Tag: technology

  • Chitra Sabapathy Ranganathan – Revolutionizing Tech Transformation & Digital Innovation

    Chitra Sabapathy Ranganathan

    Chitra Sabapathy Ranganathan

    Overview of Chitra Sabapathy Ranganathan’s Two-Decade Journey in Business Technology

    In the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation, Chitra Sabapathy Ranganathan stands as a visionary leader, contributing more than two decades of expertise to shape the future of business technology. With a comprehensive portfolio covering Digital Transformation Strategy, CoE & CoP Setup, Enterprise Architecture, and Data & Analytics Innovation, Saba has become a driving force in technology and innovation. His remarkable career of over 24 years reflects consistent prowess in consulting, conceptualization, and delivery of robust and scalable systems. His expertise spans Business Intelligence, Cloud, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Advanced Analytics, and Blockchain.

    Visionary Leadership and Milestones in Digital Transformation:

    Saba’s influence goes beyond traditional roles, actively fostering a user-centric mindset among cloud architects through Design Thinking. Tasked with iterating through the design thinking process, he ensures digital solutions not only meet technological standards but also address real-world user needs. Proficient in Cloud modernization, DevOps, Data Engineering, and CX/UX enhancement solutions, Saba’s expertise spans sectors like Finance, Healthcare, Logistics, Mining, and Automobile, leading AI/ML-led transformations, intelligent automation, and sector-specific solutions.

    Driving Success Across Industries: R&D, CoE, and Project Implementation:

    Saba played a crucial role in consulting and leading R&D efforts, establishing CoEs for Cloud, Data, Analytics, and Business Intelligence. Beyond technical leadership, he maintained CXO-level customer relationships, steering transformative projects across various industries. From reengineering delivery supply chains to migrating customer analytics platforms, Saba’s innovative approach led to successful multi-million-dollar project implementations.

    Expertise in Business Intelligence, Cloud, and Emerging Technologies:

    Saba’s professional journey showcases an unwavering commitment to pushing technological boundaries. His leadership steers businesses through the complex terrain of digital evolution, earning recognition as a driving force in technology and innovation. Beyond technical proficiency, Saba’s unique blend of skills encompasses strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, establishing him as a revered figure in the field.

    Academic Achievements: Commitment to Continuous Learning:

    Saba holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University and a Post Graduate Executive Program in Management from the Great Lakes Institute of Management. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through publications, patents, and authored books, contributing significantly to academic and industry discourse. Saba’s diverse skill set includes Design Thinking, Technical Consulting, Cloud computing, Data Engineering, Data Science (Machine Learning, Gen AI), Program Management, Product Management, Agile, Budgeting and Resource Management, Risk Assessment, Mitigation, Team Leadership and Development, and Cross-Functional Collaboration
    .
    Industry Participation: Publications, Patents, and Authored Books:

    Saba holds several patents, including an efficient deep belief networks architecture for malware detection in Android devices, ensemble learning for efficient human activity recognition, enhanced machine learning framework for natural language processing, intelligent decision support system using machine learning algorithms, and human interactive robot. He authored books on GPU Computing, Deep and Reinforcement Learning Networks and Methods, Introduction to Machine Learning Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Software Architecture with DevOps And Microservices, and Computer Vision. He contributed research papers in international conferences on Cloud Computing, Machine Learning, IoT, Data Engineering, and Data Science.

    Membership in Renowned Organizations:

    Saba is an exemplary Project Management Professional, contributing to the Open Group Enterprise Architecture and participating in renowned organizations like the Association of Enterprise Architects (AEA). As a Senior Member in the IEEE and a Fellow Member in the IIPE, UNISEC, and the Royal Society of Arts, he showcases dedication to advancing technology globally.

    Data-Driven Decision-Making Initiatives: Transformation in Financial Markets, Mining and Logistics Network Optimization:

    Saba orchestrated transformative initiatives, leading the digital transformation of stock exchange indexes in the US markets. He played a pivotal role in redefining technological infrastructure for financial markets and fostered a data-driven approach, revolutionizing decision-making in mining operations. His efforts optimized mining operations and logistics networks, seamlessly integrating predictive maintenance strategies for diverse fleets, enhancing operational efficiency, and extending asset lifespan.

    Conclusion: Transformative Leadership in Technology and Business:

    Chitra Sabapathy Ranganathan’s accomplishments embody transformative leadership, navigating financial markets and redefining the mining industry’s operational paradigms. His journey signifies leveraging technology for strategic advantage, resulting in sustainable, data-informed decision-making processes across sectors. A forefront digital pioneer, Saba leaves an indelible mark on the technology and business landscape, inspiring future leaders with his commitment to innovation and strategic leadership.

  • Mansavi Arya: Using interoperability and data sharing to improve healthcare delivery

    Mansavi Arya

    Mansavi Arya

    The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, with technological innovations reshaping the industry, and the role of interoperability and data sharing among healthcare entities has become pivotal. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Manasvi Arya, a healthcare technology leader with a profound vision for a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.

    Interoperability, the ability of different healthcare systems and applications to exchange and use information seamlessly, has the potential to revolutionise patient care. Manasvi Arya, who is currently serving as the Manager of Data and Analytics at PCGI Consulting, understands the critical role that interoperability plays in enhancing healthcare outcomes.

    To Arya, one of the key advantages of interoperability highlighted is the improvement in continuity of care. In a world where patients often receive treatment from multiple providers, having a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history is paramount and can be life-saving. Interoperability also allows healthcare professionals to access and share crucial patient data across various systems, leading to better-informed decisions and a more holistic approach to patient care.

    Arya recognises that easy access to complete medical records can significantly reduce errors and avoid duplication of tests and procedures. Armed with comprehensive and up-to-date information, healthcare providers and health facilities in the ecosystem can make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes.
    Interoperability empowers patients by giving them control over their health information. Arya emphasises that patients can actively participate in their care decisions when they can easily share their medical history with different healthcare providers. This collaborative approach fosters a stronger doctor-patient relationship and encourages patients to take active roles in managing their health.

    Efficient coordination of patient care
    In emergencies, quick access to critical patient information can be lifesaving. Arya highlights that interoperability allows emergency medical personnel to access essential health data promptly, enabling them to make informed decisions and provide timely care. This swift exchange of information can make a crucial difference in critical moments.

    Manasvi Arya believes that avoiding redundant tests, minimising errors, and optimising care coordination contribute to cost savings in the healthcare system. Interoperability can lead to more efficient use of resources, reduction in unnecessary expenses, and an overall positive impact on healthcare economics.

    Arya emphasises that aggregated and de-identified health data, made possible through interoperability, can support medical research and innovation. Researchers can analyse large datasets to identify patterns, trends, and potential breakthroughs in healthcare. This, in turn, contributes to advancements in medical knowledge and treatments.

    Recognising the evolving regulatory landscape, interoperability is increasingly becoming a regulatory requirement in healthcare. Adhering to interoperability standards ensures that healthcare entities comply with regulations, fostering a secure and standardised exchange of health information.

    Manasvi Arya’s commitment to leveraging interoperability for the betterment of healthcare reflects a visionary approach. By championing seamless data exchange and connectivity among healthcare entities, Arya is contributing to a future where patient care is not only enhanced but also more collaborative, efficient, and cost-effective.

    Disclaimer: IBT Does Not Endorse Above Content.

  • iPhone revenue sets September quarter record; strong growth in India [details]

    Tim cook

    Tim cook

    Apple has reported a strong double-digit growth in the December quarter in India, marking another quarter revenue record in the country. The company’s CEO, Tim Cook, highlighted this achievement during the announcement of the financial results for its fiscal 2024 first quarter, which ended on December 30. The company posted quarterly revenue of $119.6 billion, a 2% increase year over year.

    Apple’s growth in India is part of a broader trend of record-breaking performances in several countries, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Chile. The company’s CFO, Luca Maestri, also spotlighted the success of Zoho, a leading SaaS technology company based in India. Zoho offers its 15,000-plus global employees a choice of devices, with 80% of their workforce using iPhone for work and nearly two-thirds choosing Mac as their primary computer.

    Apple’s growth in India is particularly noteworthy given the overall flatness of the country’s smartphone market. In 2023, India’s smartphone shipments remained steady at 152 million units. However, Apple managed to surpass the 10-million-unit mark in shipments and captured the top position in revenue for the first time in a calendar year.

    Apple’s global performance

    Apple’s global performance was also strong. The company registered $69.7 billion in revenue for iPhones in the December quarter of 2023, a 6% growth year-over-year. The company set all-time records in several countries and regions, including Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East, and Korea.

    Apple

    AppleIANS

    Apple’s services revenue also set an all-time record of $23.1 billion, up 11% year-over-year. “We’re very pleased with our services performance in both developed and emerging markets, with all-time revenue records in the Americas, Europe, and rest of Asia-Pacific,” said Maestri.

    Despite a 25% year-over-year decrease in iPad revenue, Apple’s Mac generated revenue of $7.8 billion and returned to growth. The company attributed this success to the positive customer response to its latest iMac and MacBook Pro models powered by the M3 chips.

    Apple Vision Pro and enterprise sector

    Apple’s future looks promising, with the upcoming launch of Apple Vision Pro generating strong excitement in the enterprise sector. Leading organizations across many industries, such as Walmart, Nike, Vanguard, Striker, Bloomberg, and SAP, have started leveraging and investing in Apple Vision Pro as a new platform to bring innovative spatial computing experiences to their customers and employees.

    Apple Vision Pro; the best of both worlds?

    Apple Vision ProApple

    Apple’s strong performance in the December quarter is a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive in a challenging global market. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, coupled with its strategic investments and partnerships, positions it well for continued growth and success in the future.

    Highlights

    1. Apple reported strong double-digit growth in India, marking another quarter revenue record.
    2. The company’s growth in India is part of a broader trend of record-breaking performances in several countries.
    3. Despite a steady smartphone market in India, Apple surpassed the 10-million-unit mark in shipments.
    4. Luca highlighted Zoho, a leading technology company headquartered in India, offering its 15,000-plus global employees a choice of devices, with 80% of their workforce using iPhone for work and nearly two-thirds of them choosing Mac as their primary computer.
    5. Responding to an analyst questions, Tim multiple times referenced that India grew in revenue terms, strong double digits in the December quarter and hit a quarter revenue record.
    6. Apple’s global performance was strong, with all-time records in several countries and regions.
    7. The upcoming launch of Apple Vision Pro is generating strong excitement in the enterprise sector.

  • Great news for iPhone users; Apple’s generative AI features coming later this year: Tim Cook

    Apple Card launch

    Apple CEO Tim CookApple

    Apple is working on generative AI (GenAI) features that will be revealed later this year, the company’s CEO Tim Cook has said.

    During Apple’s quarterly earnings call, Cook mentioned that the company is working on generative AI software features.

    “As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in these and other technologies that will shape the future,” he told analysts late on Thursday.

    “That includes artificial intelligence, where we continue to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort, and we’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year,” Cook added.

    He said that Apple has got some things that it is incredibly excited about, that “we’ll be talking about later this year.”

    iPhone 15 Pro

    iPhone 15 ProApple

    Unlike other tech giants like Microsoft, Google and now Samsung, Apple has kept the details of its AI initiatives close to its heart.

    Cook said that there’s a huge opportunity for Apple with generative AI and with AI.

    He noted that the company has “a lot of work going on internally,” but that Apple is not announcing details yet so as to not “get out in front” of itself.

    Earlier this year, Bank of America analysts upgraded their Apple price target saying that the company could gain as AI capabilities are integrated into new iPhones.

    In December last year, Apple’s machine learning research team released frameworks and model libraries designed to run on its silicon chips. The company released MLX, a machine learning framework designed for efficient and flexible machine learning on Apple silicon.

    In November, Cook revealed that the company is investing quite a bit in AI and will do it responsibly for product enhancements over time.

  • Mind, body, journal: You won’t miss a day with Apple’s Journal app [review]

    Journal app review

    Journal app reviewApple

    Throughout our lives, the practice of journaling thoughts has woven its way into our experiences, whether through the pages of a slam book at the close of an academic year or intimate entries of a personal diary chronicling heartbreaks and triumphs.

    As smartphones seamlessly become the extension of our existence, it’s only natural to witness the timeless habit of journaling make its digital evolution. Recognizing this shift, Apple introduced an app aptly named Journal, a popular choice among users seeking to capture their thoughts, memories, and experiences in the digital realm.

    Apple’s Journal app, introduced with the recent iOS 17.2 update and initially unveiled at WWDC23, is the easiest way to document your life. Journal is not the first, certainly not the only app of its nature in the digital space. But it has its moments under the sun, which makes it the go-to choice — at least for iPhone users.

    Journal for iPhone

    In line with Apple’s design ethos, the Journal app offers a clean interface for a user-friendly experience. With a single tap at the plus sign at the bottom users can initiate a “New Entry” or explore tailored prompts based on recent activities and recommendations.

    Journal

    Journal

    You’ve got to love those meticulously crafted suggestions, prompting you to pen related thoughts. It takes ordinary digital journal into a mindful space that lets you reflect on both positive and challenging moments—a practice encouraged by professional therapist.

    The personalized touch in its prompts is the unique factor, which ranges from nostalgic reflections on photos to contemplation of visited locations. All your thoughts are locked away behind a security layer, so your candid expressions are kept far, far away from prying eyes.

    Journal app offers “reflection” prompts, based on user engagement, which encourage users to make audio recordings, delve into self-discoveries, and more. These prompts, generated from stored data encompassing photos, music, call logs, and locations, set the Journal app apart. This level of personalisation is achieved through Apple’s deep-rooted iOS integration.

    Journal review

    Reflection prompts in JournalIBT

    The app scans through your daily routines, music choices, and location data to craft prompts. For instance, users will get a suggestion to write about a walk, prompted by data from Apple Watch or smartphone. These prompts are not all random, which makes engaging with them fun and meaningful. The app seamlessly integrates prompts like “What do you appreciate the most about yourself?” or exploring memories linked to a specific photo. It’s a perfect digital reflection.

    Journal app

    Journal app entry

    There’s deeper integration with Apple Music, which lets you select songs suitable to journal entries. So if you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you get to enjoy journaling more. It’s like being the hero in your journals.

    If there’s one thing Apple is great at, it’s privacy. Journal app processes all data on the device and securing entry backups on iCloud with end-to-end encryption.

    Lock your journal

    Lock your journal

    All of it is great, but to use the Journal app, you need an iPhone. Even an iPad is no good at this point. Hence, the app’s exclusivity to iPhones is a bummer for many. However, its potential to inspire users, even those unfamiliar with journaling, remains undeniable. Personally, it would be fun if Journal gets Siri to take notes.

    In conclusion, Apple’s Journal app, with its user-friendly design, personalized prompts, and multimedia integration, makes it a compelling tool for documenting thoughts and experiences. If you want to cultivate journaling habits through engaging prompts in 2024, Journal is a must-use.

    Journal could be better with some improvements by offering customization options, like the ability to add colors, stickers, or personalize pages to cater the visually expressive journaling styles.

    Apple’s Journal app helps you achieve a mindful and reflective experience through journaling thoughts. It can help you overcome a writer’s block, too. It is a valuable companion for those aspiring to cultivate a journaling habit, especially in this digital era when it’s easier to find your phone than a book.

  • Apple announces over 600 apps, games for Vision Pro MR headset

    Apple Vision Pro; the best of both worlds?

    Apple Vision ProApple

    Apple on Thursday announced more than 600 apps and games designed for Apple Vision Pro mixed reality (MR) headset that will be available from February 2.

    Spatial experiences on $3,499 Vision Pro can transform any room into a personal theatre for sports, TV shows, and films; unlock new ways to collaborate, create, and view digital content; and transport users to stunning gameplay environments and exciting new places.

    “With more than 600 new spatial experiences to explore in the all-new App Store, alongside more than 1 million compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS, users can discover a wide array of apps that expand the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations.

    Apple Vision Pro features ultra-high-resolution displays that deliver more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye, so users can watch their favourite content on a 100-foot screen.

    Sports fans will love the viewing experience on Vision Pro, with apps like PGA TOUR Vision, which uses real-time shot tracking layered on top of 3D models of real golf courses alongside key stats — including leaderboards, scorecards, schedules, course information, and other tournament details — to bring the tour to life in a user’s space.

    Apple Vision Pro

    Apple Vision ProApple

    Alongside Disney+, top entertainment apps have taken advantage of the unique capabilities of Apple Vision Pro to offer all-new ways for viewers to view their favorite movies, shows, and more.

    IMAX delivers an awe-inspiring viewing experience for 2D and 3D content, featuring popular documentaries such as Deep Sky in IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio. Max features hit movies and series, fresh originals, family favorites, breaking news, and live sports, with select titles available in 4K and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

    “With the Max app for Apple Vision Pro, fans can transform their space using the Iron Throne Room environment for an immersive experience that brings viewers into the iconic Red Keep,” said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content.

    With the Apple TV app, users can also experience all Apple Originals from Apple TV+, more than 200 3D movies, and Apple Immersive Video, which puts viewers right inside the action with 180-degree, 8K 3D recordings captured with Spatial Audio.

    On Apple Music, listeners can download and stream more than 100 million songs ad-free with Spatial Audio featuring Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency using AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C.

  • Four artists create immersive digital projects with Apple devices at ‘India Art Fair 2024’

    Four artists create immersive digital projects with Apple devices at 'India Art Fair 2024'

    Four artists create immersive digital projects with Apple devices at ‘India Art Fair 2024’Apple

    Four multidisciplinary artists have created immersive digital projects with iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, and conducted ‘Today at Apple’ sessions at the ‘India Art Fair 2024.’

    Artists Ameya Shinde, Aaron “Myles” Pereira, Sadhna Prasad, and Dhruv Jani will showcase artworks created on iPad Pro and MacBook Pro at the event from February 1-4.

    The theme for this year is “Forces of Nature,” and Pereira and Shinde’s response is titled ‘Ornithoscope’.

    Built entirely on MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, the immersive audiovisual experience lets the audience explore changes in India’s avian biodiversity over the last 15 years, Apple said in a statement.

    Pereira is a product engineer at Animal Factory, while Shinde works as a designer at Studio BigFat one floor above. They are both digital artists in residence at the India Art Fair 2024, along with Jani and Prasad.

    “I love sketching at exhibitions, studios — even the zoo!” said Shinde, who considers Apple Pencil and iPad Pro to be essential travelling companions. “My favourite part of the day is the morning commute on the local train. That’s when I’m most inspired to draw.”

    Mumbai is both the muse and the canvas. “Growing up, I always loved hearing birdsong. But with the decline in the bird population, you hear it less and less,” said Pereira.

    2022 iPad Pro

    2022 iPad ProApple

    Shinde added: “We want to draw attention to the fact that our natural world is getting quieter all the time.”

    Their installation is deceptively simple to look at — an iPad Pro and projection screen surrounded by six speakers. Once the viewer chooses a state or union territory to explore, the speakers produce surround sound of corresponding bird sounds from that region.

    The entire software for the installation is built in Max MSP, a programming language that enables him to enhance the sound and generate visuals based on the audience’s interactions, according to Apple.

    Writer and artist Jani’s video game installation takes them miles below Earth’s crust.

    Titled ‘It Takes A Long Time To Grow A Mountain,’ the game sends players on a subterranean quest to discover the seed that spawned the Western Ghats mountain range. Players must descend through a substratum embedded with poetry, fables, and musings on language and landscape, designed and programmed on MacBook Pro with M3 Max.

    “The project takes its name from a local myth about a man who seeks water for the parched land,” explained Jani. “His search awakens the gods sleeping deep below the earth. As they hunch awake, the Western Ghats spring up into existence, and the man is cursed to become a tiny seed for his transgressions.”

    Jani is the founder of Studio Oleomingus, the award-winning game and arts practice studio that he runs with creative coder Sushant Chakraborty.

    Prasad aims to anchor audiences firmly in the present. “My project is called ‘I’ll Be Back,” said says Prasad, a muralist and illustrator. “I want my audience to visit the world I create, and then come back and make a difference.”

    Prasad is using Procreate and Procreate Dreams on iPad Pro to create a large-scale mural. It shows two worlds: One is the result of unsustainable living, and the other is the outcome if humanity reforms its ways. The artist is working with the Artivive app to turn the mural into an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience for the audience.

    “Procreate on iPad Pro with Apple Pencil changed my life. The smoothness and the functionality make it perfect for an artist,” said Prasad.

    ‘Today at Apple’ is a unique global programme offering free sessions that assist customers in unleashing their creativity and making the most of their devices.

    Hosted at Apple Store locations all over the world, including Apple BKC and Apple Saket, the educational and inspirational sessions range from basics and how-to lessons, to using professional-grade programmes.

  • Applying AI at scale, infusing AI across our tech stack: Satya Nadella

    Satya Nadella

    Satya NadellaIANS

    Microsoft is integrating the power of AI across the entire data and tech stack, seeing increased usage from AI-first start-ups and some of the world’s largest companies, the company’s Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has said.

    More than 2,30,000 organisations have already used AI capabilities in Power Platform, up over 80 per cent quarter over quarter, and with Copilot Studio, organisations can tailor Copilot for Microsoft 365 or create their own custom Copilots.

    “It is already being used by over 10,000 organisations, including An Post, Holland America, PG&E. In just weeks, for example, both PayPal and Tata Digital built copilots to answer common employee queries, increasing productivity and reducing support costs,” Nadella told analysts during the company’s earnings call late on Tuesday.

    A growing body of evidence makes clear the role AI will play in transforming work.

    Microsoft quietly rolls out new AI-powered Copilot app for Android

    IANS

    “Our own research, as well as external studies, show as much as 70 per cent improvement in productivity, using generative AI for specific work tasks, and overall early Copilot for Microsoft 365 users were 29 per cent faster in the series of tasks, like searching, writing, and summarizing,” Nadella informed.

    “We’re also seeing a Copilot ecosystem begin to emerge with ISVs like Atlassian, Mural, and Trello, as well as customers like Air India, Bayer, and Siemens have all built plug-ins for specific lines of business that extend Copilot’s capabilities,” he added.

    Microsoft now has 53,000 Azure AI customers and over one-third are new to Azure over the past 12 months.

    “Our new models-as-a-service offering makes it easy for developers to use LLMs from our partners, like Cohere, Meta, and Mistral, on Azure without having to manage underlying infrastructure,” said Nadella.

    The company has added support for OpenAI’s latest models, including GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4 with Vision, DALL-E 3, as well as fine-tuning.

    “Over half of the Fortune 500 use Azure OpenAI today, including Ally Financial, Coca-Cola, and Rockwell Automation,” he informed.

    The company has also introduced Copilot as a stand-alone destination across all browsers and devices, as well as a Copilot app on iOS and Android.

    “And just two weeks ago, we introduced Copilot Pro, providing access to the latest models for quick answers and high-quality image creation and access to Copilot for Microsoft 365 personal and family subscribers,” Nadella said.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • DRDO successfully launches Green Propulsion System in orbit

    DRDO

    Ministry of Defence on Thursday said that DRDO has successfully launched a Green Propulsion System — developed under Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO — in orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58.

    The ministry said that this project — 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro satellites — was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (Development Agency).

    It said that the Telemetry Data from PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru has been validated with ground level solution and is found to have exceeded all performance parameters.

    The ministry said that this innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space.

    DRDO successfully launches Green Propulsion System in orbit

    IANS

    “The system consists of indigenously-developed Propellant, Fill and Drain Valves, Latch Valve, Solenoid Valve, Catalyst Bed, Drive Electronics, etc. It is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements,” the ministry said.

    It said that the complete project has been carried out by the Development Agency under guidance of Project Monitoring and Mentoring Group of DRDO.

    “It has demonstrated pulsed mode and steady state firing in vacuum, passivation of residual propellant in outer space, propellant realisation and establishing of filling procedure under the TDF,” the ministry said.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • K’taka intends to launch Centre of Excellence for gaming: Priyank Kharge

    Priyank Kharge

    Priyank KhargeIANS

    Priyank Kharge, Karnataka Minister for IT, BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, said on Wednesday that the state intends to launch a Centre of Excellence for gaming wherein it will have a complete ecosystem of hardware, software, innovators and the government on the same platform.

    Speaking at the Games24x7 Accelerator Programme at GAFX 2024 in Bengaluru, he said, “We will have the most successful CoE in gaming being run from Karnataka.”

    Kharge also said that this year, Karnataka will host one of the biggest game developer conferences, followed by an e-gaming summit.

    Karnataka intends to keep its leadership position in the AVGC sector intact by fostering innovation and giving thrust to creation of IPs, he said.

    The state wants to foster not only innovation, but also creation of IPs within the sector so that more and more people come into the sector.

    “For Karnataka, it is important to maintain the leadership position and we want to be the AVGC capital and the creative capital for the country as well,” the minister said.

    Kharge also said that if the AVGC sector is nurtured well, it has the potential to create employment across various verticals within the gaming sector.

    Represenational Picture of IT

    Represenational Picture of ITIANS

    “Currently the industry employs close to 1 lakh people, directly and indirectly. By 2025, it has the potential to go up to 2.5 lakh people. I want to ensure that Bengaluru and Karnataka anchor this story of employment in this sector,” he said.

    India had close to 1,400 online gaming startups last year with more than 430 crore app downloads.

    At this year’s GAFX, industry leaders suggested three initiatives so that startups and gaming disruptors in the sector get a better opportunity to showcase their IPs and talent to the audience across the globe, and not just in Karnataka — Skilling in the industry, incubation centers and B2B platforms.

    “If these startups have the potential for a great success rate to disrupt the industry, the government of Karnataka would think of funding these,” the minister said.

    (With inputs from IANS)