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Category: Technology

  • Driving Efficiency: The Power of Seamless Hardware Integration in Mobile Apps

    Sai Krishna Paladugu

    In this era of rapid technological advancement, the integration of printer and scanner hardware into mobile applications is revolutionizing digital workflows across various industries. Sai Krishna Paladugu highlights how these innovations streamline operations, improve user experiences, and address the growing need for efficiency in enterprise mobility. With the market projected to reach $1.76 trillion by 2026, the demand for secure and seamless hardware integration continues to soar, offering businesses a significant competitive edge in the digital landscape.

    Leveraging SDKs and APIs

    At the heart of seamless hardware integration is the strategic utilization of manufacturer-provided Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). These tools enable developers to access advanced functionalities such as duplex printing, high-speed scanning, and real-time status updates. By leveraging these capabilities, applications can maximize hardware efficiency, enhancing performance and reliability. This elevates application functionality and drives significant improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and overall user satisfaction.

    Prioritizing Speed and Reliability

    Optimizing speed and reliability is essential in point-of-sale systems and on-demand label printing applications. Businesses can ensure seamless and fast operations by implementing efficient data processing algorithms, reducing network overhead, and incorporating robust error-handling mechanisms. These approaches minimize downtime, improve data accuracy, and deliver critical advantages in time-sensitive sectors like healthcare and retail, enhancing overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.

    Error Handling for Seamless Operations

    A proactive approach to error handling can significantly improve user satisfaction and operational continuity. Real-time error detection, user-friendly messages, and automated troubleshooting enable mobile apps to effectively address issues like paper jams or connectivity disruptions. These features reduce workflow interruptions and bolster system reliability and user trust.

    Offline Functionality: Ensuring Continuity

    In environments where network reliability is inconsistent, offline functionality becomes critical. Mobile apps capable of local data storage and print job queuing prevent data loss and reduce user frustration during connectivity outages. Efficient synchronization mechanisms ensure seamless transitions when networks are restored, maintaining productivity and operational flow.

    Supporting Versatility with Multi-Format Capabilities

    Modern mobile applications cater to diverse needs by supporting multiple formats such as PDFs, images, and barcodes. This versatility enhances the utility of printing and scanning functions across various business scenarios, from document management to inventory tracking. With widespread adoption of formats like QR codes, multi-format support becomes an essential feature for addressing evolving business demands.

    Building Robust Security

    As cyber threats escalate, robust security in mobile and hardware integrations becomes paramount. Techniques such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control are essential to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining system integrity. Additionally, secure data storage solutions combined with automated purging processes further reduce the risk of breaches, ensuring compliance with stringent data protection regulations. By prioritizing these advanced security measures, businesses not only mitigate vulnerabilities but also enhance customer trust, reduce incident rates, and establish a strong foundation for sustainable, secure digital operations.

    The Future of Hardware Integration

    The evolution of seamless hardware integration in mobile applications highlights a significant shift toward smarter, more efficient digital solutions. By adopting best practices such as optimizing speed, enhancing reliability, and securing integrations, organizations can significantly improve operational efficiency while reducing costs. These advancements not only streamline workflows but also deliver enhanced user experiences. Such transformative technologies pave the way for innovation, enabling businesses to thrive and adapt in an increasingly digital environment.

    In conclusion, Sai Krishna Paladugu‘s exploration of hardware integration innovations is a comprehensive guide for businesses seeking to leverage mobile applications effectively. Organizations can optimize workflows, enhance user experiences, and ensure operational resilience by implementing these strategies. These advancements enable businesses to stay competitive and foster adaptability and innovation, positioning them for sustained success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

  • Sapphire Media Acquires Big 92.7 FM: NCLAT Approval

    NCLAT approves Sapphire Media's acquisition of Big 92.7 FM

    IANS

    National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has given the green light to Sapphire Media’s acquisition of Big 92.7 FM, the country’s largest radio network. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the domestic media landscape, paving the way for Sapphire Media’s aggressive expansion plans. Big 92.7 FM, owned by Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, boasts an impressive reach, with 58 stations spanning over 1,200 towns and more than 50,000 villages.

    The acquisition by Sapphire Media, a company promoted by Aditya Vashistha and Kaithal-based businessman Sahil Mangla, is expected to significantly bolster its presence in the media space. Sapphire Media also operates a national Hindi news channel, India Daily, and is a significant player in the outdoor advertising arena. The NCLAT’s principal bench dismissed the plea filed by Radio Mirchi, Orange FM, and others against the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) judgement, which had previously approved Sapphire Media’s resolution plan for Big 92.7 FM.

    The bench, comprising Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan and (Technical) Member, Barun Mitra, found no grounds to interfere with the NCLT’s order dated May 6, 2024. The bench stated, After considering the submissions, we find no grounds to interfere with the NCLT’s order dated May 6, 2024, and consequently, the appeals are dismissed. They further added, In view of the foregoing discussions and conclusions, we do not find any ground to interfere in the order of NCLT dated 06.05.2024 impugned in the above Appeals. In result, all the Appeals are dismissed.

    Big 92.7 FM

    MOUTHSHUT.com

    The tribunal upheld the order of the Mumbai bench of the NCLAT, which had approved Sapphire Media’s resolution plan for Big FM on May 6, 2024. This order was challenged by applicants including Abhijit Realtors and Infraventure and Creative Channel Advertising and Marketing, who filed a batch of five appeals before the tribunal.

    The NCLAT confirmed that the challenge mechanism and negotiations conducted by the Resolution Professional complied with Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) Regulations and the Process Note. A base price of ₹240 crore was set for the challenge process, with Sapphire Media emerging as the highest bidder at ₹251 crore in the third round. After negotiations, Sapphire Media revised its bid to ₹261 crore, surpassing competing bids from the Consortium of Abhijit Realtors & Infraventure and ENIL (₹248 crore) and Creative Channel Advertising & Marketing (₹240 crore).

    This acquisition is reminiscent of similar historical events in the media industry where major players have expanded their reach through strategic acquisitions. For instance, in 2013, Reliance Industries Limited acquired Network18 Media & Investments Limited, including its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast Limited. This move significantly expanded Reliance’s presence in the media and entertainment industry.

  • We’ve committed $1 billion investment over next three years for AI innovation globally: Rohit Midha, Lenovo India – CRN

    We’ve committed $1 billion investment over next three years for AI innovation globally: Rohit Midha, Lenovo India – CRN

    Rohit Midha, Lenovo India

    In a recent interview with CRN India, Rohit Midha, Executive Director, Enterprise Business, Lenovo India, shares the significant growth in Lenovo’s enterprise business and the rise of AI PCs. Midha emphasises that AI PCs are increasingly becoming a crucial part of IT strategies, with 80% of CIOs expressing interest in adopting AI-driven technologies. Lenovo’s holistic approach, encompassing devices, infrastructure, and solutions, sets it apart from competitors. He also reaffirms their channel-centric model and commitment to helping partners evolve from box movers to value-added solution providers, backed by a billion-dollar investment in AI innovation globally.

    With the emergence of AI PCs, how has the enterprise business grown over the past few years?
    The enterprise business has been growing steadily, especially since the pandemic. Looking ahead to the current and next financial years, three key factors are driving this growth. First, the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is critical, as Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, prompting businesses to upgrade. Some devices will require a refresh due to compatibility issues. Second, the demand spike from 2020-21, during the pandemic, is returning as the typical three-to-four-year device lifecycle comes full circle. Lastly, AI PCs are emerging as a significant market driver, marking an inflection point in enterprise growth.

    So do you have any numbers to share about the growth?
    According to IDC data, the market has grown by nearly 28% when comparing Q4 of last year to Q4 of this year.

    How is the demand for AI PCs?
    AI is a hot topic right now, and it’s something you can’t ignore. Different organisations are at various stages of their AI journey. A lot of what you’ll see in terms of end products will be persona-based. It won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution for the entire employee base. There’s a lot of activity happening—when we talk to CIOs every day, we clearly see the action. Proof of concepts (POCs) are in progress to determine what AI use cases will apply to different personas within the organisation.

    So, the demand for AI PCs is definitely there, and it’s about future-proofing your fleet. While you may not see the immediate demand now, by December 2024, the relevance of AI use cases will only increase across all organisations. In fact, 80% of the CIOs we talk to globally, as part of a survey we’ve conducted, are emphasising that AI is becoming an integral part of their IT strategy. As a result, it’s crucial to future-proof your devices—you can’t afford to have systems that aren’t AI-compatible.

    Since you mentioned that a survey found 80% of CIOs in favour of AI PCs, what common challenges have they identified?
    AI is poised to be relevant for everyone, but the application and impact will vary across different industries and use cases. Each industry vertical will have its own distinct AI use cases. Within organisations, we also see variations based on personas, where the role of AI will differ depending on individual needs. What we envision is a hybrid AI environment for everyone. This means AI will have personal, professional, and public dimensions.

    So, while the world is clearly moving towards a hybrid AI model, I wouldn’t call it a challenge per se. Any transition involves some degree of adjustment, but I don’t believe it will be difficult. There is significant investment being made to help our customers navigate this change smoothly. We are actively working with ecosystem partners like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and AMD to ensure that the shift is as seamless as possible. It’s more of a journey, and it’s a journey we will go through together.

    What sets you apart from other OEMs and competitors in the market? What would you consider your USP?
    That’s a simple question. So, with due respect to everyone, we are clearly the only OEM that operates across the entire technology stack. Whether it’s a 6-inch device or a 30-inch monitor, we cover it all. We have the infrastructure, solutions, and services in place. When you bring all three together, that’s exactly what customers are looking for. They don’t want to deal with multiple partners for different components of the puzzle; they need one partner who can be the OEM. That makes everything much easier for them. We have that advantage because others don’t offer what we do.

    Now, speaking about our partners—what percentage of our business is partner-focused? We’ve always been a channel-centric organisation, and we’ve been consistent over the years. As far as I know, around 70% of our business is through partners, though that number could even be higher. You can always confirm the specifics, but that’s the general figure

    How do you see the roles of partners evolving from being just box movers to value-added solution providers? Also, in what fields should they invest to align with your goals?
    I think the days when enterprise customers were only interested in buying devices are gone. Now, they are looking for devices along with end-to-end solutions to achieve their business outcomes. And whatever Lenovo has accomplished over the years, we have done it in partnership with our channel partners. So, while we engage with our customers about the possibilities of AI, we are also working with our partners. We have programs in place to help them upskill in AI, as well as in our solutions and services portfolio, making them an integral part of our go-to-market strategy.

    So what next we can expect from Lenovo?
    We’ve been evolving at a very rapid pace, and you can expect to see a solid AI portfolio across devices, infrastructure, and solutions. You’re already seeing this now, and it’s only going to become bolder and more prominent. In fact, we’ve committed a billion-dollar investment over the next three years specifically for AI innovation globally.

    Do you have any specific products that you’re planning to launch exclusively for the Indian market?
    No, we don’t have any products planned exclusively for the Indian market. However, we do offer customisation options. For some of our products, if you visit our website, you can customise them according to your preferences. For example, you can select a specific screen or other features based on what you need. Different products offer different types of customisation, and that’s available on our website. This approach is not exclusive to India; it’s a global strategy with local customisation possibilities.

  • Cloud UI Applications: Five Architectural Pillars Reshaping Digital Experience

    Cloud UI Applications

    As cloud computing revolutionizes the digital landscape, technology expert Rohit Sharma from Bangalore has identified five crucial architectural principles reshaping how user interface applications are built and scaled. With the cloud computing market projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030 and daily global data generation exceeding 328 million terabytes, these principles offer a framework for organizations to meet unprecedented digital transformation challenges.

    Elastic Scalability: The Foundation of Modern Cloud Applications
    Elastic scalability forms the backbone of next-generation cloud applications, dynamically allocating resources based on real-time demand. Research shows that a mere 100-millisecond delay in load time can cut conversion rates by 7%, emphasizing the importance of responsiveness. Auto-scaling enables applications to manage traffic surges of up to 150% during peaks without compromising performance while reducing costs during low activity. This adaptability ensures efficient operations, improved user experience, and cost-effective resource utilization, vital for modern digital services.

    Microservices: Breaking Down the Monolith
    The article examines how microservices architecture has become crucial for scalable cloud UI applications. With 84% of organizations increasing microservices usage and 86% planning expansion, this architectural approach enables independent component scaling while improving resource efficiency by up to 50% compared to monolithic systems. The modular design allows teams to work simultaneously on different services, boosting productivity and deployment frequency.

    Cross-Platform Compatibility: Bridging the Device Divide
    In today’s multi-device world, where mobile devices drive 54.8% of global website traffic, ensuring seamless cross-platform compatibility is essential. Responsive design principles and adaptive UI frameworks enable websites to deliver consistent, optimized experiences across various screen sizes. Research indicates that improving mobile page load times by just one second can boost conversion rates by up to 27%. This highlights the critical role of efficient design in enhancing user engagement and achieving business goals.

    Automation: The Key to Reliable Deployment
    The implementation of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines has revolutionized application development and maintenance. Organizations adopting these practices report 50% less time spent on security issue remediation. Elite performers deploying code 208 times more frequently than their counterparts demonstrate the transformative power of automation.

    Security and Compliance: Protecting Digital Assets
    With the average cost of data breaches reaching $4.35 million in 2022, security has become paramount. A multi-layered security approach, incorporating network security, application security, and data protection, is essential. Organizations are responding, with 76% reporting increased cybersecurity investments in 2023.

    Economic Impact and Future Implications
    The implementation of these architectural principles extends beyond technical benefits, offering significant economic advantages. Organizations can reduce cloud spending by 20-40% through efficient scaling, while improved security measures help maintain customer trust, with 81% of consumers indicating they would cease engaging with brands following data breaches.

    Challenges and Opportunities
    Despite the clear benefits, organizations face challenges in implementing these principles, including technical complexity, resource constraints, and skills gaps. However, the potential returns in terms of improved user experience, operational efficiency, and business growth make these investments worthwhile.

    In conclusion, Rohit Sharma highlights the transformative power of the five architectural principles as foundational pillars for the future of cloud computing. Beyond technical blueprints, these principles form a holistic framework for building resilient, secure, and scalable applications that drive efficiency, elevate user experiences, and ensure competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Their significance is underscored by compelling industry metrics: a potential 20-40% reduction in cloud spending through optimized scaling, 76% of organizations increasing cybersecurity investments, and 81% of consumers willing to abandon brands after data breaches. As cloud computing advances toward its projected $1.5 trillion market value by 2030, these principles will play a pivotal role in shaping innovative and sustainable digital ecosystems.

  • AI Security Systems Show Dramatic Gains in Threat Detection and Response

    AI Security Systems

    In this digital era, Srikanth Bellamkonda’s groundbreaking research revolutionizes network security by integrating AI-driven solutions. His work showcases how machine learning algorithms can detect threats in real-time, while automated response systems strengthen defense mechanisms. This innovative approach significantly shifts from conventional security methods, promising enhanced protection against evolving cyber threats.

    The Rise of AI-Powered Security

    Recent analysis reveals a staggering 600% increase in cybercrime due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with projected damages expected to reach $13.8 trillion annually by 2027. This escalation has created an urgent need for more sophisticated defense mechanisms, particularly as organizations navigate hybrid work environments where 95% of cybersecurity breaches are attributed to human error.

    Revolutionary Detection Capabilities

    The innovative AI-driven framework processes over 15 terabytes of security data daily while reducing alert investigation time from 27 minutes to under 60 seconds. These systems demonstrate unprecedented accuracy, achieving a 99.3% success rate in identifying malicious network behavior patterns while maintaining a remarkably low false positive rate of 0.07%. The technology can simultaneously analyze network behavior patterns across multiple dimensions, processing over 14 million packets per second while monitoring 143 distinct network protocols.

    Predictive Analysis Transforms Security Landscape

    One of the most significant advances is the implementation of predictive threat analysis capabilities. The AI systems now forecast potential attacks with 94.7% accuracy, providing an average of 82 hours of warning before attack execution. This predictive capability has led to a 76% reduction in successful breach attempts and a 62% decrease in incident response costs compared to traditional security approaches.

    Automated Response: The Next Frontier

    The automation of response orchestration represents a significant leap forward in modern security operations. Organizations implementing these AI-driven response systems report reducing the mean time to respond from 145 minutes to 7.5 minutes. This improvement stems from automating 93% of routine incident response workflows while maintaining an effectiveness rate of 98.2% in threat containment.

    Addressing Implementation Challenges

    Organizations’ journey to implement AI-driven security solutions encounters significant hurdles despite the promising benefits. The substantial requirement of 2.3 million security events for initial model training creates a considerable barrier to entry, with organizations having to allocate between $750,000 and $1.2 million solely for training data acquisition. The ongoing challenge of data quality management demands dedicated teams to handle nearly one million daily security events. This continuous data processing burden strains resources and requires specialized expertise to ensure the AI systems maintain their effectiveness and accuracy in threat detection.

    Future of Cybersecurity

    AI-driven security solutions demonstrate unprecedented efficiency, processing security events 45 times faster than conventional approaches while maintaining remarkable 99.3% accuracy. The implementation results are compelling, with organizations experiencing an 82% drop in successful breaches. These AI systems prove their worth by identifying and thwarting an average of 923 potential attacks each day before they can manifest into actual threats.

    A New Era of Network Security

    The implementation of advanced security frameworks marks a transformative shift in cybersecurity strategies. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated and frequent, groundbreaking research provides organizations with a robust foundation for strengthening their security posture. The integration of artificial intelligence and automated response systems enables proactive threat detection and rapid incident mitigation, revolutionizing traditional security approaches.

    In conclusion, Srikanth Bellamkonda demonstrates that integrating AI into security operations is a strategic investment yielding substantial returns. While initial costs may be significant, the enhanced threat detection capabilities, automated response systems, and optimized workflows provide clear long-term value. Organizations leveraging AI-driven security solutions gain improved protection and operational efficiency, positioning themselves at the forefront of modern cybersecurity practices, ultimately strengthening their defense against evolving digital threats.

  • 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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  • Poonawalla Fincorp integrates AI into its Human Resources (HR) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). – CRN

    Poonawalla Fincorp integrates AI into its Human Resources (HR) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). – CRN

    Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, a Cyrus Poonawalla Group-promoted non- banking finance company has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its Human Resources (HR) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This industry-first move, is set to transform operational standards and ignite innovation within the financial services sector.

    Poonawalla Fincorp’s AI integration has revolutionised HR processes by drastically reducing the time to finalise job offers from traditionally around ten days to just under one—a 90% decrease. This accelerated process is made possible by advanced AI tools that efficiently handle document verification and candidate screening. The use of AI has not only sped up the recruitment cycle but also achieved significant reduction in operational costs, significantly enhancing both efficiency and cost management.

    Arvind Kapil, MD and CEO, Poonawalla Fincorp, said, “This is a transformative year for Poonawalla Fincorp as we intensify efforts to create a strong, customer-focused ecosystem. We are committed to improving our team’s capabilities, which are crucial to our success. We are branching out into new business areas and setting up new distribution networks. The integration of AI in our HR processes is just the start of our extensive plan to lead in digital innovation and incorporate AI throughout compliance, customer service, and business and operations.”

    Poonawalla Fincorp balances AI with a personal touch, ensuring AI eliminates tedious tasks and frees HR to focus on meaningful human interactions. Key AI-first functions now include:

    ⦁ Quick candidate matching: By using AI, resumes are quickly matched to job descriptions, helping recruiters identify the best candidates faster and more accurately.
    ⦁ Instant document checks: Using AI, candidate documents are automatically verified and processed. This saves time and reduces errors associated with manual checking, streamlining the initial steps of hiring.
    ⦁ Efficient candidate processing: This includes managing and processing candidates with minimal human intervention, only stepping in when necessary. This makes the recruitment process faster and more efficient.
    ⦁ Automated job postings: AI systems handle the creation and posting of job listings, ensuring accurate and effective job descriptions are communicated quickly across platforms with little need for manual input.
    ⦁ Real-time candidate screening: Automated systems assess candidates qualifications and fit for the role in real-time, providing immediate call-to-action and speeding up the selection process.

    In addition to these enhancements, the HR team at Poonawalla Fincorp is developing a WhatsApp- powered AI bot system to transform the employee experience. These bots will provide instant support, resolving queries about leave, payroll, policies, and benefits in real-time, further reducing reliance on human-operated systems and streamlining processes. By assessing candidates’ technical and cognitive skills more accurately, the AI integration will also enhance support for unbiased and well-informed hiring decisions.

    The Company has partnered with IIT Bombay for critical part of the AI implementation. “AI is bringing significant changes in development of the Financial services Sector. Poonawalla Fincorp has embarked on a journey to bring transformation in its ways of doing business using AI. We are happy to jointly work towards an efficient model of Industry with Academia in solving business problems by collaboration. Currently we are working on HR and other transformation projects with more to come in the pipeline.” said Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya, Department of Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay.

  • NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to Make Closest Approach to Sun on Christmas Eve

    Parker Solar Probe makes sixth Venus flyby on way to Sun

    IANS

    NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is poised to make its record flyby of the Sun on Christmas Eve. The probe will come as close as 6.1 million kilometers from the Sun’s surface, marking the first of its three final and closest approaches to the Sun. This mission has been in the making since the probe’s launch in 2018.

    The Parker Solar Probe, named after astrophysicist Eugene Newman Parker, is in good health and operating normally. The mission operators at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland received a beacon transmission from Parker, through NASA’s Deep Space Network complex in Canberra, Australia, confirming its status.

    No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, said Nick Pinkine, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at APL. This mission will truly be returning data from uncharted territory, providing valuable insights into the mysteries of the Sun.

    During the closest approach or perihelion, the spacecraft will not be in contact with mission operations. However, Parker will transmit another beacon tone on December 27, to confirm its health following the close flyby.

    A view of the Sun from the Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope on ESA/NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO.

    IANS

    The Parker Solar Probe has already completed 21 close approaches to the Sun, with the 21st close approach made on September 30. The spacecraft has also zoomed past Venus seven times, using its gravity to aim towards a record-setting series of flights around the Sun. On November 6, Parker completed its seventh and final Venus gravity-assist maneuver, passing within 387 kilometers of Venus’ surface. This flyby adjusted Parker’s trajectory into the final orbital configuration of its primary mission.

    The probe’s mission is not just about setting records. It is also about understanding the Sun’s corona, its wispy outer atmosphere, which is hotter than the Sun’s surface. This phenomenon has puzzled scientists for years. The probe’s findings could provide insights into space weather and solar wind, which can interact with Earth’s magnetic field and can damage satellites, knock out power grids, and supercharge the northern lights.

    The probe is equipped with a 4.5-inch-thick heat shield made of a carbon-composite material, which can withstand temperatures up to 2,500 F. This allows the spacecraft instruments to maintain a comfortable temperature, despite its proximity to our roiling star.

    The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is a testament to the importance of Eugene Newman Parker’s body of work, founding a new field of science that continues to inspire research and many important science questions NASA continues to study and further understand every day.

  • LG Energy Solution, Qualcomm to boost chip-based battery management

    LG Energy Solution, Qualcomm to boost chip-based battery management

    LG Energy Solution, Qualcomm to boost chip-based battery managementIANS

    LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES), South Korea’s leading battery maker, said on Monday it has reached an agreement with Qualcomm Technologies to jointly accelerate the commercialisation of system-on-chip-based battery management system (SoC-based BMS) diagnostic solutions.

    Under the agreement, LGES’ new advanced BMS software will be made available on the Snapdragon Digital Chassis from Qualcomm. The BMS software will also integrate with the Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Connected Services Platform, reports Yonhap news agency.

    The partnership builds on the companies’ working relationship, where they announced earlier this year plans to develop a next-generation BMS diagnostic solution for electric vehicles and formed a technical consortium to advance their research, according to LGES.

    “Through the process of technology sharing and validation, we have demonstrated the excellence of our BMS technology through synergy with Qualcomm Technologies. Now, we are officially embarking on the development for commercialisation,” an LGES official said.

    LGES holds more than 8,000 patents related to BMS. The company boasts a safety diagnostic detection rate of over 90 percent and an industry-leading degradation diagnostic error rate of around 1 percent.

    New chip-based blood test can diagnose heart attacks in minutes

    LG Energy Solution, Qualcomm to boost chip-based battery managementIANS

    Meanwhile, the US unit of LGES has signed a multi-year deal to supply energy storage systems (ESS) to a local renewable energy infrastructure investor.

    LG Energy Solution Vertech. will supply 7.5-gigawatt-hour (GWh) ESS units to Excelsior Energy Capital LP over several years starting from 2026, the company said. It didn’t provide the exact timeframe for the deal, or its value.

    The ESS units will be produced at LGES’ U.S. plants, with the first delivery slated for April 2026.

    The US deal follows another deal signed last month to supply 8 GWh ESS to local renewable energy firm Terra-Gen Power Holdings II, LLC. for four years through 2029. LGES expects the latest deals will help its US unit obtain further ESS contracts in the significant market.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Government launching 3 new apps to safeguard consumers in digital marketplace

    Govt launching 3 apps to protect consumers in digital marketplace

    IANS

    The Department of Consumer Affairs is set to launch three applications: the ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard.’ These initiatives aim to create a transparent and fair digital marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions without being tricked or coerced. The launch is scheduled for Tuesday, marking National Consumers Day. The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during a consumer’s online activities, alerting them if any URL may be unsafe and requires caution.

    The ‘Jagriti App’ allows users to report URLs where they suspect the presence of one or more dark patterns declared illegal. These reports are then registered as complaints to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for possible redressal and subsequent action. The CCPA is also being strengthened with the ‘Jagriti Dashboard,’ which is used to generate real-time reports on e-commerce URLs for the presence of dark patterns. This enhances the capability to monitor and regulate online consumer interactions effectively. This solution will aid the CCPA in identifying dark patterns, speeding up the resolution of consumer disputes, and curbing practices detrimental to consumer interests.

    Govt launching 3 apps to protect consumers in digital marketplace

    IANS

    The Central Consumer Protection Authority has notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023, specifying 13 dark patterns, including False urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing, and Rogue Malwares. The three apps are part of an intelligent cyber-physical system, which operates in real-time and runs on the Airawat AI Supercomputer under the National Supercomputing Mission for AI and Data Analytics. This innovative system analyses existing text and design elements on e-commerce platforms to determine whether they are being used to influence consumer psychology.

    The CCPA had earlier issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for alleged Misleading Advertisement/Unfair Trade Practices in the form of deceptive design patterns. After the CCPA intervention, both companies had taken corrective measures to give consumers a fair deal.