26, Apr 2024
Steven Gerrard discusses football, family, and future aspirations
Riyadh, 26 April 2024: In an exclusive interview with the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard shared his perspectives on various aspects of his life and career. Gerrard, while a notable figure in football, spoke about alternative careers, advice for young players, family life, and his views on leadership and legacy.
Gerrard opened up about other potential career paths outside football management: “I am very much into sport so I would’ve tried to stay in some sport in some capacity and tried to get a job related to football or maybe related to a different sport. Because growing up all I wanted to do was watch sport on TV, do sport at school, so I’m very sport orientated.”
For young athletes dreaming of a career in football, Gerrard’s advice is simple yet profound: “Dream big, picture a dream and then work as hard as you can every single day to improve, to listen to the right people and every day be extremely motivated and dedicated to reach your dream. I think football is about dreams and memories and experiences so my advice to them is set a dream, set a target and then every single day maximize the opportunities to get better to learn and to grow and to improve your skills and reach for the stars.”
Gerrard also shared insights into his personal life, particularly his role as a father: “When I am not at work or at football I am very much family orientated. I have 3 daughters and 1 son so I am always taking them to different places, always playing football in the garden with my son or taking him to football so I am probably a taxi or an uber driver for a lot of the times and also taking them to school, picking them up from school, doing homework and if I get a small bit of time to myself I like to spend it with my friends.”
When asked about his top three footballers Gerrard’s choices reflect his admiration for both the legends and contemporaries of the game: “I would pick Zinedine Zidane because he was my hero growing up. In my generation, he was the best midfielder in the world so I’d pick Zinedine Zidane and also the two best players in my generation by far were Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, so they’d be the three I’d pick.”
Regarding how he wants to be remembered, Gerrard expressed a desire for others to see his commitment and teamwork: “I want to be remembered for someone who gave everything in terms of 100% every single day. I was loyal, I was a fighter, I wanted to give all my energy and my efforts for the team that I represented and I was a team player so I want to be remembered for them values.”
Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq currently sit in 7th place in the RSL and are set to face Al Raed in their next RSL fixture on Saturday, 27th April 2024.
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- By Rabindra
26, Apr 2024
AEO Status Now Extended To The Gem & Jewellery Sector: GJEPC
India, 26th April 2024: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is pleased to announce a significant milestone for the gem and jewellery industry in India. Following extensive efforts by the GJEPC in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status is now being extended to the gem and jewellery sector. The AEO programe was introduced as piolet project in 2011 vide Circular No. 37/2011 – Customs dated 23rd August. 2011.
The AEO program, a crucial part of the broader ease of doing business initiative, has been instrumental in simplifying export operations across various sectors, resulting in significant time and cost savings for exporters. Despite the benefits it offers, the gem & jewellery sector was initially denied participation in the AEO program.
However, through proactive engagement with relevant Ministries, the GJEPC successfully advocated for the inclusion of the gem and jewellery industry in the AEO program. Consequently, the Ministry of Finance has communicated that units within the gem and jewellery industry are now eligible to apply for participation in the AEO program, thereby enabling them to avail associated benefits.
In line with this development, the GJEPC recently conducted an informative Outreach Program focused on obtaining Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status. The event, held on March 18, 2024, at the Bharat Diamond Bourse, brought together industry stakeholders eager to enhance international trade operations, strengthen supply chain security, and improve global competitiveness.
Encouragingly, 20 companies have already applied for AEO status. Based on these applications, as of now Asian Star, a premier diamond and diamond jewellery manufacturer has been granted AEO Status, making it the first in the Indian gem and jewellery industry to receive the certificate.
The GJEPC expresses its gratitude to the Government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, for considering the council’s request and bringing the gem and jewellery industry under the purview of the AEO program.
26, Apr 2024
Sattva Knowledge Institute and AISECT joint study calls for collaborative action to encourage more girls in STEM
India, April 26th, 2024: In a recent report jointly authored by the Sattva Knowledge Institute (SKI), the official knowledge platform of Sattva Consulting, and AISECT, a leading social enterprise focused on skill development, higher education, financial inclusion, e-governance, and other ICT services, sheds light on the nature of obstacles that prevent Indian girls from seeking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.
India is a significant source of STEM talent, with more than 30% of all STEM graduates in the world.[1] Within this talent pool, however, lies a gaping gender disparity. Only 37% of girls in India graduate from school with a science discipline, and only 3% of all women aged 22-50 have a technical education.[2] This deprives a considerable proportion of students, primarily girls, of the growing opportunity in the field.
Interviews with over 40 experts from the education sector, extensive group discussions with teachers and female students from grades 9-12, and surveys covering 700+ students across India revealed three categories of challenges to girls’ uptake of STEM.
The study found that some of these challenges – such as access to learning resources, classroom inefficiencies, and poor foundational skills – are gender-agnostic, that is, they affect all students regardless of their gender while several others – such as access to financial resources, unavailability of STEM courses in the vicinity, and lack of career guidance – affect girls disproportionately, and are hence gender-accentuated. Yet another set of challenges, including stereotypes, social norms, and lack of role models in STEM fields, are gender-specific.
Shweta Gaur, Practice Manager, Sattva Knowledge Institute, reinforced the need for equitable access to science-based education by stating, “Promoting gender and regional equity in STEM education is crucial for leveling the playing field between opportunity and disparity. With 80% of future jobs demanding STEM skills, investing in scalable Digital Public Infrastructure for universal access to science education is imperative for sustainable progress.”
Government agencies, industry and civil society organisations have been working to address these issues. However, these efforts are siloed, and inadequate for the nationwide scope of the problem.
Recognising this, the report suggests a four-pronged approach to encouraging girls’ uptake of STEM:
1. Building an open network ecosystem for scholarships and financial support: An open network approach that integrates public scholarships, private financial instruments, and philanthropic efforts into a cohesive platform will deliver value at scale. It will streamline scholarship distribution, bridging the gap between available funds and student needs, while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to maximise support, especially for girls.
2. Building a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for career guidance and mentorship: A Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) could effectively enhance accessible and relevant career guidance and mentorship, particularly for girls residing in non-urban areas. By facilitating collaboration between diverse stakeholders like employment providers, career guidance providers, education providers with knowledge and career seekers to enrich content, a DPI could aid students in identifying local career opportunities and derive benefits.
3. Constructive action with the community on shifting gender norms on STEM: Constructive action by engaging community stakeholders could encourage the active participation of girls in solving local challenges through analytical thinking and innovation. Local governance bodies should ensure recognition and support for these innovations, creating a pathway for them to scale up to a national level.
4. Leveraging assessments to enable state action in STEM skills for girls: It is critical to partner with organisations implementing large-scale life skill assessments, which can provide data to inform gender-specific curriculum guidelines. Institutions like PARAKH and Life Skills Collaborative can lead the initiative to enable the scaling of assessments at district and state levels.
Speaking about the report and the way forward initiative, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Director of AISECT said “In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, digital and STEM skills are crucial. As industries undergo digital transformation, those with these skills can adapt and contribute effectively. However, achieving gender equality in STEM education faces challenges due to societal norms and stereotypes, especially affecting girls in the country. At AISECT Group, we always prioritize equal opportunities. Partnering with SATTVA Consulting, we’ve crafted a report raising awareness about gender parity in STEM Education in India which needs urgent attention. We have also started implementing the solutions to the issue in hand which will follow as a joint effort. AISECT is already offering dedicated female batches and we will also offer dedicated scholarships and open network initiatives in the future .”
The study further reinforced how women with a technical education have a better chance of earning more than their counterparts with non-technical education. STEM graduates are also more likely to obtain salaried employment and remain in the formal workforce. This eventually results in better developmental outcomes for the women themselves, as well as their households.
The study states that ensuring access to STEM education and careers for girls is a national imperative, and demands the concerted efforts of samaaj, sarkaar and bazaar for sustained impact.
26, Apr 2024
SBI General Insurance: 17 percent Topline Growth, 30 percent Profit Surge in FY23-24
Mumbai, April 26th, 2024: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading General Insurance companies, announced its financial results for FY 23-24. The Company continued to sustain its strong growth momentum, recording a profit before tax of INR 319 crores for FY 23-24, a growth of 30% from FY23. The Company also demonstrated strong growth in overall business clocking a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 12,731 crores – a growth of 17% over the previous year.
The Company’s diverse product portfolio, distribution reach, brand and cost optimization has helped deliver these numbers. The retail business led by Motor and Health have shown strong growth. SBI General Insurance continues to be No. 1 in the Personal Accident segment in the private market, along with its strong presence in various lines of business including Health, Home, Crop, Commercial and Motor.
The Company witnessed strong top line growth and the Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at INR 319 crores in FY 23-24 as compared to INR 244 crores in FY 22-23. Its solvency ratio stood at 2.25, signifying its strong financial position against the minimum regulatory requirement of 1.50 times.
Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Kishore Kumar Poludasu, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “At SBI General, we have been consistently growing faster than the market. The company has registered a strong growth with GWP of INR 12,731 crores in FY 23- 24, in just 14 years of operations. This remarkable feat is a testament to our diversified product portfolio, distribution strength, leveraging technology, and our relentless dedication to customer centricity. As we strive to the objective of making insurance available to all, we remain committed to creating simple value-oriented products that leverage the trust customers have in our brand.”
Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, said “Our financial results reflect our commitment to building long term value through profitable growth for stakeholders. The Company’s profit growth by 30%, reflects our financial health and also the work done in improving productivity, improving opex ratios and focus on delivering customer value.”
26, Apr 2024
The Yoga Institute Announces Free Access to Samattvam Yoga OPD in Honor of Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra’s Birth Anniversary
The Yoga Institute, the world’s oldest organized Yoga centre, is pleased to announce that the “Samattvam” Yoga OPD which was previously available at a nominal fee will now be offered to the public for free in honour of the auspicious occasion of Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra’s birth anniversary on 27th April 2024. The Samattvam Yoga OPD initiative was launched in 1984, has conducted more than 2500 sessions and treated more than 75000 patients. By removing the nominal fee charged earlier, The Yoga Institute hopes to make the transformative benefits of yoga more accessible to everyone; continuing Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra’s mission of making the profound benefits of Yoga accessible to each and every member of society.
The Yoga OPD “Samattvam” offers a varieties of holistic health and wellness services such as personalised medical consultations, individualised yoga consultations with experienced instructors, kriya, pranayama and asana sessions focusing on holistic well-being, curated sattvik diet-plans, in-depth lifestyle practices for stress management, measurement of vital body parameters and overall health enhancement. With this initiative, The Yoga Institute aims to promote a healthier and happier community by empowering society with the knowledge and tools to incorporate yoga into their daily lives. In celebration of Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra’s birthday, The Yoga Institute invites everyone to take advantage of this special opportunity to experience the transformative power of yoga through the “Samattvam” Yoga OPD, now offered free of charge.
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra believes that making ‘Samattvam’ accessible to all is a fitting tribute to the humanitarian ethos and memory of Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, who dedicated his life to selfless service by advancing the practice and understanding of yoga. This version of Samattvam will make the profound benefits of Yoga accessible to those who are most in need.
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, is a globally acclaimed spiritual guru, wellness mentor and thought leader. The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, under her leadership has been honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award in 2018. Dr. Hansaji has a vibrant, robust and commanding social-media presence which touches the lives of millions of viewers worldwide. Her words, ideas and life-long body of work in Yoga, wellness and mindfulness has the source of powerful change in countless lives. She is a mentor and role model to millions and has conducted more than 100,000 powerful sessions on yoga, wellness, mental health and has authored more than 100 books, many of which are leading bestsellers. Dr. Hansaji is on the board of multiple national and international committees which work on devising yoga syllabi and shaping yoga policy worldwide. Her life is exemplary in its devotion to service and commitment to social well-being. An epitome of grace and wisdom, she is a global symbol of peace, balanced living, and yoga.
The Yoga Institute was established in 1918 by the venerable yoga guru Shri Yogendraji, also known as the Father of Modern Yoga Renaissance. The Yoga Institute celebrated its centenary milestone on 25 December 2018. The 100 year anniversary celebration of the Institute was attended by Shri Ramnath Kovind – Ex–President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu – Ex- Vice President of India. The Yoga Institute is a non-profit organization and the oldest organized centre for Yoga in the world. The Institute has a diverse legacy of pioneering work in the field of yoga such as: the “householder yoga” movement, several social initiatives such as Annam Brahma (free meals for the underprivileged), free medical health camps, blood donation drive, wellness and mindfulness programmes, yoga for armed forces and police, holistic health programs, yoga programmes for the municipal and western railway staff, wellness programs and much more.
26, Apr 2024
KIIT World School organized a Inter school competition Vasundhara 2024
Gurugram: KIIT World School, Sohna Road, organized an inter school competition – “Vasundhara 2024”. 14 schools participated in this program which included Ridge Valley School, KR Mangalam School, Lord Jesus Public School, Ascent Public School, KIIT World School, Ascent Public School, Laburnum Public School etc.
During the program, students presented their views and shared their suggestions on various types of environmental protection steps. Students are given the message of environment protection through Kavi Sammelan, Nache Mayuri (Dance Competition), Video Story, Debate, Plastic Purge, 3D Mural and other creative presentations.
On this occasion, KIIT World School and Lord Jesus Public School got the first position in the poetry competition, Gyan Devi Public School Senior Secondary got the second position and DAV Public School 49 Gurugram got the third position. In the dance competition, KIIT World School stood first and GAV Public School stood second position . In the debate competition, KIIT World School Pritampura stood first and KIIT World School Sohna Road stood second. In the 3D Mural Competition, KR Mangalam World School and KIIT World School Sohna Road stood first and KIIT World School stood second. In the plastic purge competition, KIIT World School Sohna Road stood first and KIIT World School Pritampura stood second.
KIIT World School Principal Dr. Neelima Kamrah encouraged the students on this occasion and along with teachers and students planted trees in the school premises. And she also talked about the greenhouse effect due to which the temperature of the earth is increasing and it is harming our environment. To solve this problem, she said we have to pay attention to our energy usage.
26, Apr 2024
University of Birmingham Dubai invites applications for MSc Computer Science
April 26, 2024: The University of Birmingham Dubai is now inviting applications from Indian students for its MSc Computer Science program for the September 2024 intake.
Designed to cater to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field of computer science and information technology, the MSc Computer Science program is crafted in collaboration with industry experts to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s technological landscape. Graduates of this MSc Computer Science degree are highly sought after by employers due to the special knowledge, expertise and skills acquired.
Programme delivery:
The program delivery for the MSc Computer Science includes joint faculty collaboration between the Dubai and UK campuses, modern digital technology utilization, and rigorous assessments to ensure academic excellence and student success. It will focus on analytical methods and technical skills, and offers the opportunity to combine knowledge and personal skills to solve society’s problems by developing software solutions.
Course dates: September 2024
Entry Requirements:
The MSc Computer Science program is a conversion degree course generally for students who have a first degree in a subject other than computing, but students with a background in computing will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree of three or four years in duration from a recognized university in India will be considered for postgraduate study.
Expected grades range from 55% – 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or 50% – 55% for 2:2 equivalency, depending on the awarding institution.
Applicants with either a four-year Bachelor’s degree (first-class or very good upper second-class) or a three-year Bachelor’s degree (first class) from recognized institutions in India are eligible for consideration.
Application process: Applications for September 2024 are open. There is no application fee.
Tuition: The total fee of the programme is AED 148,138 (USD 40,333) for 1 year full-time or AED 74,069 (USD 20,166) per year over 2 years, part-time and can be paid in instalments.
Scholarship: Scholarship options at the University of Birmingham Dubai are designed to benefit all students and the financial rewards can be carried forward through the entire programme across the foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For September 2024 entry the university is offering scholarships of up to 40% to all students based on academic performance.
26, Apr 2024
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India inaugurates BigWing in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya, 26 April 2024: Marking a momentous stride towards redefining the premium motorcycle landscape in the region, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) proudly inaugurated an all-new premium motorcycle sales and service outlet, Honda BigWing, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Initiating a transformative era for motorcycle enthusiasts, the BigWing dealership promises an unparalleled immersive experience for riders who seek nothing but the best. Located in the heart of Delhi, this state-of-the-art facility aims to elevate the #GoRidin spirit amongst new as well as prospective customers.
Expanding their last mile presence to cater to the aspirational customers, the differentiated BigWing can be now experienced at more than 140 operational touchpoints across India.
Premium Experience
Adorned with the black & white monochromatic theme, BigWing showcases the displayed vehicles in their full glory. The highly trained and knowledgeable professionals at BigWing assist customers in resolving their product or accessories related queries. Easing the journey from search to purchase, the dedicated website (www.HondaBigWing.in) is available for detailed information. The online booking option on the website ensures a quick, seamless, and transparent booking experience for customers at their fingertips. Capturing real-time customer feedback, Honda BigWing is also actively available across all social media platforms.
Ensuring safety and convenience of customers, Honda BigWing offers Immersive Digital Experience. The virtual platform – https://virtualshowroom.hondabigwing.in allows customers to experience the entire fun motorcycle line-up, riding gears and accessories in granular detail while sitting in the comforts of their home.
Diverse Product Portfolio
Honda’s premium motorcycle retail format is led by the BigWing Topline – for entire premium motorcycle range (300cc – 1800cc) in top metros and BigWing – exclusively for mid-size motorcycle segment (300cc – 500cc) in other cities. Its diverse range of motorcycles includes the all-new CB350, H’ness CB350, CB350RS, CB300F, CB300R, NX500, XL750 Transalp, Africa Twin and Gold Wing Tour.
Proffering new experiences to customers with the All-New ‘NX500’
HMSI kickstarts the calendar year 2024 with the launch of all-new ‘NX500’ adventure tourer at an attractive price of Rs. 5,90,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). Directed by the design theme of ‘Daily Crossover’, this new model makes its way to the Indian market through the CBU* route (*Completely Built-Up).
Powering the all-new Honda NX500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC engine with a parallel twin-cylinder layout that offers a well-proportioned balance of enjoyable performance with an energetic high-revving character and zappy top end. This motor churns out 35kW power at 8,600rpm and 43Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm, paired with a slick-changing 6-speed gearbox.
26, Apr 2024
Pacific D21 Mall, Dwarka Organizes Pacific Quiz Championship Season 2
New Delhi, Apr 26, 2024: Pacific D21 Mall located in Dwarka sec-21 hosted Pacific Quiz Championship S-2. The two-day event witnessed a thrilling display of intellect and competitive spirit of students from various schools across the Dwarka region.
The championship was structured into a Quiz and Spell Bee as the first and second rounds respectively. A total of 155 students participated and competed in three groups basis their class. After intense rounds of competition, winners emerged victorious earning exciting prizes. The top three winners from each group were awarded cash prizes and gift vouchers.
On Day 1, 3rd and 4th class students in batch one from Bal Bhavan International School, batch two of 5th and 6th class students from Sri Venkateshwar International School and batch three of 7th and 8th class students from Sri Venkateshwar International School emerged winners.
On Day 2, the winners were from batch one of 3rd & 4th class students from Prudence School Dwarka, batch two of 5th and 6th class students from Mount Carmel School, and batch three of 7th and 8th class students from Mount Carmel School.
Schools that participated in the competition were Bal Bhavan International School, Sri Venkateswar International School, Mount Carmel School, Basava International School, Prudence School Dwarka, MCPS Rajnagar, Rajnagar Extn.1st, and MCD Primary School, Mahavir Enclave.
Certificates of participation were also presented to all contestants, acknowledging their dedication and effort.
26, Apr 2024
AICTE in partnership with Apna.co launches first-ever nationwide career platform for 3 million students
Mumbai, 26 April 2024: To transform the landscape of career opportunities for engineering students across India, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and apna.co – India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform – today launched ‘AICTE Career Portal’, a career platform designed to empower more than 3 million students from 12,000+ colleges affiliated with AICTE with jobs and internship opportunities.
AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Vice Chairman Dr. Abhay Jere, Member Secretary Prof. Rajive Kumar and Nimrit Parikh, Founder & CEO of Apna.co were present at the launch ceremony at AICTE HQ, New Delhi.
Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2024 between apna.co and AICTE, the strategic partnership highlights a shared commitment to empower individuals and drive national advancement. This collaboration gains particular significance in the dynamic employment sector, highlighting their collective focus on leveraging technology and empowering recruiters to capitalise on emerging opportunities. The strategic partnership also offers an exclusive opportunity for students to participate in the Silicon Valley Immersion Program. This immersive experience includes a fully-sponsored trip to Silicon Valley, USA, where students will engage directly with industry leaders at renowned companies such as Google, Apple and Microsoft, among others.
Notably, apna.co, with its extensive scale, boasting 5 lakh recruiters and engagement with over 1000 enterprises, stands as a pivotal force in this initiative. With 50 percent of jobs accepting freshers, the platform emerges as a catalyst in connecting fresh talent with lucrative opportunities. This opportunity emphasises the commitment of AICTE and apna.co to provide students with unparalleled experiences for professional growth and global exposure.
Tailored for aspiring job seekers, the platform will provide access to a diverse array of national and international job opportunities, with internships slated for inclusion by Q3 FY2024. The platform also offers an AI-powered Resume Builder for standout resumes and real-time notifications for job updates. Students can engage in professional development through affinity-based groups to ensure professional growth, with AI-assisted interview prep and salary benchmarking to be launched.
While launching the portal, Prof. T G Sitharam, AICTE Chairman highlighted, “The collaboration with apna.co signifies a pivotal partnership between the government and startups, addressing critical employment challenges. By joining forces, we are not only empowering students to cultivate essential skills but also facilitating their access to a broad spectrum of national and global employment opportunities. This association also fosters meaningful engagement with leading companies via a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent and drives economic growth.”
Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO of apna.co, commented, “Amidst the ever-evolving job landscape, our dedication lies in moulding India’s tomorrow by empowering its youth to excel both locally and globally. At apna.co, we firmly believe India’s youth aren’t just poised to keep pace but to lead the charge in shaping the future of the global workforce. The career portal with AICTE marks a crucial stride in addressing the hurdles faced by India’s youth in navigating today’s intricate job market. This venture is crafted to arm fresh graduates and job seekers with the platform they need to launch careers and fulfil their professional aspirations. It also reiterates our unwavering commitment to promoting the growth and success of the next generation.”
The partnership also equips colleges with transformative tools such as the Outcomes Dashboard, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning. The College Community feature fosters vital communication and networking, while comprehensive placement statistics attract targeted companies, enhancing the college’s reputation among students and employers.
The AICTE Career Portal will go live on 30th April, 2024.
