Residential Training Program And Science Exhibition At MSLS, Manipal To Celebrate National Science Day

Sir CV Raman’s discovery of ‘Raman Effect’ on February 28, 1928, is commemorated every year as ‘National Science Day’ in India since 1987. The day aims to celebrate the significance and impact of science in all walks of life and to promote scientific developments. The theme for the year 2024 is “Indigenous technologies for Viksit Bharat”.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal has been celebrating National Science Day for close to 20 years by organizing a week-long training program for school children and an open science exhibition at the Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS). This year as well, top students of Class IX and X from neighbouring Academy schools were hosted for a week-long residential, hands-on science training program at MSLS and other constituent institutions of MAHE, Manipal (including KMC, MCOPS, MIT, MCBR, DAMP, MCNS and WGSHA) from February 21 to 27, 2024. The celebrations were capped off by the open science exhibition, inaugurated at MSLS on February 27, 2024, by Dr HS Ballal (Pro-Chancellor, MAHE) in the presence of Dr BS Satish Rao (Director, MSLS), faculty members, staff, research scholars and students of MSLS and MAHE. 

In his inaugural address, Dr Ballal lauded the school children for their participation in the training program, while stressing the importance of inculcating scientific temper in young students, considering the impact science has on every aspect of life. He hoped that such exposure will inspire the school students from varied backgrounds to pursue their careers in science and technology. He cited the founding principles of Dr TMA Pai in establishing Manipal as the educational hub in this region, with this year being the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Pai. 

The 25 top students from nearby Academy schools participating in the training program received certificates from the dignitaries. The students stayed in the campus for the week-long programs and experienced the various facets of scientific exploration through hands-on exposure in life sciences, healthcare, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, nutrition and dietetics, biophotonics, natural sciences and biotherapeutic research at various sister institutions of MSLS. The students had early morning yoga and physical exercise sessions to inculcate the importance of a healthy mind in a healthy body. They also visited the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, Planetarium, experience theatre and other facilities at MAHE, Manipal. These students also demonstrated some of the models that were displayed as part of the science exhibition on February 27 and 28, 2024 at MSLS. Some of the models on display in the exhibition included brain function, laser-based and light-based displays, blood disorders, DNA sequencing, gene editing, human evolution, photosynthesis, bioluminescence, artificial intelligence, among others. The training program and exhibition at MSLS were organized by a team of faculty members, staff, research scholars and students of MSLS.

Hundreds of school students from nearby areas are expected to visit the exhibition as part of the celebrations on February 28, 2024. The exhibition will be followed by the National Science Day program organized by MAHE in the afternoon at the KMC Greens, Manipal, with the gracious presence of eminent scientist Dr Anuradha TK (former Project Director, ISRO, and the first female project leader at ISRO) and Lt. Gen. (Dr) MD Venkatesh (Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal).

Digital Learning Empowering Careers In Today’s Dynamic Technology Landscape

Digital Learning Day serves as a reminder of the transformative power that technology holds in today’s dynamic tech landscape, impacting learning significantly. A proficient workforce in technology not only enables swifter and more adept responses to dynamic shifts in business landscapes and evolving customer expectations but also serves as a cornerstone in providing companies with a competitive advantage. 

To underscore the importance of digital learning in today’s world, individuals must recognize the need to stay up-to-date with evolving trends and strategize their learning to ensure career longevity.

Nina Nair, SVP & HRD Head, India and Americas, opines that the traditional boundaries of learning are being shattered, paving the way for a new era of knowledge acquisition and dissemination. “Digital Learning Day celebrates this paradigm shift, embracing innovation in technology as the cornerstone of modern education, transcending geographical constraints and socioeconomic barriers. Forward-thinking organizations are therefore investing in employee training programs that leverage adaptable, tech-infused learning environments. By embracing digital learning platforms, employees can exponentially raise their level of expertise and ensure swift ROI. Technology also supports learning to be multidimensional, immediate, and continuous.”

After reaching a certain stage in her Human Resources (HR) career, Kamala Nagaraj began contemplating the importance of refining her skills to explore new opportunities. Through extensive research, she chose to enroll in the PGCHRM program offered by XLRI in 2011. This course, she says, helped her better her career and showed her ways to work with an engaged workforce. “The PGCHRM course offered by XLRI was a pioneering initiative launched in collaboration with Reliance, marking a significant advancement in a time when technology was not as prevalent. The program proved invaluable in honing my analytical and logical abilities, equipping me with the necessary tools to drive strategic initiatives in specialized areas. I delved deep into core subjects such as labor law, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and collective bargaining, under the mentorship of industry experts. Through exposure to real-world case studies and continual coaching, I have gained the confidence to navigate various organizational challenges.

I am now adept at implementing interventions that not only enhance cost-effectiveness and compliance but also foster a culture of employee satisfaction through improved compensation and benefits. This, in turn, contributes to lower attrition rates and a more engaged workforce.

Today we are blessed with better opportunities, and accessibility to courses is no longer in question. There are numerous learning avenues, offering myriad growth opportunities. I, once again, emphasize that there is a crucial need to constantly sharpen your skills, and digital is the way to go.”

Vi Business Tees Off 13th Edition Of Its Flagship Corporate Golf Tournament Vi TeeWalk 2024

·         Bengaluru hosts the first leg of the tournament with over 70 CXOs attending the city chapter

·         The upcoming Mumbai & Delhi editions are set to see participation from over 150 + CXOs of leading corporates

·         Participants will get to play with renowned professional golfer

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of the leading telecom operator Vi, is back with the 13th edition of its multi city corporate golf tournament - Vi TeeWalk 2024. Themed around partnerships leading to #RoadToVictory, Vi TeeWalk 2024 held its first city chapter for this year at the Prestige Golf Shire, Bengaluru with more than 70 senior corporate leaders from the city participating in the tournament. 

Vi TeeWalk 2024- Bengaluru chapter was played in Texas Scramble format with each team consisting of four players.

·         Winner: Team comprising of Arindam Chatterjee, Srinivas K, Harishwar Reddy and Rajesh Rao bagged the first position.

·         1st Runner Up: Team of Rajeev Ahluwalia, Jatinder Salwan, Nilanjan Roy and Atul Ujagar 

·         2nd Runner Up: Team of Ravindra Takkar, Varun Berry, Pradeep Kar and Kazo Nishimura finished as the second runner up.

The annual golfing event Vi TeeWalk 2024 that marries the enduring sport of golf with seamless networking opportunities both on and off the course, is set to bring together another 150+ top CXOs from multiple industries for the upcoming Mumbai & Delhi editions.

Introducing a new feature in this year’s edition, the participants of Vi TeeWalk 2024 in each city will get a chance to play and engage with a professional golfer in one of the whole game.

As part of the programme, participants of the Bengaluru edition got an opportunity to play with the professional golfer Riddhima Dilawari, a 13 time winner on the Women's Professional Golf Tour of India.  The Sunshine Ladies Tour member will also be in Mumbai while the Delhi leg participants will get an opportunity to play with Neha Tripathi, a 19 time winner on the Women's Professional Golf Tour of India and finished second on the Order of Merit for 2023 season

Commenting on the 13th edition of Vi TeeWalk 2024, Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said "Over the years, Vi TeeWalk has earned a reputation as one of the most anticipated events in the corporate calendar, providing a dynamic forum for industry leaders to connect and engage. Vi TeeWalk 2024 is more than just a golf tournament; it is a testament to our commitment to building enduring relationships with our enterprise customers. Keeping it in line with the theme for the year #RoadToVictory, Vi TeeWalk 2024 aims to create a platform that brings different stakeholders at one platform for meaningful interactions, networking, and collaboration. We look forward to an exciting tournament that exemplifies the spirit of Vi Business."

Vi TeeWalk 2024 is more than just a golf tournament; it is an initiative aimed at strategically engaging with the CXOs. Golf is a popular sport, particularly followed by CXOs. According to reports, at least 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, with 80 percent of them stating that it helps establish new business relationships. Vi TeeWalk 2024 promises an unparalleled experience for participants, combining competitive golf with business advancement opportunities. The tournament underscores Vi Business's dedication to meaningfully engaging with its enterprise customers in a relaxed and sporting environment, creating innumerable opportunities for strategic collaborations.

Learn more about Vi TeeWalk here: https://www.myvi.in/business/teewalk

About Vodafone Idea

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service provider. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platforms. Company holds large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave 5G spectrum in 16 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The company’s equity share are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”.

For more information, visit: www.MyVi.in

 Photo Caption:  LtR: 2nd Runner up team of Vi TeeWalk 2024 Bengaluru chapter comprising - Rajesh Sitharaman, Ravinder Thakkar, Varun Berry Kozo Nishimura, Pradeep Kar, Aanand Dani.

Make Your Run Joyful With Gobuds Sport’s Earbuds At Only Rs. 1,299 - Premium Sound And Comfortable Wear!

GOVO, a challenger in the audio technology space recently introduced its newest addition to its earbuds line-up – GoBuds Sport. Take your runs to new heights with this exceptional product, your key to an exciting and energizing running experience.

The earbuds market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, primarily driven by factors such as rising consumer inclination towards portable audio devices, technological advancements in wireless connectivity, and the growing popularity of smart devices.

Speaking about the launch of the GoBuds Sport, Mr. Piyush Jalan, Co-founder and COO of GOVO expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We're excited to introduce the GoBuds Sport – your ultimate go-to audio upgrade for every moment. Whether you're at home, in the gym, or on the move, these earbuds redefine your listening experience with premium sound quality. With dynamic 12mm drivers for deep bass and true audio, every beat and melody carries you into the heart of your favourite tracks, immersing you in their energy like never before. Crafted with precision, our innovative design guarantees a snug and stable fit, featuring flexible hooks tailored for all-day wear. Experience comfort without compromise, regardless of the activity you're engaged in."

Here are the salient features of the GoBuds Sport:

·         Comfort Secure Fit: Flexible and secure hook design for all-day comfort and stability

·         52 Hours Battery: Upto 52 hour battery life for non-stop music with type C input

·         Water Resistant: IPX5 level of splash & water resistant, to enjoy your music carefree

·         Gaming Mode: Eliminate all lags with less than 80ms latency and enjoy your favourite mobile games

·         Rich Sound: Dynamic 12mm drivers for deep bass and true audio

·         Bluetooth V5.3: Upto 30 feet of seamless connectivity

·         Fast Charge: Fast charge your buds and enjoy your music non-stop

·         ENC: Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) to deliver crystal clear calls

The GoBuds Sport is available at  GOVO at an exclusive price of Rs.1,299/-. This product comes with a one-year warranty and is available in the colour White. 

upGrad Joins Hands With Project Management Institute (PMI) To Significantly Strengthen Learner Outcomes

-          Incorporated key Project Management tools and skills in co-created new and existing flagship programs

-          Partnership to drive growth and innovation culture amongst professionals & enterprises

-          Partnership will help brands co-pilot India’s goal of building a ‘futureforce’

upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors extends its partnership with Project Management Institute (PMI) - a leading U.S.-based not-for-profit professional association for project management, to launch a new set of market-ready Bootcamps and build a skill-ready-force of tomorrow.

With a clear focus on learner outcomes, the partnership brings together upGrad Knowledgehut’s best-in-class digital learning experience and advanced delivery platform and PMI’s Project Management expertise and its global standing. Under the arrangement, upGrad has introduced two new co-created Bootcamps and five upgraded short Certifications for Project Management. The portfolio includes Software Engineering Bootcamp (SEB) and DevOps Engineering Bootcamp (DEB), carefully designed for tech professionals with at least 2 years of work experience. The new programs will enable learners with enhanced accreditation and career prospects.

The curriculum is reverse-engineered to suit the market requirements while also providing learners with stronger technical know-how and implementation capabilities which in turn shall support them in driving greater value and business outcomes.

The longstanding association dates back to the launch of Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), widely recognized as the industry standard in project management, offered by the PMI.  They have been the leading authority in project management, committed to advancing the project management profession with globally recognized standards, online courses, thought leadership, events, and tools needed to deliver project success. The partnership will enable learners to better leverage upGrad Knowledgehut's cutting-edge digital learning platforms and PMI's global standing to enhance accreditation and career prospects. The latest development also strengthens both organizations’ ability to scale across geographies while significantly improving outcomes for learners and enterprises.

Commenting on this Jacob Varghese, Partner Success Manager, PMI South Asia said, “Today organizations need project professionals who can maximize project success. They are looking for professionals who not only have great technical skills but also have the necessary skill set that helps them deliver greater business outcomes aligned with the vision of the organization. At PMI we are committed to support project professionals at every step of their professional journey with tools and resources for continuous career development. We see this as an opportunity to empower them with execution skills that can propel their career growth.”

Commenting on the same, Asheesh Sharma - President, Certifications and Bootcamps, upGrad said, “For almost a decade now, we have been working with PMI to ensure our learners get the best possible outcomes. This underscores our unwavering commitment to building a job-ready economy that is primed to tackle the global business challenges of tomorrow. By combining strengths, we can ensure that our learners remain far ahead of the curve. This partnership acts as a distinctive opportunity and firmly establishes upGrad Knowledgehut as the ultimate catalyst in empowering India and the global workforce with the finest and most relevant project management skill set.”

The Bootcamps are designed to provide learners with comprehensive skills, including project management principles. With over 200 hours of online content, 160+ hours of live training sessions, hackathons, capstone projects, coaching sessions, and more, learners gain practical experience and soft skills essential for real-world scenarios.

Apart from the Bootcamps, upGrad has also leveraged PMI to enhance its renowned certification courses through meticulous updates and innovations in teaching methodologies, course materials, and learner resources. These include the

-          CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): Lays a robust foundation and is tailored for learners starting their careers in project management.

-          PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional): For senior-level practitioners managing enterprise-wide portfolios.

-          PgMP (Program Management Professional): Aimed at professionals overseeing multiple, related projects, the revamped PgMP course focuses on advanced skills.

-          PMI-ACP (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner): the updated PMI-ACP course equips practitioners with the latest in agile practices and methodologies.

-          PMI-RMP (PMI Risk Management Professional): The enhanced PMI-RMP course prepares professionals with specialized skills in assessing and managing project risks.

An Industry report estimates a steep growth in the demand for over 7,000,000 new project managers in the next 10 years in India making this just the right time for India Inc. to consider such strategic upskilling. Similarly, the global economy will need 25 million new project managers by 2030. That presents a great opportunity for young professionals and a challenge for organizations that need to close the talent gap by finding people with the skills that successful project execution demands.

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development Company. upGrad offers a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorates. Additionally, select programs are tailored for enterprise clients under the B2B model, along with other recruitment and staffing services. To date, upGrad has enrolled 10 million+ learners from 70+ countries, boasts a network of 300+ direct global university partners, wide line-up of 2500+ pathway connections, and an enterprise arm with 3000 corporate partners, worldwide. www.upgrad.com

Xiaomi India Transforms Traditional Classrooms Into Smart Classrooms

Standing true to its vision of making technology accessible for all, Xiaomi, a global technology brand, today announced the transformation of two schools in Tumkur city in Karnataka into Smart schools. With a vision to enhance the learning experience for the students, Xiaomi India has equipped the classrooms with essential technology devices in the Government Higher Primary School in Kadilapura, and Government Higher Primary School in Yelerampura. The initiative aims to upgrade the education experience across these schools, providing students access to modern educational resources and tools.

Xiaomi’s Republic Day Sales powers the initiative through its online platform mi.com wherein Xiaomi India has borne the complete cost to fund the project and install printers, speakers, microphones, Xerox machines, TV screens, projectors, cameras, pads in the classrooms along with CCTV cameras to ensure their safety. The schools have also been provided with 50 backpack bags and writing pads each.

These smart schools were inaugurated by distinguished guests, including Deputy Director of Public Instruction, Mrs. Pushpawali TN; District in Charge, Mr. Narsima Murthy; Block Education Officer, Mr. CV Nataraju, Block Resource Co-ordinator - Mr. Rudesh; SDMC - Mr. Srivinas , and students, teachers, and parents from the schools. This initiative occasion will enable everyone to witness the positive impact of technology on education and celebrate the collaborative efforts towards creating a brighter future for the students.

With these contributions, Xiaomi aims to support educational institutions and enable them to build a stronger tech-savvy future for their students. Xiaomi is committed to bringing innovation for all and empowering students with essential resources, ensuring their success in the digital age.

About Xiaomi Corporation

Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.

Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the users’ hearts”, Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

Xiaomi is one of the world's leading smartphone companies. In September 2023, MAU of MIUI reached approximately 623 million globally. The company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, with approximately 699 million smart devices connected to its platform (excluding smartphones, laptops and tablets) as of September 30, 2023. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In August 2023, Xiaomi was included in the Fortune Global 500 list for the fifth year in a row, ranking 360th.

Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index.

MobiKwik Introduces Pocket UPI To Facilitate UPI Payments Without Linking Bank Account

* Users can make UPI payments directly from MobiKwik Wallet

* Strengthens security aspect by limiting repetitive exposure to bank account

ONE MOBIKWIK SYSTEMS LIMITED (MobiKwik), a fintech company, introduced a new feature on its platform, ‘Pocket UPI’, that enables users to have an enhanced control over budgeting and finance management. Pocket UPI allows users to make UPI payments through MobiKwik Wallet without linking their bank account and therefore, giving more power in the hands of the users with an additional choice while they make UPI payments. 

Pocket UPI aids in decluttering bank statements by consolidating all UPI transactions, thereby offering a clearer insight into spending habits. Currently, with UPI directly linked to bank accounts, users often overlook minor and recurring expenses.

Users can load their Wallet with the amount they need to spend and then top up again as required. The platform supports balance loading through credit cards, debit cards or UPI. It accepts card payments from any network, including RuPay, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club. Payments via Pocket UPI can flow across various channels, such as merchant QR codes, e-commerce platforms and peer-to-peer transfers.

Pocket UPI safeguards users from compromised transactions and financial fraud by transferring funds from the MobiKwik Wallet rather than their bank account, thus limiting exposure when making financial transactions.

Speaking on the occasion, Bipin Preet Singh, Co-founder & CEO, MobiKwik, shared, “Fintech is a dynamic sector that needs consistent innovation to meet the demands of users. With Pocket UPI, we believe that we have added new features to the digital wallet.”

“By linking UPI directly to bank accounts, users often neglect minor expenses. Pocket UPI streamlines finances by consolidating multiple small transactions into a single wallet, providing users with a powerful tool to manage their finances effectively,” he added.

Here is how to make UPI payments using Pocket UPI:

To start using Pocket UPI, users must first create their unique wallet UPI ID on the MobiKwik platform. Existing MobiKwik Wallet users can already make use of this feature.

Add funds to the MobiKwik Wallet through a debit card, credit card or a bank account.

Once the wallet is loaded, simply start making UPI payments with your Wallet balance.

Pocket UPI is able to process payments even during bank downtimes to ensure that users can make timely payments round the clock, thus enhancing the reliability and convenience of digital payments.

About MobiKwik

MobiKwik is a fintech company that is a comprehensive provider of financial products and services. MobiKwik is a platform business with two-sided payments network, consisting of consumers and merchants.

Founded in 2008 by Bipin Preet Singh, MobiKwik has grown to serve over 146.94 million registered users with a merchant network of 3.81 million as of September 30, 2023.