AIT’s Faculty Development Program commences

• Week long program to act as a unique platform for sharing innovative ideas, approaches, and development of research projects in the area of Machine and Deep learning

Pune, 05 December 2017: Information Technology Department of Army Institute of Technology (AIT) today officially announced commencements of its week long state-level Faculty DevelopmentProgram (FDP) on “Probability and Statistics for Machine learning and Deep Learning” in association with IEEE, Computer Society Of India and The National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL).

The program was inaugurated at Dighi campus today in the presence of Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Dr. Nitin Karmalkar along with Maj. Gen. Jalaj Bhola who is the chairman of AIT and CSO of HQ Southern Command. The week long program will continue till 9th December 2017 under Quality Improvement Program of SPPU.

This FDP is being hosted by AIT under the guidance of Director Brig Abhay A Bhat (Retd), and Principal Dr. B P Patil. The Convener of the Program is Dr. Sangeeta Jadhav, HOD of Information Technology Department. The honorable vice chancellor also inaugurated “FT Forty Two – AIT Innovation lab”, in the Department of Computer Engineering.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor of SPPU said, “I’m honored to be here on this occasion to inaugurate the FDP. It is a wonderful initiative taken by AIT and the topic that has been chosen is very apt as it plays a vital role in IT technology sector. Also I feel that the technology should play a helping hand and balance out role between Man and Machine in today’s world of technology.”

AIT Chairman Maj. Gen. Jalaj Bhola said, “I thank Dr. Karmalkar for raising the fund for FDP on behalf of AIT and such FDPs should be conducted in various colleges because learning should never stop. Faculties don’t upgrade themselves as much as the technology upgrades itself so it will help the faculties to advance their knowledge. It is important to keep the base in technology.”

During a week long program participants will gain the basics of machine learning required to apply the well-known techniques to new problems using specific mathematical model. Machine Learning and Deep Learning are recent research domains which require probability and statistics concepts as prerequisites.

The FDP will cover mathematical models of classification, regression and clustering algorithms. The hands-on sessions will enhance the understanding of these techniques. Also the FDP will act as a unique platform for sharing innovative ideas, approaches, and development of research projects in the area of Machine and Deep learning. The program is structured in 11 different sessions conducted by experts in the respective domain, Dr. Aditya Abhyankar, Dean, Faculty of Technology, and SPPU, being one of them. The FDP aims at facilitating interaction between researchers, academics and industry professionals.

Following are the few key sessions of the event

• Geometry of Multivariate Data and Primary Objectives of Machine Learning
• Hands-on Session — Basics of Linear Models for Regression and Classification
• Partition and Coloring — Tree-based Models for Regression and Classification

Phoenix Marketcity’s ‘Style Icon 2017’ Grand Finale

A platform for city’s fashion forward people to kick-start their journey to fame and glamour

Pune, December 2017: Season 5 of the most sought after fashionable event of the year – Style Icon 2017 by Phoenix Markertcity Pune concluded with glitz and glamour, last evening. Noted personality Honorable Ms. Amruta Fadnavis, Bollywood actresses Richa Chaddha and Mugdha Godse, Marathi actress Prajaktaa Mali along with handsome and popular TV actor Vishal Singh encouraged the contestants and judged the grand finale event. Style Icon 2017 was in association with Channel Partner –True Sports, Entertainment Partner- Four pillars entertainment.

Rigorously trained and groomed for two months by fashion director Sandeep Dharma, catwalk curator Alesia Raut and various other experts from the world of fashion, 28 most stylish and chic contestants out of the 3000 entries for 2017 edition walked the runway with confidence and poise. These aspiring models were selected from across varied age groups (20-50 years) and professions.

After three sequences – Indian wear, Casual wear and Evening wear by three groups A, B and C to showcase each participant’s style and personal appeal and a Q&A session by our celebrity judges, best six (2 from each group) were bestowed with the Style Icon 2017 title. The winners and runners-up namely Zainab Ujjainwala, Saranjeet Singh, Sandhya Khaire, Shikhar Gupta, Nikhil Singh Thomar and Jatin Parmar received award prize worth Rs. 30,000/- and Rs. 10,000/- respectively from Phoenix Marketcity, Pune for shopping at the mall.

Speaking about the show, Rajiv Malla, Director, Phoenix Marketcity, Pune said “Great fashion never goes out of style. Punekars have a great sense of style, but lacked an apt platform of self- expression. This mega event provides a perfect avenue to just about anyone who has the desire, confidence and aspiration, to take a shot at the coveted crown. Looking at the tremendous response we have been receiving over the past five editions including this one, we are certain that this is a much needed platform in the city for our aspiring fashionistas and we take pride that we have instituted this”.

Over the years, increasing number of retailers showing interest to associate with the event reiterates its success and growing acceptance. This year Phoenix Marketcity got big brands like H&M, ZARA, GAP, Lifestyle, Aeropostale, Diesel, Forever 21, Superdry, Marks & Spencer, Splash, GAS, Promod, Vero Moda, Only, Jack & Jones, Aldo, Steve Madden, Charles & Keith, Clavin Klein, Forever New, Balance by Rohit Bal, Satya Paul, Label by Ritu Kumar, Pantaloons, Trends, Park Avenue and Ethnicity as style & merchandise partner and MAC, Clinique, Sephora and Bobbi Brown for providing cosmetics for make-up.

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune celebrated the arrival of Christmas with a uniquely designed eco-friendly tree

Pune - 2^nd December’17

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune hosted its annual tree-lighting ceremony this weekend marking the onset of the Christmas festivities in the city. Thespecial attraction this year was a uniquely designed, eco-friendly Christmas tree put together by the team with only a few natural elements.

Sharing his thoughts behind the ideation of the tree, General Manager, Aditya Shamsher Malla said – “Together the team at the hotel came up withthis initiative as a demonstration of our deep-rooted commitment to the environment. The end product was a beautifully designed tree, put togetherwith just a few natural elements like bamboo, jute and string. It’s a wonderful work of creativity by the team and has become a special attraction atthe hotel.”

Adding to the theme of social awareness, the hotel associated with a local NGO inviting a group of underprivileged children to be a part of the tree-lighting ceremony. The children were seen enjoying the evening and interacting with the hotel staff. A short set of Christmas carols was also performed by the group adding to the festive cheer. This was followed by the lighting of the wonderful tree and a special appearance from Santa Claus who delighted all with a bag of special treats.

The evening came to a close with a warm send off to all the invitees and a vote of thanks from General Manager, Aditya Shamsher Malla.

Mother’s Recipe packs a tasty punch of health in instant mix category with Poha, on the go!

Nationwide launch, bridging the gap of healthy snack option anytime, anywhere

Pune, December 4, 2017: Capturing the emergent wave of healthy living and smart food choices, Mother’s Recipe, India’s leading household name in the ethnic food division, has widened their instant mix category with the nationwide launch of Poha, on the go! Blending the goodness of authentic ingredients like fine quality poha, lemon, curry leaves, cottonseed oil, sugar and other condiments, this new offering will be available in two delicious variants: Regular Poha and No onion No garlic Poha. Packed in an easy to carry container with lid, where you just have to add hot water and it is ready to eat in four minutes. The pack also contains a disposable spoon which makes it an even easier snacking option on the go.

Sharing her thoughts, Ms Sanjana Desai, Head of Business Development, Desai Brothers Ltd – Food Division (Mother’s Recipe), said, “As per the recently published report of Bonafide Research India Ready-To-Mix Market Outlook-2021, the ready-to-mix market was growing with a CAGR of13.22% in the last five years and is expected to double by 2021. This growth can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of our time deficient consumers, coupled with rising number of nuclear families in young India and men & women both shouldering multiple roles. Keeping this in mind, a thoughtfully designed product ticks all the boxes of convenience, nutrition and taste.”

Mother’s Recipe’s Poha, on the go has been specially made to cater the needs of consumers who are looking for a hassle free, tasty and nutritious snack option which is easy to make and can be consumed at any hour. This single serve pack will be available in 70 gm and 75 gm across all hypermarkets, local stores, exclusive brand outlets & Mother’s Recipe e-store and various e-grocers like Big Basket in selected cities. Competitively priced at Rs. 45, the instant mix poha has shelf life of nine months, is free from added preservatives & MSG and retains the authentic taste of a mother’s touch.

Commenting on the consumer behaviour and product packaging in food category, Sanjana further added “We believe the demands of the FMCG segment are evolving every-day and consumers are seeking authentic, convenient and better packaged products. As a result, we need to continuously innovate in line with the growing consumer expectations while providing our customers with the finest quality & tastier products. Innovative packaging is also an integral part of our product development across all categories. Our recently introduced Mom style Poha on the go pack is in line with our aim to liberate our consumers, help them save time while maintaining the taste of mom’s style food”

‘Mother’s Recipe’ has witnessed exponential growth, CAGR of over 25% and has a strong presence across India and the global arena especially in the Middle East, Australia, UK, Europe, US, Canada and Africa, being one of the largest providers of traditional & authentic Indian taste exported to more than 40 countries in the world.(Pls verify) The current product portfolio in India consists of Pickles, Condiments Pastes, Blended Spices, Ethnic Chutneys, Papad, Ready to Cook Spice Mixes and Instant Mixes.

The Mother’s Recipe brand with a robust distribution network across the country caters to diverse formats ranging from mom &pop stores, modern trade outlets, multi-functional outlets, e-commerce, Defense and to Hotel Restaurants & Cafes (HORECA) / Food Service outlets.

With the acquisition of Kolkata based ELMAC brand and company’s foray into the online space, it is eyeing a growth of 25% in the current financial year.

Emami launches ammonia-free Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour nationally

Pune, Sep 22, 2017: Following a successful test launch in West Bengal, Emami Limited launches its all new Emami Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour in the national market.  Glamorous Bollywood Diva, Shilpa Shetty has been roped in to endorse the brand.]

Hair Colour is primarily used by consumers for grey coverage or a style makeover. Consumers are thus always on the lookout for hair colours which last longer and reduce the need for frequent ‘touch up’ applications.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Priti Sureka, Director, Emami Limited said “Crème Hair Colour is a sunshine category in the FMCG space. Women today are looking beyond grey hair coverage – they don’t just want to look young, but also feel young and confident. They want to make a statement, want to stand up and be noticed. Unfortunately, most availablehair colours don’t last beyond a couple of weeks, forcing frequent applications. Users feel hassled and it pinches their pockets. To plug this need gap, we have launched Emami Diamond Shine, a technologically superior product created by renowned international and Indian hair colour experts with 11 ayurvedic herbs and diamond serum. It gives colour that lasts 2X longer, superior shade delivery, softness & shine, and comes at a price similar to what users pay for their regularhair colour.”

Emami Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour is ammonia–free, offers 100% grey coverage. Aloe vera conditioners keep hair soft and protect it from damage.

Emami Diamond Shine Luxury Crème Hair Colour will be launched in Northern, Western and Eastern regions of India. It will be available in 5 shades – 1.0 Natural Black, 3.0 Dark Brown, 3.66 Cherry Red, 4.0 Natural Brown & 4.16 Burgundy, in a sachet pack priced at Rs. 30/-. Each sachet contains 20g colorant and 20ml developer.

deAsra Foundation Organizes Business Funding Workshop

deAsra Foundation on Friday organized ‘Business Funding’ workshop, at Choice Conference Hall, Kothrud, Pune. The workshop was held for people who have an existing business or plan to start a new business, small business and entrepreneurs looking for growth using various schemes available for them.

deAsra Foundation aims at provide right guidance and encouragement to those who wish to start and grow new business.

The workshop touched upon funds and Source of Funds/ Funding schemes from banks. Participant were informed about funding schemes, creating project reports required by banks, cash credit, own capital and term loans. The perfect amount, appropriate investment for the particular businesses, how to apply for loan, find the financing options that fit your specific industry or business needs, to plan and control the finance of the company.

The Chief Guest for the event was Mr. Suresh Rao, CEO of Vidya Sahakari Bank, Pune said, “A big reason people don’t start their dream business is that they don’t think they can get the money or financing. Well there are so many ways to get money you need”

Speaker Mr. Shubhankar Joshi from deAsra foundation said “The first step in the capital budgeting process is identifying which opportunities are available to you at the time, as a business owner or entrepreneurs you are often presented with many different potential opportunities, you could go in number of different directions as a company.”

Inaugural Ceremony – International Relations Conference 2017 – India EU (European Union)

The opening speech of the IRC’s 5 th edition organised by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Symbiosis School of International Studies was delivered by Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor at the Symbiosis International (Deemed University). She stressed upon the international nature of the Symbiosis institution that complemented the aim and purpose of the Symbiosis School of International Studies, which is a young, but prominent branch of the Symbiosis family. She believes Pune is an ideal place to set up the School of European Studies, and invited active collaborations with European educational institutions. Her speech was followed by an address by Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, founder and Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University). Dr. Mujumdar highlighted the importance of education, since education alone is the best medium to promote international understanding and open-mindedness. He stressed that apart from political and economic collaborations with the European Union, quality education would also go a long way in cherishing the motto ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.’ His speech was followed by Ms. Shivali Lawale, Director at Symbiosis School of International Studies, who has been instrumental in developing a dynamic environment with state of the art curriculum for her students, who come from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, again embodying the motto of the Symbiosis family. Amb. (Retd.) Mr. Talmiz Ahmad, then took the stage and expressed his solid belief that the conference would help in giving a wonderful exposure to various thought-provoking ideas on India-EU relations. He mentioned how EU faces a current atmosphere of uncertainty and trusts the conference could throw up some valuable ideas on how the India-EU relationship could be reshaped. Following him was the video address given by chief guest, Shri. Suresh Prabhu, Hon. Minister of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India. The Minister praised EU for being an exemplary example of how different countries have come together, setting aside differences for a higher goal. Prosperity between these two blocs has to be holistic, and not restricted to few key areas.

His Excellency, H.E. Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to India then stressed on how India and EU are natural partners sharing the same principles. He touched upon key areas through which India and EU could utilise existing opportunities in a better way be it in the field of climate change, technology, research – especially on water management, military or finance. He mentioned how for the first time the EU naval force had a joint collaboration with the Indian navy, highlighting the maritime security paradigm. He also mentioned how both the sides should remain committed on coming up with a mutually beneficial agreement. Following him, Mr. Gitesh Sarma, Additionsl Secretary (Pol), MEA, Govt. of India, mentioned how there is an important need for quality analysis and interpretation in the field of international relations. Lastly, Prof. Furqan Qamar, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities highlighted the importance of globalisation in higher education. Dr. Rajani Gupte concluded the inaugural session with the final vote of thanks. Thus, the IRC is a pioneering venture wherein renounced scholars and academicians brainstorm on how to give substance to the India-EU ties.