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  • Optimizing Facial Recognition for All: Bridging Technology and Accessibility

    Facial Recognition

    In today’s digital era, facial recognition technology, traditionally linked with high-end devices, is undergoing a revolutionary shift. Avtar Singh, an expert in resource-constrained computing and mobile vision, has developed an innovative framework that bridges the technological divide. This groundbreaking solution brings facial recognition capabilities to low-end devices, ensuring accessibility for broader audiences while maintaining high standards of accuracy and performance.

    Revolutionizing Algorithm Efficiency

    Traditional facial recognition systems often demand computational resources beyond the reach of budget-friendly devices. A novel approach addresses this challenge by leveraging algorithmic simplification inspired by efficient object detection frameworks. By optimizing feature extraction and detection processes, memory usage is reduced from 250MB to approximately 110MB. Advanced techniques such as model pruning and architecture scaling achieve a 70% reduction in computational demands while maintaining over 93% accuracy. This innovation enables the integration of facial recognition technology into devices previously deemed unsuitable.

    Smart Frame Processing for Real-Time Performance

    Real-time facial recognition on low-end hardware is challenging. A novel grid-based prediction system optimizes resources by selectively processing every third frame at full resolution, with intermediate frames interpolated. This approach reduces response times to an average of 156ms, significantly outperforming traditional methods. The multi-scale strategy focuses on high-confidence detection regions, achieving a balance between accuracy and speed, making it ideal for resource-constrained environments.

    Harnessing the Power of Hybrid Cloud-Edge Computing

    The framework seamlessly integrates local device processing with cloud computing to optimize workload distribution. Facial detection is handled locally to minimize initial computational demands, while complex feature extraction tasks are offloaded to cloud servers. By transmitting compressed feature maps instead of raw images, the system reduces bandwidth usage by 80%, enhancing efficiency. This hybrid approach ensures consistent performance even under varying network conditions and maintains low latency, with processing delays kept under 250ms, providing a robust solution for real-time applications.

    Energy-Efficient Innovations

    Energy consumption is a critical concern for low-end devices, as continuous facial recognition operations can quickly drain battery life. This challenge is addressed through dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) combined with optimized cache utilization, reducing energy consumption per inference to just 12mJ and significantly extending device operational lifespan. Furthermore, intelligent workload scheduling prevents thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance over prolonged usage periods while maintaining energy efficiency and device reliability.

    Real-World Applications and Testing

    The proposed framework has undergone extensive testing on resource-constrained devices, including processors clocked at 1.1 GHz to 2.0 GHz and RAM capacities between 1GB and 3GB. Demonstrating consistent accuracy rates exceeding 90% and inference times between 155ms and 180ms, the results underscore its efficiency and reliability. These advancements pave the way for deploying sophisticated AI solutions in emerging markets, where low-end devices are prevalent, bridging technological disparities and enabling access to cutting-edge technology in underserved regions.

    A Blueprint for Responsible AI

    As facial recognition technology becomes more accessible, ethical considerations like data privacy and algorithmic accountability become increasingly important. A three-tier privacy framework ensures robust protection for user data, emphasizing a responsible approach to technology. This model not only democratizes access to advanced capabilities but also establishes a standard for balancing innovation with societal responsibilities, fostering trust and accountability in its implementation.

    In conclusion, Avtar Singh‘s groundbreaking research revolutionizes facial recognition technology by enhancing accessibility and global impact. Through optimized algorithms, hybrid cloud-edge computing, and energy-efficient designs, this innovative framework overcomes barriers like cost and resource constraints. By addressing these challenges, it fosters inclusivity and bridges the digital divide, ensuring advanced AI technologies benefit diverse communities worldwide. This approach not only promotes equitable technological progress but also creates transformative impacts, improving lives and enabling meaningful advancements across various global contexts.

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  • JAGSoM Appoints Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad as Director to Lead the Future of Tech-Integrated Business Education

    23rd December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India The Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), a premier institution in innovative business education, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad as its new Director, effective December 15, 2024. A distinguished academic and industry leader, Dr. Sunkad brings extensive experience in driving innovative advancements in artificial intelligence, data science, the Internet of Things, and applied research. His expertise will further elevate JAGSoM’s position as a global leader in technology-driven management education.

    This appointment reflects JAGSoM’s forward-thinking approach to business education, led by its Chairman, and renowned management thinker Prof. Jagdish Sheth. The institution aims to integrate emerging technologies like Data Science, AI, and ML into management training, preparing leaders for the evolving global business landscape.

    Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Sheth, JAGSoM has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation, offering pioneering programs such as Learning by Solving, Design Thinking, Research Incubation, and Role-Defined Career Tracks. These initiatives are designed to foster “T-shaped professionals” who possess specialized knowledge combined with interdisciplinary skills, equipping them for the demands of Industry 4.0.

    Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad, a distinguished thought leader and technologist, is uniquely positioned to drive this mission forward. With an extensive career spanning leadership roles in global multinational corporations and academia, Dr. Sunkad has been at the forefront of advancements in AI, 5G innovation, and cloud-based solutions. As a former Professor and Dean of Academic and International Relations at upGrad INSOFE, he co-developed global programs for both engineers and senior management professionals, and has collaborated extensively with Fortune 500 companies. His expertise in bridging the gap between academia and industry aligns perfectly with JAGSoM’s commitment to emerging technologies and experiential learning.

    Dr. Sunkad brings over 20 years of global leadership experience in the AI, IoT, and telecom industries, marked by impactful contributions at esteemed organizations such as Vodafone India, Mobileum India, Viasat USA, CableLabs USA, and ADC Mobile Systems USA. Renowned internationally for his applied research and innovation, Dr. Sunkad’s strategic vision for education aligns seamlessly with JAGSoM’s commitment to globalization. His efforts further strengthen the institution’s AACSB accreditation and enhance its standing in the QS Global Rankings.

    Dr. Sunkad holds a Master’s degree from the University of Texas, a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, and an Executive MBA from the University of Denver. He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being named one of the “Top 50 Cable Technologists in the USA” by Cable Today magazine for his outstanding contributions to the industry and the Distinguished Professor Award by AIM magazine.

    Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad stated: “It is an honour to lead JAGSoM during this transformative era. As we embark on a new era of business education, it’s imperative to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and data science into our curriculum, we can empower our students to become innovative leaders who can shape the future of business. Let’s embrace this opportunity to transform our institution into a global hub for tech-savvy, future-ready business leaders who can navigate complex business challenges with a blend of traditional management principles and modern technological solutions.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Padode, Founder of JAGSoM, expressed confidence in Dr. Sunkad’s leadership, stating: “Dr. Sunkad’s extensive experience in blending technology with management education positions him as the ideal leader for JAGSoM. His appointment underscores our commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills, fostering professional excellence, and driving meaningful societal impact.”

  • Naxatra Labs raises Seed Round to advance EV motor technology • EVreporter

    Naxatra Labs, a company specializing in electric vehicle motor technology, has secured Seed capital in a round led by GVFL, Mohit Tandon (Founder, Delhivery), and Himanshu Aggarwal (Founder, Aspiring Minds). Other investors in the round include Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter Foundation, Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Founder, Paytm), Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar (Co-founders, Ixigo), Narayan (Ather Energy), and Sunil Kalra, among others.

    Naxatra Labs focuses on the development of axial and radial flux motor technology for electric vehicles, agricultural machines, and power tools. With over four years of research focused on Indian driving conditions, the company has built and tested several motor variants, all produced in India. Naxatra Labs is in the process of setting up a production facility in Ahmedabad.

    “We are excited to invest in Naxatra Labs, their focus is on lightweight and advanced motor technologies for local driving conditions. Their commitment to manufacture in India positions them as a key differentiator in the ecosystem. At GVFL, we are dedicated to supporting early-stage companies with scalable, sustainable technologies, and look forward to helping Naxatra Labs transform the future of electric mobility.” Said Mihir Joshi, MD at GVFL.

    “India is making extraordinary strides in EV adoption. With favourable govt initiatives – Naxatra is primed to take the lead in building a motor technology company for Indian conditions. The team has demonstrated superior execution in technology development and these funds will help them further innovate and establish production capacity to serve the growing demand,” said Mohit Tandon, Founder Delhivery.

    “We are thrilled to welcome all value-adding investors to Naxatra Labs. This infusion of capital and insight from experienced partners will catalyse our vision of transforming the Indian deeptech scenario with homegrown technology and mass production capacity.” said Abhilash, CEO and Co-founder of Naxatra Labs.

    Naxatra Labs is expanding its R&D and production teams to enhance its capabilities. The company is receiving growing international interest in its products and is working on certifying its offerings to comply with global standards.

    Also read: Naxatra Labs launches Axial Flux motors for EVs | Benefits of Axial Flux motors over Radial Flux

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  • What did India Listen to in 2024? Amazon’s Audible Reveals Best of 2024 List

    23rd December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Audible, an Amazon company and a leading global provider of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, released its lists of Most Listened To content, across genres and formats (podcasts and audiobooks) for the year 2024 on Audible’s service in India.

    11 Rules for Life by renowned author Chetan Bhagat, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari, and Make Epic Money by Ankur Warikoo stood out among the Most Popular Newly Released Audiobooks in 2024 while George Orwell’s 1984 narrated by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Andrew Scott, and Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine (Hindi Edition) featuring Sharad Kelkar, Mithila Palkar and Neelam Kothari Soni ranked high among the Most Popular Newly Released Original & Exclusive Podcasts.

    Among the Most Popular Audiobooks in 2024, returning favourites that captured listeners’ attention all year were Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, and The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness among others. These titles not only dominated the charts throughout 2024 but have also consistently ranked among the top for the past four years, keeping listeners hooked and inspired year after year. Among Most Popular Podcasts in 2024 were Kama Sutra, and Kaali Awaazein brought to life by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan!

    Below is the list of most-listened genres and categories on Audible’s service in India in 2024. For the full list of titles, refer to the appendix. *

    • Science Fiction & Fantasy was the most-listened-to genre among members with fan-favourite audiobooks such as the Harry Potter series (Book 1, Book 3, and Book 4), Mythos, and Dune drawing listeners into imaginative and fantastical worlds, re-affirming the genre’s timeless appeal.
    • Close behind was Literature & Fiction spanning a variety of sub-categories like Romance, Mysteries & Thrillers, among others, featuring popular audiobooks and podcasts—including Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection, The Alchemist, Woh Kaun Thi?, Malang Ishq, The Girl in Room 105 (Hindi)—that continue to strike a chord with a broad and diverse audience.
    • Debuting among the most-listened-to sub-genres among the larger Self-Development category were Parenting & Relationships and Business and Careers, reflecting a growing focus on personal growth and self-development. Popular titles like Ikigai, and Thinking, Fast and Slow are hit audiobooks in the category while Secrets of Good Health (Season 2) and Corporate Chanakya are among the popular podcasts.
    • Following the introduction of the Kids Profile feature on Audible, Children’s Audiobooks emerged as a much-loved category, with “edutainment” titles capturing the imagination of children and their parents alike. Harry Potter series (Book 2, Book 5, Book 6, and Book 7), Panchatantra, and Disney’s Frozen: Olaf’s Quest are popular titles in this category, fostering a shared family experience.
    • Rounding off the top genres is Religion & Spirituality, a perennial favourite among Indian listeners. Popular titles include audiobooks such as Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition), and Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition), among others along with podcasts like Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath and The Stories of Mahabharata to name a few.

    Karen Appathurai Wiggins, Head of Content, APAC Audible, said, “Reflecting on another remarkable year at Audible, we are truly inspired by how deeply storytelling continues to resonate with our audiences in India. It’s equally exciting to witness their openness to exploring diverse genres as listening preferences continue to evolve. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering—to curate unparalleled audio experiences that engage, entertain, and inspire. With the penultimate goal of making knowledge and literature accessible to Indians, we are striving toward building a library that celebrates the power of storytelling, offering a rich and diverse collection of audiobooks and podcasts with something for everyone.”

    APPENDIX

    * Check out all the Top 5 Most Listened to categories below #AudibleStats2024:

    AUDIOBOOKS –

    • Top 5 Most Popular Audiobooks in 2024
    • Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (Unabridged)
    • The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (Unabridged)
    • Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
    • How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (Unabridged)
    • Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)

    Top 5 Newly Released Audiobooks in 2024

    • 11 Rules for Life: Secrets to Level Up (Unabridged)
    • Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI (Unabridged)
    • Make Epic Money (Unabridged)
    • Shrimad-Bhagavad Geeta (Hindi Edition): Voice of Krishna (Unabridged)
    • Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy (Unabridged)

    Top 5 Religion and Spirituality Audiobooks

    • Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
    • Valmiki Ramayan (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
    • Shiv Puran (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
    • Mahabharat Katha [Mahabharata Story] (Unabridged)
    • Kautilya Arthshastra (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)

    Top 5 Kids Listens

    • Panchatantra (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
    • The Blue Umbrella (Unabridged)
    • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Book 1 (Unabridged)
    • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Book 2 (Unabridged)
    • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Book 4 (Unabridged)

    Top 5 Self-Help Audiobooks

    • Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (Unabridged)
    • The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (Unabridged)
    • How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (Unabridged)
    • 48 Laws of Power (Unabridged)
    • Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (Unabridged)

    Top 5 Action & Adventure Audiobooks

    • Twisted Love: Twisted, Book 1 (Unabridged)
    • The Guy Next Door (Hindi Edition)
    • George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original adaptation
    • Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu: Kalki Trilogy, Book 1 (Unabridged)
    • Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection (Unabridged)

    PODCASTS

    Top 5 Most Popular Originals & Exclusive Podcasts in 2024

    • Kama Sutra
    • Kaali Awaazein
    • Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath
    • Vikram Betaal
    • Mahabharat ke 25 Aanjaan Patra

    Top 5 Most Popular Newly Released Original & Exclusive Podcasts in 2024

    • George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original adaptation
    • The Girl in Room 105 (Hindi Edition)
    • Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine (Hindi Edition)
    • Veda 360 Degrees: Deep Dive into the Foundation of Sanatan Dharma (Hindi Edition) (Unabridged)
    • Suno Mahabharat Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath (Listen to Mahabharata with Devdutt Pattanaik)

    Top 5 Wellness & Self-Help Podcasts

    • Kama Sutra
    • Chanakya for Youth
    • Secrets of Good Health Season 2
    • Corporate Chanakya (English)
    • Secrets of Good Health

    Top 5 Mythology Podcasts

    • Shiv Purana Devdutt Pattanaik Ke Saath
    • The Stories of Mahabharata
    • Shree Bhagavad Gita As It Is
    • Mahabharat ke 25 Aanjaan Patra
    • Shrimad-Bhagavad Geeta: Voice of Krishna

    Top 5 Drama & Romance Podcasts

    • Permanent Roommates: He Said, She Said
    • Ravan Rising
    • Thriller Factory
    • Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord (Hindi Edition)
    • Little Things: Jab Dhruv Met Kavya, Season 1

    Top 5 Action & Adventure Podcasts

    • Kaali Awaazein
    • Vikram Betaal
    • Bhoot Kaal
    • Bhoot Kaal with Neelesh Misra, Season 2
    • Baby Doll


    Rabindra

  • Sanjeevani Yojana Registration started Today – Know eligibility, process, benefits

    Sanjeevani Yojana: The Delhi government has launched Sanjeevani Yojana for senior citizens, which will provide free health services to Delhiites aged 60 years and above.

    The registration for this scheme has started from today and under this, senior citizens will get treatment facility without any cost. The aim of this scheme is to free the senior citizens of Delhi from any kind of worry related to medical services.

    – Advertisement –

    Benefits of Sanjeevani Yojana

    • Free health services: Under the scheme, senior citizens aged 60 years and above will get free treatment in government and private hospitals. This will include all medical services from general health checkup to treatment of serious diseases.
    • No limit on medical expenses: There is no maximum limit on medical expenses under this scheme. Due to which senior citizens will not have to bear any financial burden even in the treatment of serious diseases.

    Application process for Sanjeevani Yojana

    The registration process for Sanjeevani Yojana has started today, Monday, 23 December. The Delhi government team will go door-to-door to register senior citizens. In this process, senior citizens will not have to stand in any kind of line and the entire process will be easy and convenient. After registration, they will be provided a card which they can show in hospitals and avail the services.

    Some documents for registration

    • Aadhar card
    • Voter ID
    • PAN card
    • Bank account statement
    • Address Proof (Electricity bill, water bill or ration card etc.)

    Through these documents, the application for the scheme will be accepted and after that the verification process will take place. After registration, your documents will be verified. If the verification is found correct, then you will get the benefit of the scheme and you will get a notification.

    Eligibility for Sanjeevani Yojana

    • Age: Citizens aged 60 years and above will get the benefit of this scheme.
    • Residence: Permanent residents of Delhi will be eligible for the benefits of this scheme.
    • Financial status: There is no income limit for this scheme. All senior citizens can avail the benefits of this scheme, irrespective of their financial status.

    Purpose of Sanjeevani Yojana

    The aim of Sanjeevani Yojana is to free the senior citizens of Delhi from the financial burden of medical services. This scheme has been implemented with the aim of making health services accessible to every person, so that senior citizens do not face any problem in taking care of their health. Along with this, this scheme will also be a cause of relief for those senior citizens who were once deprived of health services due to the expenses of treatment.

    What is Sanjeevani Yojana?

    Sanjivani Yojana is a scheme launched by the Delhi Government for senior citizens, which provides free healthcare services to citizens aged 60 years and above.

    What health services will be provided under this scheme?

    Under this scheme, free treatment facility will be available in government and private hospitals, which includes general health checkup as well as treatment of serious diseases.

    Is there any expense limit for treatment under this scheme?

    No, there is no maximum expenditure limit for treatment under Sanjeevani Yojana. Senior citizens will not have to bear any financial burden even for the treatment of serious diseases.

    What is the registration process?

    Registration has started today and it will be done door-to-door. Senior citizens will not have to stand in any line. After registration, they will be given a card, which they can show in hospitals and avail services.

    What documents will be required for registration?

    • Aadhar Card
    • Voter ID Card
    • PAN Card
      Bank Account Details
    • Address Proof (Electricity Bill, Water Bill or Ration Card)

    Are there any age and residence conditions for this scheme?

    Yes, the benefit of this scheme will be available only to citizens aged 60 years and above. Also, this scheme is available for permanent residents of Delhi.

    Is there any income limit prescribed for this scheme?

    No, there is no income limit for this scheme. All senior citizens can avail the benefits of this scheme, irrespective of their financial status.

    When will the benefits of the scheme be available after registration?

    After registration and verification, you will receive a notification, and then you will be able to avail free health services under this scheme.

    What is the objective of this scheme?

    The main objective of this scheme is to free the senior citizens of Delhi from the financial burden for medical services and provide them quality health services.


    – Advertisement –

  • Is your affiliate program hurting your brand?

    Is your affiliate program hurting your brand?

    An affiliate program is great for many companies. These helpful partners are bringing in sales, growing your brand and boosting the revenue. However, it might be the case that some of these partners are secretly – and perhaps accidentally – hurting your brand.

    Affiliate marketing seems simple enough: your affiliates help sell your products by promoting them independently and getting a commission for each resulting sale and a win-win situation. However, they might be inadvertently doing something that is a net negative: brand bidding.

    Your affiliate competitors

    To show how affiliates might be hurting your brand, imagine this: a customer types your brand name into Google, ready to buy something from you. However, rather than finding your official website first, they instead see a link from an affiliate. They use that link rather than your own, costing you not just the advertising fee – since most companies bid on their own brand name – but also the commission and all that for a customer who was already actively trying to find your website.

    This is where the risk with affiliate marketing lies. The win-win scenario quickly turns into a costly exercise, making you pay extra for marketing costs and affiliate commissions.

    Lose-lose… Lose?

    The worst part is that there are more financial consequences: advertising costs over time will rise even further because more people bidding on your brand name, as your affiliates are doing, drive up the price for a successful bid, cutting into your advertising budget even further over time.

    Many business owners don’t realise this is happening until marketing costs steadily increase or notice a drop in direct sales. This can be a silent drain over time, as it is unlikely to be immediately noticeable. Besides, sales are still coming in, just through more expensive channels than necessary.

    Damage to brand name

    This battle between you and your affiliates is not just about immediate financial impact. When affiliates start bidding on your brand name, other problems begin to arise as well: customer confusion, market position erosion and data issues.

    When customers start seeing multiple ads and paths to your websites, this creates unnecessary uncertainty and decreases satisfaction in their customer journey. Instead of a straightforward road to your product, they suddenly see multiple options, each claiming to be you and your products, potentially even with different prices and promotions. It is easy to see how this might create unneeded wariness in the minds of consumers.

    Market position erosion is another critical problem that starts to come up: when a simple search for your brand turns into a variety of options, consumer mindset shifts rapidly. Customers who were initially committed to buying from you might start wondering why there are so many different sellers. This shifts their mindset from “I want this specific brand” to “Let me check all my options.”

    Finally, as more and more customers start to come in through your affiliates rather than your own advertising, you start losing important data about their buying journey, making it harder to determine what is and what is not working for your brand. Plus, you have less control over how your brand is being found and perceived.

    Red flags to spot

    There are several key signals that might indicate your partnerships are causing more harm than good.

    First, watch your advertising costs closely. If you’re suddenly paying significantly more for your brand terms without changing your bidding strategy, this could mean affiliates are driving up prices by competing for the same keywords.

    Another pattern to track closely is your traffic data. If affiliate sales start to increase but direct website traffic stays stagnant, this could be a clear sign that traffic cannibalization is occurring.

    Finally, try searching for your own brand name! This may sound too easy to be true, but if you put your own brand name in the search engine and spot ads with it by others, you have instantly found the problem.

    Protecting your brand effectively

    The good news is that there are tools at your disposal to address these issues. Clear affiliate guidelines and regular program audits are essential first steps. Additionally, modern brand bidding monitoring tools can help track how your brand terms are used in online advertising. Many companies are implementing such monitoring systems to maintain better control over their affiliate programs and protect their online brand presence.

    Conclusion

    Affiliate marketing is a brilliant and useful way to grow your business. However, making sure that these partnerships work as intended and truly add value rather than intercept existing customers is key. By keeping careful watch and monitoring how your brand is being advertised online is crucial.

    Remember: your brand name is one of your most valuable assets. A successful affiliate program should enhance this value, not compromise it. With the right monitoring systems and clear guidelines in place, you can build profitable affiliate partnerships while keeping your brand strong and your marketing costs under control.


    Neel Achary

  • Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal dies, aged 90

    Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with films such as “Ankur”, “Nishant” and “Manthan”, died on Monday, December 23, his daughter Pia said. Benegal was 90.

    Shyam Benegal. Photo courtesy: x.com/shekharkapur
    Shyam Benegal. Photo courtesy: x.com/shekharkapur

    The filmmaker passed away at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease, Pia Benegal told PTI.

    “He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death,” she said.

    Wockhardt Hospital sources said Benegal had been admitted in the ICU.

    In his prolific career, Benegal made films on diverse issues, documentaries and television serials, including “Bharat Ek Khoj” and “Samvidhaan”. He had celebrated his 90th birthday just 10 days ago on December 14.

    The director told PTI on the occasion that he had to frequently visit the hospital and was on dialysis.

    Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal and daughter Pia.

    His films include “Bhumika”, “Junoon”, “Mandi”, “Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda”, “Mammo” and “Sardari Begum”, most counted as classics in Hindi cinema.

    The director’s most recent work was the 2023 biographical “Mujib: The Making of a Nation”.

    Reactions

    Following Benegal’s death, many renowned people, ranging from film industry insiders to politicians, took to social media to condole the loss.

  • Indian Stock Market: Nifty, Sensex open in green amid positive mixed global cues

    Sensex trades higher on strong global cues

    Indian market opens in green amid positive mixed global cuesIANS

    The Indian stock market jumped more than 600 points in early trade on Monday amid positive mixed global cues.

    At around 9:29 am, Sensex was trading at 78,665.83 after gaining 624.24 points or 0.80 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 23,773.45 after gaining 185.95 points or 0.79 per cent.

    The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,223 stocks were trading in green, while 494 stocks were in red.

    According to experts, in the short run, there will be market rebounds which may be followed by renewed FII selling.

    “A sustained rally is possible only when we have indications of a growth revival in the economy. This is likely in early 2025.,” they said.

    Sensex snaps five-day losing streak, Nifty closes above 24,300

    Market trend remained positiveIANS

    Nifty Bank was up 415.45 points or 0.82 per cent at 51,174.65. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 57,266.45 after gaining 359.70 points or 0.63 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 18,797.25 after adding 82.95 points or 0.44 per cent.

    On the sectoral front, buying was seen in metal, realty, commodities, IT, auto, PSU Bank, Financial service, FMCG, and Pharma sectors.

    In the Sensex pack, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel were the top gainers. Whereas, Zomato and NTPC were the top losers.

    The Dow Jones closed in the last trading session at 42,840.26 after gaining 1.18 per cent. The S&P 500 added 1.09 per cent to 5,930.90 and the Nasdaq gained 1.03 per cent to close at 19,572.60.

    In the Asian markets, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Jakarta, Bangkok and Seoul were trading in green.

    “The FII buying witnessed in early December completely reversed last week with FII selling of Rs 15826 crores. The outperformance of the US (S&P 500 up 25 per cent year to date) and the relative underperformance of India (Nifty up 14.64 per cent year to date) are driving this change in FII strategy,” said experts.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 3,597.82 crore on December 20, while domestic institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 1,374.37 crore on the same day.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Honda & Nissan Merge to Create World’s Third Largest Auto Manufacturer

    Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have decided to merge their businesses to create the world’s third-largest automaker. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today. However, the announcement marks a significant shift in the industry, as the merger prompts a shift from fossil fuels to embrace electrification.

    Mitsubishi also joined the alliance to integrate its business with Honda and Nissan. If the alliance finalisies, the group would just be behind Toyota and Volkswagen in global vehicle sales. This will also pave the way for the group to compete with Tesla and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

    Based on the current market capitalisation of the three automobile manufacturers, the merger would create a combined entity worth $50 billion.

    Notably, the trio is expected to produce 8 million vehicles on an annual basis. Toyota is Japan’s largest automaker producing close to 11.5 million vehicles in 2023. While Honda produced 4 million vehicles last year, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors accounted for 3.4 million units and 1 million respectively.

  • JU 2024 National Art Exhibition and Camp Kicks Off at Jain University

    23rd Decem ber 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Jain University, in collaboration with Jain School of Design and Shantamani Kala Kendra, successfully commenced the JU 2024 National Art Exhibition and Camp, a groundbreaking initiative celebrating the transformative power of art. The camp is underway at 24 Divine Live Art Gallery, School of design, media and creative arts, JAIN (Deemed- to-be- University), Bengaluru from 22nd to 24th December.

    Bringing together 60 artists from various corners of India, the event will feature 100 unique art forms and numerous live art demonstrations across three days of artistic immersion. The thematic focus on Karnataka will emphasise art’s role in uniting communities and fostering cultural and economic development.

    The day one of the event was graced by luminaries like Shri Vijay Achrekar, Renowned Artist from Mumbai; Shri Krishna Setty, Eminent Artist from Bengaluru; Shri Srinivasulu IFS, Commissioner, Ayush Department; and Shri Pa Sa Kumar, Senior Artist and Chairman, Karnataka Lalita Kala Akademi.

    Highlighting the initiative’s purpose, Dr. Chenraj Roychand, Chancellor of Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) said, “This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between art, society and economic growth, establishing Jain University as a beacon for cultural innovation.”

    Avinash D Kate, Dean of Art and Design at Shantamani Kala Kendra, said, “The JU 2024 National Art Exhibition and Camp is a milestone in our commitment to fostering creativity. By showcasing Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage and including participants from the North East, we celebrate India’s cultural diversity and artistic brilliance.”

    Inaugurating the camp, Shri C.S. Krishna Shetty, a National Award-winning artist and former Chairman of the Central Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi, emphasized the transformative power of art in fostering unity and bridging societal divides. He highlighted the importance of students harnessing their innate artistic talents to express their emotions and showcase their creativity.

    One of the standout participants at the Art Camp is Mr. Rajendar Amkam from Solapur, celebrated for his distinctive weaving art that transforms into mesmerizing portraits. A self-taught artist, Mr. Amkam has received a National Award, two Maharashtra State Awards, and six district-level honours. His exceptional work has been exhibited internationally in Australia and France, as well as at the prestigious “Make in India” initiative, where it garnered acclaim from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Sweden.

    The event will not only celebrate artistic heritage but also empower artists through recognition and economic opportunities. Attendees left inspired by the unique cultural and artistic narratives presented.