Simplilearn Wins 10th Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in Edtech

Simplilearn has won the 10th annual Aegis Graham Bell Award in the category Innovation in Edtech. Simplilearn earned the award for its innovative Technology-driven Blended Learning solution.  Simplilearn shares the award with Odo Technologies, a provider of smart classroom solutions.

Aegis School of Business, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Telecommunication established the Aegis Graham Bell Awards (AGBA) as a tribute to the father of telephony, Alexander Graham Bell. The AGBA promotes innovations in the IT, Telecom, and SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics, and Cloud) domains and in Exponential Technologies. The award recognizes outstanding contributions by the honorees. The AGBAJury members are a blend of industry veterans, academicians and investors who evaluate the nominations on the criteria of Innovativeness, Market Potential/Impact, Social Impact, Sustainability, and Interoperability.

Our signature innovation in blended learning offers a combination of self-paced and instructor-led online components which allows learners to access the entire program from anywhere. Today Simplilearn has helped more than one million professionals and 1,000 companies across 150 countries to upskill, get trained, and prepare for the digital future, along with the support of our dedicated support team who address learner queries round the clock.

“This Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in Edtech is recognition of Simplilearn’s leadership and innovation in the edtech field,” said Mr. Anand Narayanan, Chief Product Officer of Simplilearn. “The AGBA is a tribute to the outstanding work of our architects, developers, product managers, teaching assistants and instructors, and especially to their dedication in helping our learners achieve their dreams”

"Simplilearn's Edtech innovation is a true 360-degree learning approach much needed in this era where only the classroom or online learning isn't enough. I congratulate the team of Simplilearn for their efforts which gives a holistic approach to the field of Edtech" said Mr. Bhupesh Daheria, CEO of Aegis School of Data Science, Cyber Security and Telecom and Founder, Aegis Graham Bell Awards.

Some of Simplilearn’s other significant achievements driven by this innovative learning solution:

·         Achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 82 across all customer touchpoints, including the end of consumption of our long delivery cycle.
·         Achieved a course completion rate of 77%, versus the elearning industry average which stands at 10%.
·         Won the 2019 Stevie® Award for Customer Service Success
·         Won the esteemed “EC-Council ATC Circle of Excellence Award” for two consecutive years
·         Named “2018 Top 20 Online Learning Library Companies” by Training Industry Magazine.
·         Won the “Paul Writer's Bangalore's Hot 50 - Innovative Use of Technology” award in 2018.

About Simplilearn
Simplilearn enables professionals and enterprises to succeed in the fast-changing digital economy. The company provides outcome-based online training across digital technologies and applications such as Big Data, Machine Learning, AI, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, and other emerging technologies. Based in San Francisco, CA, Raleigh, NC, and Bangalore, India, Simplilearn has helped more than one million professionals and 1,000 companies across 150 countries get trained, acquire certifications, and reach their business and career goals. The company's high-engagement curriculum blends self-paced online learning, instructor-led live virtual classrooms, hands-on projects, student collaboration, and 24/7 global teaching assistance. Simplilearn is a GSA IT-70 contract holder and was recognized by Training Industry as a Top 20 Online Learning Library Company of 2018.

Peeking Beyond the Boundaries on Life and Beyond for Indian Woman

When women come together to discuss, exchange notes, contemplate on life and beyond, the outcome is unlikely to be mundane, run of the mill. And if these women also happen to be the movers and shakers, each having left their indelible mark in the fields they have forayed, the ensuing take away of such an interaction is bound to be monumental.

This is precisely what transpired during the recent three day International Women’s Conference hosted by the Art of Living, which brought together women leaders, scientists, artists, social workers, writers from across the world. The discussions amongst the women panellists hailing from diverse fields proved to be not only informative and engaging, but opened up vistas hitherto never visited or contemplated.

The theme opted for the conference was incidentally Circle of Life, taking the multiple discussions through various segments of life and lifestyle that are sparsely explored, deliberated, with some of the deliberations moving thence to the finer lines that are much more meaningful and fill with wonder, yet are scarcely pondered over or even paid heed.

It is all vibrations

An interesting statement emerged from celebrity chef Lauren Von Der Pool who championed the cause of vegan diet, with a best-selling book on the same, “Not many are aware of sound acting as a therapy, the vibrations of words having both negative and positive effects. This is especially clearly perceived in water, in the manner in which the water molecules transform to the vibrations of negative and positive words. Our body is made up primarily of water and the food and liquids we consume has water. Keeping the vibrations positive while preparing food is hence vital as it directly impacts the body.”

The state of mental health has become a serious issue world over, with cases of depression climbing steadily year after year. “Over 450 million across the world are suffering from some form of mental health issue and the cost of treating them is US $ 16 trillion. Unfortunately the pharmaceutical industry is looking at this as a business opportunity. The way to circumvent this serious situation is to work on individual peace as that is the beginning of individual mental health and in turn world peace”, contended Sumathi Jayaraman, Director, Strategy and Innovation, UNDP.

Nicolas Hulot, French journalist and environmentalist, expressed similar sentiments. “Cultural and economic factors destroy nature even when man is aware of the destruction. This is chiefly due to the lack of short term grinding where one experiences serious malfunctions that prompt action. The long term always appears far away, lulling people into a false sense of security, removing the urgency to act or even be aware to take the initiative. We need to alter this mind set and view ourselves as one world family and initiate change.”

Stating that nature has a mind and intelligence of its own just as even a single cell amoeba has the intelligence to forage food, Nicolas added, “yoga makes people connect with nature better as it settles the mind and calms the senses.” Resonating similar view was Luke Coutinho, Holistic Lifestyle Coach, who pointed that the internal environment of each individual impacts their external environment. “We feel refreshed when being amidst nature as it alters the energy levels and the manner in which the hormones connect. Our mind can heal when positive and this applies to food we eat too where it breaks down faster when consumed with happiness and positivity.”

Being ecologically viable

An interesting analysis on the current modes of thinking and approach was offered by Architect Trupti Doshi using the example of an elephant’s eating habits and its habitat. “There is a subtle difference between the manner in which an elephant consumes food and a human consumes food. While the quantum that an elephant consumes is humongous, its approach to finding its food is extensive, where it would never leave any patch of its habitat barren by foraging through it. But a human’s approach to living is intensive, where several swathes of forest land could be cleared to meet his consumption needs.”

Trupti further pointed that our forefathers focused on ensuring that our footprints were ecologically viable while being economically friendly and “this sustained nature and our planet. But now we focus on ensuring economic viability while being ecologically friendly and this approach has impacted nature deeply.”

Recognising the urgency of addressing the ecology of our planet and reversing the adverse effects of climate change globally, the conference launched Mission Green Earth where it was proposed to plant 10 million trees by 2025 across the globe, with each person attending the conference taking the pledge to contribute in this venture. As a run up to the conference, the students of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir had planted 1,10,000 trees across the country. Art of Living, over the last four decades has planted over 81 million trees across the country and overseas. During the rainy season this year, it proposes to plant 5000 saplings.

Aakash Institute Announces 2nd Edition of NEST Scholarship Exam for Students from Class X to Class XII

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services for aspiring doctors and IITians with more than 200 centres across the country, has announced the second edition of its annual scholarship exam, named National Eligibility and Scholarship Test (NEST) scholarship exam for students of Class X-Class XII.

Aakash NEST is for students who would be moving to Class XII from Class X; to Class XII from Class XI and Class XII appeared or passed (studying and above) and will take place on April 5, 2020, across 24 states and Union Territories in the country.

NEST offers students an opportunity to compete at a national level and win a scholarship of up to 90% of the tuition fee. Students from Class X to XII (both studying and passed) can participate in the exam. Through Aakash NEST, Aakash aims to empower and enable students to utilize AESL’s coaching without financial constraints.

DETAILS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

* AAKASH NEST will be held on April 5, 2020, across 24 states/union territories in the country
* The exam will be for one hour and will be conducted in two shifts i.e. from 11 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 4 pm
* The last date for registration and receiving the duly filled-in application form is April 3, 2020. The registration fee is Rs 200
* Students will be tested on subjects viz. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics

Mr Aakash Chaudhry, Director and CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited, said: “In order to succeed, it is important to take a step in the direction of your goal. We are happy to introduce the second edition of Aakash NEST which will allow students to compete at a national level and provide them with an opportunity to win Scholarship up to 90%. We are confident that just like the previous year, students will apply for the prestigious talent hunt exam and take advantage of this great opportunity to achieve their career goals.”

The exam will take place across all major cities in the states of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. 

Aakash Institute aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success with its standardized content and coaching methods, integrated teaching methodology, qualified faculty, comprehensive study material, diversified course offerings and delivery channels, modern infrastructure, and disciplined and focused learning environment. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash have shown proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering entrance exams and competitive and scholarship exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads.

About Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL)

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) provides comprehensive test preparatory services for students preparing for medical and engineering entrance examinations, school/board exams and competitive exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads.  AESL believes that the “Aakash” brand is associated with quality coaching and a proven student selection track record in various medical and engineering entrance examinations.

With 32 years of operational experience in the test preparatory industry, the company has a few selections in Medical & Engineering entrance exams, a pan India network of 200+ Aakash Centres (including franchisee), and a student count of more than 225,000.

Manipal Hospitals Whitefield Celebrates Parenthood Day in Bangalore

In a bid to recognize, the importance of love and affection towards children, Manipal Hospitals Whitefield, part of Manipal Hospitals, which one of India’s leading healthcare provider in India, celebrated Parenthood Day today by organizing various activities for the faculty and attendees. Notable Model & Actress, Ms. Shweta Srivastava, also took part in the celebration as the Chief Guest for the event.

Our first education comes from our parents be it morality, love, safety, citizenship, teaching parenthood, respect, support, or reciprocity, and the most important aspect is that it applies not only to our biological offspring, but we can also be parents to step children, adopted children etc.

Doctors at Manipal Hospitals participated in the activities with zeal and enthusiasm. Kids enjoyed various fun events like the magic show, artwork, tattoos, fun games and some great music, which left the kids spellbound.  The celebration turned out to be an excellent platform for the doctors to exhibit their talent and skills. The melodious musical performances left the audience enthralled.

Sharing his thoughts on the joyous occasion, Mr. Arnab Mondal, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospitals Whitefield said,  “ Parenthood is crucial to human development in various ways. Therefore, it is important for parents to strive to be the very best parents that they can be. For instance, parents teach their children about morality and provide them with love and support. This loving and supportive relationship cannot come to an end when a child reaches adulthood, either. Parents continue to support their kids well into their 30s and beyond -and this relationship should be reciprocal, with children loving and supporting their parents when they grow old. That is why we have come together to support and shower importance onto this relationship .We are delighted to receive an overwhelming response”

Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Shweta Srivastava said, “I am extremely happy to be a part of the parenthood celebration here at the Manipal Hospitals Whitefield. Parenthood is an important part to human development and it is good to see that Manipal Hospitals feels responsible enough to celebrate it.”

Intuit QuickBooks Signs Strategic Agreement with Visa to Collaborate in the SME Space in India

Intuit Inc. has announced a new agreement with Visa to strengthen their business propositions for Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) customers in India. Intuit’s QuickBooks Online is the world’s leading financial management solution for small businesses and accountants, used by over 4.5 million customers.

The strategic relationship with Visa is going to be the first of its kind for Intuit QuickBooks in India. It is an outcome of Intuit’s global strategy to form strategic relationships with leading financial institutions worldwide and Visa’s strategy to build an ecosystem that enables even more convenience, control and cost-savings for SMEs in India. Intuit QuickBooks will collaborate with Visa to develop joint value propositions and thought leadership in the SME space.

As an immediate result of this collaboration in India, Visa cardholders will be able to subscribe to Intuit QuickBooks and use its features like anytime, anywhere access to data, GST compliance, expense management, automated bank reconciliation, document management and many more. Intuit QuickBooks also enables small businesses to collaborate with their Chartered Accountants in real-time.  This will result in a superior user experience while also being more durable and secure.

The new agreement  builds upon an existing relationship between Intuit QuickBooks and Visa in the United States, announced in October 2019. Under the existing agreement , Intuit QuickBooks announced a new feature called Instant Deposit, which enables real-time[1] disbursements for small business owners using QuickBooks Payments into their bank accounts through an eligible card using Visa Direct, Visa’s real-time push payments solution.

Announcing the extended relationship with Visa, Aditi Puri Batra, Country Manager, Intuit QuickBooks India, said, “This is an important strategic relationship for us in India. We are delighted to be collaborating with Visa which apart from being the world’s leading card network, is known for its technology innovations and innovative value propositions for SMBs. As cloud-based accounting is gaining tremendous traction in India, we hope to catalyse this trend further through this relationship.”

TR Ramachandran, Group Country Manager, India and South Asia, Visa said, “SMEs in India seek not just innovative solutions for their businesses but distribution access, network strengths and ways to automate payments. We are glad to extend our existing collaboration with Intuit QuickBooks in the United States to India and bring Visa’s world-class commercial solutions to small businesses and drive growth for the segment.”

Tata Motors Completes Delivery of Four Starbus LNG Units to LNG Petronet Limited

Highlights

* Two buses delivered in Dahej, Gujarat and two buses in Kochi, Kerala
* Tata Motors first showcased a LNG bus at Auto Expo 2020, which concluded earlier this month
* LNG bus reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in comparison with conventional fuels

Committed to providing sustainable transport solutions, Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, completes delivery of the country’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered bus order. Two units of 36-seater Starbus LNG AC models were delivered to LNG Petronet Limited in Dahej, Gujarat and two units in Kochi, Kerala. Tata Motors indigenously developed and delivered the LNG buses in the stipulated timeframe. The conclusion of the order and country’s first LNG bus project was celebrated with an event held recently at the Kochi LNG terminal. The occasion was graced by Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Govt. of Kerala, Shri A K Saseendran along with eminent dignitaries from Tata Motors and Petronet LNG Limited. The Starbus LNG offers a value advantage by providing a clean, safe, affordable and comfortable mode of mass transport.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President, Product Line – Buses, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors has taken a significant leap forward with a slew of alternate fuel technologies for sustainable mobility solutions and with the delivery of first Starbus LNG bus, we have ushered into a new era of transportation. We are proud to work with LNG Petronet Limited in an effort towards creating a lower-carbon future. Our in-depth understanding of sustainable public transport, while developing reliable and environment-friendly public transit options, has led us to excel in this competitive industry. With the LNG technology, Tata Motors is not only optimistic and future-ready but is also extending that capability towards the energy security of the nation.”

Engineered and built by Tata Motors, the Starbus LNG is the first passenger vehicle with an integrated LNG system developed for the Indian market. Apart from the model delivered to LNG Petronet Limited, Tata Motors also offers 36-seater Starbus LNG with 2x2 layout (available in AC and non AC options) in the ICV segment, and 40-seater with 2x2 layout and 56-seater with 3x2 layout (available in non AC option) LNG Starbus in the MCV segment.

The fuel carrying capacity of the LNG buses is up to 2.5 times more than the CNG ones, and can operate up to 600-700 kilometres in one tank fill. The bus provides significant advantage in terms of improving air quality as well as reducing greenhouse emissions by a great margin. LNG buses are lighter in weight thus offer enhanced levels of payload and significantly lower the overall cost of operation. Enhancing passenger comfort, the Starbus LNG offers superior NVH levels. The LNG system operates at lower pressure and evaporates quickly – reducing the chances of fire hazard – hence offering a safe mode of mass transport.

POCO Announces ‘Head for Red’ Sale for Phoenix Red POCO X2

POCO, now an independent smartphone brand, has announced a special sale to meet demands for the Phoenix Red variant of POCO X2. The ‘Head for Red’ sale will go live on 3rd March, 12:00pm onwards with a relatively larger stock for the customers. It will be the fourth sale of POCO X2 post its launch in February this year, with a specific focus on the Phoenix Red model. It will be available in three variants of 6GB+64GB, 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB via on Flipkart.

POCO X2 is the first smartphone in its category to be equipped with a display powered by the  RealityFlow 120Hz engine. It has a 20:9 tall-body design wrapped around a 3D curved glass body, which enables a large cinematic screen experience of 16.94 cm (6.67 inch). It is also the first smartphone in India to feature the Sony IMX686 camera sensor that can elevate the photography experience of users.

Manmohan Chandolu, General Manager, POCO India, commented on the special sale, “We have received a tremendously positive response for the POCO X2 since its launch last month. Our goal is to cater to the massive demand, this time specifically for the Phoenix Red model with the ‘Head of Red’ sale that will have a relatively larger inventory.”

The device is powered by Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 730G that can handle graphic-intensive usage such as advanced gaming without breaking a sweat. LiquidCool Technology combined with a powerful battery capacity of 4500mAh (and a 27W charger in box) ensure that the device can sustain longer during multitasking and heavy-duty usage.

Availability

POCO X2 is available in 6GB + 64GB, 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB storage variants for INR 15,999, INR 16,999 and INR 19,999 respectively via Flipkart, with an additional instant discount of INR 1,000 on ICICI credit card and EMI transactions.   

About POCO

POCO is an independent brand born out of Xiaomi in India. Its first product, POCO F1 was launched in August 2018, and since January 2020, POCO has become an independent entity. POCO F1 was India's No.1 smartphone in the ‘above INR 15,000 price segment’ in the online smartphone market as per third party statistics. Currently, POCO has an independent product and marketing team, and shares resources from Xiaomi in terms of supply chain, logistics, manufacturing and after sales.

POCO is a consumer technology brand, based on the philosophy of 'Everything you need and nothing you don't' with a key focus on its POCO fans’ requirements. It's built on relentless pursuit of technology which its fans truly need, thus democratizing decision making and continuous product updates to ensure relevance.