DEVI Sansthan Unveils Global Learning Lab to Enhance ALfA Pedagogy at 14th Ed Leadership

Lucknow 24 September 2024: The 14th Ed Leadership, hosted by DEVI Sansthan, officially kicked off today with the inauguration of the First Global Learning Lab by Shri Brajesh Pathak Hon. Dy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Hon. Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. This three-day event hosted by City Montessori School, Lucknow and Dr Bharti Gandhi along with Dr Sunita Gandhi at the World Unity Convention Center, focuses on strengthening teacher training and fostering collaborations for the ALfA (Accelerated Learning for All) Pedagogy, a cutting-edge approach recognized as one of the most relevant teaching methodologies today. Other prominent dignitaries like Dr. Abdulla Rasheed Ahmed, Former Minister of Education, Maldives graced the event.

With a mission to drive India towards the NIPUN Bharat mission of universal foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27, the Global Learning Lab will highlight strategies and training that empower teachers to make learning more impactful and engaging for young learners. Educators from 15 Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Assam, Odisha, Chattisgarh etc, International educators from 7 countries like USA, Maldives, Kenya, Ghana, Malaysia, Peru and Nepal are participating the 3-day empowering event making this a truly collaborative and innovative platform for transforming education.

Shri Brajesh Pathak, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, expressed his pride in acknowledging the remarkable efforts of Dr. Sunita Gandhi and the entire team at DEVI Sansthan, both within India and globally. He emphasized the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to revolutionizing education throughout the state. Highlighting the importance of partnerships between government initiatives and innovative solutions like ALfA, he underscored their role in ensuring every child, regardless of their location, receives access to quality education and opportunities for success. “The Uttar Pradesh government pledges its support to DEVI Sansthan in their mission to enhance education in the state”, he shared.

Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Hon. Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized the critical role of education in shaping the future of any nation. He remarked, “Education is the cornerstone of both developed and developing countries. In Uttar Pradesh alone, we have around 138,000 state primary schools with approximately 7 lakh teachers educating over 2 crore children. With 15% of the state’s total budget allocated to education, it’s crucial to assess whether we are achieving the right outcomes. Are students from state primary schools equipped to compete with those from other institutions? There’s a pressing need to restructure our educational system. The new pedagogy introduced by DEVI Sansthan will undoubtedly contribute to this transformation, serving as a valuable supplement, though not a substitute, to traditional learning.”

The first Global Learning Lab is showcasing an innovative child-led paired learning model. This new pedagogy is expected to empower Indian classrooms and help students complete their curriculum in half the time, driving rapid progress in FLN. India needs 11,16,846 new teachers for the next three years if it’s to make up the shortfall and cater to new student enrolments. Education system is at the threshold of a complete flip. This is the most opportune time to matter.

Dr. Sunita Gandhi, Founder of DEVI Sansthan, emphasized the mission of Synergy Summit 3.0 and the Global Learning Lab, stating, “The focus is on creating a significant transformation in the education system. We’ve identified the educational goals that need to be achieved and brought together strong representation from across India and internationally. The goal is to unite experts and leaders in education to collaboratively reform the system, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive quality education and excel in their learning journey.”

The inaugural day also witnessed government representatives from schools from Lucknow, Unnao, and Barabanki sharing their experiences on the ALfA (Accelerated Learning for All) Pedagogy in their regions. Lalita Pradeep, Former Director of Education for Uttar Pradesh, remarked, “Any approach that promotes learning is a valuable pedagogy. The DEVI Sansthan’s focus on quick learning will enhance student proficiency and contribute to achieving the SDG goals.”

The Synergy Summit 3.0 which is also underway has brought leadership from prominent organizations like the Tata Steel Foundation, Adani Foundation, Hindalco Aditya Birla Foundation, Kotak Mahindra Foundation, The World Bank, HCL Tech, and NCERT. Over 4,000 participants will engage in the summit and the 14th Ed Leadership Conference in the coming days, with a strong focus on accelerating India’s journey towards achieving the NIPUN Bharat Mission – the national mission aimed at universal foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27. The event runs from September 23rd to 25th, 2024.

Kanupriya Misra from World Bank while speaking at the event shared, “We at the World Bank are committed to help Governments In India and across the world to improve the FLN. According to Learning Poverty, children in India are not able to read by the age of 10, this is a emergency that needs to be tackled. It has to be a collective effort with Government, Public Sector, Pvt Sector and associations like DEVI Sansthan to come together to find a solution which will ensure the children are educated.”

New Phishing Campaign Exploiting Google App Scripts: What Organizations Need to Know

Harmony Email Researchers have recently identified a concerning phishing campaign that spoofs Google Apps Script macros – a tool used to automate tasks in Google applications.

Google Apps Script macros are popular due to their abilities to automate workflows and integrate with assorted Google services, making them prime targets for cyber criminals.

Campaign overview:

The campaign involves approximately 360 emails written in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Italian, German, and French. The emails falsely claim to provide “account details” for a user registration that the recipient never initiated.

The campaign remains ongoing.

Should employees fall victim to this email-based scam, risks to organizations include the exposure of sensitive data, the fraudulent transfer of funds, and operational disruption, among other things.

How it works:

The phishing emails feature a link, in the subject line, which leads to a Google Apps Script page. On the page, users will find a deceptive URL that includes scrip.google.com.

The URL claims to be a “secure and trusted” payment service. Because the URL overtly appears legitimate, it may deceive users into potentially disclosing sensitive information.

Detection indicators:

To spot these types of threats, look for emails with subject lines that claim to provide “account details” for an unrecognized registration. URLs that include “scrip.google.com,” but that direct users to pages requesting the input of sensitive data are also red flags.

Mitigation strategies:

• Apply advanced email filtering. This is sophisticated cyber security tooling that employs algorithms and machine learning to identify and filter out phishing emails
• Leverage real-time URL scanning tools, which can identify and block links that direct users to malicious pages.
• Utilize tools that employ AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze the context and intent of email content
• Obtain tooling with built-in AI-powered threat intelligence. This enables organizations to apply the most powerful mitigation measures available at any given time
• Implement phishing awareness training to increase employees’ knowledge concerning the identification of suspicious emails and to elucidate internal reporting best practices

Explore Study Opportunities: Ireland’s Education Roadshow Comes to Delhi

Mr. Barry O’Driscoll, Regional Manager, India & South Asia for Education in Ireland also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Ireland’s new international education strategy, Global Citizens 2030, aims to position Ireland as a top location for international talent and as a thought leader in education, research, innovation and science.  These education fairs present the opportunity for Indian students to learn about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by Irish higher education institutions. The fairs are a chance for students to chat face to face with representatives from 18 of Ireland’s HEIs. The exhibiting institutions are committed to addressing students’ queries around entry requirements, course content and post-study career opportunities”

Quinoa Overload: Beware of Hidden Dangers in This Superfood

By- Dr. Preeti Nagar, Dietician at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College & Hospital (NIIMS)

While quinoa boasts impressive nutritional credentials, excessive consumption can lead to digestive woes, nutrient imbalances, and other health concerns – here’s how to enjoy its benefits safely Quinoa, hailed as a superfood, packs a punch of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

 However, overindulging in this seemingly harmless grain can have unintended consequences. From digestive issues to nutrient imbalances, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and balance quinoa with other foods for optimal benefits.

 Digestive Dilemmas: The Dark Side of Quinoa
Overconsumption of quinoa can lead to:
– Bloating and gas due to high fiber content
– Stomach cramps from sudden fiber intake increases
– Digestive irritation from saponins, if not rinsed properly

 The Daily Dose: How Much Quinoa is Too Much?
Limit daily intake to 1 cup of cooked quinoa to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
Vulnerable Groups: Who’s at Risk?
– Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
– Those with quinoa allergies or sensitivities
– People with kidney issues due to quinoa’s high oxalate content

 Balancing Act: Pair Quinoa with These Foods
Maximize quinoa’s benefits by combining it with:
– Vegetables for nutrient diversity
– Healthy fats for enhanced vitamin absorption
– Proteins like legumes, nuts, or seeds
– Fermented foods for improved digestion and gut health

 The Bottom Line
Quinoa is a nutritious addition to a balanced diet when consumed mindfully. Be aware of
potential pitfalls and take steps to harmonize its benefits with other whole foods.

HCLFoundation champions coastal preservation initiative for International Coastal Cleanup Day

NOIDA, India, Sept 24, 2024—HCLFoundation, which delivers the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda of HCLTech in India, conducted a large-scale, community-driven coastal cleanup campaign on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024. The initiative covered six states—Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala, West Bengal and Karnataka—mobilizing more than 2,426 volunteers to take part in a collaborative effort to protect and preserve India’s coastal and marine environments and they collected 18,485 kg waste across locations.

International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed globally on the third Saturday of September, brings communities together to safeguard marine ecosystems from pollution and debris. In alignment with this cause, HCLFoundation partnered with local communities, HCLTech employees and various environmental organizations, including Tamil Nadu Forest Department, The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Development Research Communication and Services Centre, SPANDAN, ReefWatch Marine Conservation, Plan@Earth and Animal Warriors Conservation Society, for this impactful drive.

“Preserving our coastlines is a shared commitment, not just a responsibility. Through this community-driven initiative, which goes beyond a one-day cleanup, HCLFoundation aims to create a lasting movement for marine and coastal preservation. Our intent is to spread awareness among citizens, encouraging them to contribute to the protection of our environment and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR, HCLFoundation.

As part of its coastal and marine conservation mission, HCLFoundation and its partners have removed 1,35,000 kilograms of ghost nets and marine debris and have planted over 828,100 mangrove and shelter-belt saplings, resulting in bringing 220 acres of coastal area under plantation.

International Day of Peace: Promoting Global Harmony

Observed annually on September 21, the International Day of Peace is a vital initiative established by the United Nations in 1981 to promote harmony among nations and communities. This day encourages individuals and organizations worldwide to engage in activities that foster peace, such as educational programs, community events, and discussions focused on conflict resolution. Each year features a specific theme aimed at addressing pressing global issues, highlighting the importance of collective action in achieving lasting peace.

 To get involved, individuals can participate in local events, such as peace marches and workshops, or advocate for peace through social media by raising awareness about relevant initiatives. Simple acts of kindness and efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully within communities also contribute to the spirit of the day. Ultimately, the International Day of Peace serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to create a more harmonious world through dialogue, understanding, and compassion.

 Mr Sameer Kanodia- Managing Director, CEO Lumina Datamatics Limited

 “On this International Day of Peace, we are reminded of the power of unity and understanding. Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a continuous effort to build trust and respect in our communities. It requires patience, compassion, and a shared commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued. As we reflect today, let us each take responsibility for contributing to a more peaceful world through our actions, words, and choices.”

Assocham Business India Golf Cup 2024

New Delhi, 23rd September 2024: The premier chamber of commerce the ASSOCHAM hosted the BUSINESS INDIA GOLF CUP 2024 at the Qutab Golf Course, New Delhi . The event in its 7th edition had more than 120 players from the cross section of various sectors making it indeed a Business India Golf event! ASSOCHAM’s association with Golf goes a long way as the institution has conducted a number of events over the last 16 years.

The ASSOCHAM BUSINESS INDIA GOLF CUP has become a marquee event in the Golf Calendar, eagerly awaited the event had a waitlist of more than 40 players!

Speaking on the occasion The Secretary General ,ASSOCHAM, Mr.Deepak Sood ,a seasoned professional and an avid Golfer said ASSOCHAM Business India Gold Cup 2024 is not just a celebration of sport but a fusion of excellence, precision, and passion. We are thrilled to host this prestigious event, bringing together golf enthusiasts from across the nation and showcasing India’s growing prowess in the world of golf. This platform represents our commitment to promoting sportsmanship and creating unforgettable experiences for participants.

The Scoring format of the game was Double Peoria with a number of prizes in various categories like Winner & Runner up in Gross & Nett category, separate prizes for Government, Corporate, Diplomatic Corp & Ladies categories. There was on course competition in each four ball and overall for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin & Straightest Drive.

The event was presented by Lacoste, Plan your holiday, Sara Group, Signzy, Yotta, Hindalco, CTRLS, Qualys, Nissan, Indian Oil, Uno Minda, Malaysia Tourism, Alcobrew Distilleries India Ltd, D P Jindal Group, Five Iron Golf, Golfershot18, BLS international, Decathalon, ITC. The event was managed by SLW Golf Management.

The overall winner of the Running Trophy was Ahmed Johanif Mohd Ali carding a superb 2 over par with the winner Nett Anshu Manish Khalkho who incidentally was the last years Champion. The event concluded over lunch followed by a Prize distribution ceremony wherein the winners got Trophies and an array of gifts.

Longest drive winner was Akul Khanna, Director; closest to the pin was bagged by Kundan Kumar, Investment Commissioner; ladies winner was Gunjan Bijlani, Principal; Winner of Diplomatic corp category was Col Dr. Nizlam Mohd, Defence Advisor; Corporate category winner was Anuj Kapoor Managing Partner; Government category winner was Dr Pudi Hariprasad, Joint Secretary.