadband market in the world by 2030. However, regulating the environmental impact of telecom infrastructure is becoming more and more difficult.

    The networking infrastructure company’s CEO, Paritosh Prajapati, stated that the company’s use of recycled and biodegradable materials promotes the Swachh Bharat initiative as well as India’s climate goals.

    India’s wired broadband market is expected to grow to be worth more than $1.8 billion by FY 2030–31, therefore GPON optical network termination (ONTs) and sustainable routers are the way of the future.

    6Oct, 2024
    Microsoft and Infosys increase their cooperation to support the global deployment of GenAI

    Microsoft and Infosys, two key players in technology, said on Wednesday that they will be expanding their partnership to support the global customer adoption of Microsoft Azure and generative AI.

    The goal of the action is to assist Microsoft and Infosys’ joint clients in realizing the return on their technology investments and achieving game-changing results.

    Infosys started using GitHub Copilot early on. More than 18,000 developers have created and utilized more than 7 million lines of code from Copilot as of right now.

    “This collaboration addresses various business problems by delivering heightened value to clients through a customer-centric approach, providing scalability, agility, and cost-efficiency across key sectors like finance, healthcare, supply chain and telecommunications,” said Anand Swaminathan, EVP and Global Industry Leader – Communications, Media and Technology, Infosys.

    Infosys just opened the first-ever GitHub Center of Excellence (CoE) in the industry.

    The company stated that the partnership will help improve customer experiences and accelerate the global adoption of enterprise AI in conjunction with Microsoft’s technology and its own industry-leading AI and Cloud suite of offerings, Infosys Topaz and Infosys Cobalt, as well as its AI-powered marketing suite Infosys Aster.

    Numerous of these solutions will be made available on the Azure Marketplace, enabling users to make use of their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) and generating a market opportunity that benefits both parties.

    The increased partnership between Microsoft and Infosys, according to Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer, will change sectors, improve corporate operations, improve employee experiences, and provide new value for clients.

    “Collaboratively, we will leverage the potential of generative AI to provide inventive solutions, promote AI adoption, and facilitate unparalleled innovation for our clientele,” stated Dezen.

    By 2030, the productivity gains of AI developers might increase the world GDP by more than $1.5 trillion.

    According to a recent GitHub research, after the first year of the product’s release, users accepted about 30% of the code recommendations from GitHub Copilot and reported higher productivity as a result.

    More than 20,000 organizations and over a million developers have embraced GitHub Copilot.

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