Yoyogi Seminar Selects TCS iON PAPER to Transform Spoken English Tests in Japan

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, announced that Sapix Yozemi Group (Yoyogi Seminar), a Japanese cram school chain, has selected TCS iON PAPER to transform the conduct of its spoken English tests and evaluation of candidate responses.

Spoken English tests are increasingly becoming part of entrance exams for many universities and high schools in Japan. The University Admission Common Test, which will replace the current National Center Test in 2021, is expected to include spoken English. To prepare students ahead of time, Yoyogi Seminar has included speaking assessments in all its future tests.

The TCS iON PAPER device will equip the preparatory school operator with the capabilities necessary to conduct these tests, including the test environment, test data delivery, and scoring environment. In addition, it will enable location-independent assessment with the help of experienced English teachers based in India. TCS will on-board qualified and certified English teachers, who will be rigorously trained on evaluating the audio responses, in a proctored environment.

TCS iON PAPER can securely distribute question papers as well as capture students’ audio responses without the need for internet connections in classrooms. This will enable Yoyogi Seminar to conduct country-wide English language tests at centers that do not have access to the internet. The scoring of the audio responses will be powered by TCS iON Digital Marking platform to deliver test results at speed.

The device was first used this month, for Yoyogi Seminar’s Mock Test for first-year high school students.

Toshiro Takamiya, Co-chairman, Sapix Yozemi Group, said, "We have been making efforts to support our students to acquire four key capabilities – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – in English proficiency as is required in this globalized society. By employing TCS' services, we hope that we will be able to introduce better services to our students nationwide."

Venguswamy Ramaswamy, Global Head, TCS iON, said,  “TCS iON is focused on continuous innovations and the integration of digital technology to drive transformational change in all aspects of the education ecosystem. We are very happy that Yoyogi Seminar has been an early adopter of TCS iON PAPER along with our path breaking location-independent marking platform – TCS iON Digital Marking. This will drive exponential value to the domain of education across stakeholders.”

“We are very honored to partner with Yoyogi Seminar, a leading Japanese college preparatory school that has been devoted to enhancing educational services for test takers for over half a century. TCS, leveraging its global expertise on digital to the fullest, strives to be the partner of choice for education customers in their digital transformation journeys at a time of major industry-wide change, and contribute to the enhancement of educational services in the country,” said Masayuki Nakayama, Senior Vice President, TCS Japan.

TCS iON’s Education platforms have been adopted by institutions worldwide, to benefit from the enhanced security, scale, reduced logistical costs, and shorter processing time. The TCS iON PAPER device was launched in 2018 to introduce digital technology in place of traditional paper-based tests.

About Yoyogi Seminar

Yoyogi Seminar, operated by Takamiya Gakuen founded in 1957 by Yukio Takamiya, is one of the leading college preparatory schools in Japan for students aiming to advance to higher education. It is known for the large pool of prominent lecturers that it consistently boasts since its foundation. With the addition of SAPIX for elementary school and junior high school students to the group in 2009, and operation of Y-SAPIX nationwide, SAPIX YOZEMI GROUP is dedicated to providing integrated educaional services through to college admission. For more information, please visit www.yozemi.ac.jp.

Qlik and DataRobot Announce Partnership to Combine Augmented Intelligence and Predictive Modeling

Qlik has announced a partnership with DataRobot to bring automated machine-learning modeling directly into Qlik, giving business users the power of predictive data decision-making within any analytics workflow. This integration greatly enhances a user’s ability to execute the entire range of data analysis - from historical and current state to future predictions - right within one Qlik instance. The partnership also builds on Qlik’s continued delivery of augmented intelligence and machine learning enhancements that give business users the ability to gain deeper insights from all their data.

“Machine learning is essential in helping users explore the vast arrays of data needed for unique insights that drive outcomes,” said Drew Clarke, SVP, Office of Strategy Management at Qlik. “The integration with DataRobot enhances Qlik’s existing AI and machine learning capabilities by bringing predictive modeling usually limited to data scientists to every business user.”

“We’re investing heavily in our data analytics performance to help democratize decision making across the business,” said Moto Thoda, Vice President of Information Services at Tokyo Century. “Working with innovative solutions like Qlik and DataRobot will help users make better decisions and more accurately predict where our best opportunities are, all through real-world data.”

Enterprises want to democratize data and enable users to make better data-driven decisions while leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. Qlik already delivers machine learning capabilities through its cognitive engine and platform with Insight Advisor, which auto-generates and suggests the best analytics and insights to explore based on the overall data set and a user’s search criteria. Now by leveraging Qlik’s open platform, extension technology and the open source Qlik DataRobot connector, DataRobot allows Qlik users to develop and democratize machine-learning models.

“Leading enterprises are embracing the need for AI and machine learning, and want help applying these innovations at scale across the business,” said Seann Gardiner, SVP of Business Development at DataRobot. “Automating data analysis and predictive machine learning driven models meets a need data scientists can’t scale to fill, and will enable business users to get more value and understanding from data not otherwise possible.”

The Qlik open source extension and connector enables:

•          Users to prepare and send data with key fields from their current Qlik Sense application directly to DataRobot;

•          Combinations of data from any table within the associative data model, served directly into DataRobot for processing;

•          Users to manage their DataRobot project directly within Qlik, sending executed and scored models directly to their Qlik application.

This seamless integration enables predictive modeling and remodeling within one interface, ensuring the user gets the best model possible for their analysis.

Qlik and DataRobot will be showcasing these enhanced capabilities at the upcoming Financial Services Analytics Summit in New York on March 7.

Route Mobile Launches ‘Omnichannel Platform’, an OCEAN for Enterprise Customers

In today’s highly technology-driven world, connecting with your customers via more than one platform is not only essential but also one of the major driving forces for today’s enterprises. Understanding this requirement, Route Mobile Limited (“Route Mobile”), a cloud-communication platform service provider, has developed ‘Omnichannel Platform’, an offering for enterprise customers. ‘Omnichannel Platform’ is an all-in-one API network solution that offers multiple advantages to its customers. As a single platform, it allows enterprises from various domains such as banks, insurance, e-commerce portals, cab service providers, travel & tourism and airlines to communicate with end-users with the help of multiple channels minus the technical complexity associated with multi-channel messaging services.

As a single API solution, Omnichannel Platform incorporates all existing communication modes such as SMS, emails, voice & OTT channels, allowing enterprises to reach their customers on both traditional and OTT platforms. It has been designed to address some of the key challenges faced in the communications industry today such as hindrances associated with multi-API management, absence of inter-channel links, additional development time, and issues pertaining to documentation, invoicing, and reporting. Along with hyper-personalization of the content, it can also reduce the time to market, enriches data analytics, ensure easy integration, reduce dependency on multi-channel APIs, and maximize user engagement.

Rajdipkumar Gupta, MD and group CEO - Route Mobile, said “Omnichannel Platform is a technology that has been designed to address several needs for today’s businesses. Enterprises such as banks, airlines, and cab service providers need cost-effective, simple and intelligent solutions to maximize customer engagement and Omnichannel Platform offers just that. We will be presenting a demonstration of this platform at MWC Barcelona and I am very excited to showcase features of this all-in-one solution.”

Emirates Serves Over 20,000 Plant-Based Meals on Board During ‘Veganuary'

Emirates served over 20,000 plant-based meals across all classes in January, known to Vegans worldwide as Veganuary. The worldwide movement, to encourage Veganism especially in January has seen on board requests for vegan meals increase by over 40% this month.

The airline caters to all its customers and has a range of dedicated menus for medical or religious meal requirements which are designed with a team of nutritionists and chefs. Vegan meals rank as the third most commonly requested special meal in Economy Class. Last month, travellers voted Emirates as the Best Airline for Vegan Meals in a poll by Vegan News.

Emirates has over 170 plant-based recipes in its kitchen to cater to its vegan customers. Emirates’ team of nutritionists and chefs use the freshest vegetables and unique grains to create the special meals. Known for its regionally inspired cuisine on board, Emirates takes the same approach for its vegan meals with recipes inspired by its destinations. Some of the most popular dishes include Mushroom Ravioli, Vegetable Tagine served with couscous, and a Sweet Potato, Lentil and Spinach Ragout served with steaming brown rice. The meals are served complete with a special selection of mouth-watering vegan desserts such as Key Lime Parfait with date and citrus compote, Moist Chocolate Cake, or a Chia Seed Pudding.

Vegan meals, along with other special meals, are available on all Emirates flights and across all classes and can be requested 24 hours before departure. All the menus on board are changed monthly.

Emirates serves an impressive cheese selection on board and to ensure no customer is turned away, the airline introduced vegan cheese on board in April last year. To date, Emirates has served 18,000 kgs of the nut based cheese.

For customers who are less inclined towards a plant-based diet, Emirates’ regular menus are also whipped up by award-winning chefs. The airline serves over 110 million meals on board each year, with the same attention to detail given to creating delightful dishes in Economy, Business or First Class. Catering for more than 55 million dine-in guests a year travelling to and from over 140 cities across 6 continents, no one understands global culinary trends better than Emirates as it serves destination-inspired cuisine on board the world’s largest flying restaurant.

Adventure Travel Influencer Himadri Garg to Release Maiden Novel ‘Ghoomophiro’ in Bengaluru

India's leading adventure travel influencer, Himadri Garg will release her first fiction novel 'Ghoomophiro- Travel bringing families together' at a formal book launch event to be held at Sapna Book House, Residency Road in Bangalore on Saturday, 2nd March 2019 at 04:30 pm. The book has been published by New Delhi based publishing house, Kalamos Literary Services LLP and is priced at Rs. 199 /- .

Himadri Garg is a travel photographer who started her travel journey with her sister Prachi Garg in early 2007. In the past 12 years, the two sisters have travelled to the most remote and unexplored parts of the country. In the year 2010 she decided to take her passion to the next level with her sister Prachi Garg to help other solo women also chase their travel dreams. This eventually lead to the birth of their travel startup http://www.ghoomophiro.com  . They have been featured across leading news outlets including CNN, Tripoto, SBS, Holidify.

“Bangalore is a city that is very close to my heart. I have done my college education here and have a lot of fond memories from the garden city. I am eagerly looking forward to the book launch and to share my exiting experiences with Namma Bengalurians” said Himadri Garg

Her book 'Ghoomophiro- Travel bringing families together' is inspired by her travel experiences along with her sister. The novel evolves around two sisters Nitika and Kritika who are extremely fond of travelling and plan to celebrate their 25th travel anniversary with their complete family. The book is a conversation between two sisters and the family who are curious about their experiences and different aspects of travel.

With its vivid descriptions, uplifting adventures, the book narrates the tale of a journey that everyone can live with, relate to and inspire anyone to pack their bags and explore the world outside.

An MBA graduate in Advertising & Marketing Communication from Symbiosis International University, Himadri is an evangelist for 'Solo Women Travel'. To promote women traveling, she does her annual solo photo exhibition at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi which was a unique and one of its kind exhibition that showcased pictures from her travel. Himadri has represented India at 'Zafigox 2018' an event for women to learn, discover, be inspired, and meet other bold, adventurous, and extraordinary women. The event held in Malaysia last year. Himadri is one of the country's leading adventure travel influencer and has received numerous awards for travel achievements.

Cabinet Likely to Clear Rs 10,000 Crore FAME-II Scheme

The Union Cabinet is likely to clear on Thursday an Rs 10,000-crore programme under the FAME-II scheme for promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles, according to official sources.

The much-delayed FAME-II will be for a period of three years instead of five years as envisaged earlier, and for passenger electric cars, the subsidy will be available only for taxi aggregators.

The Rs 10,000 crore support will be used for subsidies on electric busses, passenger cars to be used by taxi aggregators, three-wheelers and two-wheelers, a source said.

“Under the phase two of the scheme, 7,000 electric buses of prices up to Rs 50 lakh or 40% of the cost, but only on the basis of operational expenditure (opex) and not capital expenditure (capex) model, will get subsidy,” the source said.

However, the number of incentives proposed in the scheme for electric buses may further be subject to competitive bidding among original equipment manufacturers, the source said.

The FAME-II will also provide a subsidy of up to Rs 50,000 for 5 lakh electric three-wheelers and 35,000 strong hybrid and electric passenger cars which are to be used by taxi aggregators.

“There will not be any subsidy for electric cars for private use,” the source said.

Around 10 lakh electric two-wheelers will also get a subsidy under FAME-II, the source added.

“The scheme in its second phase will offer a bouquet of incentives, such as exemption from paying road tax, registration fee and parking charges for various categories of electric and strong hybrid vehicles,” another source said.

The incentives will also cover setting up of charging infrastructure for EVs but no target has been set for electric vehicles (EV) sales to be achieved over the five-year period of the scheme’s implementation.

Indian Auto Company Launches GPS Tracking Device with Panic Button for Public Transport Vehicles in Karnataka

Indian Auto Company (IAC), a New Delhi based DIPP registered start-up offering automotive solutions has announced the launch of vehicle location tracking devices with panic buttons in Karnataka which are both certified as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS 140) by ARAI and ICAT respectively. Our models are IAC140 and IAC 140 CAN.

According to a new Gazette Notification No. S.O. 5453 (E) & G.S.R. 1081(E) by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) dated 25th October and 2nd November 2018, all public service vehicles and National Permit vehicles need to be equipped with tracking devices adhering to AIS 140 standard from 1st January 2019, which is one of the necessary parameters to obtain a National Permit. As per the notification, all the details have to be ultimately linked with VAHAN portal of the government.

As per data available on government websites, Karnataka has 64 RTOs across the states and more than 3 lacs vehicles registered with National Permit Vehicles apart from vehicles registered for public services vehicles including taxis, buses and others. Indian Auto Company is offering this device through its channel partners spread across the state.

“Our AIS-140 compliant Vehicle Tracking Devices are also IP-67 rated (water and dust proof) which enable vehicles to be tracked on our device agnostic platform both on web and mobile devices ensuring safety and compliance. Citizens can be assured of safe transport with the availability of the panic button in case of emergencies, which can ensure timely response from concerned authorities.” said the Spokesperson, IAC.

“In addition, these devices are duly uploaded on the Government Portal VAHAN and also integrated with BSNL which is offering the backend system connectivity across the state. At the time of installation, the competent authority can check on the VAHAN portal details of the vehicles being registered along with the Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) device.” Added the spokesperson.

“We have also developed a MIS system for our dealers/channel partners to track their inventory and ease the operations for inventory management, user management, creation of installation certificate” the spokesperson further added.

The device also enables to monitor driver behavior such as over speeding, harsh acceleration, braking, cornering, night driving and other important parameters. This in turn ensures correct driving practice thereby reducing wear and tear of the vehicle, improving fuel efficiency while also helping in overall safety of the driver, the passengers and other road users.

Globally, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) aims at improving transportation systems in terms of efficiency, quality, comfort and safety and in India, MoRTH has constituted a permanent Automotive Industry Standards Committee (AISC) in 1997 which publishes various Automotive Standards such as the current AIS 140 guidelines which details ITS components required for public transport vehicle operation.

There are additional ports for panic buttons and various other sensors which can be added as per requirements of the user. The same can also be used for safe transportation of children in school buses while commuting to and from school.

This device is also very useful for fleet owners as it offers various benefits to such as, minimizing turnaround time, ensuring route adherence and optimization, checking malpractices such as unauthorized use of vehicle and misuse of fuel. It also increases fleet safety, tracks the vehicle real time in case of theft and improves overall productivity and eventually profitability by ensuring safe driving practices.

In addition to this product, IAC offers other Tracking Solutions for 4-wheelers, two-wheelers, electric vehicles, Assets and personal tracking. IAC also offers state of the art, DVR (in dash camera), Advanced Driver Assistance System, Driver State Monitoring Systems (DSM) products which are enabling road safety and designed to increase the safety of not only vehicle, but also its occupants and other road users.