Exhibition and Lecture Series on Coins: Unveiling the Stories Behind Currency

Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Archaeological Research Institute under the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums, Bhopal, in collaboration with the Ashwini Research Institute, Mahidpur, Ujjain, organized an exhibition and lecture series titled ‘Coins Across Eras.’ The event was inaugurated by Prof. Vaidyanath Labh and Commissioner Mrs. Urmila Shukla. Discussions highlighted the historical and cultural importance of coins. The chief guest elaborated on the origins of coins, ancient methods of exchange, and their contribution to historical documentation.

MoUs and Research Paper Presentations
During the event, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with three institutions to promote research in the field of archaeology and history. Researchers presented their insights on various aspects of ancient coins. Dr. Joseph Manuel discussed the Gupta-era depictions of Goddess Lakshmi, Dr. V.S. Parmar presented on Kushan coins, and other scholars explored symbolisms and numismatics.

Recognition and Participation
The event saw active participation from researchers, students, and experts. It concluded with a vote of thanks to the guests, inspiring further contributions to the field of research and archaeology.

Special thanks to IAS Urmila Shukla, Dr. Pooja Shukla, Mr. Dhruvendra Jodha, and members of Wakankar Research Institute and the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums for making the event a success.

CJ Darcl Logistics Shares Union Budget Insights from Nikhil Agarwal

 Quote by: Mr. Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd

 

“The upcoming Union Budget has the potential to boost India’s economic growth by addressing key areas focusing on the logistics infrastructure. To further strengthen the industrial base, we hope for implementation of imperative policies aimed at advancing the manufacturing, technology and logistics sectors.

CJ Darcl envisions this budget to be a turning point for the logistics sector. We believe that continued allocation in multimodal transport systems and the development of inland waterways are vital for establishing resilient and efficient supply chains. As sustainability takes center stage, we expect the implementation of advanced policies that endorse green technologies and promote the integration of electric vehicles within the commercial fleet, utilisation of alternative fuel sources & renewable energy infrastructures enhancements, and subsidies/incentives for adopting sustainable operational methodologies. These measures can accelerate India’s journey to become a global manufacturing hub.

Additionally, we expect the government to launch programs for workforce development driven via skill development programmes targeting developing industries and expanded training centers for logistics professionals. This budget is an opportunity to strengthen India’s reputation as a strong economy that balances growth with inclusion, innovation and sustainability.”

Honda Launches 2025 Activa: Scooter Bole Toh Activa

Mumbai, 24 January 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today launched the new OBD2B-compliant version of the Activa, taking India’s most loved scooter to the next level of technology, convenience, and sustainability. The updated Activa now comes equipped with a host of advanced features, designed to cater to the evolving needs of customers.

Introducing the New Activa, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Activa has always been at the forefront of redefining mobility for Indian customers. With its latest 2025 iteration, it continues to embody the perfect blend of innovation, convenience, and reliability that has made it India’s most loved scooter. The addition of the TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and the OBD2B-compliant engine demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and sustainability. We are confident that the new Activa will not only elevate the riding experience for our customers but also reinforce Honda’s leadership in the Indian scooter market.”

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Activa is more than just a scooter, it is a trusted companion for crores of families across India and proudly stays true to its tagline ‘Scooter bole toh Activa’. The new 2025 Activa raises the bar with its smart features like a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity & navigation, idling stop system, and USB Type-C charging port, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of customers. As India’s favourite scooter, the Activa has always been synonymous with convenience and reliability. With the introduction of the OBD2B model, we are delighted to take a step further towards a cleaner future.”

New Activa: New Colours and Advanced Features

The updated Activa gets several mechanical updates, designed to meet the upcoming regulations, and elevate the riding experience of customers. At its heart is a 109.51cc, single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine that is now OBD2B compliant. It develops 5.88 kW of power at 8,000 RPM and 9.05 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 RPM. It is also equipped with Idling stop system to enhance fuel efficiency.

In terms of features, the Activa sports a new 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. It is compatible with Honda RoadSync app, enabling functions like navigation and call/message alerts, allowing riders to stay connected even while on the move. The Activa is now also equipped with a USB Type-C charging port, ensuring convenience for riders to charge their devices on the go.

The Activa retains its iconic silhouette and now gets alloy wheels even for the DLX variant apart from the top-spec H-Smart one, further enhancing its visual appeal. It will be offered in three variants, STD, DLX and H-Smart, with six colour options on sale. They are – Pearl Precious White, Decent Blue Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Mat Axis Gray Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue.

Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025 Enjoy Free Bhakti App Trials and Relaxation Centres by Kuku FM

India, January 24, 2025: Stepping into the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Kuku FM, India’s leading audio storytelling platform, is making waves with an inspiring offering. Devotees attending the world’s largest congregation in Prayagraj can now immerse themselves in divine experiences and stories through a complimentary 7-day trial of Kuku FM’s newly launched Bhakti App. Additionally, Kuku FM has also set up foot massagers and charging stations at its on-ground centre at Kumbh.

Given the massive expanse and size of the Kumbh, people tend to walk all day which can be taxing on them. Devotees can not only spend time relaxing at the stall listening to spiritual stories but adding a touch of care to this divine experience people can also charge their phones and recharge themselves with automated foot massages which is helping them rejuvenate after their spiritual endeavours.

Just for Maha Kumbh, Bhakti’s 7 day free trial will offer devotees a treasure trove of spiritual shows, audiobooks, scriptures and more including special shows covering the Maha Kumbh. With footfalls of lakhs of devotees everyday, Kuku FM has seen an encouraging response for its Bhakti app at its Sector 6 offline presence.

Union Budget 2025-26 Expectations: Arun Poddar, CEO, Choice International

By: Arun Poddar, Executive Director & CEO, Choice International

“In the upcoming Union Budget 2025, there is a strong opportunity to prioritize financial inclusion, which remains a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. Allocations toward initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana can help improve access to financial services, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

Bridging the financial inclusion gap requires an emphasis on strengthening digital infrastructure, which holds immense potential to connect marginalized communities with essential financial tools. We also urge the government to prioritize financial literacy programs, ensuring individuals not only have access to financial services but also the knowledge to utilize them effectively.

Additionally, targeted financial support for small businesses and startups, especially in Tier 2 to Tier 6 cities, can foster economic self-reliance and unlock growth in regions that form the backbone of India’s small finance consumer base. Encouraging fintech collaboration and introducing tax incentives for digital financial services can accelerate these efforts, enabling a more inclusive and resilient economy.”

Study Shows Indians Battle Six Dental Conditions on Average: 2024 scanO Dental Recap

India, January 24, 2025 – scanO, India’s leading AI-powered dentistry ecosystem, today released its India Dental Report for 2024. Based on platform data collected over the past year, the report highlights key oral health trends, revealing that the average Indian faces six dental diseases. The report identifies dental stains (64%), tooth decay (48%), and tooth attrition (46%) as the most prevalent oral health issues across the country. States like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Karnataka have the highest recorded cases, painting a concerning picture of the nation’s oral health.

The report shows that 64% of Indians are grappling with dental stains caused by common dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Tea, coffee, and turmeric-based dishes, staples in the Indian diet, contribute to persistent staining. Smoking and chewing betel nuts further compound the issue.

Urban populations increasingly seek cosmetic dental solutions to address stains, but many in rural and semi-urban areas delay care due to limited access, fear, or lack of awareness.

Tooth Decay Impacts Nearly Half of India’s Population

Tooth decay, affecting 48% of Indians, is identified as the most widespread dental condition. It begins with plaque accumulation in pits and fissures, leading to cavities that often go unnoticed until severe stages. Poor oral hygiene and frequent sugar consumption are primary contributors, particularly among children and young adults. Left untreated, decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular dental visits.

46% of Indians Experience Tooth Attrition

Attrition affects 46% of individuals, caused by enamel erosion due to dietary habits, stress-induced grinding, and misaligned teeth. Stress-related clenching, particularly in urban areas, is a growing contributor to this condition. Attrition often progresses silently, leading to sensitivity and shortened teeth. Severe cases can result in chronic pain and long-term damage if not addressed early.

“India’s oral health crisis is a stark reminder of how neglecting prevention can snowball into widespread public health challenges,” said Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, CEO and Co-founder, scanO. “Stains, tooth decay and attrition may seem like surface-level concerns, but they expose systemic gaps that stretch far beyond oral health, affecting productivity and overall quality of life. The road ahead demands a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare—by breaking barriers of accessibility, resistance, and awareness. At scanO, we are unlocking a culture of prevention by leveraging AI diagnostics to bring care directly to people’s fingertips, whether through a mobile app or kiosks at their local dental clinics or in underserved regions. Prevention is the foundation step on which India’s smiles will thrive.”

Appdome Launches AI-Native Threat Dynamics™ Platform

India, 24 January 2025– Appdome, the leader in protecting mobile businesses, today announced that a new AI-Native threat-management module called Threat Dynamics™ will be offered inside Appdome’s ThreatScope™ Mobile XDR. Threat Dynamics uses AI deep learning to continuously evaluate the likelihood of a successful exploit from more than 400+ attack vectors and calculate a Mobile Risk Index™ for each business and mobile application. This allows businesses to see how threats move across the production environment, empowering them to quickly prioritize and focus on the attack vectors with the highest potential impact and preempt these threats before they escalate. This also allows businesses to continuously benchmark and manage their business- and application-level risk against the baseline of Appdome’s growing monthly data stream of tens of billions of mobile fraud, scam, bot, and cyber threat events globally. These new capabilities add to ThreatScope Mobile XDR’s existing real-time threat intelligence, inspection, and rapid response capabilities.

“On top of lightning-fast incident response, mobile businesses want to benchmark their mobile defense posture against the industry and preempt mobile threats before they escalate,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “Mobile businesses don’t want to play ‘whack a mole’ with fraud, scams and cyber-attacks. They want AI-driven reconnaissance and benchmarking plus the rapid and automated response of XDR in one platform. They want to operationalize extended threat management across the full lifecycle of the mobile business.”

As mobile becomes the business, the landscape of fraud and cyber-attacks in the mobile economy has grown significantly. It now includes a wide range of adversaries, such as active hacker communities, criminal organizations, and AI-powered attacks. In this economy, attack vectors such as account takeover (ATO), on-device fraud (ODF), scams, identity theft, bot attacks, and more are proliferating quickly. Mobile businesses switched to Appdome to accelerate their defense time to market, eliminate work, gain automation through machine learning, and build any combination of Appdome’s 10,000+ dynamic defense plugins into mobile apps fast. With Appdome Threat Dynamics, mobile businesses can now leverage the biggest and most diverse data stream of mobile fraud and threat events in the digital economy to take a holistic and continuous approach to threat management. With Threat Dynamics, businesses leverage the power of AI to analyze and benchmark their active attack surface against the active attack surface in billions of Appdome-defended mobile apps. By analyzing this data from multiple perspectives, mobile businesses can see how cyber-attacks, fraud, and threats move across the mobile business and use Appdome’s Threat Dynamics to identify fraud and cyber-attack patterns early on, rank the potential impact of each attack prospectively, and preempt cyber-attacks, fraud, and threats before the attacks proliferate.

“Appdome already improves productivity for dev and cyber security teams, automating engineering work and reducing security review time,” said Eric Newcomer, CTO at Intellyx. “As more attacks target the mobile channel, it is more important than ever to combine fraud and other threat data from the mobile business under a single pane of glass. Appdome’s huge data set and AI-driven defense model give businesses the power to pre-empt fraud and deliver immediate responses to any such threats and attacks.”

Data Siloes and Basic High-Med-Low Severities Are Not Enough.
Mobile businesses need usable and relevant data about the attacks and threats impacting their Android & iOS applications, users, identities, and transactions. However, point products aimed at mobile app security, mobile fraud prevention, KYC checks, and mobile identity only provide one slice of data. These slices are often available in siloed implementations that isolate data to one app, customer, and attack vector only. The same products either can’t or don’t aggregate, analyze, or expose data from all installations, leverage adaptive learning models or apply AI to benchmark trends, virality, or future potential impact of attacks. The output from these systems is often limited to human-defined “true / false” or “high,” “medium,” and “low” severity designations, which fatigue users and lead to false positives and missed attacks.

“Assume you had a service that received all the fraud, bot, cyber-attack, and defense data in the mobile economy,” said Avi Yehuda, CTO of Appdome. “Inside this data set, you can use AI deep learning to continuously analyze, find patterns, and rank billions of threat events in real-time and start to use this data to provide predictive insights and benchmark comparisons that give businesses the power to manage threats as an ongoing part of the business.”

Appdome’s Threat Dynamics leverages AI and Appdome’s big-data footprint to continuously analyze and rank mobile threats, including fraud, malware, and bot trends in its global data set. Using this data, Threat Dynamics continuously calculates a Mobile Risk Index™ for each mobile business and app, providing a holistic, living, and dynamic context to the threat data sent to their ThreatScope instance. Threat Dynamics also shows how fraud, cyber-attacks, and other threats move across mobile apps, releases, installations, devices, users, and networks. With Threat Dynamics, mobile businesses can see which attacks are moving fastest, which mobile applications suffer the most, and which attacks are likely to have the biggest impact on the business. Trends such as Infection Rate, Attack Frequency, Attack Velocity, Cohort Placement, Variance, Projected Impact, and more are provided for each attack, application, release, device, OS, geographic source, and other dimensions.

“Mobile threat intelligence has traditionally looked at data in the rear-view mirror or worse, with blinders on,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer at Appdome. “Mobile businesses can’t wait to address the biggest attacks after the fact, waste time trying to manually evaluate threat data from multiple siloes or overreact to the wrong attack. The purpose of Threat Dynamics is to give businesses the power of AI deep learning to allow businesses to preempt attacks and manage and reduce their mobile risk as an active part of the business.”

The Age-Related Risks of Lung Cancer: Why Early Screening Matters

Dr. Bhaskar Bhuvan, Consultant-Medical oncology, HCG Cancer Center – Vizag

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for over 1.7 million fatalities annually. In India, lung cancer is a significant public health concern ranking second among male cancers, with a substantial number of cases occurring among middle aged and older adults. The reported death rate due to lung cancer in India was 75,031 patients in year 2022 according to Globocon 2022.

The Age-Related Risks of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer predominantly affects older adults, with the risk of developing this disease increasing significantly with age. This upward trend in lung cancer risk is particularly pronounced after the age of 60, with most lung cancer cases being diagnosed among people aged 65 years and above. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age at diagnosis for lung cancer is around 70 years old.  But, in India, the average age of lung cancer diagnosis is 59 years which is a decade earlier than western countries. This age-related risk is attributed to the cumulative effect of exposure to carcinogens (cancer causing agents) over time, as well as the natural decline in immune function and cellular repair mechanisms that occurs with aging. As a result, older adults are more susceptible to the damaging effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution and radiation exposure which can increase the risk of lung cancer. Furthermore, older adults may also be more likely to have underlying health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Why Age is a Significant Risk Factor for Lung Cancer

Age is a significant risk factor for lung cancer due to several reasons. As we age, our cells accumulate genetic mutations that can increase the risk of cancer. Our immune system also weakens with age, making it more challenging for our body to fight off cancer cells. Furthermore, older adults may have been exposed to carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke and air pollution, for a longer period

The Importance of Early Screening

Early screening is crucial in detecting lung cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable. Screening tests for lung cancer include Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) and Chest X-Ray. These non-invasive tests use low-dose radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs.

Whom to get lung cancer screening

Age above 50 years up to 80 years.

Smoking history of one packet of cigarettes per day over and above 20 years

Who does not quit smoking in the last 15 years

Reducing the Risk of Lung Cancer

While age is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Avoiding exposure to carcinogens, such as air pollution and asbestos, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a significant public health concern in India, with most cases occurring among middle aged and older adults. While age is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, early screening and reducing the risk factors can help detect and treat this disease. By prioritizing our health and taking proactive steps, we can reduce our risk of lung cancer and improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Antica Ceramica Launches Persian Tiles Collection

Antica Ceramica, a leader in India’s tile manufacturing industry, has introduced the Persian Tiles Collection, a stunning new range inspired by the intricate patterns and artistry of Persian design. Known for their rich heritage and captivating beauty, Persian tiles—also referred to as Islamic Geometric Art—blend historical elegance with contemporary functionality, making them the perfect addition to any modern interior. This exquisite collection is now available at Antica Ceramica’s flagship store and leading retailers nationwide, offering homeowners and designers the opportunity to bring a piece of timeless art into their spaces.

Persian tiles are synonymous with intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and vibrant colors that have adorned palaces, mosques, and cultural landmarks for centuries. Rooted in a philosophy of balance and harmony, these designs evoke a sense of serenity while adding visual drama to any setting. The Persian Tiles Collection by Antica Ceramica honors this legacy, reimagining it for today’s interiors. By blending traditional patterns with contemporary finishes, these tiles provide a unique way to add elegance and character to homes and commercial spaces alike.

Persian tiles, renowned for their intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and vibrant colors, have graced palaces, mosques, and cultural landmarks for centuries, reflecting a philosophy of balance and harmony that evokes serenity while adding visual drama. Honoring this rich legacy, the Persian Tiles Collection by Antica Ceramica reimagines these timeless designs for modern interiors, seamlessly blending traditional artistry with contemporary finishes to infuse elegance and character into both residential and commercial spaces. Interior designers and architects have embraced the Persian Tiles Collection for its ability to transform spaces into works of art. The intricate patterns and rich textures allow for endless creative possibilities, from statement walls to elegant flooring.

“The Persian Tiles Collection combines the timeless beauty of Persian design with the durability and functionality required in modern interiors,” says Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica. “This collection is perfect for adding texture, pattern, and depth to any space, creating a blend of tradition and modernity that appeals to a wide audience.” The Persian Tiles Collection reflects Antica Ceramica’s commitment to creating products that align with the ethics of interior design. By integrating aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability, the collection caters to the needs of modern spaces while honoring the legacy of Persian artistry.

The tiles’ non-slip and UV-resistant features ensure safety and durability, making them an ethical and functional choice for designers focused on creating inclusive, user-friendly environments. The Persian Tiles Collection offers a wide array of patterns and imprints, providing endless opportunities to customize and elevate your interiors. Whether you’re creating a luxurious living room, a serene bathroom, or a vibrant kitchen, these tiles offer the perfect solution for adding timeless charm and sophistication.

Axis Bank Joins Marg ERP for Banking and Accounting Solutions

Chandigarh, January 24, 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, partners with Marg ERP, a prominent player in integrated business applications, to provide simplified business banking solutions to small and medium enterprise (SME) customers. The aim is to seamlessly bring accounting and banking solutions at one place, and ensure that customers don’t need to toggle between accounting and banking applications.

This collaboration empowers Axis Bank current account holders to connect their Business accounts directly with Marg ERP software, creating a unified platform for managing all banking transactions such as NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and more. Axis Bank current account holders can simply log in to Marg ERP, select the necessary bills, and process payments through their connected Axis Bank account.

With this connected banking solution, businesses can automate their banking processes, enhance fund-flow control with real time account balances, manage payments and reconciliation, and enjoy a wide range of features directly from their ERP system. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces accounting errors, as transactions are automatically fetched from the ERP. Real-time visibility of bank balances and transaction statuses on the accounting software enables swift decision-making.

With the key features of the Axis Bank-Marg ERP Integration, customers can:

  • Simplify the work of reconciling payments into bank accounts with Auto-Bank Reconciliation
  • Initiate real-time direct payments through Marg ERP software via different payment options like NEFT, RTGS,IMPS and Intra bank fund transfers
  • Schedule recurring payments as per the business requirements
  • Stay updated on the status of payments with integrated banking options
  • View the bank statement; download and organize reports to make informed business decisions
  • Automate Ledger Entry

On the partnership, Vivek Gupta, President & Head – Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank commented, “This Partnership with Marg ERP is a testament to Axis Bank’s unwavering commitment to serve our SME clients better by harnessing cutting-edge technology and delivering integrated, customer-centric solutions. With secure and seamless integration of banking functions with Marg ERP, we are making it simpler for our customers to manage their financial operations with high efficiency and agility, while making quick well-informed decisions on growth. This initiative is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to significantly improve the digital experience of our clients.”

Commenting on integration, CMD & Founder Thakur Anup Singh from Marg ERP said, “This tie-up with Axis Bank is a milestone for B2B businesses across the region as it provides them with advanced digital banking solutions that will streamline their business operations. The partnership is well aligned with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote digitalization and drive economic growth. This collaborative effort, focusing on a simple, integrated business and banking offering, is expected to bring positive outcomes for regionally headquartered MSMEs, from major centres to the more remote districts.”