Archive: February 22, 2024

Ericsson and Airtel successfully demonstrate 5G FWA functionality on mmWave

Chennai, February 22, 2024: Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Bharti Airtel (Airtel), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers have successfully demonstrated mm-Wave 5G functionality on the Airtel network. Peak speeds of 4.7Gbps were achieved during the testing, demonstrating the applicability of mmWave for high network capacity requirements.

The 5G high-band or millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum is a valuable resource when targeting densely populated urban areas with large numbers of mobile devices, homes, and business areas. The high-band, above 24 gigahertz (GHz) offers an opportunity for Airtel to offer unprecedented peak rates, low latency, and high capacity.

Randeep Singh Sekhon, CTO, of Bharti Airtel says: “The peak throughput experienced during the testing gives us the confidence to deploy mmWave for FWA application. Using FWA customer premises equipment (CPE) supported with 5G mmWave will not only help in delivering greater speeds but will also enable us to cover the large number of users that are not connected so far due to inaccessible fiber connections. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is an efficient and scalable alternative to wired connections.”

Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India says, “With 5G demonstrations on the 26GHz band now underway, this is a significant step in showcasing how mmWave can be scaled and integrated into a commercial mobile network. Our extensive R&D investments have produced in-depth knowledge, experience, and multiple 5G mmWave patents. We possess a leading portfolio in the global 5G mmWave patent landscape and fully own the technology we use.”

Ericsson’s purpose-built hardware and innovative software co-design, powered by Ericsson Silicon, places the company in a unique position to fully maximize the potential of the high-band. Ericsson’s mmWave portfolio for macro and street levels offers Airtel the opportunity to seamlessly bring high-capacity connectivity to urban dwellers using the FWA solution.

According to Ericsson’s FWA handbook 2024 Insights, from 130 million at the end of 2023, FWA connections worldwide are projected to increase to 330 million by the end of 2029. This represents 18 percent of all fixed broadband connections. Of the 330 million projected connections, close to 85 percent are expected to be over 5G. As of November 2023, 50 out of 121 service providers with 5G FWA offerings are in emerging markets.

Nine Indian Designers of MEDUSA Showcased At LONDON FASHION WEEK 2024

Indian fashion made strides globally, propelled by the visionary leadership of MEDUSA. Recently, it enhanced the accolades of MEDUSA’s participation in the London Fashion Week at St Johns Church, 18 Hyde Park Cres, Tyburnia, London W2 2QD, United Kingdom with Fashion Week and the City. This marked MEDUSA’s second appearance at this prestigious event, where Sonal, the CEO led a delegation of nine esteemed Indian designers for both the runway show and exhibition.

The lineup of designers poised to showcase their creations at LFW included:

1.  Gopi Vaid
2.  Harvinder Kaur (Khadi India)
3.  Jigya M
4.  Karn Malhotra
5.  Manzar Hazarika
6.  Mouktika by Padma Swarupa Bhagavatula
7.  Mokaa by Gujjarpuli Tejaswini
8.  Nitin Bal Chauhan
9.  Tanieya Khanuja

The event featured 50 garments for a multi-designer show spanning from February 15-20, with the Indian contingent presenting their designs on February 19th at 3 pm GMT in London under the British Fashion Council Official Calendar listed show schedule.

Sonal Vig, based in Delhi, has curated over 25 million lifestyle exhibitions under the MEDUSA brand. Additionally, she has ventured into the global market with MEDUSA EXIM, facilitating ethical trading and connecting international buyers with local sellers. Speaking about the purpose of participating in the 2024 edition of the prestigious LFW, Sonal said, “The London Fashion Week is a platform that attracts fashion designers, stylists, influencers, marketers, and many more from around the world. It celebrates creativity, originality, and panache! I cannot dream of a better platform to represent Indian fashion in its best form and can only hope that it generates a good amount of publicity for Indian designers, as is deserved.”

Fashion Week & The City Runway, collaborated with MEDUSA on this day, were also brands to reckon with. Their representative, Priyanka Bajaj, also expressed delight at the fact that the LFW 2024 had offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the talented Indian designers. She said, “We are grateful for this chance to showcase the best of Indian clothes and culture on an international platform.”

MEDUSA’s participation at LFW 2024, alongside these nine exceptional designers, was dedicated to the singular mission of garnering global recognition for Indian craftsmanship.

Sustainability 100+ Summit in Karnataka Drives Collaboration and Empowerment for Sustainable Growth

Bengaluru/New Delhi, 22 February 2024: Marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Karnataka, the inaugural Sustainability 100+ Summit, a joint initiative by AB InBev India and Network18, successfully concluded on February 7th. The summit, themed “Sustainable Future through Innovative Strategies in Climate Change and Water Stewardship” brought together prominent voices from government, industry, and civil society to discuss and drive collaborative action on critical sustainability challenges in the state. . Envisioned as a platform for transformative dialogue, the summit’s agenda was meticulously crafted around four crucial pillars: Climate Actions, Smart Agriculture, Water Stewardship, and Circular Packaging

The Karnataka Government, a staunch advocate for sustainability, hailed Sustainability 100+ for its visionary initiative and underscored the pivotal role of unified action in realising our sustainable development goals.

The event featured a distinguished keynote address by the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, who emphasised the importance of collaboration and empowerment for achieving sustainable growth. Mr. Shivakumar said, As far as renewable energy is concerned, we have made a leading effort. We have produced more than 10000 MW of renewable energy in the past two years. Let’s take it forward. Together, Karnataka will be much greener. We want to see that the natural and the nature mix.”

He added, “In our state of Karnataka, we have embarked on numerous initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. From harnessing renewable energy to fostering green agriculture, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, regardless of our partnership with corporate entities. I urge everyone here to embrace the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship by participating in this 100+ Sustainability Awards. This initiative celebrates those making strides in climate action, water stewardship, circular packaging, and smart agriculture.”

Applauding the Sustainability 100+ initiative, the Chief Guest of the summit, Mr LK Atheeq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, shared the initiatives taken by the state government to achieve the sustainability goals. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Our approach to sustainability revolves around four key pillars: energy, transport, water, and waste management.”

He further elaborated, “In energy, Karnataka proudly leads in renewable sources, with 63% of our 32 GW capacity coming from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. In transport, we are spearheading sustainable public transport initiatives, including the introduction of 500 electric vehicles in Bangalore and orders for 1800 electric buses. Solid waste management is a priority, with a systematic campaign promoting waste segregation and recycling. We believe in turning waste into wealth, contributing to a circular economy.”

Uniting in support of a sustainable future, Mr Jan Craps, CEO & Co-Chair, of Budweiser Brewing Company APAC, said, “Our commitment to sustainability in India involves investing in water recharge stations, renewable energy, and farmer collaborations. Our goal is carbon neutrality by 2040, extending across our supply chain.”

Kartikeya Sharma, President, of AB InBev India said, “We take a great amount of pride in our efforts towards agriculture and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of having fully skilled, connected, and financially empowered farmers. These farmers and our operations are at great lengths, but this is where, ultimately, the power of the total ecosystem kicks in. The impact we are creating in one part of India is generating jobs in another part of India, contributing to revenue in a completely disassociated part of India, and that sort of the end to an impact. Our goal is the 2040 net zero objective as far as carbon neutrality is concerned, and that’s what we are working towards.”

Mr Puneet Singhvi, CEO – Digital & President of corporate Strategy at Network18 Media & Investments, emphasized the critical importance of unified action, stating, “Effecting meaningful change necessitates a concerted, collective endeavor. At Network18, we staunchly advocate for the power of collaboration to magnify endeavors and yield impactful solutions. Leveraging our expansive network platforms, we catalyze raising awareness and nurturing dialogue on pressing issues such as sustainability. Teaming up with AB InBev, for Sustainability 100+, our joint mission is to amplify voices, ignite action, and spearhead initiatives that chart the course towards a sustainable and equitable future for all.”

Through its inclusive approach and impactful discussions, the Sustainability 100+ Karnataka State Summit has catalysed momentum for sustainable practices, setting a precedent for collective action and driving positive change in the region.

Season 1 and Season 2 of the Sustainability100+ initiative shed light on India’s diverse landscape, exploring challenges across the sub-continent. The platform emerged as the one-stop knowledge hub to promulgate sustainability information and unite the community to shape a better world. Season 3 aims to build upon the groundwork laid in previous seasons, advancing the discussion and embedding sustainability in the Indian way of life. Launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the central theme of the 2024 edition of Sustainability 100+ is ‘ACT FOR IMPACT’, accentuating the urgency to take action on aspiration for real-world impact.

Haldiram’s Nagpur Brings New Quick Service Restaurant to Begumpet

Hyderabad, 22nd February 2024: Haldiram’s, one of the most trusted and renowned brands in the Indian culinary landscape strengthened its presence in Hyderabad with the launch of its new Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in the vibrant locale of Begumpet. Strategically located at Plot no. 6, S.P. Road circle in Sindhi colony, the newly-launched QSR opened its doors to people following a grand inaugural ceremony.

The new restaurant marks a significant milestone for Haldiram’s as it expands its footprint in Hyderabad, with a total of 10 QSRs in the city. Having unveiled its first QSR in the upscale neighborhood of Begumpet, Haldiram’s has brought its diverse range of dishes, including the restaurant’s standout offering – the South Indian Thali, closer to residents and office-goers in the area. Priced at INR 299, this exclusive South Indian thali offers a tempting array of flavors, including Veg Korma, Beans Poriyal, Lemon Rice, Minute Made Rasam, South Indian Dahi Vada, Appalam, Poori, Curd Rice, and Gulab Jamun. The exquisite thali promises to captivate the discerning palates of the city’s diverse population.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Neeraj Agrawal, Director of Haldiram Foods International Pvt Ltd, said, “Hyderabad remains a key market for Haldiram’s. It’s a city with a rich cultural heritage that combines influences from various parts of India and beyond. The city has a unique blend of traditions and culture that can be seen in its festivals, music, and cuisine. With that in mind, we bring together an experience that is a paradise for foodies and a cuisine that is as diverse as its culture. With a touch of the South in our traditional menu, we bring to our customers a specially curated ‘South Indian Thali’ to entice food enthusiasts in the city. This new QSR, our 10th in Hyderabad, not only caters to the diverse needs of our customers by elevating their dining experience but also strengthens our brand position across India and abroad. We, at Haldiram’s, consistently innovate to serve the evolving customer preferences, and, with the Begumpet QSR, we are poised to become an integral part of the city’s food culture.”

From Chatakedar Chaat & Snacks to mouth-watering Quick Bites, encompassing flavors of North to South, Rice Bowls to Grilled Sandwiches, Haldiram’s latest QSR has got its customers covered. With the modern outlook of vibrant designs accompanied by the extravagance of the space, Begumpet restaurant offers a holistic customer experience to its consumers as they enjoy their favorite Haldiram’s delicacies.

Known for its commitment to quality and taste, Haldiram’s has been a household name for decades, offering an exceptional range of snacks and delectable dishes. The brand strives to honor tradition while innovating to meet changing consumer preferences. The firm’s commitment to delighting customers with quality, taste, and excellence resonates with its new Begumpet QSR, which is poised to become a go-to destination for food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors and exceptional dining experiences.

Skydio and Aeroarc Partner to Advance Support for Government Customers in the Region

SAN MATEO, Calif., February 22, 2024 – Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer, and Aeroarc, India’s premier drone manufacturer, today announced a groundbreaking partnership that expands AI collaboration between the U.S and India by bringing advanced autonomous flight technology to the subcontinent. Through this partnership, Skydio will support Aeroarc in the development, manufacture, deployment, and support of small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) for Indian customers. This announcement coincides with Skydio and Aeroarc’s invitation to speak at and participate in the February meeting of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), a strategic technology partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) to spur defense industrial cooperation between government, business, and academia.

Skydio has a strong record of investment in India’s technology ecosystem, including the establishment last year of an R&D center in Bengaluru. Through its relationship with Aeroarc, Skydio will grow its manufacturing presence in the region, co-develop domain-specific UAS applications, and promote market expansion. The Skydio-Aeroarc collaboration will serve the needs of the Indian Ministry of Defense as well as other global defense customers in the
Indo-Pacific region, supporting the establishment of India as a global hub for advanced defense technology.

“As the largest manufacturer of small uncrewed aircraft systems outside of China, we’re excited to continue our investment in India and partner with Aeroarc on critical, dual-use products and capabilities that help allied nations in the Indo-Pacific region deter conflict and protect troops,” said Adam Bry, CEO and co-founder of Skydio. “We support the objectives of the INDUS-X partnership and believe autonomous drone technology is central to the future of India’s defense innovation strategy.”

“Our partnership symbolizes the strengthening defense & technological ties between India and the United States. Aligned with our Prime Ministers’ “Make in India for the World” initiative, Skydio & Aeroarc will locally manufacture state-of-the-art drones, catering to both domestic and international markets,” said Arjun Aggarwal, Managing Director of Aeroarc Pvt Ltd. “This will amplify India’s role in the global defense supply chain and enhance the resilience of both nations against supply disruptions, as recently seen due to situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.”

Skydio’s partnership with Aeroarc aligns with broader U.S.-India strategic goals announced by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi in the January 2023 initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). iCET aims to deepen cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, strengthen mutual defense ties, and accelerate the U.S. and India’s innovation ecosystem.

Skydio provides drone solutions to over 1,900 corporations and government agencies including every branch of the US military and numerous allied countries. Skydio remains the solution provider of record for the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance program, which it won in November 2021, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps Short Range Short Endurance program which it won in 2021.

Skydio recently debuted its newest drones, the Skydio X10 for commercial enterprises and the Skydio X10D for defense and other government applications. The Skydio X10 platform combines cutting-edge sensors, autonomy, and airframe design to serve a range of industries including defense, public safety, and energy utilities. The Skydio X10D is an offline variant that provides superior performance in tactical environments and is the first sUAS capable of 24/7 operations with its revolutionary NightSense technology, enabling autonomous
obstacle avoidance in zero-light environments. It is also the first small UAS to integrate a FLIR Boson+ sensor, achieving the category’s highest thermal imaging quality and more accurate radiometric readings to improve operational outcomes at any time day or night.

Unleash the Musical Night at Mindspace, SOCIAL

Prepare for an exhilarating adventure this weekend at Mindspace, SOCIAL, Hyderabad, as we gear up for an unforgettable Anjunadeep extravaganza! Get ready to immerse yourself in an experience that will mesmerize your senses and ignite your inner soul fire. With an unmatched array of talent, anticipate vibrant rhythms and captivating melodies that will elevate you to a state of pure musical bliss.

Prepare to be enchanted as Anjunadeep takes centre stage, weaving a tapestry of sonic wonder that defies convention and transcends boundaries. From the moment you step foot into the venue, you’ll be swept away on a mesmerizing journey through soundscapes that resonate with the very essence of your being. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in a realm where music reigns supreme and every note is a testament to the power of human expression.

Don’t let this extraordinary opportunity pass you by. Secure your spot at the hottest event in town and join us for a night of pure magic and unbridled passion. Grab your tickets and prepare to witness the convergence of artistry, energy, and emotion in an Anjunadeep experience like no other.

Date: 23rd February 2024 (Friday)

Time: 06.00 PM onwards

Place: SOCIAL ROCKS, Building No.9, Mindspace, Hitech City, Hyderabad-500081. TELANGANA