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Month: June 2024

Governance

First IPS Officer from Arunachal Pradesh Robin Hibu, Elevated to DGP

Observenow Desk June 11, 2024

Robin Hibu, Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Arunachal Pradesh, has been promoted to the prestigious rank of Director General of Police (DGP). Currently serving as the Additional Director General of Police (ADG) in Delhi, Hibu’s promotion marks a significant milestone for the 1993 AGMUT cadre officer.

In addition to his current roles as the recruitment chairman and vigilance chief of the Delhi Police’s transport safety division, Hibu’s career is decorated with numerous accolades. He has received the President of India Police Medal for Meritorious and Distinguished Services, the Ati-Utkrisht Seva Padak in 2021, and two gold medals from the government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Hailing from Hong village in the Lower Subansiri district, Hibu’s journey from humble beginnings to the highest echelons of the police force is inspiring. Educated at the Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashram in Hong and JN College, Pasighat, he first cracked the state civil services examination before passing the UPSC exam in 1993, becoming Arunachal Pradesh’s first IPS officer.

Expressing his joy, Hibu stated, “I share this happiness with every person of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been an incredible journey from a school in Hong village to serving in the IPS and being part of the UN peacekeeping force. I remain committed to working for the people of our state.”

Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein have both congratulated Hibu on his promotion, celebrating this historic achievement for the state.

Tags: Arunachal PradeshIPS OfficerRobin Hibu

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B2B Marketeer

Transforming Identity – Strategic Role of Rebranding in Business Growth

Observenow Desk

Even though rebranding can be a risky move, it can help a brand grow if maneuvered strategically. Rebranding helps revitalize a brand, enhance competitiveness, and allow companies to realign their goals with the interests of their target audience. Rebranding entails a comprehensive overhaul of a brand’s identity that includes its name, logo, visual elements, messaging, core values and mission. Learn how rebranding can catalyze growth and ensure a brand remains relevant and at the same time, compelling.

Connecting with New Customers

A strategic rebrand gives a business the ability to connect with new customers. With the ever-evolving market, it is important to keep track of the shifting preferences and demographics of customers. Rebranding helps a brand revive its image while making it more attractive to new and untapped market segments. For instance, to resonate with tech-savvy millennial or Gen Z consumers who value innovation and a modern touch, a brand can try adopting a more contemporary tone.

Communicating Organizational Changes

Businesses grow and evolve over time. They may enter new markets, shift their core business focus, or expand their product lines. Rebranding helps businesses to realign their public image with their current business strategy. A well-executed rebrand accurately communicates to stakeholders that the company is forward-thinking and progressive, thereby enhancing its appeal and credibility.

Addressing Negative Perceptions

Brands encounter negative perceptions over time due to controversies, outdated practices, or past mistakes. Rebranding offers a clean slate while allowing a company to shed negative connotations and start afresh. By implementing genuine changes and addressing the root causes of these perceptions, rebranding can rebuild a positive reputation of the brand and restore trust among its customers.

Gaining Competitive Edge

In this highly competitive market, where customers are bombarded with a number of options, differentiation is the key to standing out. Rebranding is more than just a facelift; it can provide an opportunity to redefine a brand’s perception in relation to its competitors. This might entail emphasizing USPs, exceptional customer services, superior quality, or innovative technology. Brands can carve out a unique niche in the market by creating a memorable and distinctive brand identity and message.

Augmenting Digital Presence

A strong online presence is imperative in this digital age. By leveraging new technologies and adopting modern design principles rebranding helps optimize a brand’s digital footprint. This includes a fresh, cohesive digital identity including a mobile-friendly website, utilizing digital advertising, and engaging in social media marketing.

The Bottom Line

To put it simply, rebranding is a strategic investment that goes beyond aesthetics. It cultivates long-term success and resilience that can propel a brand to new heights.

Author: Tanay Sharma, Co founder & COO, CITTA

Tags: CITTARebrandingTanay Sharm

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BFSI

RBI Launches UPI Lite with e-Mandate for Automatic Balance Top-Up

Observenow Desk June 10, 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a new feature integrating UPI Lite with the e-mandate framework, enabling automatic replenishment of UPI Lite balances. Announced by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, this initiative aims to enhance the convenience of small-value digital payments.

UPI Lite, which allows users to load up to Rs 2000 and make payments up to Rs 500, will now support automatic top-ups once the balance falls below a set threshold, without the need for additional authentication or pre-debit notifications, as the funds remain within the customer’s account.

Governor Das highlighted the goal of promoting seamless small-value transactions, stating, “UPI Lite, introduced in September 2022, was designed for quick and easy small payments through an on-device wallet. The new auto-replenishment feature under the e-mandate framework will further streamline this process.”

Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI Lite is compatible with platforms such as Paytm, the BHIM app, and Google Pay. The RBI’s initiative aims to foster broader adoption and ease of use for digital transactions across the country.

Tags: RBIReserve Bank of IndiaUPI Lite

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Governance

Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog Launches AIM – ICDK Water Challenge 4.0 and SDG Entrepreneurs Handbook

Observenow Desk

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has announced two new initiatives: the ‘AIM – ICDK Water Challenge 4.0’ and the fifth edition of the ‘Innovations for You’ handbook, highlighting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) entrepreneurs in India.

In partnership with the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) at the Royal Danish Embassy in India, AIM is introducing the fourth edition of this open innovation water challenge. This initiative is a key part of the Indo-Danish Green Strategic Partnership, focusing on addressing water-related issues with innovative solutions. The selected teams will represent India in the global Next Generation Digital Action program, collaborating with young talents from universities and innovation hubs across nine countries, including Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, Korea, Tanzania, South Africa, Colombia, and Mexico.

Participants in the program will embark on a hybrid innovation journey featuring group work, boot camps, keynote sessions, and personalized mentoring. This initiative promotes sustainability, digital solutions, inclusion, and universal design principles, encouraging active collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. They will also have the opportunity to present their innovations at the Digital Tech Summit in Copenhagen on October 30-31, 2024, funded by the Danish government.

The challenge is open to students and young entrepreneurs under 35. Early-stage startups, researchers, and young innovators dedicated to environmental sustainability are encouraged to apply. The student track focuses on Digital Action for Societal Impact, while the Young Entrepreneurs track offers Indian technology startups a chance to accelerate their ideas and form global partnerships.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director of AIM, NITI Aayog, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, driving India towards a brighter, more resilient future. Collaborating with ICDK and the Royal Danish Embassy, we aim to tackle critical challenges and empower young innovators to create positive change.”

Soren Norrelund Kannik-Marquardsen, Minister Counsellor and Head of the Trade Council in New Delhi, emphasized the challenge’s role in the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark. He noted, “The Water Challenge combines the skills of Danish and Indian entrepreneurs to address global issues, highlighting the success and dedication of young innovators in building a sustainable world.”

Additionally, AIM has launched the fifth edition of ‘Innovations For You’, a coffee table book series showcasing the work of SDG Entrepreneurs in India. This edition features 60 entrepreneurs from various regions, each contributing to societal improvement through sustainable innovations, focusing on recyclable materials, green energy, inclusive education, and support for underrepresented communities and local artisans.

Tags: Atal Innovation MissionNITI Aayog

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Digital Native

Ixigo Secures Rs 333 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of IPO

Observenow Desk

Le Travenues Technology Limited, the parent company of travel booking platform Ixigo, has successfully raised Rs 333 crore (approximately $40 million) from anchor investors in anticipation of its upcoming initial public offering (IPO).

The company’s board has approved the allocation of 3,58,11,405 equity shares at Rs 93 each to anchor investors, according to a regulatory filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange. This fundraising follows a recent pre-IPO secondary placement that garnered Rs 176.2 crore ($21 million) at the upper price range.

Among the prominent anchor investors in Ixigo’s IPO are SBI, HDFC, Morgan Stanley, Nomura Fund, 3P India, Motilal Oswal, Malabar, Bajaj Allianz, and Tata Investments. Of the allocated shares, 1,20,87,583 were distributed to four domestic mutual funds across seven schemes, as stated in the filing.

Ixigo’s IPO is scheduled to run from June 10 to June 12, 2024, with a price band set between Rs 88-93 per share and a minimum bid quantity of 161 shares.

Before this anchor investment round, SAIF Partners held a 20.52% stake in Ixigo, while Peak XV and Micromax owned 13.81% and 5.52%, respectively. The company’s co-founders, Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, collectively hold a 16.65% stake.

Ixigo reported strong financial performance in the first nine months of the last fiscal year (FY24), achieving an operating revenue of Rs 491 crore and a profit of Rs 65.7 crore.

Tags: IxigoLe Travenues Technology Limited

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News

Netskope Transforms SaaS Security with Generative AI Innovations

Observenow Desk

Bangalore: Netskope has unveiled significant advancements in SaaS security within its cloud-native platform, Netskope One. These enhancements are poised to revolutionize security and networking services by incorporating generative AI (genAI) and advanced collaboration features into its industry-leading Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) module.

Netskope One now integrates Security Service Edge (SSE) components with AI capabilities, offering comprehensive Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), inline, and API functionalities. This integration aims to optimize SaaS application usage while ensuring proactive data protection, irrespective of its location.

As generative AI applications gain traction, enterprises increasingly depend on SaaS apps, with Netskope’s 2024 Cloud and Threat Report highlighting a 400% surge in genAI app usage year-over-year. The report also indicates that enterprise employees interact with 11-33 cloud apps monthly, underscoring the necessity for granular risk visibility. Traditional CASB solutions struggle to keep pace with this dynamic environment due to their labor-intensive processes for identifying and classifying app-specific risks.

Netskope One addresses these challenges by providing a natively converged platform that minimizes security gaps, mitigates new risks, reduces costs and complexity, and enhances overall protection. As the first SSE leader to integrate genAI in SaaS security, Netskope One introduces:

– GenAI-Powered CASB: Utilizing sophisticated genAI algorithms for real-time risk scoring of new and unfamiliar SaaS apps, on-demand risk categorization, and LLM-driven insights available through natural language queries.

– Advanced Context-Driven Cloud DLP: Supporting over 1,800 file types and leveraging more than 3,000 data identifiers, machine learning (ML), deep learning, AI, and natural language processing (NLP) to deliver precise data classification.

– Unified SaaS Security Platform: Streamlining security management with shared risk intelligence across CASB inline, API, and SSPM, a unified dashboard for user and privilege visibility, and ML-driven alert prioritization.

“Netskope’s modern approach to SaaS security, blending key SSE controls with AI-driven intelligence, offers unprecedented capabilities,” said John Martin, Chief Product Officer at Netskope. “Netskope One stands out as the first converged platform that harnesses AI to swiftly and accurately categorize new SaaS applications and their risks, meeting the demands of the evolving SaaS and genAI landscape.”

Tags: GenAIGenerative AINetskopeSaaS Security

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Education

Newton School of Technology-Rishihood University Appoints Dr. K. Gopinath as Senior Professor for BTech Program

Observenow Desk

In a significant move, Newton School of Technology-Rishihood University has appointed renowned academician Dr. K. Gopinath as a Senior Professor for its on-campus Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence program. With over three decades of academic experience, Dr. Gopinath brings a wealth of knowledge, having earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and previously serving as a Professor at IISc, Bangalore until his retirement.Dr-K-Gopinath

Commenting on the announcement, Dr K. Gopinath said, “Joining Newton School of Technology-Rishihood University is interesting for me in understanding how to scale CS education in India that is not only authentic but is also rooted in Indian tradition and reality, and that values both theoretical knowledge and its practical applications. The symbiosis of academia and industry as well as the focus on industry-relevant education are both aligned with my academic journey, and I am happy to contribute to shaping the next generation of tech leaders to drive meaningful change in the world.”

Dr. Gopinath’s expertise spans various domains, including the engineering of efficient computer systems, the integration of AI for system enhancement, and the exploration of computational thinking within Indic traditions. His research also delves into the intersection of technology, society, and public policy. He has an impressive publication record, including co-authoring “Resource Proportional Software Design for Emerging Systems” and “THE COMPUTATION MEME: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING IN THE INDIC TRADITION.” He notably organized the inaugural conference on “IPR and its impact on CS in India” in 1993.

This appointment marks a pivotal moment for NST as it enters its second year, aiming to elevate on-campus learning. The institute is committed to developing India’s future tech talent, providing students with global exposure and equipping them to excel in a tech-driven world.

Siddharth Maheshwari, Co-founder of Newton School, commented, “Dr. Gopinath’s research interests in Computational Thinking in the Indian Tradition and Technology, Society, and Public Policy are not only profound but also resonate with our university’s mission to foster social and public impact through education. His focus on Applied AI for societal good aligns with our ethos of creating an impact-driven educational ecosystem. I am enthusiastic about the diverse perspectives and innovative approaches Dr. Gopinath will bring to our community, enhancing our academic and research endeavours.”

Shobhit Mathur, Co-founder and Vice Chancellor, Rishihood University, said, “Dr. K. Gopinath’s appointment as a Senior Professor for our BTech program is a significant milestone for us. His extensive experience and groundbreaking research in the field of technology and society will greatly enhance our academic community. We are confident that his contributions will inspire our students and faculty, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence. We look forward to the positive impact Dr. Gopinath will bring to our university and to the broader field of technology education.”

Tags: BTech ProgramDr. K. GopinathNewton School of Technology

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Education

Volvo Group Partners with Indian Universities to Enhance Engineering Education

Observenow Desk

Volvo Group in India has forged a new alliance with three leading universities—Manipal University, KIIT University, and SRM University—to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and boost industry readiness among engineering students. This partnership aims to offer mentorship programs for postgraduates specializing in mechanical, electrical, electronics, and computer science streams, along with internship opportunities and pre-placement offers to jumpstart careers in automotive engineering.

Central to this initiative is a two-semester credit program focusing on industry-specific subjects, conducted by the partner universities. Volvo Group will support this by training faculty, facilitating sessions with industry professionals, providing real-world use cases and problem statements, delivering guest lectures, and offering educational assistance to faculty members.

Moreover, the company will provide scholarships for female students enrolling in these programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the automotive industry.

“Our collaboration with these universities is a pivotal step towards nurturing the next generation of engineers. We are excited to equip these bright minds with practical, industry-specific skills and guide them towards becoming future leaders in the automotive sector,” stated Kamal Bali, President & MD of Volvo Group India. “This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering talent and innovation in the automotive industry, ensuring engineers have the skills and opportunities for a successful career.”

Tags: EducationVolvo Group

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Exclusive

Empowering Women in Tech – Breaking Barriers and Cultivating Inclusivity in India’s Technology Sector

Sheeba Chauhan

The presence and contributions of women remain vital yet underrepresented, in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Despite strides towards gender equality, recent data highlights the persistent challenges and disparities faced by women in India’s tech industry. The multifaceted dynamics of women in tech, drawing insights from various reports and studies to shed light on the current scenario and avenues for progress.

Women’s Representation in Tech – Still A Question!

Nasscom’s comprehensive report unveils that women constitute 36% of India’s technology workforce, reflecting both progress and areas for improvement. Notably, the sector witnessed a commendable influx of female talent, with over 1.8 million women employed and 200,000 new hires in FY22. While these numbers signify a notable presence, they also underscore the need for sustained efforts to enhance gender diversity and inclusivity.

Regional Disparities and Entrepreneurial Aspirations

A notable trend emerges when analyzing women’s aspirations across different regions. Mint’s insightful report reveals that nearly half of women in non-metro areas express eagerness to pursue tech entrepreneurship, reflecting untapped potential and entrepreneurial zeal. In contrast, only 23% of women in metros harbor similar aspirations, highlighting the need to address regional disparities and provide tailored support to aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Challenges in Advancing to Leadership Roles

Despite comprising a significant portion of STEM graduates (43%), women encounter barriers in ascending to leadership positions within the tech sector. Skillsoft’s 2022 Women in Tech Report underscores this reality, with only 13% of women occupying director-level roles and 17% in mid-level managerial positions. The disparity underscores systemic challenges and the imperative for targeted interventions to promote gender diversity in leadership.

Gender Gap in Tech Entrepreneurship

The gender gap in tech entrepreneurship presents a sobering reality, as indicated by Outlook’s data. While India has witnessed a surge in tech start-ups over the past decade, the ratio of men-led to women-led ventures has widened significantly. The current ratio stands at 245:1, a stark contrast to the 51:1 ratio observed in 2014. This widening gap underscores the need for proactive measures to support and empower women entrepreneurs in the tech domain.

Urgency for Inclusive Initiatives

Highlighting the urgency for inclusive initiatives, the numbers paint a compelling picture. Out of a total of 98,422 tech start-ups established in the last decade, only 1,204 were led by women. This glaring underrepresentation underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, policymakers, and support organizations to foster a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem.

As we navigate towards a future driven by innovation and technology, harnessing the talent and perspectives of women is imperative for sustainable progress. Initiatives aimed at mentoring, skill development, and fostering inclusive workplaces are critical in breaking barriers and cultivating a more diverse and resilient tech sector in India. By collectively addressing systemic challenges and championing gender diversity, we can unlock the full potential of women in tech and pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Tags: Empowering WomenTechnology Sector

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Education

FORE School of Management Expands to Gurugram with New AICTE-Approved Off-Campus

Observenow Desk June 7, 2024

FORE School of Management (FSM) has received AICTE approval to open a new off-campus in Gurugram’s Sector 32. As one of the first standalone PGDM institutes to establish an off-campus location, FSM’s Gurugram site will offer two programs: PGDM and PGDM (BDA), each with 60 seats.

The Gurugram campus, strategically located amidst major corporations such as Adidas, Adani, and McKinsey & Company, is poised to enhance industry connections, internships, and placements. It features modern infrastructure with tech-enabled classrooms for hybrid learning, advanced computer labs, a comprehensive library, and an AI and Big Data Analytics Lab. The campus will also host an Innovation & Incubation Centre to foster entrepreneurship.

FSM plans to offer online certification programs to meet the evolving needs of corporate professionals, leveraging strong corporate partnerships. The new campus benefits from excellent connectivity to metro stations, airports, and major roads, and is close to top hospitals like Medanta and Fortis, ensuring community well-being. Located near a sports complex, the campus provides a vibrant lifestyle and access to modern amenities.

Dr. B.B.L. Madhukar, Chairman of FSM, remarked, “The launch of our Gurugram off-campus is a pivotal moment that embodies our unwavering commitment to excellence in management education. We remain dedicated to fostering intellectual growth and empowering future business leaders.” Dr. Subir Verma, Director of FSM, added, “The inauguration of our Gurugram campus marks a significant milestone, driving FSM towards new heights of academic and institutional excellence. This transformative journey is supported by our community’s steadfast dedication, shaping the legacy of our distinguished institution.”

Tags: aicteFORE School of Management

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