26, Apr 2024
HCLTech appoints Lee Fang Chew as Independent Director
NOIDA, India, April 26, 2024: HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced the appointment of Lee Fang Chew as an Independent Director of the company with effect from April 25, 2024.
Lee Fang Chew brings in over three decades of rich experience in the global technology industry and has deep understanding and know-how in analysing changes and evolution in technology, particularly in the computing industry.
She worked with Intel Corporation from 1986 to 2016 and had held several leadership positions. She was responsible for strengthening the ecosystem for Intel architecture in data center and cloud, consumers and businesses. She spearheaded Intel’s foray into services business and led the strategic planning for Channel Product Group covering market requirements, market sizing, product & technology roadmap. She was also responsible for Intel’s Global Distribution & Channel revenue and served as Financial Controller of Asia Pacific. She was also associated with Applied Materials as Vice President, Strategic Alliances from 2017 to 2020 and contributed to shaping the value proposition of the company’s technology to build long-term strategic partnerships.
“We are pleased to have a seasoned technology leader like Lee Fang Chew on the Board as HCLTech moves forward on the next phase of its growth journey. This also reinforces our commitment to building one of the most diverse Boards in the industry,” said Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech.
“I am delighted to be a part of this distinguished Board and look forward to contributing to HCLTech’s growth journey in the rapidly evolving technology landscape,” said Lee Fang Chew.
Lee Fang Chew completed her Bachelor of Accountancy from National University of Singapore and Women’s Director Development Program from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. She has also done executive programs for women leaders from Stanford University. She was voted by VAR Business Magazine as one of the 50 most powerful women of the channel in USA in August 2006.
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- By Rabindra
26, Apr 2024
The First Edition of ‘Cue Sports Premier League’ to be held from 4th May 2024
Bengaluru, 26 April 2024: Bowring Institute announced the first edition of Cue Sports Premier League (CSPL), a national-level Snooker tournament in the city today. The tournament will be held at the South Pavilion Snooker Arena, Bowring Institute, Bengaluru from 4th May to 10th May 2024. Noted champions including Padma Bhushan and 27-time World Billiards Champion, Pankaj Advani, and Arjuna Awardees including Aditya Mehta, Sourav Kothari, and National Women’s Champion Vidya Pillai will feature in the first edition of CSPL.
Embassy Group will be the title sponsor of the inaugural edition of Cue Sports Premier League. The organizers have also roped in Audi as a co-sponsor.
The tournament which will be played at one of the best Snooker Arena in the country at Bowring Institute will be telecasted live on the Club Liv app.
A total of 56 players including both international and national players from across the country will participate in the first edition of the Cue Sports Premier League. These players were selected via auction held in Bengaluru on 20th April 2024, by eight teams that will be competing in the first edition of CSPL 2024.
The eight teams competing in the league are named Lightning Legion, Cyclone Crusaders, Summer Tuskers, Hurricane Hawks, Thunderstorm Titans, Tornado Tigers, Whirlwind Warriors, and Monsoon Mavericks.
Speaking on the idea behind CSPL, Pankaj Advani said, ” The CSPL is a unique event which is aimed at integrating players of 3 different categories – National, State and Club levels. I’m delighted that Bowring Institute is hosting one of the most exciting snooker tournaments India will witness. As the conceptualiser, ambassador and player of CSPL, I’m looking forward to wearing several hats. I am certain that a championship of this magnitude will attract more players to cue sports and inspire the aspiring cueists to further improve their game.”.
Raghavindrra Y R , Chairman Billiards and Snooker at Bowring Institute said, “CSPL is designed in such a way that the tournament will give the upcoming players a chance to showcase their skills at the highest level and compete with the best players in the country. We want to provide amateur players with the opportunity to learn, enjoy and succeed with the use of their minds and skills. The league has received a great response, and I am sure that the league will help to promote the sport further and more players will take up the sport professionally”.
The CSPL will be played in a league format where all the teams will play against each other once and the top 4 teams will play in the semi-finals and the final will be played on 10th May 2024. The matches will be played in a 7-frame format, with the first six frames having a mix of Singles and Doubles involving the National, State, and Club Categories. The match format has the best National Players playing alongside the State and Club Players, allowing them to pass on their experience and knowledge. The league also introduces a one-of-a-kind shootout as the 7th frame of every match which brings added and new excitement to the game of Cue Sports.
The Bowring Institute South Pavilion features a state-of-the-art snooker arena that boasts of 7 snooker tables, with a seating capacity of 140+ with live streaming facilities for the matches. The league will be played on World Championship Star Xingpai and Rasson Tables.
26, Apr 2024
Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya announces breakthrough results in JEE Main 2024
India, 26th April 2024: Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya – India’s only Hybrid Learning platform delivering outcome-based learning at scale – today announced ground-breaking results in the JEE Main 2024. 300 of its enrolled learners have qualified for JEE Advanced 2024.
Among those, 32 learners have attained scores placing them in the 99th percentile or higher, with 3 learners achieving ranks in Top 100 and 11 learners achieving ranks in Top 1000.
Congratulating the achievers, Ms. Sushma Boppana, Co-founder of Infinity Learn and Academic Director of Sri Chaitanya Group, said, “I am immensely proud of our learners’ achievements in the JEE Main 2024. Their success highlights our unwavering commitment to excellence and the belief in the potential of every student. We congratulate each learner for their hard work and dedication and reiterate that we remain committed to providing them with the best resources and support to excel further in their academic journeys.”
Commenting on the achievement, Mr Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the top performers of JEE Main 2024. At Infinity Learn, we are dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering success via innovative teaching methodologies and personalized learning experiences, guided by our core principle, ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’. Today, as we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment of students who have qualified for JEE Advanced and specially Anmol Garg who made us proud by achieving top rank in Patna city. We take immense pride in the fact that Infinity Learn, an outcome-based learning platform, continues to redefine the boundaries of academic excellence and achievement.”
The accomplishments of its learners in the JEE Main 2024 fill Infinity Learn with immense pride. As the sole Hybrid Learning platform in India delivering outcome-based education at scale, the company is deeply committed to guiding every student towards academic success. Backed by its dedication to quality resources and ongoing innovation, Infinity Learn strives to simplify and enhance the learning journey, ensuring education is accessible and impactful for all.
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.
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.
