The summit was themed “Future-Ready HR: Shaping People, Technology and Talent” and witnessed participation from leading industry experts, policymakers, and HR professionals across the automotive sector. The platform facilitated thought-provoking discussions on HR transformation, ESG integration, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in the evolving labour ecosystem.

Expressing his pride on the occasion, Farrokh N. Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director of Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd., said, “This recognition at the ACMA Best HR Practices Competition is a proud moment for all of us at Cooper Corporation. ‘e-Ekalavya’ represents our belief that technology-enabled learning is fundamental to building a future-ready organization. Our people are our greatest strength, and initiatives like these ensure that we continuously upgrade skills, enhance capabilities, and remain competitive in a dynamic industry environment. I congratulate our HR and Training teams for their dedication and innovative approach.”

The award highlights the successful implementation of “e-Ekalavya,” an internally developed Digital Learning Management System (LMS). Under the leadership of Chief Human Resources Officer Nitin Deshpande, the system was designed to standardize, streamline, and amplify the effectiveness of training and development across the organization. Developed by Swapnil Sandage and executed by the Training & Development team, “e-Ekalavya” reflects the company’s drive toward digital transformation and a future-ready workforce.

The recognition reflects Cooper Corporation’s sustained focus on digital transformation, operational excellence, and building a future-ready workforce aligned with the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

The post Cooper Corporation Wins Top Honors for Digital Innovation at ACMA HR Practices Competition appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, announced the winners of SIGHT 2.0, the second edition of SIGHT (Sustainable Innovations for Growth and Human Transformation), at its Thiruvananthapuram campus, continuing with its efforts towards playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and thought leaders. SIGHT is a technical expo and annual competition, tailored for final-year college students at professional colleges across India.

The competition, which captured the attention of budding innovators and turned out to be a beacon for sustainable solutions and transformative ideas, saw team Oillovators from the Institute of Engineering & Management (IEM), Kolkata winning the first prize with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, certificates, and mementos. The second prize, comprising a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, certificates, and mementos, was bagged by team Seakers from Dr Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the third prize was bagged by team Neo Sustain from R.M.K. Engineering College, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, and the team won a cash prize of Rs 10,000, certificates, and mementos. Sheffi Anwar, General Manager – Business Operations & Workplace Management, UST, presented the awards to the winners.

Organised by COLOR GOLD members of UST, SIGHT 2.0 received more than 1000 registrations from over 300 professional colleges across India.  The competition, which combined the creativity, intellect, and technical prowess of the students, aimed at providing a fillip to sustainable innovations that foster growth and usher in positive human transformation. Color Gold, the organising team, is a part of UST’s award-winning employee engagement programme COLORS that connects the company’s employees across all global locations.

As registrations poured in, the best projects were selected for the first round, and abstracts were evaluated to shortlist the top 500 entries. The second round narrowed into 280 entries, which marked the midway point in the development of their projects, providing a glimpse into the progress and potential of each endeavour. The scrutiny was rigorous, ensuring that only the most promising ideas advanced to the final round. Fourteen outstanding teams were selected for the grand finale round after assessing their technical acumen and commitment to sustainable solutions that address real-world challenges. The final round was based on the innovation and ingenuity of the teams.

“It is encouraging to note that SIGHT 2.0 turned out to be bigger than the opening edition. With more than 1000 project entries from 300 professional colleges across India, it has been evident that the new generation of students possesses amazing technical acumen and an innovative mindset, and also holds aloft a commitment towards sustainable solutions that could address real-world challenges. It was a joy watching the youngsters push forward creative ideas, and I applaud all who participated. I especially congratulate the winning teams and look forward to seeing their works trigger the transformation of lives around us,” said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer and Global Head of Center Operations, UST.

The overwhelming response from colleges and students has reaffirmed the significance of programs like SIGHT2.0. The participants have expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the immense value it has added to their academic journeys. For these students, SIGHT 2.0 is not just a competition but a platform that empowers them to explore, create, and contribute to a better future. SIGHT 2.0 is not merely a competition; it is a testament to the potential that lies within our educational institutions. UST, through initiatives like these, continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and thought leaders. The ripple effect of SIGHT will undoubtedly extend far beyond the competition, and it will permanently alter the landscape of technological innovation.

The post 1000 Teams from Professional Colleges Compete for Excellence at UST SIGHT 2.0 Competition appeared first on NRI News.

Established in 1991 under the visionary leadership of Mr. Shantanurao Laxmanrao Kirloskar, KIM stands as a beacon of excellence in managerial education. The semi-final round of KIRIT 5.0 was held on February 19 at the Harihar campus in Karnataka, followed by the grand finale on February 21 at the Pune campus in Maharashtra.

Building on the resounding success of its previous editions, KIRIT 5.0 has strengthened its position as a premier platform for young managerial talent. The competition serves as a stage for participants to exhibit their critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills in addressing real-world challenges faced by contemporary organizations.

KIRIT 5.0 was supported by several esteemed Kirloskar Group organizations including Kirloskar Industries Limited (KIL), Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL), Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Limited (KPCL), Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited (KFIL), Kirloskar Chillers Private Limited (KCPL), and ARKA Fincap. Their commitment to fostering managerial excellence played a pivotal role in ensuring the competition’s success.

The competition welcomed participants from diverse academic backgrounds, inviting students from four-year full-time B.Tech/BE programs and three-year full-time undergraduate courses. It provided a level playing field for aspiring managers to demonstrate their ingenuity and problem-solving capabilities.

Competition Modalities had participation open to teams of three members, all from the same institution, but not necessarily the same academic year. Individuals were allowed to participate in only one team. However, institutes could field multiple teams.

KIRIT 5.0 unfolded through a series of challenging rounds designed to test participants’ analytical and strategic competencies:

Round 1: Online Quiz, Round 2: Online Case Study Submission, Round 3: On-Ground Semi-Final at Harihar Campus (Top 12 Teams), Round 4: On-Ground Finale at Pune Campus (Top 8 Teams).

Each stage assessed the teams’ ability to analyze complex managerial scenarios and devise innovative, practical solutions.

Director Dr. T.G. Vijay delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of the event and highlighting key aspects of KIRIT 5.0. Aditi Kirloskar, Vice President of the Governing Council at Kirloskar Institute of Management, honored the esteemed judges for graciously accepting the invitation to assess the participants’ performances.

The post Unveiling KIRIT 5.0: Kirloskar Institute of Management’s Thrilling National-Level Case Analysis Competition appeared first on NRI News.

Jonathan Kanter, Assistant Attorney General with the U.S. Department of Justice; Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive Officer of the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority; and Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President and Competition Commissioner for the European Commission, joined Chair Khan in the joint statement outlining AI competition risks, as well as principles that can help protect competition in the AI ecosystem.

The joint statement notes that while AI has the potential to become one of the most significant technological developments of the past couple of decades, it also raises competition risks that may prevent the full benefits of AI from being realized. All four antitrust enforcers pledged in the joint statement to remain vigilant for potential competition issues and expressed their determination to use available powers to safeguard against tactics that would undermine fair competition or lead to unfair or deceptive practices in the AI ecosystem.

To assess competition risks to AI, the joint statement stressed the importance of focusing on how emerging AI business models drive incentives, and ultimately behavior. Competition questions in AI will be fact-specific but several common principles—fair dealing, interoperability, and choice—will generally help enable competition and foster innovation, as outlined in the joint statement. While potential harms may be felt across borders, the joint statement makes it clear that U.S. decision-making will always remain independent and sovereign. The FTC along with DOJ and CMA also have a consumer protection mission and noted the need to continue to monitor potential harms to consumers that may stem from the use and application of AI.

The post Global Regulators Unite Against AI Monopolies appeared first on NRI News.

The quiz competition comprises of three rounds, commencing with a preliminary qualifying round held online for teams across the nation. The winners of the preliminary round would proceed to zonal rounds and the subsequent winners, thereon to the Grand Finale. In this light, the winners of the zonal round who are all set now for the Grand Finale are as follows.

Azmat Habibulla, Chief Marketing Officer at South Indian Bank said, “We are glad that the ‘SIB Ignite Quizathon’ has been so well received by the nation’s brightest young minds, with really talented winners across each stage. Overall, the response has been heartwarming, and we are delighted that we have reached the penultimate stage with a winning squad comprising only the very best for the Grand Finale. With the splendid response we have received, we are even more encouraged and excited to host similar competitions for the students shortly as well. This initiative is a testament to South Indian Bank’s commitment to engaging with the youth of India, fostering intellectual growth, and creating meaningful connections with the next generation.” 

The post South Indian Bank Announces Zonal Round Finalists For ‘SIB Ignite – Quizathon’  appeared first on NRI News.

NEW YORK, NY: The Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Technology is hosting a virtual tech summit on January 25, 2024, that will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss key developments in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), looking across the layers of technology related to AI.

The summit will bring together representatives from academia, industry, civil society organizations, and government to discuss the state of technology, emerging market trends, and real-world impacts of AI. The discussions will also explore how to cultivate a marketplace that allows both consumers and businesses, including startups and small businesses, to thrive.

FTC Chair Lina M. Khan and Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya will provide remarks at the summit. The event will also feature three-panel discussions. These include discussions on the hardware and other key infrastructure that will be needed for AI development; issues related to the data and models used in AI; and AI-powered consumer applications.

The summit will begin at noon and take place online. The tentative agenda is available on the event website. Information on how to participate will also be posted to the event page soon.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The post FTC to Host Virtual Summit on Artificial Intelligence appeared first on NRI News.

BENGALURU: In an excellent show of dance skills, Mayra Sharma, a seventh-grader from Greenwood High, Bannerghatta campus, sparkled at the India International Groovefest (IIGF), a global dance event, marking a significant milestone in her dance journey and contributing to India’s global dance narrative. Mayra was part of the dance group ‘Astitva’ which clinched an impressive third position in the fiercely competitive freestyle category of India’s premier international dance extravaganza held recently in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event witnessed participation from over 500 dancers from diverse countries.

After four successful seasons in Dubai (2018), Thailand (2019), IIGF Online (2021), and Pattaya (2022), IIGF is set to take the competition to different countries every year. Currently, IIGF is a strong family of 1,188 contestants across 16 countries and is constantly growing.

Speaking about the group’s achievement, Mayra Sharma said, “I am proud that we could achieve the third position in the dance event. We practiced hard and concentrated on our dance form carefully. We plan to participate in many more competitions in the future.“

Commenting on Mayra Sharma’s achievement, Ms. Niru Agarwal, Trustee, of Greenwood High International School said, “It is a matter of pride that our student has participated in a prestigious competition and secured a high position. We hope that other students too would emulate Mayra. We are glad to support her, and we will continue to back rich talent in our School. I wish Mayra all success in her future vision.“

Every year, the winners of IIGF are awarded cash prizes, trophies, and internationally recognized certificates that add a significant boost to their careers. With IIGF, students can showcase their talent and dance skills to a global audience, yielding critical acclaim, fame, and honor.

In conclusion, Mayra Sharma’s achievement in the IIGF dance competition is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent. It is also a proud moment for Greenwood High International School and India’s global dance narrative.

The post Greenwood High Student Mayra Sharma Shines in IIGF Dance Competition in Sri Lanka appeared first on NRI News.

One of the most cherished aspects of Ganeshotsav in the Ganga Nebula Society is the communal spirit that cuts across religions and beliefs. Residents organized prayers and participated in cultural programs, music recitals, and drama performances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of India. The festival also saw several competitions for children to engage the younger generation in the festivities.

This year, one act that caught the eye of all residents was the play that showed the significance of the Pandharpur pilgrimage. The devotion to Lord Vithal, its historical and mythological significance, its annual festivities, its role in fostering community bonds, and its contribution to India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage were beautifully captured in the play performed by residents.

Ganeshotsav celebrations in Ganga Nebula Society are a beautiful amalgamation of tradition, culture, and community spirit and bonding. Additionally, the Society encourages only eco-friendly celebrations, promoting sustainable practices to protect the environment. All its activities are planned and executed in a manner that highlights the importance of protecting the environment.

The celebrations reinforce the importance of togetherness and harmony in the lives of its residents, and the Society comes alive with devotion and festivity during the festival. The Ganeshotsav celebrations at Ganga Nebula Society are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and the spirit of communal harmony that binds its people together.

The post Ganga Nebula Society Celebrates Ganeshotsav with Devotion and Festivity appeared first on NRI News.

Participating universities and colleges included NMIMS Bengaluru, T John College, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), International Institute of Information Technology (IIITB), Indus Business Academy, Bengaluru, and International School of Business & Research (ISBR). The competition was judged based on criteria such as spontaneity, content, topic adherence, on-stage presentation, coordination, creativity, innovation, explanation, and utility.

In the AD MAD competition, teams of 3-5 students were given a maximum of 15 minutes of preparation time to showcase their advertising skills on surprise topics. The performances ranged from 60 seconds to 3 minutes and included various forms of advertising such as skits, jingles, slogans, banners, and innovative presentations. The Best Out of Waste competition saw teams of 3-4 students display their resourcefulness by crafting innovative and useful products from household and stationery waste.

The talented teams from the International School of Business & Research (ISBR) walked away with all the prizes in both categories. The first prize in the AD MAD contest went to Crux comprising Adarsh, Shivam, Saurabh, Vidhi, and Ishika; the second prize went to Kushal, Surya, Somitha, Khushi, and Avneet of the Black Wings team, and the third prize was won by the Stalwarts team consisting of Abhishek, Ishita, Mehak, and Shiffan. The three teams that won the Best of the Waste contest were Tamanna, Samreen, Gnanasri, and Shivangini of the Prodigies team, Avishi, Tejal, Grishma, and Bhagyashree of the Upchay team, and finally Kashish, Shreya, Akansha, and Neha of the Trailblazers team.

The first three winning teams of the competitions were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 7,000, Rs. 5,000, and Rs.3,000, respectively. The event was filled with enthusiasm, collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices. NMIMS Bengaluru is proud to have hosted an event that encouraged students to think creatively and contribute to a sustainable future.

Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, Deputy Director, NMIMS Bengaluru, said, “AD MAD and Best out of Waste were not just competitions; they provided a stage for young minds to spark their creativity and imagination to craft memorable advertisements and innovate creatively with what we consider waste. I’m thrilled to witness the incredible talent and innovation showcased by these students. It was a pleasure to witness healthy competition and camaraderie among students of various institutes. We hope to conduct more such events to inculcate the importance of collaboration and collective growth.“

NMIMS Bengaluru’s School of Business Management (SBM) campus has been ranked first in the “Top B-Schools under Private Universities” category in Karnataka by Open Magazine. NMIMS Bengaluru was ranked second in the city-wise category by Fortune India Magazine and was awarded a rating of A+++ by Business India Magazine. Business Today Magazine ranked NMIMS Bengaluru third in the city-wise category, seventh in the south-zone category, and 15th among the private B-schools.

Overall, the AD MAD and Best Out of Waste Intercollegiate Competition was a huge success, showcasing the talent and creativity of students from various colleges and promoting eco-friendly practices. NMIMS Bengaluru hopes to continue hosting such events to encourage collaboration and collective growth among students.

The post NMIMS Bengaluru Hosts Successful AD MAD and Best Out of Waste Intercollegiate Competition appeared first on NRI News.

Reverse-payment settlements, also known as pay-for-delay, are agreements in which a brand-name drug manufacturer pays a would-be generic competitor—whether in monetary or non-monetary form—to abandon a patent challenge and refrain from offering its generic drug product for a number of years. In this specific case, the plaintiffs, which are purchasers of Bystolic, allege that Forest used the pretext of contemporaneous business deals to mask reverse payments to six would-be generic rivals. Under these deals, the generic rivals agreed to stop challenging Forest’s patents and to refrain from selling generic versions of Bystolic for at least eight years.

In its landmark 2013 decision, Federal Trade Commission v. Actavis Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court held that “large” and “unjustified” reverse payments can violate antitrust laws. Actavis, which stemmed from the FTC’s own pay-for-delay case against several pharmaceutical manufacturers, recognized that while some reverse payments may have legitimate business explanations, others may reflect nothing other than the settling parties’ desire to avoid competition. The Supreme Court placed the burden of justifying reverse payments principally on the defendants.

As detailed in the FTC’s amicus brief, the FTC argued that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York erred when it dismissed plaintiffs’ allegations that Forest’s payments to the drug manufacturers were unjustified and that it wrongly offered its own hypothetical justifications for Forest’s side deals. Plaintiffs challenging a reverse payment settlement only need to plead market power and facts from which a court can infer a large and unjustified reverse payment was tendered.

In this case, the FTC argues plaintiffs did meet these standards. The district court was incorrect in dismissing their claims because the court did not place the burden principally on Forest and the other defendants to justify the reverse payments. As the brief explains, the district court also improperly found facts and drew inferences against the plaintiffs, unfairly faulted them for not producing evidence at the pleading stage, and failed to assess the allegations of the complaint holistically.

Unless corrected, the district court’s ruling threatens to impair the effective enforcement of antitrust laws in the pharmaceutical industry, the FTC told the Second Circuit.

The Commission vote approving the filing of the amicus brief was 3-0.

The post FTC Files Amicus Brief in Bystolic Antitrust Litigation Supporting Competition in the Hypertension Drug Market appeared first on NRI News.