Bengaluru, Oct. 5: Bengaluru’s first interactive mobile bus stop highlights mobility gaps in the city This travelling bus stop, created by women from the informal workforce, will tour through four chosen communities in the city throughout October
The recent Karnataka Shakti Scheme facilitates women to travel across Karnataka free of cost is a positive step forward but does not resolve the lack of connectivity in underserved areas. And now Alli Serona, a women’s collective, is addressing this mobility gap with Bengaluru’s first collapsible and mobile bus stop, which hopes to demonstrate how the transportation needs of the informal sector can be met. This ‘mobile bus stop’ will journey through four chosen areas in Bengaluru namely, Hosa Nagar, Seegahalli, Thursday Sante Area, and Byrasandra, across October.
The bus stop will be installed from October 5-7 behind Baiyappanahalli Metro Station, Hosa Nagar, from where it will move to Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar on October 9-10, at the Thursday Sante Area on October 16-18, and at Byrasandra on October 20-21. Designed to resemble a wooden, scaled-down version of a typical bus stop, the installation will have a ticket counter, seating arrangements, a shared space for waiting, and a newsstand. “Through this installation we have created a platform with and for women working in the informal workforce of the city, to increase their participation in decision-making for improved public transport services for all,” says SureshaKantha B, a community coordinator from APSA for the Jayanagara constituency.
Ms Sujatha, a woman leader and tailor from Vijayanagar, Whitefield, shares, “We’re a family of four. My husband, maternal uncle, and I share a two-wheeler for work. Each of us having a vehicle increases carbon emissions. Many families do the same. Buses accommodating 50-60 people significantly reduce emissions. Leaving early doesn’t always help due to traffic. I’ve seen cars carrying one person, though they can seat five to six. Imagine if everyone used buses. This could positively impact the environment, leading to better rains, enhanced greenery, improved air quality, and overall better quality of life and health.”
Since 2022, Alli Serona has worked to pass the mic to women who are invisibilized even though they are an intrinsic part of the city. Mallika Arya of Bengaluru Moving says, “Goal 11 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals appeals to member countries to provide safe, affordable, and accessible transportation to all, especially those in vulnerable situations. Inclusive mobility in urban areas is however often overlooked. The Alli Serona Mobile Bus Stop demonstrates how a good public transport system can bring people into the fold of the city.”
Shri Bhavendra Kumar joined Canara Bank on 10/03/1997 as Probationary Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree and a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB). During the course of Banking career, he has worked in different capacities in different states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Karnataka & New Delhi. He has also worked in Canara bank, Shanghai Branch for a period of 3 years.
On becoming General Manager in 2018, he was posted to the Head Office of the Bank at Bengaluru and was heading the Gold Loan Wing of the Bank. He was promoted to Chief General Manager in 2022 and headed Delhi Circle Office with a business of more than 2.5 Lakh crore rupees until he was elevated to the post of Executive Director.
On 09.10.2023, Shri Bhavendra Kumar assumed the charge of Executive Director of Canara Bank as per the Department of Financial Service notification reference no eF.no.4/1(vii)/2023-BO.I dated 09.10.2023.
Bengaluru 09th October 2023: Manipal Hospitals, in collaboration with Bengaluru City Traffic Police, today initiated its first phase of the ‘Guardian of the Heart 2.0’ campaign with CPR Training for traffic police. The event highlighted the significance of incorporating heart-shaped symbols into traffic signals in Bangalore at approximately 40 signals along with SOS QR code signage in each of these signals. M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Bengaluru City, and Dr. Ranjan Shetty, HOD & Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road joined the event. Around 40 dedicated traffic police officers received CPR training and certifications along with SOS QR code stickers for easy access to medical support during emergency situations.
M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Bengaluru City spoke about the importance of traffic lights turning into hearts to encourage people to wait patiently until the signala turns green, emphasizing the need for patience and responsible behaviour at traffic signals. Mr. Anucheth urged Manipal Hospitals to expand this QR code initiative to other prominent signals in Bangalore that can help all other cities of Bangalore utilize this opportunity during emergencies. He stated that all prominent signals can carry this QR code that helps in facilitating the ambulance to pick up in kind of any mishap that can happen on the road.
Manipal Hospitals assured that this initiative would not be limited to their hospitals alone and that accident victims would be transferred to the nearest hospitals during emergencies, utilizing their own fleet of ambulances, various tie-ups, or 108 services.
Dr. Ranjan Shetty, HOD & Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru mentioned, “This QR code has been a unique initiative by Manipal Hospitals and a great benchmark for digitization as well as enhanced road safety. We have also been actively training each of the traffic officers about CPR so that they become empowered and transform Bengaluru into a heart-smart city.”
New features include updates to Samsung Knox Matrix with passkeys and end-to-end encryption for backed-up and restored cloud data, and the democratization of Samsung Knox Vault
San Francisco, CA – October 9, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled a range of security innovations across its ecosystem of products and services. With the release of One UI 6, these innovations include updates to Samsung Knox Matrix with passkeys and end-to-end encryption for backed-up and restored Samsung Cloud data, and the expansion of Samsung Knox Vault to the wider device ecosystem. These advancements are engineered for an age of hyperconnectivity, ensuring that as we enter a world where multiple devices connect and share information with each other, the security aspect is never compromised. The updates were announced at the annual Samsung Developer Conference 2023 (SDC23), which brings together developers, creators and designers to explore Samsung’s powerful and seamless connected experiences. At the event, Samsung was able to showcase how these innovations will work to push the industry forward and empower users with more ways to safely do what they love, today and tomorrow.
“The strongest security and privacy innovations can help protect your everyday mobile experience as well as your device,” said Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We strive to keep more users safe in more ways than ever, and our latest security innovations mean users can live life with greater options and less effort – so life can truly open up possibilities, now and for years to come.”
Secure Convenience in a Connected World The release of One UI 6 on Galaxy devices and an update to Samsung Knox Matrix work to further realize Samsung’s vision of a future where connected devices can protect each other within an ecosystem.
Last year, we announced that Knox Matrix would support Trust Chain, which will enable connected devices to intelligently monitor each other for security threats, and send notifications to other devices if one is ever attacked. This meant that if a hacker were to target a device, Knox Matrix could detect the threat and isolate that device from other devices to keep the rest of the system safe.
At SDC23, Samsung is announcing updates to another key element of Knox Matrix – Credential Sync, which can help protect sensitive information as it moves between multiple devices, such as Samsung Galaxy devices, TVs and Family Hub refrigerators. With the introduction of One UI 6, Credential Sync brings users an easy and secure way to sync their identities and credentials between their Samsung devices. Also now available within Credential Sync is end-to-end encryption of backed-up and restored Samsung Cloud data. This ensures the data can only be encrypted or decrypted on a user’s devices, meaning nobody can see it but the user – even if a server is compromised or account details are stolen. Starting early 2024, Samsung Galaxy devices will also implement end-to-end encryption when users sync their data with Samsung Cloud.
As part of Credential Sync, Samsung has also developed new ways to manage and secure identities and credentials for a future hyperconnected world in the form of passkeys: digital credentials that can be used as authentication for websites and apps. Through One UI 6, Samsung Pass has been updated with the ability to use passkeys, marking a significant step towards a passwordless future where passkeys replace traditional passwords to provide an experience that is: • Faster: Users can save time on typing their account username into their device by instead quickly selecting the account they wish to sign into • Easier: Once passkeys are registered, users can easily switch over to a new connected device with no requirement to sign up all over again • More secure: Passkeys only work on users’ registered websites and applications, ensuring protection against phishing attacks from malicious sites or apps
Knox Matrix realizes this revolutionary step in the evolution of passwords by enabling a convenient way to share passkeys across multiple devices without sacrificing security. Based on FIDO’s international standards, passkeys enable users to use Samsung Pass on their smartphone to sign into apps and websites through biometric sensors, such as fingerprints. With One UI 6, passkeys are able to be held in escrow until specific conditions are met – like when a PIN, password or lock screen pattern of a user’s previous device is entered on their Samsung Galaxy smartphone. These updated escrow functions within Knox Matrix will eliminate the need for users to remember current passwords or reset forgotten ones, providing convenience and stronger security when sharing credentials between connected devices.
Powerful Security Innovations on More Samsung Devices Besides innovating to secure the device ecosystems of the future, Samsung is also democratizing its most powerful security innovations for devices today. Samsung Knox Vault is being strengthened through the expansion beyond flagship devices to protect more customers and give them greater choice in the devices they can safely use.
Knox Vault can help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen information, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns. It constructs a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory and is effective from the moment a user registers their lock screen – thus users can enjoy the security they need without hassle. Knox Vault can help protect users’ security keys which encrypt their private data stored in the device, ensuring total safety – even if the device is lost or stolen.
A hardware-based and tamper-resistant solution, Samsung Knox Vault was created to safeguard a user’s private data against not only software-based hacking, but also hardware attacks using high-end professional tools. Originally launched on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices including S series, Z series, S FE series smartphones and Tab S series tablets, Knox Vault is being expanded to Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs in 2023, and the wider Galaxy ecosystem including Galaxy A series smartphones with One UI 6 or later in 2024.
Your Secure Ecosystem, Expanded The wide range of powerful security measures make Samsung Galaxy devices better at ensuring user privacy, addressing the need for convenience in a hyperconnected society with the backing of a true commitment to strong user security. One UI 6 also brings updates to Galaxy’s Security and Privacy Dashboard, making it easier than ever for users to see and control what is happening to their data. The latest security and privacy innovations announced at SDC23 are built on top of Galaxy’s secure foundation: security at every level from the chips up to the apps, real-time threat detection, and collaborative protection with trusted partners.
For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
As I drove away from the SZTNAOI 2023 (South Zone and Silver Jubilee Conference of Tamil Nadu AOI), the road seemed to gently guide me towards a cherished destination: Manipal. I was en route to visit my son, who is shaping his future in architecture at this prestigious institution. The picturesque drive, framed by the majestic Western Ghats, felt symbolic of Manipal’s own evolution—from a modest hillock to a beacon of healthcare and education. The credit for this transformation largely goes to the visionary TMA Pai, a fact that never ceases to amaze me. Dotting my journey, almost every Kilometer from my hometown of Chitradurga to Manipal, were billboards promoting the Manipal Arogya Card—a homegrown insurance scheme—prompting me to reflect on the brand strength of Manipal. Additionally, Manipal Hospitals is making headlines following its acquisition of AMRI Hospitals in Kolkata.
I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Manipal both as a student at the esteemed Kasturba Medical College and later, as a faculty, imparting knowledge to the next generation. As I reminisced, the healthcare chessboard of India unfolded before me, and Manipal’s strategic moves on this board were hard to ignore, especially given its recent alignment with Temasek.
The evolution of Manipal in the healthcare sector, transitioning from a simple hillock to a distinguished medical powerhouse in India, can be attributed to four foundational pillars or 4Ps – Priorities, People, Policies and Processes. Firstly, their priorities set them apart; while many entities focus mainly on profits, Manipal has always been steadfast in its mission to provide quality healthcare that’s affordable to everyone, underscoring its dedication to genuine patient welfare across all socio-economic backgrounds. Secondly, its policy framework, shaped by visionary leadership, is rooted in upholding the highest medical standards and an emphasis on continuous research. This strategic approach has enabled Manipal to navigate myriad challenges, constantly emerging stronger. Thirdly, the institution’s vibrancy is derived from its people — a community of dedicated professionals ranging from visionary leaders, devoted medical staff, to ground-breaking researchers. The talent nurtured and cultivated within Manipal’s walls forms the backbone of its sustained excellence. Lastly, when it comes to processes, Manipal stands out for its emphasis on efficiency and consistency in healthcare delivery. Merging cutting-edge technology with traditional care models, the institution has refined its processes, always keeping patient-centricity at the forefront. These processes, ever-evolving, draw insights from feedback and align with global best practices.
Manipal’s growth is deeply anchored in innovation, prompting the question: Why haven’t other players managed to emulate this success? Reflecting on this, my mind drifts to a compelling read, “THE INVERSION FACTOR – How to Thrive in the IoT Economy” by Linda Bernardi, Sanjay Sarma, and Kenneth Traub. This book delves into the complexities of innovation, outlining pitfalls that companies often stumble upon. One of the most common deterrents is the fear of cannibalization. Organizations, apprehensive about their new offerings cannibalizing existing sales, sometimes overlook the broader risk: if they don’t innovate, competitors will, causing an even more substantial dent in their market share. Another hesitancy arises from a reluctance to adopt technologies or ideas linked to competitors. However, in our dynamic business environment, tapping into all available resources, even if competitor-sourced, might prove advantageous. Moreover, the efficacy of an idea lies not just in its conception but in its execution. A perceived skill gap might deter some from pursuing innovation, but the real solution lies in skill acquisition or strategic partnerships. Furthermore, companies must guard against the “Not Invented Here” syndrome. A blinkered approach, favoring only in-house innovations, can blind organizations to groundbreaking external solutions, potentially curbing their growth trajectories.
Recently, following a staggering $2B investment from Temasek, Manipal Hospitals has poised to take ambitious steps. Its acquisition of AMRI Hospitals underscores this aggressive strategy. However, the play isn’t solely about expanding bed counts. Apollo Hospitals, holding a significant presence in Kolkata, heavily influences the medical tourism scene, notably the flow between West Bengal and southern hubs like Bengaluru and Chennai. With the AMRI acquisition, Manipal aims to contest Apollo’s dominance in the region.
Yet, hurdles remain. While Manipal is steadily bridging the bed-count disparity with Apollo, their revenue figures tell a different tale. Manipal’s earnings stand at Rs. 0.58Cr per bed annually, trailing behind Apollo’s Rs. 0.86Cr/bed. This delineates two primary challenges for Manipal: amplifying its brand’s footprint to rival Apollo’s esteemed legacy and enhancing operational efficiency. It’s vital, however, to remember Manipal’s roots as an educational hospital and its unwavering commitment to offering affordable care to the marginalized.
A question often arises: Why is Temasek, a foreign entity, channelling such extensive funds into India’s healthcare? The rationale is clear-cut. Temasek perceives a niche in the Indian healthcare matrix, one that several domestic players seem to have bypassed – the burgeoning private medical colleges.
During my Strategic Management course for senior managers at IIM Lucknow, I explored the opportunities and challenges of the Indian healthcare landscape as part of my capstone project. I encouraged my peers to center our study on Apollo Hospitals Enterprises. Collectively, we observed that the Indian economy is continually rising. With each passing day, a significant portion of the population experiences an elevation in social status. Concurrently, the number of chronic health cases is surging. The growth is further fueled by the expanding realm of healthcare education, the proliferation of insurance companies, and the increasing acceptance of health insurance.
Although various governments have come and gone since India’s independence, healthcare policies have largely remained static. Furthermore, the Indian government’s allocation to healthcare barely touches 1%. As a result, a significant number of patients bear their medical expenses out-of-pocket. This landscape offers a vast, untapped market, a “blue ocean,” for international entities like Temasek.
However, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in healthcare is a double-edged sword. While it has certainly elevated the country’s healthcare quality, it has also granted foreign companies easy access to India’s healthcare data. In today’s era, data is paramount. Such data can be harnessed to craft innovative treatment methods or, if misused, could skew the healthcare landscape of the nation and its populace. Thus, there’s an urgent need to implement rigorous checks and balances.
My brief visit to Coimbatore for SZTNAOI 2023 was a remarkable opportunity. For the first time, I was invited to a Tamil Nadu state conference as a faculty member. It allowed me to rekindle old associations and forge new friendships. Apart from delivering an innovative talk on enhancing the performance of cochlear implants using artificial intelligence and machine learning, I also participated as a panellist in a discussion on the challenging scenarios in cochlear implantation. Along with other panellists, being recognized by the legendary Padmashri Prof. Dr. Mohan Kameshwaran as one of the “top surgeons of the country and cream of the nation” is an honour I will forever hold dear.
A visit to Manipal is not complete without a trip to the picturesque Manipal Endpoint. We treated my son Amogh’s batchmates to dinner. This provided a wonderful opportunity to interact with and understand the ambitions of the younger generation, allowing me to offer some wisdom from my own experiences. As my journey drew to a close, Manipal, with its verdant vistas and towering academic edifices, emerged as a symbol of foresight and ambition. The future of India’s healthcare industry, reminiscent of my drive through the Western Ghats, is bound to be filled with twists, turns, challenges, and moments of unparalleled splendour. As always, I look forward to observing, absorbing, and evolving with the times.
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