5500 needy school students get mid-day meals with funds raised from IIIT-B’s 10 Km marathon ‘Miles for Meals’

marathon ‘Miles for Meals’

Bengaluru, April 03, 2023: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB), organized a 10Km long Marathon which commenced at 6 am in Electronic City this morning, in collaboration with CGI and ELCIA as part of their year-long Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

Hundreds of enthusiastic participants vied with each other to participate in the marathon. Priyanka C bagged the first prize of INR 15000 in the Women’s category with Rashi CM standing second with INR 10000 and Chandra Shekhar Pathak bagged the first prize in the Men’s Category with Nithin Kumar M standing second.

The marathon named ‘Miles for Meals’ was a campaign to collect funds for mid-day meals for needy school students studying in Government Schools in and around Electronic City. Participation in the Marathon supported around 5500 needy school students.

It was a fun-filled day of fitness, community, and fundraising. Speaking for this cause, Prof Debabarata Das, Director, IIITB said “By participating in this marathon, not only we improve our own health, but we are also helping to provide midday meals for students who may otherwise go hungry. With all the support, we can ensure that every child has access to a nutritious meal during the school day, giving them the energy and focus they need to succeed.”

Mr. Shivayogi V. Ballolli, General Manager, ELCIA Trust said, “This was for a noble cause. We got a tremendous response and support. It only shows the united strength of a society which is mirrored through the vulnerable community it feeds. With the support, we can ensure that every child has access to a nutritious meal during the school day, giving them the energy and focus they need to succeed.”

ELCIA Trust, a philanthropic arm of ELCIA is working towards the holistic improvement of the 25 government schools in and around Electronic City.

EIRC of ICAI hosted a One Day Training Programme for Peer Reviewers

EIRC of ICAI hosted

Kolkata April 03, 2023: The Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently hosted a one-day training program for peer reviewers at the ICAI premises in Kolkata. The event was organized by the Peer Review Board, ICAI, which was established in 2002 to oversee the peer review process for Chartered Accountancy firms.

During the inaugural session, CA. (Dr.) Anuj Goyal, Chairman of the Peer Review Board, highlighted the importance of being a peer reviewer and the need for Chartered Accountancy firms to undergo peer review. He also stressed the importance of periodic training for peer reviewers and explained how peer review has gained relevance since 2010, when SEBI made it mandatory for CA firms to conduct assurance functions for Listed Companies.

CA. (Dr.) Debashis Mitra, the Immediate Past President of ICAI, spoke about ICAI’s efforts to ensure the quality of audits. He emphasized the importance of studying ICAI publications, such as Auditing Standards and Accounting Standards, to become a good peer reviewer. He also discussed the preconditions for auditors, such as understanding Audit Trail, and announced that firms with five or more partners would be required to undergo peer review.

CA. Sushil Kr. Goyal, Central Council Member, ICAI, in his speech, while briefing about the initiatives of ICAI in popularising Peer Review, also informed that in order to ensure unstinted services to the members and students, ICAI Call Sahayata at +919997599975 has been initiated by ICAI while E-Sahayata can also be used by members and students to raise their queries.

CA. Debayan Patra, Chairman of EIRC of ICAI, in his own characteristic way explained the purpose and significance of the training program and its benefits.

The event was attended by a large number of Chartered Accountants. CA. Vivek Agarwal, CA. Himanshu Agarwal, CA. Ankit Maheshwari and CA. Sonu Jain, Past Chairperson, EIRC of ICAI deliberated on diverse nuances and intricacies of Peer Review. Also present during the event was CA. Sanjib Sanghi, Vice Chairman, CA. Vishnu K Tulsyan, Secretary and CA Mayur Agrawal, Treasurer of the EIRC of ICAI.

The training program aimed to equip Chartered Accountants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective peer reviewers and to ensure the quality of audits. It is part of ICAI’s ongoing efforts to promote trust and respect for the profession.

KL Deemed to be University Hosts Pravega to Ignite the Spirit of Innovation

KL Deemed to be University

New Delhi, April 01: KL Deemed to be University, India’s Leading University organized the annual Fest Pravega – Igniting Student’s Innovation at its camp recently. The event was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Applications. The aim was to make the students more agile and help them grow in computational thinking.

Pravega – Igniting Student’s Innovation is an annual platform for students to showcase their skills and talents in various fields. This year’s event was a huge success and helped the students grow both academically and personally. As promised, the fest was a thrilling experience for all attendees, featuring an exciting lineup of many possibilities. The two-day event had a plethora of technical and non-technical events to challenge the students’ skills and knowledge. The technical events include code combats, trivia, DB queries, web designing, poster designing, and technical essay writing. These events allowed the students to showcase their technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Dr. G. P. Saradhi Varma, Vice-Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University, said,“ The Department of Computer Science and Applications at KL Deemed to be University has presented an exciting and innovative fest that helped students acquire a great learning experience for all participants. Our mission is to create a strong and effective environment for students to enable them to grow by applying theoretical knowledge to practical experience and exposure to the latest technologies.”

The Department of Computer Science and Application (CSA) was established in 2015 with the vision “To provide knowledge and high-quality skills in computing which are aligned with global industry requirements.” Their mission is to impact a robust theoretical foundation and practical knowledge and to provide exposure to the latest technologies to teach ideas that bridge the industry gap in the IT sector by bounding to social ethics.

Apart from technical events, there were non-technical events like cricket, volleyball, tug of war, badminton, lemon and spoon, and e-sports. These events offered a fun-filled environment for students to engage in physical activities and games. The final day of the event was dedicated to cultural events. The fest offered an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and skills. Students showcased their talents in singing, dancing, and other performing arts.

Among a few other participants of the various competitions, who stood winners were Gowtham Sai, Ankam Deepika, Sasupalli Rohith, KoradaSasi Kumar, Dinesh Meripo, Sasupalli Rohith, K.S.S.S. Karthikeya, Boyapati, Anusha, Karthik Tyagi, Md Masood Ahmed, Divya Prakash, Sachin Kumar, Rishu Kumar.

"CMR University Scores Diamond Band A+ Grade in Sustainable Institutions of India Green Ranking 2023"

CMR University

Bengaluru, 31 March 2023 – CMR University is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Diamond Band A+ Grade in the Sustainable Institutions of India Green Ranking 2023. This prestigious award recognizes CMR University’s commitment to sustainability and green practices and highlights the university’s efforts to make a positive impact on the environment.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our sustainability efforts,” said Dr. HB Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor of CMR University. “At CMR University, we believe that it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and to create a sustainable future for generations to come. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students.”

The Sustainable Institutions of India (SII) Green Ranking 2023 is an annual assessment of the sustainability practices of higher education institutions in India. The ranking evaluates universities on a range of factors, including energy and water conservation, waste management, and sustainable transportation.

CMR University has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives over the years, including the installation of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting. The university has also implemented a comprehensive waste management program and encourages sustainable transportation options for students and staff.

“At CMR University, sustainability is not just a buzzword, it is a way of life,” said Dr. S Mohan Kumar, Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell. “We are committed to continuing to implement sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.”

How can Technology Entrepreneurship Education in India shape the next generation to build a better future?

K. A. AlagarsamyBy K. A. Alagarsamy, Director, Consortium for Technical Education (CTE)

Technology Entrepreneurship Education teaches individuals how to create and run successful technology-based businesses. It combines both technological and entrepreneurial skills, helping students develop the technical skills necessary to build and innovate new products or services, as well as the business acumen needed to turn those innovations into profitable ventures.

The goal is to help students learn how to identify and capitalize on business opportunities in the technology sector, as well as how to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting and growing a business.

B-Schools Vs Entrepreneurship Education

When we discuss Entrepreneurship Education, it is quite natural to compare it with Business Schools. Entrepreneurship Education and Business Schools both focus on teaching skills related to starting and running businesses, but there are some key differences between the two.

Entrepreneurship Education is generally more focused on teaching individuals how to develop innovative ideas and turn them into successful businesses. It emphasizes creativity, risk-taking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Entrepreneurship Education often involves hands-on learning experiences.

On the other hand, Business Schools typically offer a more traditional approach to business education, with a focus on developing a broad range of business skills, such as accounting, marketing, management and finance.

Another key difference between Entrepreneurship Education and Business Schools is their target audience. Entrepreneurship Education is often aimed at individuals who are interested in starting their own businesses, while Business Schools are designed for individuals who are looking to pursue careers in business, whether as managers, consultants, or executives.

Entrepreneurship Education and Business Schools both provide valuable skills and knowledge related to starting and running businesses, but they differ in their approach, focus, and target audience.

Role of Educational Institutes – Engineers to Entrepreneurs

Universities and Educational Institutions play an important role in the rapidly evolving role of society. For the formation of new businesses and technological advancements, they must foster a collaborative environment.

Engineering Colleges across India churn out over 15 lakh techies every year, and the number of job seekers keeps on increasing every year. It’s high time to convert the output of potential Engineers into Entrepreneurs. Educational Institutions need to start programs and courses to provide Entrepreneurship Education.

There are several reasons why Entrepreneurship Education is important, particularly at the college level:

1. Promoting innovation: Technology Entrepreneurship Education encourages students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

2. Fostering entrepreneurship: India has a large population of young people who are interested in starting their own businesses. Technology Entrepreneurship Education can help to foster entrepreneurship skills and provide students with the tools they need to start and grow successful businesses.

3. Contributing to economic growth: Entrepreneurship has been identified as a key driver of economic growth in India. By promoting technology Entrepreneurship Education, Educational Institutions can help to create a more entrepreneurial culture and contribute to the Country’s economic development.

4. Encouraging social impact: Many technology startups are focused on creating social impact, such as addressing issues related to healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. By providing students with education and training in technology entrepreneurship, colleges can help to promote social entrepreneurship and encourage students to create businesses that have a positive impact on society.

Student Run Startup Plutus raises Pre-Seed of $280K from Campus Fund

Bangalore, 29th Mar 2023: Plutus, a creator-first platform building business and financial infrastructure for creators, announced their pre-seed round of funding from Campus Fund and other Investors including CIIE – IIM AhmedBangalore, 28th Mar 2023: Plutus, a creator-first platform building business and financial infrastructure for creators, announced their pre-seed round of funding from Campus Fund and other Investors including CIIE – IIM Ahmedabad, Shruti (Co-founder, ApnaKlub) and Alagu Preiyannan (Co-founder, Bluejeans).

Started by Karata Dasmahapatra (dropout from Dartmouth); Shivanshu Tyagi (student at IIT Kanpur) and Sambhav Jain (student at BITS Pilani) – Plutus focuses on deepening interactions between creators and their fans through a mix of community games both live and hypercasual. They work with over 3k+ creators across India, along with a waitlist of 10k+ creators. The start-up is seeing strong user love with a 35% month over month userbase growth and an 86% Net Promoter Score (NPS). Plutus intends to use the fundraise to deepen partnerships with creators and fans, while also building new tools to expand the monetisation potential.

The creator economy is growing at a CAGR of 25-30% and is one of the fastest growing sectors today. Creators, especially ones that fall in the category of being micro-influencers don’t earn a stable income through ad revenue, since this is largely contingent upon the number of views, followers and subscribers to their content. While social media platforms have evolved, the experience across them remains the same – creators make content, fans consume the content. “This is where Plutus has changed the norm by building a single platform with two-way flow of content via live rooms, group chats, creator led games, integrated payments and analytics. With an innovative pay-as-you-go structure, creators are able to earn more than subscriptions or workshops from their user base, and in some cases more than advertiser promotions. With this fundraise Plutus aims to expand across India and South East Asia, and launch new set of hyper-casual games and features.”, said Karata Dasmahapatra, Co-Founder & CEO, Plutus

With a 35% M-o-M growth in userbase and strong engagement rate, Plutus wants to become the go-to tool for Gen-Z creators. While creators are seeing a significant uptick in their monthly income, Plutus continues to build additional avenues for creators and fans to engage.

Shlok Vora, Student Associate at Campus Fund and part of the Plutus deal team highlighted, “What impressed us most is that the Plutus team has always been nimble in innovating new features for creators to connect better with their fans. The creator economy is at an inflection point and Plutus is positioned really well to potentially become the Shopify for creators.”

abad, Shruti (Co-founder, ApnaKlub) and Alagu Preiyannan (Co-founder, Bluejeans).

Started by Karata Dasmahapatra (dropout from Dartmouth); Shivanshu Tyagi (student at IIT Kanpur) and Sambhav Jain (student at BITS Pilani) – Plutus focuses on deepening interactions between creators and their fans through a mix of community games both live and hypercasual. They work with over 3k+ creators across India, along with a waitlist of 10k+ creators. The start-up is seeing strong user love with a 35% month-over-month userbase growth and an 86% Net Promoter Score (NPS). Plutus intends to use fundraising to deepen partnerships with creators and fans, while also building new tools to expand the monetization potential.

The creator economy is growing at a CAGR of 25-30% and is one of the fastest-growing sectors today. Creators, especially ones that fall in the category of micro-influencers don’t earn a stable income through ad revenue since this is largely contingent upon the number of views, followers, and subscribers to their content. While social media platforms have evolved, the experience across them remains the same – creators make content, and fans consume the content. “This is where Plutus has changed the norm by building a single platform with a two-way flow of content via live rooms, group chats, creator-led games, integrated payments, and analytics. With an innovative pay-as-you-go structure, creators are able to earn more than subscriptions or workshops from their user base, and in some cases more than advertiser promotions. With this fundraise Plutus aims to expand across India and South East Asia, and launch a new set of hyper-casual games and features.”, said Karata Dasmahapatra, Co-Founder & CEO, of Plutus

With a 35% M-o-M growth in userbase and a strong engagement rate, Plutus wants to become the go-to tool for Gen-Z creators. While creators are seeing a significant uptick in their monthly income, Plutus continues to build additional avenues for creators and fans to engage.

Shlok Vora, Student Associate at Campus Fund and part of the Plutus deal team highlighted, “What impressed us most is that the Plutus team has always been nimble in innovating new features for creators to connect better with their fans. The creator economy is at an inflection point and Plutus is positioned really well to potentially become the Shopify for creators.”

Jasudben ML and Bloomingdales Pre-Primary School Introduces New Uniforms Featuring Endangered Animals

New uniforms

Mumbai, 29th March 2023: Bloomingdales Pre-Primary is excited to unveil our new uniform for the upcoming academic year. We are proud to introduce colourful t-shirts for our students, featuring the image of an endangered animal on the front. Our goal is to instil in our young learners a sense of responsibility towards our planet and its inhabitants. By wearing these t-shirts we hope to create awareness among our students about the importance of being environmentally conscious and the urgent need to conserve and protect endangered species.

Our new school uniform includes t-shirts in three vibrant colours, each featuring an endangered animal that represents the three essential elements of our planet – Air, Water and Earth. The Red Panda represents Earth, the Forest Owlet signifies Air, and the Blue Whale symbolises Water. The School Mascot, AWE, is a reminder of the interconnectedness of these elements and the importance of taking care of our planet. By wearing these t-shirts our students will not only look great but also be reminded of the need to protect and conserve our environment.

Mrs Damayanti Bhattacharya, Principal of Jasudben ML School and Bloomingdales Pre- Primary, said, “The new uniforms reflect the school’s theme of the year – Happy at School. We believe that a happy school environment begins with creating a sense of belonging among our students towards the environment at large. By introducing the new uniforms, we hope to create a sense of unity and responsibility among our students while also making them environmentally conscious, which will contribute to their overall well-being as well as happiness.”

She further added, “We understand that parents want their children to feel comfortable and confident at school but also conscious of the world beyond its school gates since their early years. And the new uniforms are designed to be comfortable and practical while also being unique, relevant and meaningful. We believe that this change will be appreciated by parents and contribute to their happiness and satisfaction with the school. With this new uniform, we hope to inspire our students to become ambassadors of change and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. ” The school is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to seeing its students wear the new uniform with

GD Goenka University has signed an MOU with Edu Brain Overseas to provide International internships and placement.

GD Goenka University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Edu Brain Overseas to provide the best international internship and overseas placement opportunities for its students. The MOU was signed in the presence of GD Goenka University Registrar, Dr. Dhirendra Singh Parihar, Director Training and Placement, Akhilesh Chandra, and Edu Brain Overseas Asst Director, Supria Rai among others.

“Edu Brain Overseas and GD Goenka University will aim to provide the best-suited paid international internship programmes and overseas placement opportunities in to GD Goenka University students in France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Germany, and United States (US),” Supria Rai said.Edu Brain Overseas UAE will help students with the smooth application process, help them with visa paperwork and timely submission of documents, and offer career counselling.

Edu Brain Overseas provides international internship programs in Dubai, Singapore, France, Australia, and New Zealand. It assists young professionals to acquire personal and professional skills, helps to obtain global standard training, build up a global network, and develop industry-related skills like time management, effective communication, learning of new language, culture, and adapting to the office environment. One of the largest international internship consultancies in India,

The Importance of Scoring Well in English Language Tests for International Medical Education

The Importance of Scoring Well in English Language

The ability to use English competently is critical for the study and practice of medicine in an international setting. As written by the Institute for Healthcare Communication, “extensive research has shown that no matter how knowledgeable a clinician might be, if he or she is not able to open good communication with the patient, he or she may be of no help”. When a student applies to an international medical school, with the view to practicing medicine in an English-speaking country, they should be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English. This is commonly done by passing a language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). With over 3.5 million IELTS tests taken each year and an increase in the number of students looking to study medicine abroad in English-speaking countries such as the US and UK, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, Grenada, in the Caribbean shares what aspiring medical students need to know about this test and its importance in international medical education.

What is the IELTS?

IELTS is a standardized test that measures English language abilities. It is widely recognized for medical students and healthcare professionals who wish to study or practice medicine in English-speaking countries. The test covers four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

The test is available in over 140 countries and is accepted by over 10,000 organizations, including universities, professional bodies, and government agencies. It is recognized by many medical schools in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Australia, the United States, and the Caribbean, as a required part of the admission process for international medical students.

What is considered a ‘good’ IELTS score for medical school?

IELTS scores are reported on a nine-band scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating a higher level of proficiency. For admission into most international universities, including St. George’s University School of Medicine, students need to achieve a 7.0 overall and 7.0 on all bands. This indicates that the test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

What if I don’t meet requirements?

Check what support your medical school can give. SGU offers language support programs including Pre-sessional English programs, the English for Medicine Pathway (EMP), and Medical Academic Communication (MAC) for students who do not meet direct entry English requirements. These programs support the development of communication skills for studying and practicing medicine in an English-speaking context.

Communication and International Medical Education

The communication skills and tasks required both for the study and practice of medicine are dynamic and complex. “Our students need to do more than simply have conversations or write papers in English. The study and practice of medicine requires students to be able to synthesize, analyze, and apply evidence from multiple sources – key critical thinking skills and foundational for Evidence-Based Practice – clearly and concisely document notes for patients’ medical records, show empathy during the medical interview, and actively engage in collaborations with colleagues. These are just some of the many key communication skills needed,” says Kasey Larson, Director of the Specialized English Language Programs (SELP) Unit at St. George’s University.

A high level of English competence is required to engage effectively and learn in the interactive context of a medical school, and it is necessary to demonstrate competence on the course and standardized licensing exams.

Students are now more aware than ever that the journey isn’t over once they earn their degree. They need to consider where they would like to practice medicine once they graduate. While language proficiency tests can appear daunting, they are a straightforward – and critical – step in foreign students’ educational paths. The IELTS provides a springboard from which non-English speakers can launch their medical careers, granting them the necessary qualification to succeed in English-speaking countries regardless of their geographical location.

As no other medical school in the world provides more new doctors to the US healthcare system*, St. George’s University is well-versed in supporting aspiring doctors with their journey to a career in medicine and appreciates the importance of equipping these students with a well-rounded skill set.

* As the medical school graduates the largest number of students annually, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate and residency placement data as of May 2022.

Young Authors Shine at India’s National Young Authors Fair organized by BriBooks and Education World

Young Authors Shine at India's National Young Authors

BriBooks and Education World announced the successful conclusion of India’s National Young Authors Fair, the first of its kind event which inspired over 100,000 students to publish their first book and experience a journey of entrepreneurship.

The fair provided young authors with a lifelong souvenir of their published works, an opportunity to speak, a writing experience, an entrepreneurial journey, and hundreds of hours of reading and writing. Schools from across the country participated, with Cambridge School – Indirapuram, JBCN International School – Parel Branch, Apeejay School NOIDA, Modern Public School – Shalimar bagh, Birla Vidya Niketan, The Shriram Millennium School, Bal Bharati Public School, and The Heritage School Vasant Kunj winning multiple awards.

In conclusion of the event, Ami Dror, founder at BriBooks said “We are thrilled to have organized the National Young Authors Fair and given an opportunity to young authors to publish their first book. We hope that this experience has provided them with a lifelong love for reading, writing, and entrepreneurship.” Bhavin Shah, CEO of Education World said “As the curtains close on the National Young Authors Fair, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and awe at the incredible stories written by the children who participated. We believe that writing has the power to transform lives and communities, and we are honored to have been a part of this transformative event. We thank BriBooks for their expertise and passion in making this event a reality.”

An awards ceremony was held on March 25th to recognize jury award winners and best-selling authors. The awards ceremony was attended by 500 people, including jury members, young authors, and esteemed guests. The jury included renowned personalities like Pulitzer Prize winner journalist Dele Olojede, bestselling author (of Start-Up Nation) and columnist Saul Singer, and Edesia Nutrition founder & CEO Navyn Salem.

Jury member Saul Singer shared that “I am truly impressed by the talent and creativity of the young authors. It is inspiring to see the next generation of writers and entrepreneurs take charge and showcase their work. I wish these budding writers all the luck and hope to hear more of their stories in the coming years.”

Winners of the Jury Award included Tara Kumar for ‘The Dead Alive and In Between’, Advik Yambalada for ‘Lessons from The Animal Kingdom’, Dia Shangbag for ‘Emotional Well-Being’, Utsa Banerjee for ‘Riki and Her Dream’, and Tvarita Guliani for ‘Princess of Beauty Island’. Tara Kumar, author of ‘The Dead Alive and In Between’ and winner of the jury award said that “Winning this award is a dream come true. It has encouraged me to write more and continue to share my thoughts with the world. I heartily thank BriBooks for giving me and all the other authors this opportunity to tell our stories to the world.”

After the books were printed and published, young authors promoted their work through social media, public readings, and school events. Some authors sold over 1000 books in just 30 days. The best-selling authors included Dhairya Sudarshan with ‘Savi Our Saviour’, Keya Hatkar with Dancing on My Wheels’, Kshipra Moreker with ‘Learning From the Jungle’, Kunwar Vikram with ‘Nature Teaches Love’, Rudraang Goenka with ‘The Rise of The Great Insane’, Subasree Bharathi with ‘My Talking Cat’, Roohi Sharma with ‘Memories Miracles Magic’, Hiyansh Joshi with ‘The Rescue Rabblets’, Tania Boya with ‘The Journey’, and Tvarita Guliani with ‘Princess of Beauty Island’.