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JioCinema to Live Stream India-Australia ODI Series for Free, Viacom18 Secures Exclusive Media Rights

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Reliance-owned JioCinema is set to make its debut in broadcasting Indian cricket team’s home matches by offering free streaming of India’s 3-match ODI series against Australia. This marks the first international series in JioCinema’s rights cycle. The streaming platform will provide coverage of the matches in 11 languages and has enlisted a panel of cricket experts, including Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav, Aakash Chopra, Amit Mishra, Hanuma Vihari, Kiran More, Anirudha Srikanth, Sarandeep Singh, and others. Viacom18, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, secured exclusive media rights for both international and domestic matches organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a total of Rs 5,963 crore over the next five years, spanning from September 2023 to March 2028. Viacom18 secured these rights with a winning bid of Rs 67.8 crore per match, surpassing Sony Pictures Networks India, while Disney Star did not participate in the auction. Anil Jayaraj, CEO of Viacom18 – Sports, emphasized that the India-Australia ODI series would provide viewers with a glimpse of Indian cricket’s new home. He stated that their aim was to transform the way sports are consumed and deliver BCCI events at an unprecedented scale, combining digital and linear/offline TV platforms. Viacom18 had secured broadcasting rights for all Indian cricket teams’ home matches, including both men’s and women’s teams, for both digital and television platforms. The series will be broadcast live on various regional channels, including Colors Tamil, Colors Bangla Cinema, Colors Kannada Cinema, Colors Cineplex Superhits, Sports18 – 1 SD, and Sports18 – 1 HD, catering to viewers in different languages. The upcoming ODI series is crucial for both India and Australia as they seek to build momentum ahead of the 50-over World Cup scheduled for October 2023 in India. Australia, known for its strong cricket team, views this series as an opportunity to acclimatize to Indian conditions before the World Cup. JioCinema will stream the matches in 4K quality and in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Fans can also participate in the “Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan” fan engagement contest, where they can make predictions and win exciting prizes, including premium hatchback cars. This contest was first introduced during the 2023 TATA IPL and garnered significant popularity.

JioCinema to Live Stream India-Australia ODI Series for Free, Viacom18 Secures Exclusive Media Rights Read More »

Government Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Future Job Skills: MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar

/ Governance Community

The Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced the government’s commitment to digital skilling, emphasizing the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to prepare young Indians for future tech-oriented jobs. Speaking at the Skill India Digital event, where the government launched the Skill India Digital portal to benefit all citizens, especially those aged 15 and above, the minister highlighted the global recognition of DPIs during the G20 Summit and their application in digital skilling for India’s youth. Chandrasekhar stated, “This DPI aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Skill India and Digital India, addressing the growing importance of digital skills in a post-Covid world. Its purpose extends to nurturing both entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.” During the event, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Chandrasekhar, unveiled Skill India Digital, an advanced digital platform designed to consolidate various skilling initiatives. In a recent statement, Chandrasekhar highlighted India’s impressive technological advancements, which gained international attention during the G20 Summit. India’s DPI, much like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar, has disrupted conventional norms and showcased the country’s digital transformation efforts. He remarked, “Today, the world is recognizing India’s remarkable achievements in technology, utilizing Digital Public Infrastructure to revolutionize governance and enhance citizens’ lives.” The G20 leaders have pledged to adopt, construct, and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of fostering a secure and robust global digital economy and ecosystem.

Government Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Future Job Skills: MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar Read More »

Chargebee Announces 10% Workforce Reduction Due to Market Shifts

/ Human Resource Community

Chargebee, attributing market changes as the primary driver, has decided to lay off approximately 10% of its global workforce. This workforce reduction is expected to impact around 100 to 120 employees across various departments within the company. Chargebee now aims to focus on its upcoming phase of more streamlined expansion, which entails restructuring and concentrating on specific key objectives. Furthermore, in light of ongoing technological advancements and market dynamics in the industry, Chargebee will place greater emphasis on enhancing its customers’ experience and refining its core products. The company is committed to providing severance packages to departing employees and will adhere to labor laws applicable in their respective countries. This move follows a previous round of staff cuts at Chargebee in November 2022 when the company cited economic challenges, resulting in the separation of approximately 142 employees, equivalent to roughly 10% of its workforce at that time. Established in 2011 by Krish Subramanian, Rajaraman Santhanam, Saravanan KP, and Thiyagarajan T, Chargebee is a revenue management platform that streamlines revenue operations for SaaS businesses. As a unicorn company, Chargebee serves a client base of over 4,000 companies, including notable names such as Okta, Freshworks, and Calendly. In its most recent funding round, the company successfully secured $250 million, led by the US-based hedge fund Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners (formerly known as Sequoia Capital India). To date, Chargebee has raised nearly half a billion dollars in funding through multiple financing rounds.

Chargebee Announces 10% Workforce Reduction Due to Market Shifts Read More »

IIT Kanpur and ICICI Bank Forge Partnership to Boost Startup Innovation in India

/ Education Community

In a significant development, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICICI Bank to extend comprehensive support to startups. This strategic collaboration is aimed at fostering collaborative initiatives between IIT Kanpur and ICICI Bank, with the primary goal of empowering startups and innovators at the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur by equipping them with essential tools and knowledge. The official announcement hails this partnership as a pivotal step forward in advancing India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, underscoring the critical role of partnerships in driving economic growth and nurturing innovation. Both IIT Kanpur and ICICI Bank are deeply committed to providing comprehensive assistance to early-stage ventures, underscoring their dedication to nurturing India’s vibrant startup community. This collaboration will primarily focus on supporting incubatees by enhancing their understanding of foreign trade policies. It will involve organizing workshops and seminars to enable students to effectively engage in international markets. Additionally, the two institutions will work together to host events for startups, thus creating a more expansive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship that extends beyond financial services. ICICI Bank will also play a pivotal role in simplifying the complexities associated with pre and post-transaction compliance, ensuring that innovators, incubatees, and students at IIT Kanpur have a seamless experience when interacting with Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) support. This includes streamlining the verification and submission of regulatory documents through digital channels, making the process more accessible and enhancing access to vital financial resources for emerging entrepreneurs within the IIT Kanpur ecosystem.

IIT Kanpur and ICICI Bank Forge Partnership to Boost Startup Innovation in India Read More »

Indian Scientists Pioneer Innovative Nanoparticles for Detecting and Destroying Cancer Cells

/ Health & Wellness Community

Indian scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have achieved a major breakthrough in cancer research with a novel approach for both detecting and eliminating cancer cells. Their innovation involves the creation of hybrid nanoparticles made from a combination of gold and copper sulphide. These nanoparticles have the unique ability to eradicate cancer cells by generating heat when exposed to light and also facilitate their identification through sound waves. These hybrid nanoparticles possess three key properties: photothermal capabilities, oxidative stress induction, and photoacoustic characteristics. When these particles come into contact with light, they absorb it and produce heat, effectively destroying cancer cells. Furthermore, they generate harmful singlet oxygen atoms that contribute to the cancer cell’s demise. In addition to their therapeutic potential, these nanoparticles also have diagnostic applications. They can absorb light and produce ultrasound waves, making it possible to detect cancer cells with high precision. This diagnostic capability could enhance the accuracy of cancer diagnosis because sound waves scatter less than light when passing through tissues, providing clearer images and more precise measurements of oxygen levels in tumors. One notable aspect of this innovation is its ability to overcome a limitation of previously developed nanoparticles: their size. Through a unique reduction technique, the IISc researchers managed to deposit tiny gold seeds onto the surface of copper sulphide, resulting in hybrid nanoparticles measuring less than 8 nm. These minuscule particles have the potential to navigate through tissues effectively, reach tumors, and exit the human body naturally without accumulating. These nanoparticles have undergone testing in laboratory settings using lung and cervical cancer cell lines. The next phase for the IISc team is to translate these promising results into clinical development, marking a significant advancement in the battle against cancer.

Indian Scientists Pioneer Innovative Nanoparticles for Detecting and Destroying Cancer Cells Read More »

NITI Aayog’s Special Campaign 2.0: Clearing Pending Matters and Boosting Cleanliness

/ Governance Community

NITI Aayog has launched Special Campaign 2.0 to address pending matters and promote cleanliness. This initiative, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India, began in October 2021 and has continued into 2022 and 2023. Special Campaign 2.0, which runs from November 2022 to August 2023, aims to ensure the prompt resolution of public grievances, references from Members of Parliament, state governments, inter-ministerial consultations, and parliamentary assurances by ministries and departments. The campaign is led by NITI Aayog, along with its associated offices, including the Development Monitoring & Evaluation Office (DMEO) and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in NITI Bhawan, as well as the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (NILERD) in Narela, New Delhi. It focuses on addressing public grievances, parliamentary assurances, PMO references, and emphasizes record management, cleanliness both indoors and outdoors, and the disposal of office scrap to create more space within NITI Aayog. During this campaign, significant progress has been made in resolving public grievances, parliamentary assurances, and PMO references. Additionally, a substantial number of files have been reviewed and cleared, freeing up valuable space, and generating revenue through the disposal of office scrap. Over 75% of the designated physical files have been reviewed, and approximately 95% of public grievances and appeals have been addressed. Moreover, redundant scrap materials and obsolete items have been identified for disposal.

NITI Aayog’s Special Campaign 2.0: Clearing Pending Matters and Boosting Cleanliness Read More »

Microsoft Introduces Confidential ‘Impact Descriptors’ for Managerial Performance Assessments

/ Human Resource Community

Microsoft has introduced a confidential performance-rating system called ‘impact descriptors,’ specifically designed for use by managers and not disclosed to employees. These ratings play a crucial role in determining employee compensation and bonuses, which Microsoft refers to as ‘rewards.’ The company emphasizes that these descriptors are distinct from traditional performance ratings or labels associated with individual employees. These undisclosed ratings are intended to encourage a growth-oriented mindset. The impact descriptors consist of four categories: ‘Lower than Expected Impact (LITE),’ ‘Slightly Lower Impact than Expected (SLITE),’ ‘Successful Impact,’ and ‘Exceptional Impact.’ Each category is clearly defined in a guideline document to assist managers in their assessments. Employees in the ‘Lower than Expected Impact (LITE)’ category are those who consistently fall short of meeting expectations, lack a growth mindset, or do not align with Microsoft’s cultural values. In the ‘Slightly Lower Impact than Expected (SLITE)’ category are employees who occasionally miss expectations or display inconsistency in meeting cultural expectations but show a willingness to learn and improve. The ‘successful impact’ category includes employees who consistently meet or exceed expectations, embrace a growth mindset, and align with Microsoft’s cultural values. The ‘exceptional impact’ category is reserved for employees who consistently deliver exceptional results, surpass all expectations, demonstrate an outstanding growth mindset, and adhere to Microsoft’s cultural values. Managers are encouraged to evaluate and assess employee performance or ‘impact’ based on these impact descriptors, explaining how an employee has demonstrated a particular level of impact during the fiscal year. However, they are explicitly discouraged from using the acronyms LITE, SLITE, and so on, or converting the descriptors into ratings or labels. Microsoft’s managers are expected to utilize these descriptors solely as a guidance tool for assessing employee impact, facilitating reward decisions, and providing constructive feedback.

Microsoft Introduces Confidential ‘Impact Descriptors’ for Managerial Performance Assessments Read More »

G20 Declaration: Commitment to Inclusive, Quality Education with Emphasis on Technology and Lifelong Learning

/ Education Community

In the latest G20 Declaration released on Saturday, member nations reiterated their unwavering commitment to providing “inclusive, equitable, and high-quality” education. Notably, the declaration takes a significant step forward by advocating the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance and ensure the widespread accessibility of education. The declaration strongly emphasized the use of digital technologies to bridge existing digital divides for all learners. It pledged support for educational institutions and teachers to help them stay updated with emerging trends and technological advancements, including AI. Additionally, the declaration highlighted the critical need for lifelong learning, with a particular focus on upskilling, reskilling, and skilling for vulnerable groups in society. This commitment to education is not new for the G20, as previous declarations have consistently stressed the importance of inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning, with particular attention to marginalized communities. These declarations have also acknowledged the pivotal role that blended learning approaches played during the pandemic. Furthermore, the declaration underscored the significance of foundational learning, including literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills, as the fundamental building blocks of education and employment. It reaffirmed member nations’ dedication to fostering increased collaboration among their educational institutions. The G20 Declaration also reaffirmed the commitment to promoting open, equitable, and secure scientific collaboration and encouraged the mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists across research and higher education institutions. Moreover, member nations expressed their dedication to expanding access to high-quality technical and vocational education and training, recognizing its importance. Building on the previous declaration in Bali, the New Delhi declaration also addressed gender disparities in education, emphasizing the commitment to bridging this gap. It ensured equal access to affordable, inclusive, safe, and quality education at all levels, with a focus on women and girls, including those with disabilities, in STEM fields and emerging digital technologies.

G20 Declaration: Commitment to Inclusive, Quality Education with Emphasis on Technology and Lifelong Learning Read More »

Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi for 18th G20 Summit

/ Governance Community

The 18th G20 Summit, hosted by India, kicked off today in the national capital, New Delhi, with more than 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union, and invited guest countries in attendance. The two-day summit is being held at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam, and it promises to address critical global challenges under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future.” The summit commenced with world leaders arriving at the venue, Bharat Mandapam, from 9.30 am onwards. The first session of the G20 Summit, titled ‘One Earth,’ took place at around 10.30 am. This session is dedicated to accelerating climate action, focusing on increased mitigation efforts and strengthening the global net zero emission agenda as soon as possible. The theme underscores the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth, emphasizing the value of human, animal, plant, and microorganism life. In the evening, a dinner hosted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, was scheduled to bring together foreign delegates, parliamentarians, and ministers, along with former senior leaders of the nation. Key leaders attending the event include US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. However, notably absent from the summit are Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. China will be represented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia. This marks India’s first time hosting the G20 Summit, with extensive preparations showcasing India’s tradition and strength. During its presidency, India has focused on various critical issues, including inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access. India seeks to achieve the dual objectives of adding the African Union as a member of the G20 and resolving disagreements related to a joint statement concerning the conflict in Ukraine. The participating countries in the G20 Summit include Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, the African Union (represented by Comros), South Africa, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Egypt, Australia, the United States, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Spain, Germany, France, Mauritius, the European Union, and Singapore. A warm welcome was extended to world leaders upon their arrival in Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing confidence that the summit would chart a new path toward human-centric and inclusive development. Leaders who have arrived in the national capital for the G20 Summit include US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The leaders were welcomed with traditional dance performances. Other distinguished attendees include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Oman Deputy Prime Minister Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Egypt President El-Sisi, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Additionally, African Union Chairperson Azali Assoumani, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have also arrived in Delhi to participate in the summit. The 18th G20 Summit holds the promise of fostering collaborative solutions for the benefit of the global population and contributing to overall global well-being in a rapidly changing world.

Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi for 18th G20 Summit Read More »

Airbus to Ramp Up Workforce in India with 5,000 New Employees

/ Human Resource Community

Airbus, the renowned international aerospace firm, has unveiled plans to bolster its workforce in India, with a target of hiring an additional 2,000 engineers in the coming years. This strategic move aims to increase the company’s total headcount in India to an impressive 5,000 employees. Airbus has solidified this commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Vadodara, wherein a specialized engineering program tailored for the aerospace sector will be established. The partnership with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is poised to cultivate a robust pool of highly trained professionals, primed to meet the burgeoning demands within the thriving aerospace industry. Airbus views India not only as a significant market but also as a crucial hub for talent. The company places paramount importance on nurturing the aerospace ecosystem in India and recognizes the pivotal role of investing in human capital development. Currently, Airbus boasts over 3,000 engineers within its design and digital centres, and by the year 2025, this number is anticipated to surge past the 5,000 mark. The MoU was formalized in the presence of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Airbus, a globally renowned aerospace giant, is renowned for its design, manufacturing, and marketing of commercial and military aircraft, including the iconic A320, A330, and A380 series. The company’s scope extends to the production of space-related equipment and boasts a global presence with subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities spread across various nations.

Airbus to Ramp Up Workforce in India with 5,000 New Employees Read More »