BSP Senior Secondary School From Bhilai Chhattisgarh Wins TCS Rural IT Quiz National Finals 2024

* This year marks the 25th anniversary of the TCS Rural IT Quiz, which had participation from over 5.6 lakh students from smaller towns across India, aiming to enhance IT awareness among young learners

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, announced the winners of the 25th edition of the TCS Rural IT Quiz. The national finals were held on November 21, 2024, as part of the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Tanish Kumar Sahu {14yrs), from BSP Senior Secondary School, Bhilai Chhattisgarh emerged as the National Final champion, while Eklavya, (14 yrs), from Swami Vivekanand Govt. Model School, Suratgarh Rajasthan secured the runner-up position. TCS felicitated both students with educational scholarships of Rs 100,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively. Smaran Suthar from Anandalaya School, Anand Gujarat and Shivam M Thakare from St John’s High School, Wardha Maharashtra came joint third. All finalists also received scholarships of Rs 10,000 from TCS.

This year, the quiz marks its 25th anniversary and saw participation from over 5.6 lakh students from smaller towns in India. Open to students from classes 8 to 12, the program included online tests, virtual rounds, and physical quiz competitions. The national finals assessed students' knowledge in technology through five engaging segments. The ten regional finalists who qualified for the national finals included:

-          Eklavya: Swami Vivekanand Govt. Model School, Suratgarh Rajasthan

-          Piyush Rakhunde: CM Rise Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Indore Madhya Pradesh

-          Smaran Suthar: Anandalaya School, Anand Gujarat

-          Adithyadas U: Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Calicut Kerala

-          M. Kusheel – Zilla Parishad High School, Eluru Andhra Pradesh

-          Harit Choudhary: ASM Modern Academy, Amroha Uttar Pradesh

-          Shivam M Thakare: St John’s High School, Wardha Maharashtra

-          Srujan Gupta Nomula– Teja Vidyalaya, Nalgonda Telangana

-          Mayur Hegde – St Michael’s Convent High School Karnataka

-          Tanish Kumar Sahu: BSP Senior Secondary School, Bhilai Chhattisgarh

The awards were presented by Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology, Govt of Karnataka and Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru. The event was also graced by Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Darshan H.V. – Director, Dept of Electronics IT, BT and MD KITS, Govt of Karnataka and Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy, former Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka.

TCS, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, has been organizing the Rural IT Quiz since 2000. The initiative aims to enhance IT awareness among students from smaller towns and districts across India, equipping them with knowledge about the latest advancements in technology. To date, the program has reached over 21 million students and has been recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the first IT Quiz for rural students in India.

Photo caption: (Winner): TCS Rural IT Quiz National Winner  with (from L to R) Darshan H.V. – Director, Dept of Electronics IT,  BT and MD KITS, Govt of Karnataka, Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy, former Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology, Govt of Karnataka and Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru.

MVIT Organises Faculty Development Program To Promote Innovation In Sustainable Energy

The Department of Electrical and Electronics at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (MVIT), Bengaluru, in partnership with the AICTE Training & Learning (ATAL) Academy, New Delhi, inaugurated a six-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on "Empowering Futuristic Research Avenues in Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change for Industrial Innovation." Sponsored by AICTE’s ATAL initiative, the program aimed to advance research and innovation in sustainable energy.

The inaugural session was led by Mr.N. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Engineer, Power System Studies, KPTCL(STU), who emphasized the vital role of research in energy sustainability and industrial innovation.

The event was graced by Dr. H. L. Suresh, Head of the Electrical and Electronics Department; Dr. Mahesh K., Professor department of EEE.

The FDP has drawn participants from AICTE-approved institutions and industry leaders, fostering a collaborative platform for knowledge-sharing and advancements in sustainable research.

Yamaha Motor Collaborated On Original Sci-Fi Anime, Netflix Series Tokyo Override

* Set in a world 100 years in the future, featuring concept motorcycle designed by Yamaha

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces it has collaborated with Netflix, one of the world's leading entertainment services, on the production of Tokyo Override, an original anime streamed globally, exclusively on Netflix on November 21, 2024.

Tokyo Override is set in Tokyo 100 years in the future where AI has been integrated into daily life and all aspects of urban living is automated. In this sci-fi anime full of motorcycle action, existing and originally designed motorcycles roar through the streets of Tokyo.

Yamaha Motor’s collaboration with Netflix for this project began when we received their request for permission to select and use Yamaha motorcycles in the anime. We cooperated by providing 3D data, images, and sound recordings of the YZF-R1, superbike, and the VMAX, muscle cruiser. In addition to these iconic models, hoping that we could attract the audience to become interested in the world of motorcycles, we also assisted in building the anime’s world of 100 years in the future, offering ideas for mobility, designing the race machine concept “Y/AI”, and providing other support such as supervising the sound effects.

The YZF-R1, VMAX, and Y/AI are all featured in the anime series. We also created a full-scale concept model of the Y/AI, to be world premiered at the Motor Expo 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand running from Nov 29 to Dec 10.

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/showroom/tokyooverride/

Secures Approval To Extend Instant ‘Ready-To-Use’ National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Solution Across All Chennai Metro Stations

AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), one of the leading providers of integrated omni-channel payment solutions in India, providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients, today announced its plans to extend deployment of ‘Ongo Ride’, an instant National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) solution, across 41 Chennai Metro Stations. Compliant with the RBI’s updated guidelines, ‘Ongo Ride’ requires Zero-KYC, for making payments across NCMC enabled transit services.

Building on its initial success at 13 Chennai metro stations, Ongo Ride continues to resonate positively with commuters. Ongo’s industry-first instant NCMC issuance process allows commuters to purchase ready-to-use NCMC cards via unique card dispensers installed at Chennai metro stations. This streamlined process encourages faster adoption of NCMCs across India. Ongo Ride will be available across all additional Chennai metro stations by the end of December 2024. Furthermore, the Company aims to replicate this model across other metro railways in the country.

Commuters can purchase the instant NCMC cards for Rs 100 from these card dispensers in three easy steps: Select Card - Pay via UPI – Collect ready-to-use Ongo NCMC card. Each card comes preloaded with a balance of Rs 50. Commuters can conveniently top up their instant NCMC cards with a maximum fund limit of Rs 2,000 at ticket counters across all Chennai metro stations. Additionally, commuters have the option to upgrade their cards by completing full KYC, enabling them to enjoy all the benefits of an NCMC, including in-store and online payments.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop prepaid solutions for consumers across segments.

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop prepaid solutions for consumers across segments.

AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. For more information, visit www.agsindia.com

Vesuvius Group CEO Mr. Patrick Andre Inaugurates New AlSi And Basic Monolithic Plants in Visakhapatnam

Vesuvius, a global leader in the refractory industry, proudly inaugurates the new Alumina-Silica (AlSi) and Basic Monolithic manufacturing plants, at a ceremony held on 12th November 2024 (the release was sent on embargo), in Visakhapatnam, further supporting the Make in India initiative. The state-of-the-art facilities are integral to Vesuvius’s ongoing investments in India, aimed at enhancing manufacturing capabilities and addressing the rising demand from the iron and steel industry. This development follows the April inauguration of the Mould Flux manufacturing plant in Vishakhapatnam. 

The new AlSi and Basic Monolithic plants will produce high-quality alumina-silica and basic monolithic refractory products, essential for iron and steel production. This expansion, once in commercial production, will boost annual production capacity by 250,000 tons, reinforcing Vesuvius’s position as a leading provider of refractory solutions in the region. These plants are setup with equipment that enable Vesuvius to bring new products and technologies to the Indian Market.

Mr. Patrick Andre, Chief Executive of London headquartered Vesuvius group, stated, “Our ongoing investment plans highlights our strong belief in the Indian market. The AlSi and Basic Monolithic plants are a testament to our commitment to innovation and support to India’s industrial growth.” 

“These new facilities not only enhance our manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the communities we serve. Sustainability and efficiency are at the core of our operations.” said Mr. Biswadip Gupta, Chairman of Vesuvius India Limited (VIL).

Mr. Mohinder Rajput, Managing Director of VIL, emphasized, “Our new plants feature energy-efficient technologies and robust waste reduction systems, ensuring that our growth aligns with environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

About Vesuvius India Ltd.

Vesuvius India Ltd., part of the global Vesuvius Group, specializes in manufacturing and supplying refractory products essential for high-temperature industrial processes. Committed to innovation and sustainability, VIL serves the steel, iron ore pelletization, DRI, cement, aluminium and other key industries across the country.

EasyBuy Drives Nationwide Expansion With Five New Stores In October

EasyBuy, India’s leading value fashion brand, continues to expand its national presence with the launch of five large-format stores across four states, marking a pivotal step in its growth journey. New store openings in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh extend EasyBuy’s commitment to making affordable, aspirational fashion more accessible.

The newest EasyBuy locations are in Gadag, Karnataka; Moghalrajpuram, Vijayawada; Nikol, Ahmedabad; Arcot Road, Chennai; and GT Mall, Bangalore. Each store, spanning 8,000–10,000 square feet, showcases EasyBuy’s refreshed retail identity, complete with a vibrant new logo, an inviting open façade, and a modern, easy-to-navigate layout. With a broad selection of contemporary styles, these stores offer a seamless shopping experience

Karan Mehta, CEO, EasyBuy, emphasized the brand’s commitment to providing contemporary and aspirational fashion at affordable prices in prominent locations nationwide.

EasyBuy's new stores are poised to become fashion hubs, offering a wide range of trendy and affordable collections for men, women, and children. The brand’s commitment to providing fashionable collections at competitive prices is clear through its ongoing efforts to expand and innovate.

About EasyBuy:

Founded in 2014 by the prestigious Landmark Group, EasyBuy has quickly emerged as a leading contemporary value fashion destination. The Landmark Group’s incredible growth story, from a single store in Bahrain to over 2,200 stores across 20+ countries, is the stuff of retail legends. In India, they brought us Lifestyle, Max, EasyBuy, and more.

EasyBuy is dedicated to making fashion accessible to everyone, allowing individuals to express themselves in trendy outfits. With over 1000 styles priced under 499/- to choose from and fresh arrivals every fortnight, we ensure that fashion goes beyond just clothing; it becomes a statement of personal style and expression.

With merchandise manufactured locally in India and available in 150+ stores, EasyBuy's new store concept, spanning 8,000-10,000 square feet, features a bold new logo, a fresh and vibrant collection, and a minimalistic layout. The easy-ability concept of the EasyBuy ethos allows customers to navigate in-store seamlessly, thus helping them make purchase decisions easily. From everyday casuals for men, women, and kids, EasyBuy has your wardrobe covered with quality threads.

Karnataka’s Software Exports Cross Rs 4.11 Lakh Crore During Fiscal 2023-24

Karnataka’s software and services exports crossed Rs 4.11 lakh crore during fiscal 2023-24 (March 2024) from Rs 3.2 lakh crore a year ago, marking a 27% year-on-year growth, Minister for IT&BT, Priyank Kharge, said here on Thursday quoting Software Technology Parks of India data.

With this, the State’s individual share in the country’s total software exports had further increased from last year’s 42%, he said.

IT exports from Beyond Bengaluru too have grown substantially in FY’24 with tier 2 and tier 3 cities contributing at least Rs 10,000 crore, the Minister added.

IT services exports from STPI-registered units for the whole country crossed Rs 9 lakh crore in the 2024 financial year.

Later, speaking at the closure of 27th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), the Minister said that the State’s GCC (global capability centres) policy, a first in the country, would trigger quantum growth in GCC ecosystem, bring in 500 additional GCCs, create over 3.5 lakh new jobs and contribute $50 billion to Karnataka’s economy by 2029.

The 2024 edition of the tech exposition witnessed the launch of Nipuna in collaborations with IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, BFSI Consortium and Accenture to drive skilling and workforce transformation.

Through these MoUs, the State is expected to train 1,00,000 youngsters in a year.

“Under Nipuna, the State has the potential to emerge as the world’s most precious and premium talent hub,” Mr. Kharge anticipated.

The three-day summit featured an investor connect and under which over 300 start-ups pitched to over 100 investors.

“Out of the 300-odd start-ups, 23 were in ideation stage, 75 from concept validation stage, 140 are from early traction stage and 80 from growth stage,” the Minister explained.

Mr. Kharge further said the State would constitute Start-up Awards from next edition (2025) of BTS to recognise excellence in innovation, scalability, and socio-economic impact across India’s start-up ecosystem.

BTS-2024 saw participation from 51 countries and it had a line-up of 521 global speakers on a range of tech topics.