Brilliant Performance of Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream” By Stonehill’s High School Students

The high school students of Stonehill International School, Bangalore, performed A Midsummer Night's Dream - The Musical, at Bangalore International Centre from the 29th of February to the 2nd of March. An 80s take on Shakespeare’s classic, the play was a blend of romance, humour and fantasy. Set against the backdrop of the ‘80s, the play paid homage to Shakespeare’s genius while infusing the narrative with infectious energy and iconic music of the era.

The set, costumes, props, lighting, makeup, choreography and music were impeccably done in-house. Ms. Jennifer Browne, IB Diploma Coordinator, Stonehill International School, helmed the production, drawing on her extensive background in Theatre, including a course at the Guildford School of Acting, UK. A former child presenter on children's television and a seasoned actress in both theatre and television in the UK, Jennifer transitioned to directing youth theatre productions in her 20s. Now, as a teacher, she brings her wealth of experience to Stonehill, having directed numerous school productions over the years.

Drama/Theatre in the IB curriculum is a multifaceted course of study. It allows students to be creators, designers, directors and performers. A Midsummer Night’s Dream gave students a bigger platform to showcase their talent outside the school curriculum.

Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, commented, “It was heart-warming to see our students back on stage this year. They rose to the challenge of putting on a full-scale drama production. I was impressed with all aspects of the play from the set design to the choreography, and from the acting talent on display to the creativity and expertise of our directors. I'm already looking forward to what our teachers and students can come up with next year!"

About Stonehill International School:

Spread over 34 acres, nestled 20 minutes away from the Bangalore airport, the Stonehill campus is spacious, purpose-built, safe and highly conducive to learning. The international school is fully accredited by CIS/NEASC and the Australian Boarding Schools Association. Students from age three through secondary school enjoy a state-of-the-art campus that features extensive sports fields and facilities, a swimming pool, an equestrian centre, three boarding houses, two libraries, and a cafeteria. Stonehill offers education in a warm and friendly small school environment, where each student’s quest for individual excellence is a priority. The students and teachers at Stonehill come from India as well as over 35 different countries spanning the globe.

TCS TechBytes: TCS And BITES Launch 15th Edition Of Its IT Quiz For Engineering Students

* Conducted by Tata Consultancy Services and BITES, the IT Quiz will Test Students’ Knowledge in Emerging Technologies

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES), an autonomous body promoted by the Government of Karnataka in association with IT industries and educational institutions, announced the commencement of registrations for the 15th edition of TCS TechBytes – the Engineering IT Quiz. The quiz is open to engineering students (BE/ BTech) of all streams and semesters in Karnataka.

TCS TechBytes challenges and encourages students to expand their knowledge of information technology and its diverse applications across industries. The objective is to enhance awareness in emerging areas, enabling them to compete in the fast-paced technology-intensive industry.

Each institution can send up to 20 students to participate in the Regional Finals of the quiz. There is no participation fee. Entries have to be sent by the respective institutions on or before March 11, 2024, to: bitesitquiz@gmail.com. Ph: 080-41235889.

The Regional Level Quiz will be conducted at six locations: Mangaluru – March 19, Mysuru – March 21, Kalaburagi – March 26, Dharwad – March 28, Tumakuru –  April 2 and Bengaluru – April 5. The State Finals will also be held in Bengaluru on April 5, 2024.

Winners and runners-up of each regional round will receive gift vouchers worth Rs 12,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, as well as an opportunity to compete at the State Finals to be held in Bengaluru on April 5, 2024. At the finals, prizes include educational scholarships of Rs 85,000 for the winners and Rs 50,000 for the runners-up.

The quiz will focus on the application of technology across various sectors and aspects such as the technology environment, business, its people, new trends, legends, etc. It will also focus on emerging areas such as: artificial intelligence, digital, cloud computing, automation, biometrics, mobility, robotics, telecom, social media and big data, personalities – international and national, software products, history of IT and areas where IT has made an impact such as education, entertainment, books, multimedia, music, movies, internet, banking, advertising, sports, gaming, social networking, cell phones, etc. For more information visit www.bites.org.in.

Tata Motors To Demerge Its Businesses Into Two Separate Listed Companies

The Board of Directors of Tata Motors Limited (TML), at its meeting today, has approved the proposal of demerger of Tata Motors Ltd into two separate listed companies housing A) the Commercial Vehicles business and its related investments in one entity and B) the Passenger Vehicles businesses including PV, EV, JLR and its related investments in another entity. The demerger will be implemented through an NCLT scheme of arrangement and all shareholders of TML shall continue to have the identical shareholding in both the listed entities.

Over the past few years, the Commercial Vehicles (CV), Passenger Vehicles (PV+EV), and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) businesses of Tata Motors have delivered a strong performance by successfully implementing distinct strategies. Since 2021, these businesses have been operating independently under their respective CEOs.

The demerger is a logical progression of the subsidiarisation of PV and EV businesses done earlier in 2022 and shall further empower the respective businesses to pursue their respective strategies to deliver higher growths with greater agility while reinforcing accountability. Furthermore, while there are limited synergies between Commercial Vehicles (CV) and Passenger Vehicles (PV) businesses, there are considerable synergies to be harnessed across PV, EV and JLR particularly in the areas of EVs, autonomous vehicles, and vehicle software which the demerger will help secure.

Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “Tata Motors has scripted a strong turnaround in the last few years. The three automotive business units are now operating independently and delivering consistent performance. This demerger will help them better capitalise on the opportunities provided by the market by enhancing their focus and agility. This will lead to a superior experience for our customers, better growth prospects for our employees and, enhanced value for our shareholders.”

The NCLT scheme of arrangement for the demerger shall be placed before the TML Board of Directors for approval in the coming months and will be subject to all necessary shareholder, creditor and regulatory approvals which could take a further 12-15 months to complete. The demerger will have no adverse impact on employees, customers, and our business partners.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks and buses, offering extensive range of integrated, smart and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and amongst the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that fire the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, UK, US, Italy and South Korea. With a focus on engineering and tech enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused to develop pioneering technologies that are sustainable as well as suited to evolving aspirations of the market and the customers. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by preparing a tailor-made product strategy, leveraging the synergy between the Group companies and playing an active role liasoning with the Government in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors’ vehicles are marketed in Africa, Middle East, Latin America, South East Asia and SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations inter alia includes 88 consolidated subsidiaries, 2 joint operations, 3 joint ventures and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, in respect of which the company exercises significant influence.

T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Ranks Among Top Institutions Worldwide In Global Accounting Rankings For B-Schools

Brigham Young University (BYU) Rankings ranked T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) 388 (globally, across all years since 1990) in its 2023 Brigham Young University (BYU) Accounting Rankings based on the publications of Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, T.A. Pai Chair Professor of Finance, TAPMI and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru.

Proud of the achievement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) MD Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, commented "Our university’s Global recognition in accounting rankings is a testament to our commitment in shaping future financial leaders.  I would like to congratulate Prof Madhu Veeraraghavan for his commendable contributions which makes us all proud. We strive to provide an exceptional education ecosystem thus empowering our students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of accounting. With our esteemed faculty pool, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry partnerships, we pave the way for innovation, excellence, and success in the field of accountancy".

Prof. Rajeev Kumra, Director, TAPMI, Manipal, “We are proud of Prof Madhu Veeraraghavan’s contributions and elated as we celebrate TAPMI at a Global scale. Our B-School's remarkable achievement in global accounting rankings reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering excellence in business education. We pride ourselves on equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world of accounting. we empower our students to become tomorrow's financial leaders, driving innovation and shaping the future of the accounting profession".

Prof Madhu Veeraraghavan, said, "I am humbled and honored to have my research work recognized and ranked Globally in the field of accounting. This achievement reaffirms our university's commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. Through rigorous inquiry, collaboration, and a passion for advancing knowledge, we strive to contribute to the advancement of accounting theory and practice. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field and to inspire future researchers to push the boundaries of accounting knowledge even further".

The ranking is based on his publications which have appeared in World Class Journals such as Journal of Banking & Finance, The Accounting Review, Contemporary Accounting Research, Journal of Contemporary Accounting & Economics, Journal of Empirical Finance, Pacific-Basin Finance Journal and AUDITING: A Journal of Practice and Theory.

TAPMI is placed at No. 2, Prof Madhu Veeraraghavan has been ranked 198 in the world.

About TAPMI:

T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) is a premier Business School located in the international university town of Manipal (Karnataka). As a constituent unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) a deemed to be university. MAHE has high quality institutions like Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Institute of Technology, Welcome Group School of Hotel Administration, Prassana School of Public Health, Manipal College of Dental Sciences and Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology. The Government of India has recognized MAHE as an institution of eminence and is one of the top ranked institutions in the NIRF Rankings. TAPMI is a proud member of the MAHE group of institutions.

TAPMI is consistently ranked among top B-Schools in India. It is amongst a select group of institutions in India to achieve the coveted double crown by being accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB) as well as the Association of MBAs (AMBA). TAPMI’s programs include Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA-Banking & Financial Services, MBA-Human Resource Management, MBA-Marketing, and MBA- International Business. The year 2023 was a momentous year for the institute with a foray into undergraduate education, with the launch of the five-year integrated program in management. This program offers a holistic management education with a deep dive into social sciences, design related disciplines.

About Brigham Young University (BYU) Rankings:

The BYU Rankings for Accounting Research is based on a rigorous methodology, rankings look at publications since 1990, over a six- and twelve-year period.

MAHE, Manipal Organized Two Days International Conference On “Nanoscience And Nanotechnology

The much-anticipated International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology commenced with a prestigious inaugural ceremony on February 29, 2024. Hosted by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, the event witnessed a significant convergence of leading researchers, scholars, and industry experts to explore recent breakthroughs and practical implementations in the realm of nanotechnology.

The conference was inaugurated by Lt. Gen. Dr. M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). He spoke on how researchers should strive to tackle real-world challenges by harnessing the potential of Nano Science and Nanotechnology.

Dr. Narayan Sabhabit, Pro Vice Chancellor (Technical Sciences), MAHE welcomed the gathering and Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Science), MAHE provided the overview about the conference. Dr. Shantikumar V Nair, the Dean of Research at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the guest of honor for the conference, emphasized that the focus of research should shift from publishing findings to actively pursuing practical applications or translational research.

Lt. Gen. Dr. M. D. Venkatesh, commented, “We are delighted to explore the boundaries of scientific inquiry as our college prepares to host the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology conference. This event demonstrates our dedication to promoting creativity and expanding the body of knowledge in these revolutionary disciplines.”

Dr. Shantikumar V Nair, said, "The commitment to fostering multidisciplinary research and collaboration is reflected in the conference. We hope to spark fresh perspectives and technological breakthroughs that will influence science and technology in the future by bringing together specialists and academics in this exciting field. Additionally, we must ensure that the emphasis of research changes from disseminating discoveries to actively seeking translational research or practical applications”.

Dr. Sharath K Rao, said, “We have reached a major turning point in our quest for excellence in research and teaching with the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology conference. By working together on this project, we can further demonstrate our dedication to creating an environment that encourages inquiry and discovery and equips our teachers and students to meaningfully contribute to society”.

Renowed researchers like Dr. Weihua Li, University of Wollongong, Australia; Dr. Navakantha Bhat, Indian Institute of Science, India; Dr. C. V. Yelamaggad, Scientist, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, India; Dr. Sergii Rudiuk, Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris;  Dr. Amitava Mukherjee, VIT University, India and Dr. R. S. Jayasree, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical, India in the field of Nanscience and Nanotechnology will be delivering the keynotes during the two day conference.

Approximately 180 delegates are expected to participate in the conference, where they will be showcasing and presenting their research findings and collaborating, exchanging ideas with delegates.

Dr. Satish Rao, Director of Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, delivered the vote of thanks.

Rotary Bangalore Midtown Plays Crucial Role In National Immunization Day At Srirampuram Primary Health Centre

Rotary Bangalore Midtown exhibited a profound commitment to community welfare by extending multifaceted support to the Primary Health Centre in Srirampuram, Bangalore, during the National Immunization Day (Pulse Polio Day) on March 4, 2024. This collaborative effort aimed to ensure the success of the immunization drive and contribute to the nation's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.

The Srirampuram Primary Health Centre, catering to a significant population in the area, played a pivotal role in administering the polio vaccine on National Immunization Day. Rotary Bangalore Midtown, well-known for its commitment to community service, stepped forward to provide crucial support in various aspects of organizing and executing the immunization campaign.  Rotary Bangalore Midtown played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the immunization drive by providing financial assistance. This support allowed the Primary Health Centre to meet various operational needs. Recognizing the invaluable contribution of volunteers, Rotary Bangalore Midtown took the initiative to pay incentives to these dedicated individuals. This gesture not only acknowledged their hard work and commitment but also served as a motivating factor, encouraging sustained participation in future community initiatives.

Understanding the importance of maintaining the energy and morale of volunteers throughout the day, Rotary Bangalore Midtown took the responsibility of arranging breakfast and lunch for them. This ensured that the volunteers were well-nourished, allowing them to carry out their duties effectively and contribute optimally to the success of the immunization drive. Effective communication is essential for the success of any community health campaign. Rotary Bangalore Midtown took charge of the publicity aspect by covering the charges for hiring two auto rickshaws for spreading awareness about National Immunization Day in Srirampuram. This ensured that information about the event reached every corner of the community, maximizing participation.

In addition to financial and logistical support, Rotary Bangalore Midtown also attended to the comfort and identity of the volunteers by providing them with caps. These caps not only served a practical purpose by shielding volunteers from the sun but also created a unified and easily recognizable presence, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the team.

A total of 2095 children were vaccinated in this centre. The comprehensive support provided by Rotary Bangalore Midtown to the Srirampuram Primary Health Centre on National Immunization Day stands as a testament to the organization's dedication to community well-being. By addressing the financial, logistical, and personal needs of volunteers, Rotary Bangalore Midtown contributed significantly to the success of the immunization drive, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in community service. This collaborative effort showcases the positive impact that a community and an organization can achieve when working hand-in-hand towards a shared goal.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy F15 5G With sAMOLED Display, 4 Gen Android Upgrades, 5 Yrs of Security Updates & 6000mAh Battery

* Consumers can avail a bank cashback or upgrade bonus of INR 1000. With this the net effective price of Galaxy F15 5G will be INR 11999 for the 4GB+128GB variant and INR 13499 for the 6GB+128GB variant

Samsung, India’s largest electronics brand, announced the launch of Galaxy F15 5G that offers users a superior smartphone experience with several segment-only features that sets it apart from its predecessors. Galaxy F15 5G stands out with a segment best 6000mAh battery and other segment-only features such as sAMOLED display, four generations of Android upgrades and five years of security updates ensuring users can enjoy the latest features and enhanced security for years to come.

“With Galaxy F15 5G, our first 2024 Galaxy F series smartphone, we are underlining our commitment to empower our customers’ lives through powerful devices. The launch of Galaxy F15 5G signifies our unwavering dedication to meaningful innovation, enabling users to unlock their full potential,” said Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India.

“With multiple segment-only features including sAMOLED display, our promise of four generations of Android upgrades and five years of security updates alongside a segment-best 6000mAh battery, we are ensuring a fun user experience with Galaxy F15 5G, especially for the Gen Z generation who live a fast-paced life,” he added.

Design & Display

Galaxy F15 5G dons the premium signature Galaxy look, exuding elegance and sophistication. Galaxy F15 5G features a segment-only 6.5” sAMOLED display for an immersive viewing experience. With the sAMOLED display, scrolling through social media feeds, especially in bright sunlight, is a breeze for tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial customers. Available in Ash Black, Groovy Violet and Jazzy Green, Galaxy F15 5G offers a choice of colours to match every style.

Battery

Galaxy F15 5G comes with segment-best 6000 mAh battery that can power your smartphone for up to two days, allowing users to binge on their favourite entertainment. Additionally, the 25W Super-Fast Charging feature ensures that the device quickly regains power, keeping you connected and productive throughout the day.

Processor

Along with impressive segment-only features, Galaxy F15 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, which is capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, it comes with the RAM plus feature, which provides extra virtual RAM of upto 12 GB. This ensures smooth app operation and enhances multitasking capabilities of the device for the users.

Camera

Galaxy F15 5G sports a 50MP triple camera setup with Video Digital Image Stabilization (VDIS) to reduce blur or distortion in videos arising from unsteady or shaky movements. Galaxy F15 5G also houses a 13MP front camera for crisp and clear selfies.

Galaxy Experiences

Galaxy F15 5G redefines consumer experience with innovations such as Voice Focus that cuts the ambient noise for a truly amazing calling experience. Galaxy F15 5G comes with a host of exciting features that elevate the Galaxy Experience. The Quick Share feature enables users to instantly share files, photos and documents with any other device, even if they are faraway, including your laptop and tab, privately. Additionally, Galaxy F15 5G comes with the Smart Hotspot feature, which makes shared connectivity effortless. The device also features Knox Vault chipset, built at the chip level, designed to safeguard your sensitive data, such as PINs, passwords and patterns, in a separate tamper-resistant storage for protection against software and hardware threats.

Future Ready

In another first for the segment, Galaxy F15 5G will get four generations of Android upgrades and five years of security updates, ensuring users can enjoy latest features and enhanced security for years to come.

Memory Variants, Price, Availability and Offers

Available in three stunning colours – Ash Black, Groovy Violet and Jazzy Green – Galaxy F15 5G comes in 4GB+128GB and 6GB+128GB storage variants. It will be available on Flipkart, Samsung.com and at select retail stores starting March 11.

For the first time, there will be an early sale for Galaxy F15 5G on Flipkart starting today, March 4 at 7 pm. Consumers purchasing Galaxy F15 5G in the early sale will get a Samsung Travel Adapter worth INR 1299 at just INR 299.