NMIMS Navi Mumbai’s Entrepreneurship Cell, with its vision to shape future-ready and innovative entrepreneurs, hosted ‘Avartan: Entrepreneurship and Startups Summit’ on 11th January 2025. This 3-day event saw a huge turnout of ambitious entrepreneurs ready to work for the nation. The event, hosted under the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047: Celebrating Startups for Nation Building’, Avartan offered students a chance to showcase their talents, connect with experts, and explore startup trends.

Dr. Rajendra Gupta, a renowned policymaker and the brain behind the ‘Viksit Bharat Abhiyan 2047,’ inaugurated the event, giving it a grand start. Keynote Speaker Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Managing Director of Xangam Group, delivered an insightful address on the ‘Importance of Partnerships & Teams for Startup’,.Highlighting the significance of this initiative and NMIMS’s dedication towards making India a Startup capital, Dr. Aparna Rao, Associate Professor, School of Technology, Management & Engineering and the head of Avartan 2025, added “We always strive to generate interest for entrepreneurship in students and, Avartan is a celebration of startups. With the theme of Viksit Bharat we have the same vision to make independent India an entrepreneurship enterprise by 2047”.

Avartan saw a lineup of events intricately designed to test skills and innovation ideas. With competitions, workshops, and guest lectures by successful startup entrepreneurs, Avartan aimed to spark entrepreneurship and innovation for a brighter future.One of the highlights of Avartan was Startathon, where participants spent 24 hours solving industry problems given by experts and curating a startup prototype. These prototypes competed to get recognition and in turn got support, guidance and finances from the Xangam group themselves.To guide and educate students about India’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, startup entrepreneurs from various sectors graced the event  themselves. Mr. Balasubramaniam D, Chief Strategy Officer – Xangam Group Steered a masterclass which enlightened students and drove them one step closer to fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem in India.

The Grand India Challenge which was a business model competition that provided participants with the opportunity to refine their startup ideas with expert guidance. Finalists had the chance to pitch their ideas to investors during a live event. Among all the aspiring entrepreneurs, two winners were given the opportunity to make their dreams come true.

Winners:

1st Position – ‘Team Dreamer’ with a prize money of ₹20,000

2nd Position – ‘Team Smartbuy’ with a prize money of ₹10,000

Participants had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact and receive one-on-one guidance from entrepreneurs during Avartan’s panel discussion titled “The Role of Entrepreneurs & New Ventures in Viksit Bharat 2047.” The panel featured 3 inspiring entrepreneurs Rakhi Pal from Eventbeep, Kamal Kumawat from Edgistify, and Rohit Karle from Think Aerial Autonomous Systems, who addressed aspiring entrepreneurs.

The discussion focused on how startups can leverage innovation to tackle India’s unique challenges and foster economic growth. The panelists explored the importance of technology, sustainable practices, and disruptive ideas in shaping a startup-driven India. This session provided attendees with valuable insights on how entrepreneurial ventures can contribute to building a stronger and more inclusive nation.

Avartan 2025 not only provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas but also facilitated meaningful collaborations that are expected to lead to the development of innovative startups, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth and technological advancement.

Mumbai, January 21, 2025: Dirtcube Interactive, a pioneering game and game-tech studio based out of Navi Mumbai has officially announced the launch of Specter, India’s first-of-its-kind backend platform designed to revolutionise the gaming ecosystem. This fully integrated solution combines all essential backend services such as player progression, game economy management, automated achievement and rewards systems, leaderboards, LiveOps, real-money features and much more into a unified platform that empowers developers and marketers to create immersive and scalable gaming experiences.

With a portfolio that includes hyper-casual games, game development and art services, and innovative products like Capshot, a social media app for memes and videos, and GameStarz, a mobile-based virtual world blending gaming and social interactions, Dirtcube Interactive has consistently pushed boundaries. The development of Specter stems from their experience and a keen understanding of the need for integrated backend tools in game development.

Consolidating multiple tools into a single solution, Specter enables developers to streamline operations and focus on creativity. Comprising features like dynamic achievements, currency and store systems, real-time competitions, and LiveOps, the platform enhances engagement while reducing complexity. The product is currently rolling out some early AI features, and over the next few months, it aims to completely transform how games manage Live Ops, respond to player behaviour, and generate new in-game content.

Specter’s USP lies in offering customisable backend services to meet the diverse needs of the gaming industry. It enhances cost and time efficiency, accelerating development timelines by up to four times, allowing teams to focus more on creating impactful gaming experiences. The platform’s cross-platform support unifies player communities across devices, creating a seamless and integrated experience for users.

Co-founder Pravan Parikh brings a wealth of experience from financial services, market research, and product development. His background in data analysis and market strategy has been instrumental in shaping Specter’s vision as the go-to backend platform for developers and studios.

Sharing his excitement on the launch of Specter, Pravan Parikh, Co-Founder & Product Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP expressed, “We are delighted to officially launch Specter, a platform that represents years of dedicated effort, learning, and innovation. While India’s gaming and esports industry is experiencing rapid growth, significant gaps persist in the game development ecosystem. Specter is designed to bridge these gaps by empowering creators across industries with the tools they need to make game development more accessible, efficient, and rewarding. Our vision is for Specter to become the invisible hand that powers truly immersive gaming experiences.”

While Pravan focuses on shaping the product vision, his co-founder, Mikhail Bhuta, brings the technological backbone to Specter. As a seasoned technology innovator, Mikhail has been instrumental in crafting the platform’s high-quality and scalable infrastructure, ensuring it meets the complex needs of today’s game developers.

“Specter is designed to address the challenges game developers face, from scalability to real-time operations and seamless cross-platform integration. We’ve focused on delivering a backend solution that simplifies the development process while enhancing the player experience. Our goal is to create a platform that evolves with the rapidly changing gaming industry, featuring cutting-edge tools that keep developers ahead of the curve. With Specter, we aim to help developers all over the world lay the foundation for the next generation of immersive gaming experiences,” said Mikhail Bhuta, Co-Founder & Tech Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP.

Specter empowers multiple industries with its tailored solutions. For traditional video game development, it supports indie developers, hyper-casual publishers, and casual game studios with cost-efficient infrastructure and dynamic features. In gamification and consumer apps, the platform boosts engagement through leaderboards and rewards, benefiting fitness apps, social platforms, and loyalty programs.

In esports, Specter simplifies tournament management with dynamic leaderboards, match data handling, and secure prize distribution. Additionally, it also enables marketing and brand engagement by powering gamified campaigns, community challenges, and live events to create interactive brand experiences.

Looking ahead, Specter will focus on building a thriving developer community through collaborations with indie developers and midsize studios to shape new features. The platform is also pioneering the use of AI in LiveOps, aiming to revolutionise player engagement and revenue models by leveraging predictive and responsive AI systems. Additionally, Specter is expanding its reach by forging strategic partnerships with leading gaming engines and service providers to further enhance its ecosystem.

Ahmedabad, 21 January 2025 – HCG Aastha Cancer Centre organised “Her Hope,” a community-driven initiative featuring a powerful physical theatre performance to raise awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection. Centered on the empowering theme “Prevention is Power,” the event used expressive storytelling to convey vital information regarding cervical cancer. It brought together people from all walks of life, fostering understanding, encouraging open dialogue, breaking the stigma around cervical cancer, and celebrating the strength and essence of womanhood.

The event featured a thought-provoking skit, dance and music performances, which used expressive storytelling to communicate vital information about cervical cancer. This engaging approach made complex medical concepts both accessible to and impactful for the audience.

“Her Hope” was attended by patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and the general public, providing a space for education, open communication, and personal connections. Leading gynaecologic oncologists, including Dr. Kalpana Kothari,

Dr. Viral Patel, and Dr. Nidhi Gupta, shared expert insights on prevention, treatment options, and advancements in cervical cancer care. A dynamic Q&A session allowed attendees to interact directly with the specialists and gain a deeper understanding of prevention methods, such as the importance of HPV vaccinations, regular Pap smears, and other screening tests for early detection of cancer.

Dr. Kalpana Kothari, Chief of the Gynaec Oncology Department at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, stressed the importance of proactive health measures, saying, “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a major health challenge. Through this initiative, we aim to educate and empower women by highlighting the life-saving importance of regular screenings and HPV vaccinations, which can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and help save countless lives. ‘Her Hope’ is a true reflection of our commitment to community outreach, using creative and emotional approaches to ensure our message resonates on a deeper level. She also emphasized on the conservative treatment options offered in cases diagnosed with PAP test as pre-cancer (pre-invasive) disease where uterus preserving procedures are done in young females.”

Dr. Soma Bose, Chief of Medical Administration,HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, also commended the initiative, adding”Early detection is key to improving survival rates, and we cannot underestimate the critical role it plays in reducing the impact of this disease. At HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, we are deeply committed to making a difference in women’s health through education and proactive measures by providing a Health Check-up screening package for females in view of importance of early detection of cancer. The urgency to combat cervical cancer globally is real, and initiatives like ‘Her Hope’ are essential in driving that change.”

A few key messages highlighted during the sessions included that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular screenings and HPV vaccination. Early detection can increase survival rates to over 90%. However, nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness campaigns like “Her Hope.” The event, which was free and open to the public, ensured that crucial health information and resources were accessible to those who needed them the most. “Her Hope” embodies HCG Aastha Cancer Centre’s commitment to women’s health by seamlessly blending creativity, education, and expert medical guidance.

By, Dr Sangeeta V Budur, Consultant – Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensive care, Aster RV Hospital
HMPV virus is not a novel virus – It was first isolated in 2001 by Van den Hoogen and her colleagues in Netherlands in the nasopharyngeal secretions of children with respiratory tract infections. The virus was named human metapneumovirus because it was a metapneumovirus that used humans as a host. It is known to cause a range of illnesses from mild upper respiratory infections to severe pneumonia, bronchiolitis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. About 5 to 25% of the acute pediatric lower respiratory tract infections are associated with HMPV. The viral outbreaks peak in winter and spring season in northern hemisphere and June and July in southern hemisphere. Just like any other respiratory illness HMPV spread via respiratory droplets ie coughing, sneezing or contact with infected secretions.

Vulnerable population
No age group is immune to the virus, reinfection occurs throughout the life but subsequent infections are mild. Infants, children under 2 years, elderly, Immuno compromised persons or those with underlying chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to the severe disease. The HMPV infection appears to be ubiquitous, as virtually all children are exposed by the age of 5 years.

Symptoms of HMPV virus
Most of the symptoms are mild flu like lasting 5- 7 days requiring outpatient visits. But in children under five, HMPV is responsible for 3-10% of hospital admissions. Among the hospitalized children high grade fever, respiratory distress, wheezing rare the predominant symptoms.

Respiratory illnesses caused by HMPV?
HMPV is mainly known to cause upper respiratory tract infection in most of the children but bronchiolitis, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome in few which require hospitalization, oxygen therapy including mechanical ventilation.

Diagnosis
Diagnosing HMPV based solely on symptoms is difficult, as it mimics other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza. PCR testing on nasopharyngeal secretions for detecting HMPV RNA is the gold standard. In India, surveillance systems like ICMR and the Integrated disease surveillance Programme (IDSP) regularly test for respiratory viruses including HMPV.

Treatment
There is no specific antiviral drug available. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive with antipyretics and antihistamines. Hospitalized children may need oxygen therapy, nebulization and rarely mechanical ventilation among the severely infected.

Preventive measures for HMPV?
As of now there is no targeted therapy/ vaccine available for HMPV. Proper Hand hygiene- washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Cough etiquette such as covering the nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, wearing a mask can limit the spread of the virus. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals, regularly disinfecting touched surfaces are additional measures.

How is it different from COVID -19?
Both viruses cause minor respiratory symptoms in most of the infected people, but COVID -19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms involving multiple body systems and a higher potential for systemic complications.

Bengaluru, January 21, 2025: AJAX Engineering, India’s leading concreting equipment manufacturer, unveiled SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, an upgraded version of its AI-driven platform launched earlier in July 2024. Building on the capabilities of the earlier version, ConcreteAI introduces Smart Audio and Video Bots to address the industry’s growing demand for intuitive and role-specific guidance. The addition of the bots takes user interaction to the next level by offering highly contextual, real-time assistance tailored to the unique challenges of the construction industry.

For professionals operating within the construction industry, the Smart Audio Bot enables instant voice-driven access to troubleshooting guides, maintenance protocols, and compliance requirements, cutting downtime on project sites. The Smart Video Bot introduces dynamic, role-specific visual guidance, with avatars designed to walk users through intricate processes such as equipment calibration, workflow optimization, or advanced technical training. By delivering step-by-step instructions in an intuitive, multimedia format, it helps bridge knowledge gaps and reduces dependency on external expertise. These bots also address a critical need for inclusivity in a multilingual workforce, currently supporting interactions in English and Hindi. This ensures that diverse user groups—from site operators to decision-makers—can navigate complex operations effortlessly, making the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI a more accessible, efficient, and productivity-driven solution.

Building upon the foundation of Concrete GPT by retaining key features like its integration with OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Perplexity Models, the platform’s vast repository of research materials and technical resources has been updated with the latest industry trends and regulatory guidelines. Beyond offering immediate technical support, the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI continues to serve as a hub for skill development and training, empowering professionals, students, and suppliers to optimize workflows, adopt sustainable practices, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced project outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, Managing Director and CEO of AJAX Engineering, said, “The construction industry is evolving, and it is imperative to provide tools that simplify decision-making and improve productivity. The SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, offers a more intuitive way for professionals to access vital technical insights, streamline workflows, and enhance project outcomes. This platform reflects AJAX’s vision of empowering the industry with cutting-edge, AI-enabled solutions while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.”

During the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, visitors experienced live demonstrations of the Smart Bots, which showcased real-time interactions and insights tailored to user needs. AJAX’s stall also featured interactive stations equipped with tools for exploring the platform’s functionalities. Apart from this, AJAX Engineering also showcased live demonstrations of their 3D Concrete Printing machine, an immersive VR experience of their SLCMs, and their Self Propelled Boom Pumps. They also announced the launch of their CEV 5-compliant machines, reinforcing their commitment to building sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions for the construction industry.

January 21, 2025: uppercase, an innovative and sustainable homegrown luggage brand, is proud to announce its exclusive showcase at the upcoming New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall/Winter 2025. The event will take place from February 5 to 9, 2025, and uppercase will present its designs on February 6, 2025, at 9 PM EST at Sony Hall, New York. This milestone brings India’s ‘Made in India’ story to one of the most iconic fashion events in the world.

At NYFW, uppercase will feature its eco-friendly products on the runway, with sustainability as the key theme. The showcase will highlight the brand’s commitment to creating beautiful, sustainable designs that honor cultural heritage while embracing innovation. This is a significant moment for India’s growing presence in the global fashion scene, as Uppercase takes Indian craftsmanship to a global audience.

Commenting on the brand’s participation, Sudip Ghose, Founder and MD of uppercase, said: “This is a moment of great pride, not only for our brand but for India as a whole. We’re excited to take our message of sustainable innovation to a global stage. uppercase believes in creating designs that not only serve a functional purpose but also promote a more conscious way of living. Our mission is to bring together eco-friendly solutions and classic design, and this milestone is a powerful affirmation of that commitment.”

uppercase’s participation is part of a special “Made in India” showcase at NYFW, which features a diverse mix of designers. This marks a key moment as uppercase will be presenting eco-friendly fashion on such a global platform for the first time.

21th January, 2025, New Delhi: FM Logistic, a global leader in the logistics sector, has embarked on a HR digital transformation journey by adopting Adrenalin Max HRMS platform. The Human Resource Management System is strengthening the logistic leader’s HR operations and elevating workforce management. This strategic shift aligns with the company’s people-first philosophy, addressing critical challenges in managing its vast, dispersed, and predominantly blue-collar workforce.

In the logistics industry, where customer satisfaction hinges on manpower precision and reliability, FM Logistic was facing operational hurdles with respect to its workforce management. For its 5000+ employees across India serving multiple customers, managing data and retrieving information about their shifts, time and attendance etc. manually had become a significant challenge. The lack of a centralized platform for storing information, managing workflows, approvals, and employee records further exacerbated the issue. Key challenges included managing 65+ shift patterns, ensuring real-time attendance tracking, and meeting evolving customer requirements—all while maintaining seamless operations.

Additionally, the company struggled with the complexities of managing a large blue-collar, non-tech-savvy workforce that was on the move always. Adrenalin Max has transformed FM Logistics workforce management by addressing these challenges. By seamlessly integrating biometric machines with the HRMS, Adrenalin has not just automated and streamlined attendance tracking, it has also eliminated the manual effort of collating employee data for payroll. 16th of each month processing, which previously happened on the 16th of each month, has now been efficiently shifted to the 21st.

For sites without biometric machines, Adrenalin provided alternative, user-friendly attendance solutions tailored to operational needs.

For FM Logistics employees, the Adrenalin Max mobile app has been a game-changer, especially for those less tech-savvy. It allows them to conveniently check in and check out their attendance with the app’s easy-to-understand UI, ensuring ease of use while reducing reliance on physical systems. This feature not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves employee satisfaction by simplifying day-to-day tasks, enabling them to focus more on their core responsibilities. Adrenalin also centralized workflows, approvals, and employee records, resolving inefficiencies caused by manual processes. Overall, Adrenalin Max has enabled FM Logistic to reduce its reporting time lines from 10 days to 2, enhancing workforce management efficiency.

“Our operations are fueled by a diverse workforce operating under demanding conditions,” said Mr. Ajit Jangle, Managing Director, FM Logistic India. “Adrenalin Max has been instrumental in transforming our HR processes, bridging gaps, and streamlining workforce management. By enhancing the overall People Experience, it has empowered our teams, enabling us to focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional service to our customers.”

“Our partnership with FM Logistic reflects our commitment to simplifying workforce complexities through innovative solutions,” said Mr. Srinivasa Bharathy, CEO, Adrenalin E-Systems. Adrenalin Max. “By integrating Adrenalin Max with their operations, we have empowered their teams to be more efficient, agile, and aligned with organizational goals.”

Beyond leveraging cutting-edge technology, FM Logistic has doubled down on its commitment to a people-centric approach. The company continues to invest in training programs, wellness initiatives, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. By focusing on providing a holistic people experience, the company aims to create an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally, ensuring their well-being and growth remain at the forefront of organizational priorities. This holistic approach has enabled FM Logistic to achieve measurable outcomes, including improved compliance with DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) ratios and enhanced data availability for attrition monitoring. Automated workflows have significantly boosted employee and managerial productivity, ensured better allocation of resources, and focused on strategic initiatives.

Looking ahead, FM Logistic is set to scale its workforce management initiatives further with Adrenalin Max HRMS at the core of its operations. The company is looking forward to driving sustainable growth, enhancing employee satisfaction, and delivering unmatched service quality to its customers.