As digital transformation accelerated, the focus on sustainability has become the new norm. Netrack, the leading innovator in the field of data center solutions, especially server racks, brought in an insightful approach to driving a more sustainable future through its cutting-edge data center technology. Fostering sustainable practices can drive economic progress. So, Netrack presented a compelling narrative on the symbiotic relationship between data centers, economic development, and environmental responsibility.

Netrack Explains How Data Centers Can Drive a Sustainable Future

Netrack began with data centers importance and transformative potential that can positively impact the environment. This is further validated by Netracks mode of operation, which focuses on the power of technology to drive any positive change. Also, the passion with which Netrack designs and manufactures solutions for data centers is evident, and the objective is to ensure economically advantageous and environmentally responsible offerings.

A path towards a sustainable future

Netrack elaborated on cutting-edge technologies and innovative designs that helped to reduce carbon footprint. Also, by implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, optimized space, and renewable energy sources, Netrack creates a sustainable infrastructure.

Netrack is actively contributing to the nations economic growth through strategic investments and solutions. However, Netrack pointed at the economic stimulus provided by data centers, citing job creation, increased local and national revenue, and technological advancements that drive innovation across various sectors.

The companys focus extends beyond profitability to fostering a sustainable ecosystem for future generations. Hence, Netrack ensures responsible resource consumption and recycling practices within data centers. Through collaborative efforts and shared responsibility, Netrack aims to pave the way for a more resilient, efficient, and eco-conscious digital infrastructure.

One of Netracks key initiatives is optimizing energy efficiency within data centers by server cabinets. By embracing highly efficient cooling systems and airflow management, implementing energy-efficient hardware, and utilizing renewable energy sources, Netrack is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of data centers while maintaining optimal performance.

Furthermore, Netrack has developed innovative approaches to manage electronic waste generated by data center equipment. Through strategic partnerships and robust recycling programs, the company ensures responsible disposal and repurposing of obsolete hardware, minimizing environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles.

An initiative to build a greener and sustainable world

Netrack firmly believes that technological progress should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Hence, Netracks commitment to sustainability drives them to continuously innovate and create data center solutions that are not only high-performing but also environmentally conscious. Also, Netracks awareness campaigns and training initiatives aim to raise awareness within the industry about the importance of sustainable data centers and adopt eco-friendly practices, encouraging stakeholders to prioritize sustainability without compromising operational efficiency.

About Netrack

Netrack is a pioneering force in providing cutting-edge data center and rack solutions, offering innovative designs and technologies that elevate operational efficiency while emphasizing sustainability. With a commitment to excellence, Netrack continues to lead the industry in creating scalable, secure, and environmentally responsible data center solutions.

For more information, please visitwww.netrackindia.com.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, and Karur Vysya Bank have entered into a Corporate Agency (CA) arrangement, today.

This CA arrangement will enable customers of Karur Vysya Bank to avail HDFC Life’s wide range of life insurance products which include solutions for protection, savings and investment, retirement and critical illness.

In this photograph (from left to right) are Mr. Suresh Badami – Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Life, Mr. Dolphy Jose – Chief General Manager & Head Consumer Banking, Karur Vysya Bank( KVB)

India is largely under-insured. The protection gap in India is higher than that of most developed markets. For every individual with responsibilities, it is necessary to secure themselves and their families financially. Life insurance is a product that not only provides financial security but also enables individuals to save over the long term in a disciplined manner thus fulfilling their long-term financial goals.

HDFC Life constantly endeavors to reach out to individuals across geographies thus ensuring that they are protected with a financial safety net. This partnership with Karur VysyaBank will further strengthen HDFC Life’s efforts towards Insuring India.

Karur Vysya Bank has a 107-year-old banking legacy and has been at the forefront of providing professional banking services and quality customer service. The Bank has a wide presence with a network of 827 branches spread across 20 states and 3 Union Territories.

This partnership will enable both HDFC Life and Karur Vysya Bank to offer superior life insurance products and services to their customers at scale.

CASHe, a leading credit-led AI-driven financial wellness platform, has unveiled its super app with the tagline – Bharat Ka Money App. This strategic repositioning underscores the brand’s commitment to establishing itself as a premier credit-centric financial platform, meeting the diverse financial needs of young working millennials in urban hubs and tier 2+ cities across Bharat. The new tagline captures the companys steadfast focus on providing comprehensive financial solutions, seamlessly integrating credit, investment, and insurance – all customized to conveniently address the diverse financial needs of users on one unified platform.

CASHe Unveils its Super App; Repositions itself as Bharat Ka Money App

Simultaneously, CASHe has launched a revamped website (www.cashe.co.in) along with the launch of its mobile application, designed to expand its financial offerings to a broader audience and reinforce its national presence. The updated website visually embodies CASHe’s focus on innovation, further enriching the user experience. The refreshed mobile application, which was in beta mode for four months, is now accessible to all users and provides a distinctive experience for digitally savvy customers seeking a superlative digital encounter. CASHe’s super app encompasses various features in its credit suite, including personal loans, short and medium-term credit lines, TNPL (Travel Now, Pay Later), QR-led payments at merchant establishments, and educational loans. The Investment suite, powered by its wealth and InsureTech platform, Sqrrl, gives users access to a digitally enabled, mobile-first, bite-sized investment and insurance platform, enabling them to commence their investment journey with as little as Rs. 100. The newly refreshed app aims to usher in a revolutionary new way to make finance easier, safer, and more engaging than traditional fintech apps.

The strategic repositioning of the brand, coupled with the unveiling of the new website and app, comes in the wake of CASHes significant milestone of exceeding Rs. 9,500 cr. in disbursements and achieving 50 million app downloads, fostering a monthly active user base surpassing 3.5 million. The companys growth trajectory, combined with providing a range of financial solutions and the expanding reach of its user base across the country, had propelled this decisive move to position the platform as a symbol of its success and strengthen its commitment to staying at the forefront of global fintech innovation.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our new tagline, Bharat Ka Money App, as a pivotal milestone in the evolution of CASHe,” said Yashoraj Tyagi, CEO of CASHe.“This strategic repositioning underscores our unwavering commitment to serving as a premier credit-centric financial platform for the young working millennials in urban hubs and tier 2+ cities throughout Bharat. The launch of our revamped website and mobile application signifies our focus on redefining the financial services landscape, providing a comprehensive and tailored financial solution to meet the diverse needs of our users. CASHe is not merely an application; it represents our commitment to delivering accessible, innovative, and empowering financial solutions to all.”

Significantly, 75% of CASHes user base originates from tier 2, tier 3, and small towns across India. The company has expanded its presence nationwide, covering over 18,000 pin codes. Furthermore, CASHes mission to provide financial inclusion extends to attracting new-to-credit customers and integrating them into the formal credit system, fostering greater accessibility and opportunities for previously underserved individuals, thereby enabling Bharats digital citizens to fulfill their financial aspirations.

Monitra Health, based at T-Hub in Hyderabad, India, announces the successful closure of its Pre-Series A funding round, securing USD 1.5mn in investment led by Equanimity Ventures and Kotak Alternate Asset Managers. The funding will fuel the growth of Monitra Healths innovative remote cardiac monitoring platform, upBeat, designed for both domestic and global markets.

Monitra Healthcare Private Limited – Team Photo

It is a pioneer in the field, has developed Indias first full-stack remote cardiac monitoring platform built for massive scale. Monitra Healths flagship product, upBeat, is a cutting-edge solution aiding in the diagnosis of unexplained fainting, dizziness, and palpitations. The platforms success among healthcare professionals, including cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and MD physicians, is attributed to its exceptional accuracy in tracings and world-class reporting capabilities.

Key Achievements

Monitra Health has conducted three pre-clinical studies and one clinical study, with results presented at the European Heart Rhythm Association in April 2022. The company holds patents in India and Australia, with global patents pending in the US, the EU, and Canada. Certifications such as ISO-13485 and CDSCO have been obtained, and efforts are underway to secure CE and 510(k) FDA certifications for global market access. Monitra has successfully monitored more than 10,000 patients, analyzed more than 7.5 billion heartbeats over 720,000 hours.

Business Model and Expansion Plans

Operating with a B2B2C model, Monitra Health collaborates with healthcare professionals and medical device channel partners. The company has established a distribution network in Hyderabad, Kerala, Maharashtra, and plans to expand across India. International expansion into SE Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America is on the horizon post-CE and FDA certification.

Vision for the Future

Monitra Health aims to establish upBeat as the standard for at-home patient monitoring. Over the next five years, the company envisions expanding its platform into various healthcare sectors, including stroke monitoring, step-down ICU, high-risk pregnancy, clinical research, diabetes monitoring, newborn care, and competitive sports.

Next Phase of Growth

This funding round plays a pivotal role in Monitra Healths next growth phase, focusing on domestic expansion, international certifications, and further product development to monitor various biophysiological signals on the human body, such as brain strokes, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.

Key Venture acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Monitra Healthcare for this transaction.

Ravi Bhogu, CEO and Founder of Monitra Health, said, “Monitra Health is thrilled to announce the successful closure of our USD 1.5mn Pre-Series A funding round led by Equanimity Ventures and Kotak. This milestone propels our global mission to redefine continuous cardiac monitoring with upBeat, our cutting-edge flagship product known for its accuracy and world-class reporting. This investment is pivotal for our growth, driving domestic expansion, international certifications, and innovation in monitoring various bio-physiological signals. Together, we aim to shape the future of healthcare at Monitra Health.“

Rajesh Sehgal, Managing Partner, Equanimity Ventures, said, “Monitra Health is addressing a significant worldwide issue concerning the diagnosis of cardiac disorders. With their innovative IP-backed cardiac monitoring platform, they provide medical professionals with vastly improved diagnostic outcomes. Ravi, Aparna, Sashank and team have shown unwavering dedication in developing this solution and taking it to market. We are excited to join forces with them on the mission of expanding this technology globally. “

Dhiraj Rajendran, Partner, Kotak Private Equity, said, “Increasing burden on cardiovascular disease in India is a grave issue. We believe that early and accurate detection and diagnosis can aid in better clinical outcomes. Monitra’s indigenously built solution leverages AI/ML algorithms to give real time inputs to prescribers and patients about arrhythmias , further enabling them to take tailored decisions. We are happy to support Ravi, Aparna and team in their endeavour and help Monitra scale to newer heights.”

Nidhi Saraf, CEO and Founder of Key Venture, “Monitra is solving a chronic problem which has far reaching effects en masse. The company has been highly capital efficient in its R&D and the combination of proprietary IoT technology backed by a robust tech platform sets them up for a profitable high growth. The cross-functional founding team of industry experts positions the company as a formidable player in the global health monitoring segment.”

Prune, a new age telecom startup, is thrilled to announce its suite of services aimed at simplifying and enhancing user connectivity experiences. Dedicated to convenience and accessibility, Prune provides a diverse range of services, including SIM card sales, bill payments, e-SIM services, travel experiences, and more.

Prune: One Stop Solution for Mobile Connectivity

Prune acknowledges the challenges users encounter in managing their connectivity needs, be it for travel, business, or leisure. Recognizing importance of reliable and hassle-free connectivity, Prune presents an easy solution for all these services in one accessible platform, catering to both local and international connectivity needs.

Highlights of Prunes Offerings:

India’s First Digital Telecom Store: Prune offers SIM cards with extensive coverage all over the globe. These SIM cards plans are suitable for various usage patterns, ensuring users stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges. Prune provides SIM cards for all the network operators.

E-SIM Services: Embracing technological advancements, Prune offers e-SIM services for more than 190 countries, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Users can seamlessly install and activate their e-SIMs, ensuring a convenient and efficient connectivity experience while traveling abroad.

Compare Prices: Prunes platform allows users to compare prices between different smartphones ensuring they make informed choices based on their specific requirements.

KYC Activation: Prune streamlines the Know Your Customer (KYC) activation process for E-SIMs, offering a quick installation

Bill Payment Services: Recognizing the inconvenience of managing multiple bills, Prune collaborates with Bharat Bill Pay to streamline bill payments. Users can conveniently pay their bills, manage subscriptions, and track usage, all through Prunes platform.

Customer support: Prune takes pride in its user-centric approach, offering dedicated 24/7 customer support to assist with any inquiries, ensuring users receive the support they need whenever they need it.

Prune is not just a service provider; its mission is to simplify the way people connect, ensuring seamless connectivity wherever you go. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or someone who values staying connected, Prune has the solution for you.

Prunes comprehensive offerings mark a significant step forward in the telecommunications industry, providing users with an easy and affordable way to stay connected wherever they go. With laying its main focus on E-sim, Prune is filling the gaps as users don’t need to rely much on international roaming while travelling abroad. With a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and customer satisfaction, Prune is poised to revolutionize the way people experience connectivity.

Founder of Prune, Mr. Vivek Malhotra, said, “Prune’s aim is to make global telecommunication effortless, efficient, and affordable. As India’s first digital telecommunication platform, Prune is shaping the future of the telecommunication industry. With the focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Prune is committed to breaking down barriers and keeping the world connected.”

For more information, please visit: www.prune.co.in.

Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in Rajasthan this winter. The 5-star property is the ideal destination for those seeking a hassle-free getaway, located at the heart of the Golden City of Jaisalmer. The hotel’s 100 rooms, four mini-suites and five suites have been designed as an ode to the Rajputana royalty of Rajasthan. Fort Rajwada also offers a range of activities, from camel-back desert safaris, Aromatherapy, Health & Wellness sessions to day trips into the fort and markets of Jaisalmer.

Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer

Fort Rajwada pays homage to the rich history and heritage of Jaisalmer. Every room of the property features delicate hand-made paintings and murals, crafted by local artisans. Intricately hand-crafter stucco art adorns the walls of Fort Rajwada, while the balconies incorporate 450-year-old stone lattice work.

The cuisine is also a throwback to local traditions and culture – offerings at the hotel are modelled on imperial Rajasthani hospitality, focusing on personalised service. The chefs at the hotel have meticulously recreated forgotten royal recipes for the property’s two restaurants – Sonal and Roopal.

Vinay Khosla, Managing Director at Fort Rajwada, exclaimed, “At Fort Rajwada, we pride ourselves not just on the premium accommodation that we offer to visitors but also on the range of activities that one can participate in at. Our guests can indulge in the latest Health and Wellness pursuits at our spa, experience top-notch Aromatherapy courtesy our in-house expert, taste the best in authentic Rajasthani cuisine from our experienced chefs or simply choose to engage in a poolside barbecue. The possibilities are endless at Fort Rajwada!“

There is a plethora of offerings to explore and take part in at Fort Rajwada, for the family, the enthusiastic backpacker and couples. Embark on a camel safari through the Thar Desert, explore the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, or lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Jaisalmers bazaars. Visit the Longewala War Memorial located three hours away and revisit the site of one of the Indian Army’s finest triumphs – the Battle of Longewala.

This winter, create unforgettable memories at Fort Rajwada, where the royal warmth of hospitality and the allure of desert adventures await you. Book your winter retreat today and transform this winter into a season of enchantment.

About Fort Rajwada

Established in 1999 with 100 opulent rooms and suites, Fort Rajwada is redefining what a luxury hotel can be. Every room of the property is adorned with delicate hand-made paintings and murals, crafted by local artisans. The hotel has two restaurants, Roopal and Sonal, a poolside barbeque, and two bars, Pattu & Sunset. The Health and Wellness Centre at Fort Rajwada offers a range of activities and therapies, including an in-house aromatherapy expert, to choose from. Fort Rajwadas banquet halls are the ideal setting for a variety of events with a combined capacity to accommodate up to 350 guests.

For more information visit:

Instagram: @thefortrajwada

Twitter/X: @RajwadaFort

YouTube: @FortRajwadaJaisalmer

Facebook: facebook.com/thefortrajwada

A study published by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and supported by Roland Berger highlights potential pathways to significantly increase waste collection and plastic recycling rates globally. The Plastic Waste Management Framework lays out a framework with policy levers and actions that can be used to develop national action plans for advancing waste management systems and help effect systems change.

In the meta-analysis, 192 countries were classified into six categories of plastic waste management and recycling maturity based on characteristics such as waste management and recycling infrastructure, legislative framework, and operational models, viz:

Category 1 (Undeveloped Systems) consists of countries with no or very basic waste management infrastructure with a plastic recycling rate of up to 5 per cent.

Category 2 (Incipient Systems) includes countries with basic waste regulations but limited collection and end-of-life treatment infrastructure. These countries have plastic recycling rates of up to 10 per cent.

Category 3 (Developing Systems) refers to countries with functional waste management systems. However, collection, sorting, incineration, and recycling are developed only to the extent they are justified by intrinsic economic value, without additional policy levers that drive recycling rates beyond 15 per cent.

Category 4 (Functional, Largely Unregulated Systems) comprises countries that have recycling rates approaching 25 per cent motivated by some regulatory pressure. India is classified as a Category 4 country, alongside Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, Turkey, Vietnam, and more.

Category 5 (Advanced Systems with Challenges) encompasses countries that can achieve plastic recycling rates of up to 40 percent, although they may still face challenges in specific segments in the value chain.

Category 6 (Developed Performing Systems) is the most advanced. Countries in this group achieve recycling rates of more than 40 per cent and demonstrate global best practice that can serve as beacons for other nations.

Global view of Plastic Recycling Maturity Categories

Through the study, it was found that more than 60 per cent of all countries have underdeveloped or incipient waste systems, recycling less than 8 per cent of plastic waste generated. These Category 1 and 2 countries have the biggest opportunity to end plastic waste leakage into the environment. Typically, theinformal “waste picker” sector plays a key role in waste management in these geographies, and should be acknowledged and supported, ensuring their inclusion when planning for the evolution of a country’s waste management system (a “just transition”(1)). It was also found that effective policy levers to consider for Category 1 and 2 countries include developing waste management legislation, building institutional capacity, and establishing financial obligations from brand owners and waste generators.

In India, 80 percent of plastic collection relies on the informal sector (2), With an average of over 10,000 waste pickers per city(3). Although India was classified under Category 4, in many regions, its waste management systems have varying levels of dependence on an informal sector of “waste pickers” numbering in the millions. Supported by legislative frameworks established in 2016, some of these waste pickers now have formalised rights, including access to waste, designated sorting spaces, and participation in door-to-door collection.

Social entitlement programs, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Justice, focus on eradicating manual scavenging, and offer training, credit access, health provisions, and national insurance for waste pickers as well. The collaborative efforts of waste picker organisations, cooperatives, and government bodies further contribute to the sectors integration and advocacy for the rights and needs of waste pickers across India.

The study also highlighted the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as one of the most effective policy instruments for increasing recycling rates overall. Particularly relevant for Category 3, 4, and 5 countries including India, EPR enforces shared responsibility across the plastic value chain including brands and retailers as well as post-use treatment. Money generated from EPR fees are typically directed towards improving waste management and recycling solutions, ideally harmonised across local geographies to maximise effectiveness. As the maturity of waste management in a country improves, mandatory and eventually eco-modulated EPR schemes should replace voluntary commitments.

When EPR systems are implemented, recycling rates for packaging and items like Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), tires, and batteries can be increased by up to 15-25 percentage points over a 10-15-year period.

More and more countries have effectively implemented EPR systems in last few years. By the end of 2020, more than 40 countries had operational EPR systems, while over 20 additional countries were planning its adoption.

A small number of countries identified in Categories 5 and 6 are the most advanced in the journey towards full plastic circularity and can benefit from laying out policy roadmaps with holistic objectives for the circularity of all waste types. They have the capacity and resources required to drive innovationsuch as enabling the highly granular sorting and traceability of plastic waste to efficiently supply the recycling economy. In these markets, EPR schemes should incentivise adoption of design-for-circularity principles, for example through eco-modulated fees which stimulate the use of most benign materials and achievement of reuse and recycling targets.

The study stresses the reality that countries have very diverse national and sub-national circumstances and that their waste management systems and technical capabilities are at different levels of development. Proposed policy and infrastructure priorities need to reflect these considerations alongside the availability of resources to deliver systems change.

Jacob Duer, President, and CEO at the Alliance said, “Over the past decade, plastic consumption has steadily increased in tandem with global economic growth. Yet 70 percent of all plastic waste remains uncollected, leaks into the environment, ends up in landfill, or is incinerated. Every nation has the opportunity to improve by setting priorities and developing pragmatic solutions that are appropriate for their current state of maturity in managing waste, guided by the vision of a circular economy.”

“The United Nations Environment Assembly’s resolution to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution can be a major contributor to setting these priorities. As the Alliance’s waste management maturity framework highlights, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are policy levers available at all levels which will drive rapid progress towards a sustainable transition to plastic circularity.”

Dragos Popa, Principal at Roland Berger said, “Despite advancements made to recycling technology, every year, 250 million tonnes of plastic waste remain mismanaged. To support Alliance to End Plastic Waste with the development of the Plastic Waste Management Framework, Roland Berger shared proprietary frameworks, databases, as well as domain-specific knowledge and expertise to synthesise key learnings from the Alliances global network of projects and project partners.”

The full Plastic Waste Management Framework is available for download here.

The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur) today concluded its flagship event, the Zero Mile Samvad (ZMS), with an illustrious assembly of prominent figures and thought leaders. The summit served as a strategic platform for insightful discussions around entrepreneurship, tech innovation, skill development, adoption of new-age technologies, the shift towards renewable energy and the role of tier-2 cities in achieving the $5 trillion economy goal.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra and Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Nagpur

The final day of the summit was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Honble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari; Honble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Honble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant; Shri Mohit Joshi, MD & CEO Designate, Tech Mahindra; Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, SBI; and General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff, along with other key dignitaries.

Hon’ble Union Minister of Road, Transport, and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, said, “Before we contemplate the future, we must recall our past because that is where our future visions will emerge from. How our economic growth should be is the million-dollar question- our economy should be able to alleviate poverty, which can only be facilitated through capital investment, the creation of new jobs and the expansion of the growth rate. To achieve this vision, focusing on futuristic planning, technology, vision, and implementation is imperative. An optimal instance of such visionary development is the domestic automobile sector, which has grown from INR 7.5 lakh crores in 2014 to INR 12.5 lakh crores in 2023. We have moved from the 7th position on a global scale to the 3rd and, in the next five years, will become the worlds top automobile manufacturing hub. We must visualise similar growth potential in other sectors to drive Indias growth story forward.”

The event underscored the crucial role played by Maharashtra and Nagpur in spearheading Indias journey towards a $5 trillion economy and beyond.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, said, “The Zero Mile Samvad is thought-provoking and paves the way towards achieving our goals. Today, we have aligned the central idea of the goals given to us by our Hon’ble PM to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2030. In the last nine years, we have seen the development of an AtmaNirbhar India, and the ongoing geopolitical situation has given us the opportunity to be at the forefront of the global supply chain ecosystem. Maharashtra, contributing around 15% to the national GDP, will be the gateway to India’s trillion-dollar economy. Our focus will be on leveraging industries like EV, semiconductor, hardware manufacturing, green hydrogen and tourism.”

The summit delved into critical subjects concerning Diversity and inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Technology, and the Green Energy Revolution, underscoring their pivotal roles in Indias economic expansion.

Gen. Manoj Pandey, Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army, said, “The theme Shaping Indias Triumph to a $5 Trillion Economy and Beyond” is relevant when the nation is at the cusp of transformative changes. What better way to deliberate on the nations growth trajectory than amongst a congregation of academia, industry leaders and policymakers! Such dialogues foster a collective understanding of aspirations, perspectives, opportunities and challenges. The global community has acknowledged Indias rise in a non-threatening manner and our responsible power stand. Indias growth in stature brings with it recognition, additional responsibilities and opportunities, and challenges, and we need to ensure that our national interest remains paramount.”

CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra and Chairman, BoG, IIM Nagpur; Puneet Pushkarna, BoG, IIM Nagpur; Hon’ble Union Minister of Road, Transport, and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari; Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur

India’s successful G-20 presidency, marked by significant global achievements, put a spotlight on the country’s role in the global ecosystem. A key triumph was the consensus on digital public infrastructure, showcasing Indias leadership in fostering digital inclusivity and cooperation.

Mohit Joshi, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Designate, Tech Mahindra, said, “The IT services industry is unique and has shown consistent growth at a healthy double-digit rate over time. I remain optimistic about the sectors future and believe there is still significant opportunity for growth. The IT services business is currently around $150 to $300 billion in terms of size, and there is an opportunity to take this to $500 billion by the early 2030s, in line with the recent estimates. Those who possess a deep understanding of technology and business and can apply human creativity will always have a place in this industry.”

Premier educational institutions like IIM Nagpur play a crucial role in shaping Indias growth story as the bedrock for the countrys development and progress. By imparting quality education, these institutions not only equip the youth with the necessary skills but also foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and research, key to technological advancements and economic diversification.

Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, said, “At our signature Zero Mile Samvad, we have had various sessions and topics, from the policy, technocrat, startup, sustainability, green energy and culture and entertainment industries. These insightful conversations with distinguished speakers will drive India towards achieving its $5 trillion economy ambition. IIM Nagpur has become an epitome of excellent infrastructure on a national scale due to Shri Gadkari Ji’s advice, guidance, and support, and we are focused on furthering this advancement.”

The discussions also emphasised Indias role as a technology hub, leveraging demographic diversity for economic transformation and unlocking opportunities across sectors such as startups, energy, banking, telecom, and education.

CP Gurnani, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tech Mahindra and Chairman, Board of Governors, Indian Institute of Management Nagpur, said, “We want to make IIM Nagpur a global education hub and are keen to invite 100 CEOs from all over the world every three months to come and rewire themselves and offer globally standard programmes for our students. We have signed a MoU for global educational programmes in association with pre-eminent CEOs and CXOs, and it will create a differentiated focus for IIM Nagpur, thereby elevating our institute. As inspired by Shri Gadkari ji, we now believe that there are no constraints – we are dreaming big and working towards realising these dreams.”

Zero Mile Samvad has inaugurated a new chapter in the history of Nagpur. The conference will be an annual event, inviting thought leaders from various industries to shape the countrys future.

Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is a nationwide initiative by Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell to provide students a platform to solve the pressing problems of the government, ministries, departments, industries and other organizations. SIH has been acclaimed as the world’s biggest open innovation model and it inculcates the culture of product innovation and problem-solving among students. SIH is conducted every year since 2017 in two formats i.e. SIH Software and SIH Hardware Editions for higher education students. Last year in 2022, Smart India Hackathon – Junior was also introduced for school students to build a culture of Innovation and problem-solving attitude at the school level.

Smart India Hackathon 2023

The scope of the Smart India hackathon has been widening with every passing year since its launch in 2017. The increased enthusiasm among participating students and problem statement provider organizations could be seen in their growing participation over the years. Every year SIH is impacting lakhs of students and provides them a national platform to test their educational learnings in real-world problem-solving. It also aligns their interest toward Innovation and entrepreneurship.

Smart India Hackathon 2023 grand finale is scheduled from 19th December to 23rd December 2023. Smart India hackathon has witnessed huge participation from Ministries, departments, PSUs, and private organizations in providing problem statements. SIH 2023 has offered 231 problem statements received from 51 departments of 25 Ministries.

12000+ participants will participate in this year’s SIH grand finale at national level. These SIH teams along with 2500+ Mentors will travel to the assigned nodal center and will work on these problem statements during grand finale of SIH 2023.

The Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and All India Council for Technical Education has identified 47 higher educational institutes/ incubators as Smart India Hackathon nodal centers to host the participant of SIH and facilitate an environment to conduct the Smart India hackathon in its well defined and established format. At each nodal center, an officer designated by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell will monitor and preside over the proceeding during the entire duration of SIH grand finale.

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has been interacting with the student participants of the Smart India Hackathon every year since its inception and PM is expected to interact with the students this year again on the evening of 19th December, 2023.

Smart India Hackathon 2023 is jointly organized by Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, All India Council for Technical Education, and i4c. Doordarshan and Akashwani are the media partners of the Smart India Hackathon 2023. AWS and Hero are the official partners and Hack2Skill is the knowledge partner of the Smart India Hackathon 2023.

Each year Smart India Hackathon is conducted at various nodal centers, where selected student teams, industry representatives, design mentors, and evaluators travel to the assigned physical centers. The Premier and prominent higher educational institutes/ incubators are identified as nodal centers by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and All India Council for Technical Education in different cities. During the SIH grand finale, the student team works round the clock under the guidance of mentors and industry /Ministry representatives to produce the working solution for the selected problem statements.

For the said purpose, Manipal Institute of Technology was selected as one of the nodal center to facilitate the Smart India Hackathon – Hardware edition. Total 24 teams having 179 participants are competing against 4 Problem statements from 2 state governments and 1 ministry. Manipal Institute of Technology is hosting problem statements given by Government of Gujarat, Government of Kerala and Ministry of Ayush. Each Problem statement has a winning amount of Rs 1 lakh.

The program will be centrally inaugurated by the Ministry of Education at 9:00 AM on 19 December, 2023.

MediaTek, the world’s leading fabless semiconductor company, powering nearly 2 billion connected devices a year, outlined its commitment to drive the adoption of future-ready technologies and advancements across 5G, Generative AI, Satellite connectivity, Automotive, Cloud Computing, Connectivity and advanced 5G solutions across 5G FWA at the 13th chapter of the MediaTek Technology Diaries themed ‘Powering Incredible Experiences with Futuristic Technologies‘. MediaTek also reiterated latest announcements including MediaTek Dimensity 9300 and 8300 chipsets, combing generative AI capabilities.

MediaTek Technolog Diaries 2023

MediaTek’s broad portfolio comprises of MediaTek Dimensity for 5G Smartphones, MediaTek Helio G series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Filogic for smart Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for innovative automotive technologies among others.

The event saw insightful interactions around the following technologies –

Smartphones – The MediaTek Dimensity flagship family includes MediaTek Dimensity 9300, 9200+, 9200, 9000+, 9000 system-on-chips (SoCs) and premium family with MediaTek Dimensity 8300, 8300-Ultra, 8200, 8100, 8050, among others.

Smart Devices – MediaTek is a market leader across digital TVs, smart speakers, Wi-Fi routers, arm-based Chromebooks and other smart home products.

Networking & Connectivity – Recently launched Filogic 860 and Filogic 360 solutions deliver Wi-Fi 7 speeds, peak performance, and always-on reliability. The MediaTek T750 and T830 5G CPE chipsets enable fast 5G connectivity in homes, businesses with Optical Network (GPON) and advanced broadband solutions.

MediaTek & NVIDIA Partnership – The collaboration will provide a global one-stop shop for the automotive industry, designing the next-gen of intelligent, always-connected vehicles with most advanced AI, connectivity, and computing capabilities. MediaTek Dimensity Auto is a range of new automotive solutions with comprehensive portfolio includes Dimensity Auto Cockpit, Dimensity Auto Connect, Dimensity Auto Drive, and Dimensity Auto Components to empower smart vehicle technology innovation.

MediaTek Leveraging Meta’s Llama 2 – Aims to build a complete edge computing ecosystem designed for accelerating AI application development on smartphones, IoT, vehicles, smart home, and other edge devices.

5G Satellite NTN – MediaTek’s 3GPP standards-based 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solution brings two-way satellite communications to smartphones and other devices. Devices powered by MediaTek MT6825 and Bullitt Satellite Connect include Cat S75 smartphone, Motorola defy 2 smartphone and Motorola defy satellite link.

The event witnessed insightful discussions on the transformative role of technology in everyday life. The fireside chat session, themed Brilliant Technology Transforming Everyday Life by Anuj Sidharth, Deputy Director Marketing and Communication, MediaTek and Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India. The session covered topics around MediaTek’s latest announcements and transformation over the past five years to its vision for the next five years.

“MediaTek has been at the forefront of technological innovation, pushing the boundaries of a billion possibilities with our incredible technology portfolio,” said Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India. “From being the frontrunners in diverse 5G use cases to laying the roadmap for AI and Gen AI integration through our future-ready chipsets, and collaborations with OEMs, MediaTek has played an integral role in the technology transformation witnessed in the last half decade. As we look forward to the next five years, we are excited to dive deeper into next-gen technology advancements to drive leadership in the Generative AI era. Our latest innovations indicate our commitment to powering incredible experiences across our diverse technology portfolio.”

The panel discussion, themed Next-Gen Technology – Reshaping India’s Digital Transformation, moderated by Rajiv Makhni and panellists included Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint, Faisal Kawoosa from TechArc, Prabhu Ram from CMR, and Kartik Vasudevan from GfK. The panel shared an impactful discussion around the tech trends seen in 2023 along with predictions for 2024.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research said, “For any electronics device, we believe that personalized experiences are going be the real differentiator for consumers going forward. That means deeper integration of advanced technologies leveraging Artificial intelligence leading to a seamless, reliable, and personalized experience with a relentless focus on Ultra-fast connectivity. Hence, companies like MediaTek are nicely positioned in this space, as the tech industry shifts its focus from smart connected devices to smartly connected devices.”

Mohammad Faisal A., Chief Analyst at Techarc said, “Digital Transformation is all pervasive in India which has its own nuances and flavour than rest of the world. In retail DT we have seen it primarily means accepting digital payments where MediaTek has played a key role by powering 1st soundbox which has phenomenally increased the uptake. As DT further paces up in India we would require very specific solutions. At the same, the role of processors will be significant as users are demanding better experiences which cannot happen without a capable chip at the core of these products. This will also enable leveraging AI and other emerging technologies for value addition across digital transformation in India.”

Prabhu Ram, Head – Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research said, “Edge-AI represents a significant leap forward for augmenting human intelligence. Our ongoing research at CyberMedia Research (CMR) indicates that by transitioning from cloud to on-device AI, new levels of hyper-personalization, responsiveness, privacy, and customization can be unlocked. On-device AI assistants can learn and adapt to individual user preferences and behaviour, becoming more attuned and efficient over time, thereby seamlessly getting integrated into our daily lives.”

Kartik Vasudevan, Director, Client Success Management, India at GfK- An NIQ Company said, “With India poised to become the world’s largest smartphone market in the near future, the next-gen technology reshaping India’s Digital Transformation will be on this smartphone engine, driven by the country’s favorable demographics and youth. A large chunk of this shift will be influenced by GenZ as their tech first lifestyle will drive this change. As per GfK’s Consumer Life study conducted in 2023, 58% of surveyed consumers want technology which knows them and can recommend/take actions based on their wants and needs. This is where AI along with high quality performance features and 5G/6G enabled products will play a key role in shaping the country’s digital highway. We see Tier 3 and lower tiers as huge potential to drive this growth.”

“MediaTeks unwavering dedication to innovation seamlessly aligns with vivos relentless pursuit of elevating the consumer experience through delightful innovations. Through a dynamic collaboration with MediaTek, vivo has unlocked extraordinary opportunities for our consumers, ensuring they enjoy unparalleled performance,” said Vikas Tagra, Head of Product Management, vivo India. “The upcoming vivo X100 series will be Indias first smartphone to feature the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, setting a new benchmark for cutting-edge technology and user experience.”

The MediaTek Technology Diaries is an interactive, informative series aimed at demystifying the newest technologies transforming our daily lives. The series is in tune with MediaTek’s philosophy of making great technology available to help consumers connect seamlessly with the things that shape our daily lives by enhancing, enriching, and making us smarter and healthier.