UWBe- Mphasis Foundation_Project Launch 222 news

Police campuses in Bengaluru to have 590 Percolation Wells

Bengaluru, September 12th, 2024: Mphasis and United Way Bengaluru officially announced the launch of the “One Billion Drops” campaign at five police campuses in Bengaluru, including CAR (City Armed Reserve) North, Karnataka State Reserved Police 9th Battalion, Centre for Counter-Terrorism, CAR Headquarters, and KSRP 1st Battalion. This year, 590 percolation wells will be constructed across these locations.

The event was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Bangalore City, Mr. B Dayananda, who commended the initiative for its significant contribution to Bengaluru’s water sustainability.

The “One Billion Drops” initiative addresses climate-change-related issues through percolation wells designed to capture rainwater at the point of impact. This approach reduces surface runoff, prevents floods, and conserves water by slowing its flow. The campaign is pivotal in restoring Bengaluru’s water resources, replenishing groundwater, and maintaining soil moisture to support the city’s green cover.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate the proactive support of Mphasis and United Way of Bengaluru for coming forward to make our police campuses water-neutral through their CSR initiatives. Your commitment to sustainability is a shining example of community policing in action. Together, we are not only ensuring a greener future for our personnel and the community but also setting a benchmark for responsible governance. Thank you for your invaluable partnership in this noble endeavour,” said B. Dayananda, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.

“Our ongoing partnership with United Way Bengaluru has empowered us to address global environmental challenges like climate change while making significant strides in reviving the state’s biodiversity. The ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign remains a powerful initiative in rainwater conservation and sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future,” said Deepa Nagaraj, Senior Vice President and Head – ESG & CSR, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications

“Rooted in a community-driven approach, the ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign represents a scalable and replicable model that promotes ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change. By harnessing the power of collaboration between corporate entities, NGOs and government bodies, this initiative is setting a new standard for climate action and water conservation,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s National Water Mission initiative, “Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls.” Each percolation well can conserve up to 128,000 litres of rainwater annually, directly enhancing groundwater levels in their respective catchment areas.

Once known as the Garden City, Bengaluru now faces the harsh realities of India’s climate crisis, dealing with severe groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall, and a shrinking green cover. In response to these growing challenges, Mphasis, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, has partnered with United Way Bengaluru to drive an impactful campaign called “One Billion Drops”.

Since 2022, Mphasis has supported the creation of 1,338 percolation wells across Bengaluru, including in major parks and the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden. These percolation wells can conserve approximately 175,284 kiloliters of rainwater annually, making a significant contribution to the city’s water resources and environmental health. These wells have benefitted 251,000 members of the community. In the coming years, the goal is to reach out to approximately 225,000 beneficiaries by creating 1200 wells by 2026.

Bric-X Infra Celebrates 5 Years of Success, Announces Major Expansion Plans in Delhi NCR

September 11, 2024 || Bric-X Infra, a leading name in the real estate industry celebrates its 5th anniversary. It is a milestone that reflects its remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. Over the past half-decade, the company has established itself as a trusted player in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. As the company celebrates this success, it is gearing up for an exciting new phase of expansion and diversification.

(Lto R) Mr AMit Rangi,Mr Sher singh Rathore & Mr Vijay Kamboj
Left to Right) Mr. Amit Rangi, Mr. Sher Singh Rathore & Mr. Vijay Kamboj

Building on its momentum, the company is all set to expand its footprint by opening new branches in the highly competitive Delhi NCR region in the coming years. As part of its growth strategy, the company also plans to extend its team, to support the increasing demand for its services. Additionally, to address market challenges, the company is set to launch new verticals in the commercial real estate segment, focusing on resale, leasing, and also in the luxury residential segment.

Commenting on this significant milestone and the future roadmap, Mr. Sher Singh Rathore, Vijay Kamboj, and Amit Rangi, Founders of Bric-X Infra says, “The completion of five years is a proud moment for us at Bric-X Infra This milestone not only highlights our achievements but also sets the stage for the next chapter of our journey. With our planned expansion into Delhi NCR, we aim to further establish Bric-X Infra as a leader in the real estate market. As we expand, we are also focusing on tackling an important issue within the commercial real estate sector, vacant commercial spaces. Our goal is to provide comprehensive solutions for resale and leasing, helping landlords and developers maximize their investments by ensuring spaces don’t remain idle.”

In recent years, Bric-X Infra has successfully captured the interest of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking for both residential and commercial real estate investments in India. To cater to this growing demand, the company plans to launch a specialized venture dedicated to providing a one-stop solution for NRI clients, particularly targeting those in Australia, Singapore, the US, Canada, and South Africa. This new offering will simplify the process for NRIs seeking to invest in India, whether for personal or commercial purposes.

As the company moves into its next phase of growth, it aims to remain committed to its vision of providing innovative, client-centric real estate solutions across India and beyond.

NeuralGarage selected in Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Mumbai, 11 September 2024: NeuralGarage, a Bangalore-based Generative AI startup building foundation models in the audio-visual domain, has been chosen to exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 as part of Startup Battlefield 200, the world’s preeminent startup competition identifying& showcasing disruptive technologies.

NeuralGarage selected in Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch Battlefield receives thousands of applications from across the globe &NeuralGarage is one of the only 5 startups from all over Asia selected in this final list of 200 startups who cut. This year’s Startup Battlefield participants span artificial intelligence (AI), software as a service (SaaS), fintech, security, sustainability, space exploration, and more.

“Being selected for Startup Battlefield 200 is an incredible recognition of our ground-breaking original research & technology and validates what we are building at NeuralGarage. Getting to showcase your technology at TechCrunch Disrupt is the ultimate high for any startup,” said Mandar Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuralGarage. “We’re excited to present our technology, VisualDub, which redefines the way video content is created and meant to be viewed globally. We aim to demonstrate how our innovation can continue transforming the content viewing experience for billions of non-native audiences worldwide. This selection is not just a significant milestone for NeuralGarage but also a very proud moment for India’s fast-growing AI ecosystem.”

“Our models are capable of creating precision LipSync on production quality videos while maintaining exceptionally high visual fidelity and temporal consistency,” said Subhabrata Debnath, Co-Founder and CTO of NeuralGarage. “Being recognized by a global platform like TechCrunch Disrupt aligns with our mission to create globally relevant technology while showcasing the capabilities of Indian innovation on the world stage& in Silicon Valley”.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 will be held from Mon, Oct. 28 – Wed, Oct. 30 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The event is known for debuting the hottest startups, introducing game-changing technologies, and discussing what’s top-of-mind for the tech industry’s key innovators—and this year will be no different. Past companies launched at Disrupt include Dropbox, Mint, Cloudflare, Fitbit, Yammer, and more.

Deadline Approaching for Entries to Second Edition of Abu Dhabi Maritime’s Marina Awards

Awards spotlight marina facilities that achieve excellence in six categories 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 September 2024: Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), has announced the submission deadline for the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) is coming to a close on 17 September 2024, following widespread interest from prospective applicants.

Capt Saif Al Mheiri photo

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards promote marina facilities in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye that have distinguished themselves in the key metrics of ‘Sustainability,’ ‘Employer Excellence,’ ‘Health and Safety,’ ‘Customer Experience’ and ‘Innovation.’ The ‘Outstanding Marina’ award category recognises the facility that has achieved overall excellence in the maritime sector. Finalists are honoured at a ceremony at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) on 23rd November.

The prestigious awards aim to elevate outstanding organisations in the region, inspire their peers and set an international standard for success in the sector. Such recognition further strengthens finalists’ organisational standing by underscoring their dedication to high performance and quality for clients, investors, authorities and employees.

ADP-ADMaritime_Awards

Enter now to showcase your notable accomplishments at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards using the link: https://www.maritime-awards.com/To become a finalist, nominees must meet the eligibility requirements, demonstrate competence in their award category or categories, and highlight their best achievements.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Acting Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, stated, “We are elated to be hosting the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards, welcoming the region’s leading marina operators. The excitement for this year’s edition has been high, leading to the latest extension in the deadline for submissions. The inaugural event last year was a great success, showcasing the accomplishments of marinas throughout the region. We are excited to see even more entries in the upcoming edition, as these awards demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promoting excellence and honouring the remarkable contributions of the maritime community.”

Abu Dhabi Maritime, which operates under AD Ports Group in tandem with the Department of Municipalities and Transport is tasked with safeguarding Abu Dhabi’s waters and fostering the development of the city’s maritime sector. The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards will contribute to the group’s vision of shaping a resilient and advanced maritime sector, and creating an environment that meets the highest levels of efficiency, health, and safety, elevating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

Building Trust in AI: Qlik’s Latest AutoML Enhancements Offer Transparent Explainability and Improved Business Outcomes

Philadelphia, PA/Bengaluru, India, September 11, 2024 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), announces new enhancements to its AutoML capabilities. These updates make it easier for analytics teams to build and deploy high-performing machine learning models, providing native analytics to explain predictions in real-time. With full integration into Qlik Cloud, these features enable businesses to move from reactive to proactive decision-making, helping them anticipate trends, address challenges, and optimize outcomes with greater confidence.

Qlik Logo

“At Qlik, we understand that trust and transparency are critical in AI-driven decision-making. Our latest AutoML enhancements ensure full model explainability, providing our users with the confidence that their AI models are reliable and performing well. These advancements foster trust and translate into more informed strategic decisions, enabling better business outcomes,” said Brendan Grady, General Manager of Qlik’s Analytics Business Unit.

Qlik’s latest AutoML enhancements bring significant value to businesses by delivering clear and actionable outcomes:

  • Intelligent Model Optimization: Simplifies the process of building and deploying machine learning models by automating iteration and applying data science best practices, ensuring better performance with minimal effort.
  • Native Machine Learning Analytics: Provides auto-generated dashboards that allow users to easily analyze and compare model performance, offering deeper insights into the predictions and the factors driving them.
  • Seamless Integration with Qlik Cloud: Fully integrates with Qlik Cloud, leveraging existing data infrastructures to create a unified, user-friendly experience that supports efficient, data-driven decision-making.
  • Comprehensive MLOps Capabilities: Ensures ongoing model accuracy and business value through automated monitoring, retraining, and lifecycle management, allowing businesses to maintain confidence in their AI outputs.

These targeted enhancements help organizations maximize the value they derive from AI, ensuring that predictive insights are reliable, understandable, and actionable.

“The enhancements Qlik is introducing to AutoML promise to significantly accelerate the value we derive from our AI initiatives,” said Mikkel Hecht Hansen, Head of BI at Nordisk Film. “The focus on model explainability will allow us to trust the insights and make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. This transparency is crucial for our business, as it helps us understand the drivers behind the predictions and act proactively, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.”

The latest enhancements to Qlik AutoML enable analytics teams to make proactive decisions with predictive analytics and full model explainability through a straightforward, no-code interface. These updates include real-time API access for up-to-date insights, associative exploration and what-if analysis for scenario planning, and enhanced security for data protection. Multi-language support ensures global accessibility, while AI model monitoring and retraining keep predictions accurate. These features seamlessly integrate into business operations, helping organizations respond quickly and make confident, data-driven decisions.

Microsoft Acquires Rs.~520 Crore Land Parcel in Pune’s Hinjewadi: Square Yards

Global tech giant Microsoft has made a significant investment of Rs. 519.72 crore in Pune, one of India’s prominent IT hubs, according to Square Yards. In recent years, Microsoft’s investments in India’s commercial real estate sector have increased, spanning data centers, development centers, and flexible office spaces.

As per the registration document reviewed by Square Yards, Microsoft’s Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, acquired 66,414.5 square meters (~16.4 acres) of prime land in Pune’s Hinjewadi. The transaction, registered in August 2024, involved the purchase of land from Indo Global Infotech City LLP. The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000.

In 2022, the company acquired a 25-acre plot in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs. 328 crore. Earlier this year, Microsoft secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs. 267 crore. Both deals are part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data centre operations. The company’s network of data centres already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, solidifying its presence across key markets.

Currently, the company’s workforce in India includes over 23,000 employees across cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. These teams support various business functions, including sales, marketing, research, development, and customer support. Additionally, in early 2024, Microsoft launched a major skilling initiative in India, aiming to equip 2 million individuals with AI and digital skills by 2025. The program, known as ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, is part of the company’s “Skills for Jobs” initiative designed to foster a future-ready workforce.

DashLoc onboards Industry Trailblazer Ashish Tiwari to Lead Product and Partnerships as Co-Founder & CSO

Bangalore, 10th September 2024: DashLoc, one of India’s leading hyperlocal MarTech discovery platforms, announced the appointment of Ashish Tiwari as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer (Product & Partnership). This strategic alliance signals the onset of the next expansion phase for DashLoc Globally, with Ashish being at its helm.

No stranger to the world of entrepreneurship, Ashish brings with him a wealth of experience, having successfully founded and led three startups: HealthKhoj, Hair Originals, and Hair Forever. He first made headlines with Hair Originals, which garnered significant attention on India’s most talked-about startup show, SharkTank India, where the startup successfully secured funding. His journey with Hair Forever, from its inception in January 2022 to its recent acquisition in July 2024, further underscores his ability to build and scale businesses. He has previously held leadership positions at globally renowned firms like CISCO, AIG, and India’s unicorn startup, Droom.

dash

Having completed his B-Tech & M-Tech from India’s prominent tech institute, IIT Kharagpur, Ashish brings with himself a sheer wealth of unrivalled tech expertise and leadership experience. Before joining DashLoc full-time, Ashish had already been contributing to the company’s growth as a mentor to the Partnership and Product teams for the past year. His strategic insights and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the company’s direction.

In his new role at DashLoc, Ashish will focus on driving the company’s product strategy and forging strong partnerships to enhance the platform’s offerings.

Ashish Tiwari, Co-Founder & CSO of DashLoc, commented, “I am thrilled to officially join DashLoc at such a pivotal time. Having been involved in mentoring the team over the past year, I have seen firsthand the immense potential of our platform. I look forward to working closely with the visionary CEO Sumit Singh and our tech maverick Gaurav, and the entire DashLoc family to drive our mission of revolutionising hyperlocal discovery.”

Sumit Singh, CEO of DashLoc, “We are delighted to welcome Ashish onboard as Co-Founder and CSO. His entrepreneurial experience, coupled with his strategic acumen, will be invaluable as we continue to scale our operations and innovate within the MarTech space. With Ashish on-board, we certainly foresee an accelerated growth pace, gearing up to dominate the industry in India and across the globe.”

JioCinema Premium unveils the logo of Jacqueline Fernandez and Neil Nitin Mukesh starrer #GOATS

goats

pic credit: Instagram

JioCinema Premium has unveiled the logo of its much-anticipated multi-starrer series #GOATS . This musical youth drama promises to deliver a compelling narrative with a unique blend of drama and intrigue. The ensemble cast delivers a novel captivating story that has never been seen before in the Indian OTT landscape. Directed by Abhishek Sharma , the star-studded cast includes Jacqueline Fernandez , Neil Nitin Mukesh , Boman Irani , Siddharth Nigam and Sumedh Mudgalkar in the lead, along with Bhavin Bhanushali , Anusha Mani, Kunwar Amar , Santana Roach , Yukti Tareja , and Arnav Maggo .

The design of the logo reflects the show unique theme and vision, setting the stage for what is expected to be a groundbreaking addition to the OTT landscape.

Your Festive Look, Locked & Loaded with Nykaa Cosmetics’ Matte to Last Range’s Latest Addition

nykaaa

September 2024: Whether you’re getting ready for Ganpati, Navratri, or Dussehra or just want to dress up (yes, we get it, who needs an occasion to dress up!) Nykaa Cosmetics’ Matte to Last range is your must-have. This range is all about giving you that flawless glam that stays lit from morning rituals to late-night parties, so you can focus on the fun not touch-ups.

Designed to keep up with your festive grind, the Matte to Last range has everything you need to keep it fresh and fierce. From vibrant, stay-all-day lipsticks to full-coverage concealers that hide everything and foundations that serve a smooth, matte base for every Indian skin tone, this range has you covered. Oh, and don’t forget the loose powder it’s basically your shine-fighting BFF, giving you that velvety finish that lasts.

Now, let’s talk about the real hero and the newest addition to the range: the Matte to Last Setting Spray. This lightweight spray locks in your look from sunrise to sunset, controlling oil and keeping your makeup fresh. Infused with ingredients like cucumber, moringa, chamomile, rosemary, and tamarind extracts it hydrates and soothes while making sure there’s no smudging, creasing, or fading. Just a bomb matte finish that stays all day long.

From bold lips to a flawless base, Nykaa’s Matte to Last range makes sure your glam is as on-point as your celebrations. Head to the Nykaa website/ app, snag your faves, and shine your brightest this festive season. Get your glam on!

Whether you’re prepping for Ganpati, Navratri, Dussehra, or just feel like dressing up (because who really needs a reason?), say hello to your new festive BFF: the Nykaa Matte to Last Setting Spray. This lightweight, game-changing spray locks in your look from sunrise to sunset, keeping oil in check and your makeup looking fresh. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like cucumber, moringa, chamomile, rosemary, and tamarind extracts, it hydrates, soothes, and ensures no smudging, creasing, or fading. Expect a bomb matte finish that stays flawless all day long.

Now, let’s talk about the real magic—this entire Matte to Last range is formulated with ultimate mattifying and pore-reducing benefits, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to achieve a smooth, flawless complexion. The range works overtime to blur imperfections, minimize pores, and keep shine under control, giving you that clean, photo-ready finish for any occasion.

But that’s just the start. The Nykaa Cosmetics Matte to Last range is your must-have collection this festive season. Designed to give you flawless, long-lasting glam, this range takes you from morning rituals to late-night celebrations—touch-up free! Whether it’s vibrant, stay-all-day lipsticks, full-coverage concealers that blur imperfections, or foundations that create a smooth matte base for every Indian skin tone, the Matte to Last range has you covered. And let’s not forget the loose powder—it’s your ultimate shine-fighting BFF, delivering a velvety finish that lasts.

From bold lips to a flawless base, Nykaa’s Matte to Last range ensures your festive glam stays lit no matter the occasion. Head to the Nykaa website or app, snag your favorites, and shine your brightest this season.

The wedding perfume guide: Tara Sutaria’s recommendations for Brides-to-Be

Tara Sutaria_The wedding perfume guide

The air crackles with anticipation. Amidst the whispers and excitement of friends and family, the rustle of silk and the gleam of intricate embroidery come alive. She adorns herself in her wedding attire, the delicate chime of bangles and the sparkle of jewels adding to the symphony of colour and craftsmanship that speaks of tradition and celebration. Every detail is meticulously chosen, a symphony of textures and colours. But one final touch remains – the fragrance that will become a part of her wedding day, a whispered echo of laughter, stolen glances, and promises under a starlit sky. Just like the perfect wedding dress, the right perfume lingers long after the celebration, a sensory snapshot of the exchange of vows. Choosing a wedding fragrance is a deeply personal decision, allowing brides to express their individuality and create a lasting sensory memory of their special day.

 The timeless romance of florals, the modern vibrancy of citrus, or the captivating allure of amber and spice, here are some trending notes that will make your wedding day unforgettable.

 1. Classic Floral: Evoking romance and grace, floral notes are still a mainstay in bridal fragrances. This year, traditional flowers like jasmine, peonies, and roses are popular but with a modern feel. ITC Engage L’amante Sunkissed Eau De Parfum is the perfect pick for this wedding as the perfume it is long lasting and offers a delightful aroma. It creates a romantic, floral harmony with notes of tiger orchid, jasmine, tuberose and sandalwood making it ideal for the wedding day for the bride.
2. Vibrant Citrus: Fresh lemon tones are especially lovely for outdoor ceremonies or a day wedding. The bright and energizing qualities of bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit give the scent a vibrant and vivacious vibe. Citrus notes are an excellent option for a modern bride because they can offer a refreshing contrast to the more conventional flower and woody ingredients. ITC Engage’s Verona Perfume offers a citrus and fruity note, creating a refreshing and invigorating scent.
3. Amber & Spice: Warm amber and delicate spices are going to be popular in 2024 to provide a hint of sensuality and depth. While spices like cardamom or cinnamon add a delicate note of intrigue, amber adds a rich, golden warmth. These notes are ideal for producing a fragrance that clings and makes an impact. ITC Engage’s Amber Hues Perfume for Men which has fruity and ambery notes is fresh modern fougere and is ideal for such special occasions.

ITC Engage’s brand ambassador Tara Sutaria advises bride-to-be to invest in a long-lasting fragrance. “I believe your choice of fragrance is an extension of your personal style, and your wedding day is the perfect time to choose a scent that makes you feel confident, radiant, and most yourself as you embark on a new and exciting journey with the one you love. It’s about creating a sensory memory that’s uniquely yours. The ITC Engage Verona offers a timeless scent with a delicate floral and citrusy touch that is most charming and elegant when worn. I highly recommend this perfume to all brides-to-be!”

As you embark on this exciting new chapter, remember that the perfect wedding fragrance is more than just a scent—it’s an extension of your love story. Choose a fragrance that speaks to your heart, embodies your unique style, and creates a lasting impression on your special day.