Tata Cancer Care Foundation Appoints Santosh Singh as HR Head
ObserveNow MediaMay 13, 2024
In a recent announcement, Tata Cancer Care Foundation has appointed Santosh Singh as its newest Head of Human Resources.
Singh expressed his excitement about the opportunity in a LinkedIn post, stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Head HR at Tata Cancer Care Foundation at Corporate Office, Mumbai.”
Bringing a wealth of experience to his new role, Singh previously served as Deputy General Manager – Human Resources at Narayana Health. His professional journey also includes stints at Safari Industries India, Emco, Molekule India, Cipla, and Wanbury.
Singh is a graduate of SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), holding an MBA in Human Resources, along with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Mumbai University.
Venturi Partners Invests $27 Million in K12 Techno Services
Observenow Desk
Venturi Partners has acquired a significant stake worth $27 million in K12 Techno Services. This acquisition, from Navneet Learning LLP, a subsidiary of Navneet Education Limited, marks an important move in India’s private education sector. K12 Techno Services, a key player in the industry, caters to over 800 private institutions and serves more than 300,000 students through various brands. The company has demonstrated impressive growth, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 40% over the last five years.
Venturi Partners utilized funds from its inaugural $180 million fund for this investment and will collaborate with existing shareholders like Peak XV Partners, Kedaara Capital, Sofina Ventures, and Navneet Learning LLP to support Jai Decosta, CEO of K12 Techno Services, in his leadership role.
K12 Techno Services will now become part of Venturi Partners’ portfolio, which focuses on consumer-oriented investments in India and Southeast Asia. Other companies in this portfolio include Livspace, Country Delight, Believe, Pickup Coffee, and DALI.
ObserveNow concludes intriguing discussion on security & scaling growth; in collaboration with Niveus Solutions & Google Cloud
Sheeba Chauhan
ObserveNow has recently concluded an exclusive roundtable discussion which was presented by Niveus Solutions & Google Cloud, focusing on Scaling Safely – Balancing Growth and Security for Digital Natives.
The session was moderated in a very intriguing manner by Suhan Shetty, Enterprise Architect – Infrastructure Services, Niveus Solutions and co-moderated by Taniya Tikoo, Editor- in -Chief, ObserveNow.
While giving the opening remarks for the session, Taniya Tikoo, Editor-in-Chief, ObserveNow expressed the gratitude and said, “I extended heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed speakers for their participation in the session. Furthermore, she highlighted ObserveNow’s efforts in organizing informative sessions to foster meaningful discussions and invite leaders who spearhead change in their respective industries.”
Furthermore, prominent figures such as Anand Kumar Keshri, Head of Technology at GroMo; Akshya Kumar, Founder and CEO of Officebanao; Nakul Gandha, Infrastructure Modernization Specialist at Google Cloud; Kalpesh Vaghani, Senior Vice President of Technology at RailYatri.in; Narendra Pal Singh, VP Engineering at Merrito; Ravi Mathur, Co-Founder and CTO of Insurance Samadhan; Siddharth Vijay, AVP of Engineering at Baazi Games; Rishabh Jain, Head of Engineering at Healthians; Imran Khan Niazi, Co-Founder – CTO, TrustSignal; Jatinder Alagh, CTO, Arya.ag; Ketan Dewan, Founder & CEO, TALOCITY INSTASOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED; Kumar Amit,Co-Founder & COO, Castler; Sagar Chauhan, Chief Technology & Information Security Officer, SaveIN; Sanjeev Singh, Head of Tech & Data, BluSmart, graced the session with their presence.
The session kick-started with a context-setting presentation by Varun Kannan, Lead – Digital Natives, Niveus Solutions. He mentioned about the offerings of Niveus and their partnership with Google Cloud. Additionally, he shared his experience with some of his recent clients and said, “Observing startups investing heavily in expensive security tools highlights the importance of viewing security as an ongoing practice rather than seeking quick-fix solutions. Recently, we collaborated with a publicly listed company venturing into the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Despite their traditional setup, they approached us to develop an EV ecosystem. Their vision centered on enhancing fleet management through data telematics to bolster sales support and forecast after-sales services within our region. Our collaboration resulted in a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to accommodate both private ownership, featuring advanced functionalities, and fleet operations with robust monitoring capabilities.”
Nakul Gandha who joined the session from Google Cloud commented on the topic and said, “Ensuring data encryption both at rest and in transit is fundamental to maintaining robust data security protocols. Encryption, access control, and regular backups constitute the cornerstone of data security measures. Rather than being an afterthought, security measures should be integrated into the very fabric of an organization’s infrastructure. Neglecting these vital aspects could prove to be a costly mistake for businesses, as potential breaches can result in significant financial repercussions and damage to their brand reputation. Investing in a robust security infrastructure is not only a prudent financial decision but also safeguards the invaluable trust of customers and stakeholders.”
The session witnessed various discussions on the Growth Imperative for Digital Natives to Compliance and Regulatory Considerations and how security can help in scaling growth without worrying about the challenges and hurdles that come along with security breaches.
During the discussion Akshya Kumar, Founder & CEO, Officebanao shared his thoughts and said, “The demand for rapid delivery is ubiquitous, and technology offers the means to meet such expectations. Leveraging both cloud and on-premises solutions, scalability has become significantly less daunting.”
Ravi Mathur, Co-Founder & CTO, Insurance Samadhan expressed his views from the specific industry perspective and said, “Engaging with customers has underscored the paramount importance they place on data privacy in today’s landscape. With team members operating remotely both within and outside traditional office settings, the imperative to safeguard data has intensified. Embracing cloud technology streamlines scalability and enables businesses to concentrate on core operations, as security challenges can be effectively addressed by robust security tools.”
The discussion highlighted the need for continuous investment in robust security measures, emphasizing encryption, access control, and proactive integration of security into organizational infrastructure. The discussion underscored that neglecting security could result in substantial financial losses and damage to brand reputation, urging businesses to prioritize security as a fundamental aspect of growth. It also reinforced the notion that by embracing a holistic approach to growth and security, digital natives can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, safeguarding both their assets and customer trust.
World Technology Day – Ever-Evolving Landscape of AI vs Human,Trends, Debates & Future Outlook
Siddharth MalaMay 11, 2024
The technology realm surrounds debating dialogue — artificial intelligence (AI) versus human capabilities, future of tech workspace, enablement that comes with technology etc. Though, with each passing breakthrough, the question looms larger – Can AI truly replace human work?
According to a report by Goldman Sachs, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to take over around 300 million full-time jobs. This could translate to replacing a quarter of work tasks in the United States and Europe, although it may also lead to the creation of new jobs and a surge in productivity. Additionally, AI could contribute to a 7% increase in the total annual value of global goods and services.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and OpenAI have identified that certain educated white-collar workers earning up to $80,000 annually are particularly vulnerable to workforce automation.
AI’s Ascendancy – Impact & Consequences
Artificial intelligence has made staggering strides in recent years, outperforming humans in various domains. From mastering complex games like Go to aiding in medical diagnostics, AI has demonstrated remarkable proficiency. Machine learning algorithms, fueled by vast datasets and computational power, have enabled AI systems to analyze, learn, and adapt with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
AI vs Human: The Debate in Action
The debate over whether AI can replace human work is multifaceted and contentious. Proponents argue that AI can augment human capabilities, boosting productivity and efficiency across industries. They cite examples of automation streamlining processes, reducing errors, and freeing humans to focus on higher-order tasks requiring creativity and empathy.
On the other hand, skeptics raise concerns about job displacement and the erosion of human-centric skills. The caution against overreliance on AI, highlighting its limitations in nuanced decision-making, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning. Moreover, the specter of algorithmic bias and unintended consequences looms large, underscoring the need for responsible AI development and deployment.
Anil Kempanna, CEO, Cientra
Commenting on the balance between AI-driven automation and the preservation of human-centric skills in the workforce of the future Anil Kempanna, CEO, Cientra said” We envision a future where AI and humans work together, not against each other. Imagine a collaborative team where AI tackles routine tasks and data analysis, freeing up human minds for strategic thinking and creative problem-solving and we try deploying a host of strategies to ensure a smooth transition and build a future workforce where AI amplifies human capabilities, driving long-term success for businesses and society as a whole and a few of them can be Ethical AI Development, Upskilling the Workforce, Agile Leadership and lifelong learning.”
Numerous trends are shaping the interaction between AI and humans. Firstly, there’s a shift towards viewing AI as a tool to enhance human abilities rather than replace them, known as augmented intelligence. This collaborative approach is gaining traction across various fields such as healthcare and finance. Secondly, as automation alters traditional job roles, there’s a growing focus on reskilling and upskilling the workforce to adapt to these changes. Lifelong learning initiatives are crucial for ensuring individuals possess the necessary skills to succeed in an AI-driven economy. Thirdly, ethical considerations are increasingly central to AI development and deployment. This involves implementing frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and guard against algorithmic biases. Lastly, there’s a rising emphasis on designing AI systems with a human-centric approach. Factors such as user experience design, empathy-driven interfaces, and inclusive design principles play a pivotal role in fostering trust and acceptance of AI technologies.
Anil further stated that “we recognize the immense potential of AI and the ethical considerations that come with its rapid growth. As technology leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure responsible development and deployment and tackle some of the Challenging issues affecting society.
Here’s how we’re tackling this challenge:
Transparency & Explainability: We build AI systems with clear decision-making processes, allowing for human oversight and mitigating bias.
Human-Centered Focus: Our priority is human well-being. We develop AI that complements human capabilities, not replaces them. AI should augment our decisions, not remove our agency.
Robust Ethical Framework: We have strong ethical guidelines to address issues like fairness, accountability, and privacy. We actively participate in industry discussions to shape broader standards.
Diverse & Inclusive Teams: We foster diverse and inclusive teams, ensuring a wider range of perspectives are considered in development, leading to less biased AI systems.
Dinesh Kumar Poobalan, CEO & CTO, Greatify
Shedding some light on the importance of technology in the evolution of education Dinesh Kumar Poobalan, CEO & CTO, Greatify stated “ In the education space, technology has opened numerous avenues from bringing interactive learning platforms and virtual classrooms to adaptive assessment tools and AI-driven tutoring systems. By embracing innovation, educators can cater to diverse learning styles, foster creativity and cultivate a lifelong love for learning among students. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the importance of continuing to improve education through technology.”
The future of AI and its impact on human work is inherently uncertain yet brimming with possibilities. While some jobs may indeed be automated, new avenues for human creativity, innovation, and meaningful work are likely to emerge. Collaboration between humans and AI, guided by ethical principles and a commitment to inclusivity, holds the key to unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology.
The relationship between AI and human intelligence is complex, nuanced, and evolving. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, embracing it as a catalyst for positive change can pave the way for a future where humans and machines collaborate synergistically to address global challenges and enrich the human experience.
Environment-Friendly Practices Important in the Evolution of Sustainable B2B Events: Marketing Leaders
Siddharth MalaMay 10, 2024
In the ever-evolving scenario of contemporary business, where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a guiding principle, sustainable event marketing stands at the and forging meaningful connections. In this context, the marriage of sustainability and B2B events isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic imperative. From reducing waste to embracing reusable materials and championing locally sourced products, the ethos of sustainability is transforming how businesses engage with each other and the world around them.
According to market research by the Custom marketing insights team, the global B2B Events Market is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% between 2023 and 2032. The market is forecasted to reach USD 498.41 Billion by 2023 and is expected to reach USD 929.29 Billion by 2032.
The B2B events sector is a vibrant industry that facilitates business interactions, knowledge exchange, and brand visibility. This includes conferences, trade shows, and seminars where businesses come together for networking, collaboration, and professional development.
B2B events have long been pivotal for fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking within industries. However, as environmental consciousness grows, so does the scrutiny on the environmental impact of these gatherings. Recognizing this shift, forward-thinking companies are reimagining traditional event marketing practices, placing sustainability at the heart of their strategies.
According to the Content Marketing Institute, B2B marketers rank events as the marketing channel that produced the best results in 2022. That’s why it’s not surprising that over half of the respondents also expect to invest more in event marketing this year. In fact, marketers rank B2B events in their top three leading investment areas in 2023.
Central to sustainable event marketing is the commitment to reducing environmental footprints. This entails meticulous planning to minimize waste generation, optimize resource usage, and mitigate carbon emissions. From the choice of venue to transportation arrangements, every aspect is carefully scrutinized to align with eco-friendly objectives.
Echoing the same Manisha Vasdev, Director, Enterprise Marketing, Asia Pacific, Coursera stated “I firmly believe that sustainability should be at the forefront of B2B events, Event planning and execution should incorporate environmentally friendly practices including waste reduction, reusable and locally sourced materials, reducing energy consumption, and going digital rather than physical!.”
One of the cornerstones of sustainable event marketing is the embrace of reusable and locally sourced materials. Rather than opting for single-use items that contribute to landfill waste, event organizers are increasingly turning to durable, eco-friendly alternatives. From biodegradable cutlery to recycled signage, every detail is thoughtfully curated to minimize environmental impact. Moreover, by sourcing materials locally, businesses support regional economies while reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Another key focus area in sustainable event marketing is the reduction in energy consumption. From lighting and HVAC systems to audiovisual equipment, energy-efficient solutions are prioritized to minimize power usage without compromising the attendee experience. Additionally, leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power further reinforces the commitment to environmental stewardship.
Nitu Sharma, Head of Marketing at Iron Mountain India, highlights the shift in perspective towards sustainability. In B2B events, sustainability is more than just a trend; it’s a driving force for modern business. Utilizing strategies such as digital displays and eco-friendly giveaways like plants, events can engage attendees in innovative ways. Nitu advocates and strongly believes that there is always a way for companies to embrace refurbishing initiatives, urging customers to exchange old products for upgraded ones. It just requires a conscious effort to adopt such a mindset. This not only reduces waste and carbon footprint but also fosters opportunities for cross-selling and upselling, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for businesses and the environment.
In an era defined by environmental urgency, sustainable event marketing isn’t just a choice; it’s a responsibility. By integrating sustainability into B2B events, businesses not only demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility but also seize opportunities for differentiation, innovation, and long-term value creation. As the world navigates complex challenges, sustainable event marketing emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding businesses towards a future where profitability and planet can thrive in harmony.
B2B Events: Driving Sustainability or Falling Short? Leaders Speak Out!
Sheeba Chauhan
Trends in the marketing industry evolve rapidly, particularly in B2B media events. The formats of these events have transitioned swiftly from virtual to hybrid and back to physical setups, sparking varied opinions. According to the Content Marketing Institute, B2B marketers rated events as the most effective marketing channel in 2022. Remarkably, 86% of B2B companies report experiencing a positive return on investment seven months after participating in an event.
“Businesses and brands in B2B ( or otherwise ) get built on one thing above all- trust. And trust is built the strongest through face to face conversations, and even better, if done consistently. Towards that end, events form a crucial lever in B2B marketing plans. This space is evolving fast, with newer innovations and concepts in events’ planning and execution. Events marketing remains one of the key pillars in the playbooks of B2B marketers to build salience sustainably”, shared Alekhya Chakrabarty – Vice President, Marketing and Growth – Unstop his experience about meeting to the fellow marketeers in the in-person setup and expressed how, it has helped strong connections within the industry.
While Vandana Hirani – Channel Marketing Lead (Consumer), SanDisk Retail, South Asia – Western Digital has difference in opinion along the same line, as she mentioned that “ One of the key points here that strikes me is the fact that events should be run virtually. This reduces the usage of transportation and thereby the emissions from the vehicles. But given that our event is a physical meet, this point may not go so well with the audience.”
However, be the choices, B2B events are a great channel of building connections and learning from your peers in the industry. Although, it’s important to choose your the right platform and get associated with the right set of people for attending such events.
Are B2B events – Sustainable?
Marketers, the driving force behind business growth, are increasingly focusing on “Sustainability.” But what does this buzzword really mean? Nowadays, people are prioritizing reducing carbon footprints, even extending to event planning where printed materials are replaced with digital formats, and eco-friendly alternatives are chosen for gifts and packaging. Event suppliers, sponsors, and venue providers are all expected to not only raise environmental awareness but also take tangible actions. Marketers anticipate that event providers will demonstrate strong sustainability practices, incorporating eco-friendly measures and utilizing technology to minimize waste and encourage digital engagement.
Talking along the same lines, Sanjay Chaudhary, Vice President Marketing, Lentra said, “Ensuring the sustainability of B2B events is paramount in today’s highly involved selling process. Trust, built on expertise, reliability, and genuine connections, forms the bedrock of successful transactions. By conceptualizing events rooted in deep insights into prospects’ challenges or aspirations, we not only present new perspectives but also foster trust. Events serve as powerful platforms to forge connections, showcase solutions, and demonstrate reliability through customer stories. Through sustainable practices, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to value-driven experiences, B2B events continue to be indispensable in cultivating trust and driving meaningful connections in the business landscape.”
Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to PM Modi, Granted Extension Co-Terminus with Prime Minister’s Term
ObserveNow MediaMay 9, 2024
In a significant development, Tarun Kapoor, a retired IAS officer of the 1987 batch from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, serving as Adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been granted a weeks-long extension in his tenure. This extension aligns with the term of Prime Minister Modi, effectively extending Kapoor’s tenure co-terminus with that of the Prime Minister.
Kapoor’s initial term, which began on May 2, 2022, was slated to conclude on May 2, 2024. However, this recent extension ensures his continued presence and counsel within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for the foreseeable future.
Prior to his pivotal role in the PMO, Kapoor held various high-ranking positions in the government, notably serving as the Chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). His extensive experience also includes his tenure as the Petroleum Secretary, a position from which he retired in November 2021.
Kapoor’s continued presence in the advisory capacity underscores the importance of his expertise and insights in guiding crucial policy decisions within the government. This extension further solidifies his role in shaping the trajectory of key initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Canara Bank Reports Strong Q4 Performance with 18.4% Rise in Net Profit
ObserveNow Media
Canara Bank has announced strong financial results for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24, showing an impressive 18.4 percent surge in net profit. The bank’s net profit reached Rs 3,757.23 crore, marking a substantial rise from the same period last year.
Regarding asset quality, Canara Bank experienced a notable decrease in its gross Non-Performing Asset (NPA) ratio, which improved to 4.23 percent compared to the previous quarter. Similarly, the net NPA ratio was recorded at 1.27 percent, indicating a commendable reduction and highlighting the bank’s efforts to mitigate credit risk.
Despite a slight increase in fresh slippages during the quarter, Canara Bank maintained a strong Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) of 89.10 percent, demonstrating a prudent approach to provisioning for potential credit losses.
Canara Bank also demonstrated strength in its lending activities, with significant growth in net interest income (NII) and net interest margins (NIM). The bank’s NII reached Rs 9,580 crore, marking an 11.18 percent increase from the previous year, while the NIM remained healthy at 3.07 percent, showcasing effective management of interest income and expenses.
In terms of deposits and advances, Canara Bank saw substantial growth in its global business, with double-digit increases in both deposits and advances annually. Additionally, the bank’s domestic deposit and advance portfolios experienced robust growth, further solidifying its position in the market.
Department of Telecommunications Spearheads Collaborative Sprint to Propel India’s Telecom Sector Towards 6G Era
ObserveNow Media
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) orchestrated the “Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint,” an initiative aimed at uniting startups/MSMEs, academia, and research institutions. Hosted at IIIT, Bangalore, the event saw the participation of fifteen prominent startups/MSMEs specializing in Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core ecosystems, alongside esteemed institutions such as IIT Madras, C-DOT, and IIT Delhi.
The collaboration delved into deep-tech rapid ideation, focusing on innovative solutions for crafting a comprehensive and future-proof telecom stack encompassing robust 5G solutions while laying the groundwork for advancements towards 6G. The Sprint operated with three key objectives:
1. Leveraging Collective Strengths: By pooling expertise in critical 5G infrastructure areas, startups accelerated innovation and streamlined the development of a common telecom stack.
2. Fostering Holistic Solutions: Through collaborative efforts, startups aimed to devise comprehensive 5G solutions tailored to industry needs and primed for future advancements.
3. Creating Market Opportunities: By aligning efforts, the initiative aimed to unlock market potential, enabling startups to thrive and compete in the telecom sector.
Following extensive discussions, outcome-focused groups were established to address gaps in the Indian telecom ecosystem and prepare for forthcoming technologies like 6G. These groups will concentrate on core infrastructure, distribution units (DUs), radio units (RUs), central units (CUs), and other elements, aiming to bridge current gaps and offer future-proof solutions. Additionally, two working groups were formed.
Participants lauded the initiative as pioneering and expressed keen interest in continued collaboration, urging the DoT to sustain such endeavors. The Sprint underscores DoT’s dedication to fostering innovation and industry collaboration, positioning India’s telecommunications sector for global leadership in the 5G era and beyond. By harnessing the unique strengths of startups/MSMEs, academia, and industry, the DoT endeavors to forge a resilient and forward-looking mobile telecom stack, with a keen eye on advancing towards 6G technology.
Netskope and CrowdStrike Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Zero Trust Security
Observenow Desk
Bangalore: Netskope has announced an expanded collaboration with CrowdStrike aimed at enhancing organizational security through a zero trust framework. This partnership integrates Netskope’s risk insights regarding users, applications, and activities with CrowdStrike’s Falcon® Next-Gen SIEM platform.
By combining Netskope’s event logs detailing various types of user traffic with CrowdStrike’s data, threat intelligence, and workflow automation, customers can bolster their Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities and achieve greater visibility and prevention across their enterprise networks. The integration facilitates faster and more effective threat investigations by providing a consolidated view of alerts across different domains such as endpoints, cloud services, and identity management.
Joint customers can leverage AI-powered detections and contextual insights from Netskope to identify and respond to evasive threats, streamline data onboarding processes, and unify their security operations center (SOC) workflows. Additionally, the collaboration enables real-time threat detection and response by correlating data from various security tools to mitigate sophisticated attacks and emerging threats effectively.
“This latest integration between Netskope and CrowdStrike enables our joint customers to take advantage of a comprehensive, cross-platform approach driven by zero trust principles.
Netskope’s unique risk insights and granular controls for over 80,000 applications provide customers valuable information to make smarter, faster decisions,” said Andy Horwitz, VP Business Development and Technology Alliances, Netskope. “The longstanding and highly productive CrowdStrike and Netskope partnership continues to help solve customer security challenges by staying ahead of emerging threats and adversaries, leveraging the power of the cloud and AI.”
“With the enterprise perimeter rapidly blurring and adversaries setting their sights on the cloud, it is imperative for security teams to have visibility across the entire attack surface and ability to rapidly respond,” said Daniel Bernard, chief business officer, CrowdStrike. “Netskope’s rich insights are a welcome addition to our vast ecosystem of high-quality data sources powering Falcon Next-Gen SIEM and supercharging security teams’ ability to stop breaches.”
Talking along the same lines, Sanjay Chaudhary, Vice President Marketing, Lentra said, “Ensuring the sustainability of B2B events is paramount in today’s highly involved selling process. Trust, built on expertise, reliability, and genuine connections, forms the bedrock of successful transactions. By conceptualizing events rooted in deep insights into prospects’ challenges or aspirations, we not only present new perspectives but also foster trust. Events serve as powerful platforms to forge connections, showcase solutions, and demonstrate reliability through customer stories. Through sustainable practices, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to value-driven experiences, B2B events continue to be indispensable in cultivating trust and driving meaningful connections in the business landscape.”
