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India, February 17, 2024: In a landmark collaboration aimed at cybersecurity capacity building, the globally renowned SANS Institute is joining hands with FutureSkills Prime and TechSkill India. This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in the Government of India’s vision to cultivate elite cybersecurity talent and skill enhancement.

Outlining the strategic importance of this collaboration, Suresh Mustapha, SANS Institute’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, remarked, “This collaboration is not just a milestone for us but for the entire cybersecurity community in Asia-Pacific. Together with FutureSkills Prime and TechSkill India, we aim to revolutionize how cybersecurity education is perceived and delivered.”

SANS introduced the ‘SANS Foundations: Computers, Technology, and Security’ course, which is now accessible through FutureSkills Prime. Designed to meet the demands of a diverse audience, the course is a blend of foundational knowledge and hands-on expertise in technology and security. This unique curriculum is crafted to resonate with a broad spectrum of learners, be it career changers, self-motivated learners, university attendees, IT aficionados, or even business professionals with no prior exposure to cybersecurity.

Arindam Roy, SANS Country Director for India and South Asia, stated, “Our primary goal with this initiative is to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled cybersecurity professionals in India and South Asia. Through our partnership, we believe we can equip our learners with the knowledge and tools needed to make a significant impact in the digital security domain.”

Enhancing the appeal of this program, learners have a chance to earn a scholarship after successfully finishing the ‘SANS Foundations’ course and passing the SSC nasscom assessment. Backed by the Government of India’s guidelines, this scholarship offers a powerful incentive for eligible individuals to boost their cybersecurity skills.

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields, and skilled professionals are in high demand,” added Kirti Seth, CEO of SSC nasscom.“Getting certified on these world-renowned programs will not only boost one’s employability and earning potential but also give a chance to get one’s money back with government incentives.”

Seth added, “FutureSkills Prime is committed to empowering our 1.5 million learners to be the tech talent that the industry seeks. Increasing technology threats faced by organizations and individuals have increased the demand for cybersecurity talent. This partnership is significant as the ‘SANS Foundations: Computers, Technology, and Security’ course provides practical, hands-on training on fundamental principles, concepts, and techniques to learners who wish to join the cybersecurity industry. SANS is a globally respected authority in cybersecurity education, and being able to access these programs at an affordable price is a massive advantage for learners on FutureSkills Prime.”

Ahmedabad, 17 February 2024 – Malabar Gold & Diamonds, a leading gold retail brand in the country, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its “Hunger Free World” initiative in Ahmedabad at the Malabar Gold showroom on Satellite Road (Shivaranjani).

Launched in February 2023, the initiative has successfully distributed over 3,00,000 meals to those in need, with a total expenditure exceeding 72,00,000/- INR. In collaboration with the NGO “Thanal,” Malabar Gold & Diamonds has played a crucial role in providing daily meals to 1000 people across various locations in Ahmedabad. The initiative operates through a central kitchen in the city, delivering food to beneficiaries using rickshaws and vans.

M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said, “As we celebrate the one-year milestone of our ‘Hunger Free World’ initiative, we reflect on the profound impact it has had on the lives of the underprivileged in Ahmedabad. Our commitment extends beyond providing meals; it aims to foster sustainable change and empower communities. We firmly believe that collective efforts can bring about enduring positive transformations, and this anniversary serves as a testament to that belief.”

The distribution areas encompass prominent locations such as Sanand Chokdi, Sarkhej, Vasna, Anjali, Paldi, Jamalpur, Sidisaiyed Mosque, Khanpur, Shahpur, and more. The diverse menu of vegetarian meals includes Dal Rice, Sabji Roti, Parata Sabji, Thepla, and others. The team ensures comprehensive coverage of localities, including temples, mosques, and other public spaces.

Under the visionary leadership of its chairman, M.P. Ahammed, Malabar Group dedicates 5% of its net profit to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, with a focus on giving back to society. The “Hunger Free World” initiative is a significant part of this commitment, aiming to address the issue of hunger in the community.

Hyderabad, February 17, 2024: BioAsia, Asia’s premier biotechnology and life sciences forum, is proud to announce the expansion of its global network with the addition of new international partners for the 2024 edition. Earlier, Flanders had joined the event as the international region partner. Joining forces with Flanders, BioAsia welcomes Western Australia, Ireland, and Queensland as esteemed partners, further solidifying its position as a leading platform for innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector.

 While announcing Global partners, Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana said, “It is a great time for life sciences in India, particularly in Telangana. With these new international partnerships, we are taking Telangana to newer heights focussed on economic growth and job creation. But importantly it is about exchanging knowledge, technology transfer to pace up research and innovation.”

 The inclusion of these prestigious regions as global partners underscores BioAsia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and driving progress in healthcare and biotechnology. With a shared vision of advancing scientific discovery and improving global health outcomes, BioAsia and its partners are poised to create new opportunities for growth and development in the life sciences industry. Each partner brings unique expertise and resources to the table, contributing to BioAsia’s mission of catalysing innovation and driving progress in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

 Western Australia, renowned for its cutting-edge research and development initiatives, joins BioAsia with a wealth of knowledge in biotechnology and medical innovation. The delegation will be led by Ms. Amber Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia and comprise of about 40 members representing Industry, Research / Academia and Start-ups.

 “We are thrilled to partner with BioAsia 2024, a premier platform for advancing innovation in the life sciences industry. Western Australia’s commitment to healthcare excellence aligns perfectly with Telangana and BioAsia’s mission, and we look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive impactful collaborations and accelerate breakthrough discoveries. Together, we aim to shape the future of healthcare and improve outcomes for patients around the world.” said Ms. Amber- Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia.

 Ireland, a global powerhouse in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, brings its rich legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship to the BioAsia platform. Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence with over several leading industry names including  Novartis, AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, Lilly, AstraZeneca, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and Takeda, who have significant operations contributing to exports of €116+ billion annually.

 Queensland, recognized as a hub for healthcare innovation and excellence, offers BioAsia valuable insights and resources in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, and digital health. As a leader in fostering industry-academia partnerships, Queensland’s involvement will undoubtedly bolster BioAsia’s efforts in driving transformative change and breakthrough discoveries.

 Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce and Information Technology, Govt of Telangana said, “BioAsia got scaled at an unprecedent level with every passing year. This year we have Western Australia, Queensland & Ireland coming together as additional partners this year. This will elevate the pace of research through sharing of resources and information exchange as countries come in collaboration. We look forward to the association.”

 “We are thrilled to welcome Western Australia, Ireland, and Queensland as our newest global partners for BioAsia 2024,” said Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO of BioAsia. “Their participation at BioAsia enhances the diversity and expertise of our vibrant lifesciences ecosystem, enabling us to better serve the needs of our global community and drive meaningful impact in the field of life sciences.”

 With the theme of – “Data & AI: Redefining Possibilities, to deliberate the possibility of reshaping the future of healthtech delivery paradigm in the country.”, BioAsia 2024 is all set to be held between 26th to 28th February 2024 in Hyderabad. Over the three days, prominent industry leaders, distinguished scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs will come together to discuss humanizing healthcare and will hold constructive discussions on how cross-sectional ecosystems can be integrated, how disruptive technologies can be best utilized, and how we can drive quality healthcare with accessibility and affordability at the forefront in the near future.

Bengaluru–17th February 2024– Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd., a trailblazing audio technology startup is happy to announce the addition of yet another feather in its cap – the IESA Technovation Awards 2024 for the Best Startup: Product Innovation for the year 2024 along with Innovation in Manufacturing conferred to them at the recently concluded IESA Vision Summit 2024.

 Rapture won the award for its groundbreaking headphones, Sonic Lamb, launched recently.

 Rapture Innovation Labs’ Sonic Lamb Headphones, featuring the world’s first and patented Hybrid Driver Acoustics that allows users to feel the music through bone and skin conduction stands tall on innovation, quality and excellence.

 The “IESA Technovation Awards” is the most prestigious awards of the ESDM industry. Each year IESA Technovation awards recognize and honours most innovative and impactful individuals and organizations for their contributions to India’s Electronics Design and Manufacturing industry and ecosystem. This ecosystem is growing significantly in the areas of Semiconductor & Fabless Products, Electronics Products, Manufacturing and Design Services. Technovation industry awards this year recognize the contributions in the above areas from Large Enterprises, MSME companies and start-ups.

 Co-founded by Navajith Karkera and Jagath Biddappa, Rapture Innovation Labs has redefined the boundaries of audio technology and gained widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking product in the audio industry.

 The Sonic Lamb Headphones features the world’s first and patented Hybrid Driver Acoustics that allows users to feel the music through bone and skin conduction. It’s designed, engineered, and proudly made in India for the world shipping to over 50 countries embodies the company’s commitment to innovation and represent India on the global stage for innovation, quality and excellence in audio

 Mr Navajith Karkera, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapture Innovation Labs, said, “We are honoured to have been conferred with the Technovation Award. This recognition affirms our dedication towards design, engineering and manufacturing premium hardware products in India for the World. We are proud to contribute to India’s electronics design and manufacturing sector and showcase our world- class audio products on a global stage.”

 Rapture Innovation Labs continues to invest in research to work towards creating more pathbreaking products in the audio category. The enthusiastic acceptance of Sonic Lamb Headphones, the first milestone in the company’s journey, has fuelled its efforts to create products that set new benchmarks in excellence.

Mumbai February 16th, 2024: International education specialist Study Group, which partners with more than 50 leading universities, has today revealed new programmes for accomplished Indian students considering higher education in the UK. At a press engagement in Mumbai, Ian Crichton, Study Group’s Chief Executive Officer interacted with key journalists in the Indian education media landscape to ensure that accomplished Indian students are aware of the world class education opportunities available.

In addition to launching new International Year One programmes, Mr. Crichton stated he expects a 40% increase in the number of Indian students entering their UK higher education with Study Group’s support this year. He also discussed how Indian students are grasping the opportunities of global education and now comprise the largest contingent of international students in the UK, benefitting from its reputation for teaching quality, a long history of welcoming Indian students and the employment prospects available to its graduates.

“Students are prioritising programmes with strong industry connections and internship opportunities in highly skilled fields, aligning with the UK’s emphasis on career-oriented education,” says Mr. Crichton, “Indian students today are particularly interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), including subjects such as computer science, artificial intelligence and data science, which are highly relevant to the evolving tech landscape. However, business, management, finance, law and health remain popular subjects, since the UK excels in these areas and attracts those seeking cutting-edge education and future-proof skills.”

In response to the changing ambitions and career goals of Indian students, Study Group has added a range of new International Year One programmes — known as International Year Two programmes in Scotland — in relevant subject areas. These programmes are designed in collaboration with Study Group’s partner universities specifically for international students who are considering applying directly to an undergraduate degree programme but are unfamiliar with the UK education system, and would therefore benefit from smaller class sizes, additional language instruction and support designed around the academic skills associated with that level of study.

The programmes are intended to equip international students with the confidence that their academic abilities are comparable to those of domestic students raised within the UK education system. Through an intensive period of study and tailored support, motivated students can achieve the required standards to be accepted and progress to an advanced stage of a degree at their chose university on a level playing field with their peers from the UK.

Students who are successful in reaching the required academic standards can then achieve a degree within two years. 94% of Study Group students who completed their International Year One or International Year Two programme were deemed by Study Group’s university partners as eligible to progress to their chosen university last year.

Noor, an International Year One in Computer Sciences student at England’s Teesside University International Study Centre, echoes the sentiment of personal and academic growth that enhances employability after graduation, and a new confidence from global study. “I really didn’t speak to anyone when I was in my home country. After coming here, I learned to speak with others and communicate with them. In education, we sit together and we discuss things and we solve a problem.”

Provost and Chief Academic Officer Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon oversees Study Group’s academic staff and teaching at the International Study Centres delivered in partnership with universities. She says: “Our International Year One programmes are intensive preparation courses for further study at one of our partner universities. They provide our students with the knowledge and skills equivalent to that of the first year of a specific undergraduate but even the most successful student may doubt themselves at times. They may lose their confidence, miss their family, experience moments of culture shock or feel the effort to learn is overwhelming. This is where our staff really come into their own. The care they put into student confidence and wellbeing from arrival, to making friendships and creating roots in a new city is second to none.”

Mr Crichton noted the importance of offering high-quality routes to respected universities for Indian students with the ability and dedication to succeed at degree-level study. “Global education,” he says, “is a tremendous good, bringing together talent from across the world and opening up opportunities for all who benefit from it. The work of Study Group is to support this endeavour, preparing students to succeed and ensuring those deemed by universities eligible to study had the study skills, language ability and academic capacity to do so.”

I am sure you have wondered, heard or sometimes even felt, whether your iPhone is listening to you? It can sometimes be distressing to consider if you’re continually being overheard by an invisible third-party and not know who that is.

Last year in Q2, 2023, India became Apple’s fifth-largest iPhone market, surpassing Germany and France in sales. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook also shared how he views India as a crucial future market, and the company is intensifying distribution and marketing efforts. According to Counterpoint Research, India contributed nearly 4% to overall iPhone sales in the second quarter, with a 50% YoY growth. Apple’s market share in India’s smartphone market rose to 5.1% from 3.4% in the same period last year. This growth coincides with Apple’s increased focus on retail and manufacturing in India, highlighted by the opening of its first physical stores in Delhi and Mumbai in April.

But let’s come back to the real question- Is your iPhone snooping on you? That is the $64,000 question.

It’s true that your iPhone might be passively listening, but perhaps not in the lawless, intrusive ways that you might imagine. Apple does not sell data to third-parties for marketing purposes. The company has explicitly stated that:

“The customer is not our product and our business model does not depend on collecting vast amounts of personally identifiable information…,” in response to a 2018 U.S. congressional inquiry.

If that’s the case, why are iPhones listening?

One of the primary reasons as to why iPhone listening occurs is to detect voice commands, like “Hey Siri”.

While highly unlikely due to Apple’s rules and compliance processes, apps could also be “listening”.

When it comes to advertising, the term “listening” really refers to the use of sophisticated machine learning algorithms, which parse apart language to find ad targeting opportunities.

It’s probably not a coincidence if you’ve had a conversation about buying a new car, and shortly thereafter, corresponding advertisements appear.

Note: This isn’t at all common to iPhones, unless they’ve been jailbroken, and typically only occurs on other device types.

What about Siri?

Siri continuously “listens” for the specific “Hey Siri” cue (and for a small number of similar sounds indicating that a person may have attempted to say “Hey Siri”).

Once a person has said “Hey Siri,” the information is largely processed locally; a somewhat recent departure from the past configuration, where information was processed on Apple’s servers.

Is the iPhone listening illegally?

For iPhones, third-party apps are required to obtain explicit user consent when collecting microphone data. At the outset, Apple reviews apps to ensure that they’re compliant.

All apps must go through the Apple Review Process for privacy compliance ahead of being green-lighted for the app store. That said, the process doesn’t guarantee that app developers can’t misbehave at a later point in time.

In other words, in regards to apps, Apple does its best to ensure that iPhones don’t eavesdrop. Accidents could theoretically occur, although the probabilities are slim and they would be clear violations of Apple’s rules.

Is iPhone listening a cause for concern?

Generally, no. If you’re concerned about iPhone listening, note that the newer generations of iPhones have an indicator at the top of the screen that shows when the mic and camera are on.

The light becomes orange when the mic is on. It turns green when the camera is on. This recently added privacy feature assists users in detecting when an app is accessing their device’s systems.

In exceptional circumstances, spyware could be deployed on a phone, resulting in listening. Typically, this only pertains to higher-profile individuals, uniquely targeted individuals, and/or to jailbroken phones.

iPhone listening privacy tips (2024)

If concerned about iPhone privacy, consider the tips below:

1. Shut off the mic for Siri and for individual applications.

To switch off your iPhone’s microphone for Siri, go to Settings > Siri & Search. Then toggle off the following:

· Listen for ‘Hey Siri’

· Press side button for Siri

· Allow Siri when locked

To review permissions and turn off the mic for individual applications, navigate to Settings and then click on individual apps. If you don’t want the mic for that app to remain on, simply toggle the switch.

2. Consider use of a VPN, which will make your device less vulnerable to threats by providing an encrypted, private connection. Do your research and find a reputable VPN provider. Avoid VPN providers who sell your contact information to advertisers. Carefully read through a VPN provider’s privacy policy ahead of agreeing to use their service.

3. Opt for a comprehensive solution like ZoneAlarm mobile security, which uses enterprise-grade technology to protect individuals’ phones and tablets from all kinds of cyber threats.

The question of privacy in the digital age continues to be asked, as concerns persist amongst users about the extent of data collection and the potential for covert surveillance. As we have advised, it is vital for users to stay informed, remain vigilant about your digital footprint and advocate for transparent data practices to safeguard our privacy rights in this new digitally connected world.

Mumbai, February 16, 2024: With an aim to empower the people of the State and the community at large, Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, announced several key initiatives of the Government. Addressing a public gathering at the Meghalaya NEXT Event at the NEHU Convocation Hall in Shillong, Hon’ble Chief Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment on empowering the people of the State.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Chief Minister focussed on the Government’s proactiveness at launching projects worth hundreds of crores on a single day. “Today, we will be inaugurating 15 processing units. There will be close to about 200 Plus units that will be inaugurated through the course of this year,” he said.

Highlighting a unique scheme, the Green Meghalaya, Hon’ble Chief Minister ascertained the Government’s commitment on preserving the forest cover of the State and reverting the damages of severe degradation. “We are trying to pre-empt people from damaging the forest and I’m happy to tell you that we have been able to cover 50,000 hectares in a matter of two years, and we are targeting one and a half lakh hectares now. Today, a record 12 crore is being distributed to different communities to empower the people to protect their own forest and protect their own land,” Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma stated while clarifying doubts that this scheme in no manner takes land away from the rightful owner.

Speaking about the FOCUS program, Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “I’m happy to inform you that in the last two years, we have distributed over 100 crores to over two lakh families in different parts of our state as the first tranche in the first part of our program. We aspire to touch 4,50,000 farmers, which is a massive exercise, but the process is on. But as we move forward, and as was what was promised by me in different forums, we are today again releasing now for this five-year term. Today, we’ll be releasing a tranche of Rs 3.5 crores to almost close to 517 groups.”

The Government of Meghalaya, in a move to enact its water policy, launched the project, ‘Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas in Meghalaya’ or ‘MegARISE’. The project’s scope extends to benefiting 106 villages across 39 micro-watersheds. The target groups for this project are communities from 71 villages in the 13 micro-watersheds in Umiew catchment and 35 villages from 26 micro-watersheds in Ganol catchment in Meghalaya.

Bengaluru, February 16, 2024: RR Kabel Limited is delighted to share the news of its inclusion in the esteemed 2023 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list. This achievement stands as a testament to the company’s remarkable impact on the Indian economy. Compiled by Burgundy Private and Axis Bank’s Private Banking Business in partnership with Hurun India, this exclusive list recognizes the top 500 companies in India, ranked based on their market capitalization for listed companies and valuations for non-listed entities.

“We are honoured to be recognized among the top 500 companies in India by Burgundy Private Hurun India 500. This acknowledgment underscores the significant contributions RR Kabel Limited has made to the Indian economy and reaffirms our commitment to excellence and growth. We extend our gratitude to Burgundy Private, Axis Bank’s private banking business, and Hurun India for this prestigious recognition; this achievement motivates us to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact on the Indian economy.” said Mr. Shreegopal Kabra, Managing Director at RR Kabel Limited.

The 2023 Burgundy Private Hurun India list stands as a hallmark of corporate achievement within the Indian economy. This prestigious list showcases the top 500 most valuable companies in India, meticulously assessed based on their market capitalization and valuations. This thorough evaluation ensures that the list accurately represents the true value and potential of India’s corporate ecosystem. Securing a spot in this list places RR Kabel among an elite group of companies that are instrumental in shaping India’s narrative of growth and dynamism. It reflects the trust and confidence placed in RR Kabel Limited by its stakeholders, solidifying its position as a key player in the Indian business arena.

RR Kabel Limited’s inclusion on this prestigious list reaffirms its dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainable progress. It stands as a powerful testament to the brand’s core values of quality, innovation, trust, and transparency, making RR Kabel the preferred choice for customers not only in India but also worldwide.

Sachin Manchanda Foundation Distributes Dustbins and Saplings to Pragati Government Primary School in Sushant Lok, Gurugram

Sachin Manchanda Foundation, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental sustainability, took the initiative towards community services by distributing dustbins and saplings to the Pragati Government Primary School in Sushant Lok, Gurugram. This was one of the multiple activities carried out by the Foundation after successfully conducting a plantation drive in Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, Faridabad, under its ‘Eco-Sanskriti’ Initiative’. This activity aimed to promote cleanliness and environmental consciousness among students while fostering a culture of responsibility towards the environment.

Recognising the importance of waste management and environmental conservation, the Foundation embarked on this charitable endeavour to empower the young minds at Pragati Government Primary School. The distribution of dustbins will not only facilitate proper waste segregation and disposal but also instil in the students the habit of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within their school premises.

Furthermore, the provision of saplings aligned with the foundation’s commitment to promoting green initiatives and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the conservation of the environment among the youth. By planting saplings on the school grounds, the foundation aims to enhance the green cover, mitigate air pollution, and educate students about the significance of trees in sustaining a healthy ecosystem.

“We believe in the power of education and community engagement to drive positive change,” said Mr. Sachin Manchanda, Founder of the Sachin Manchanda Foundation. “Through this distribution, we hope to inspire the students of Pragati Government Primary School to become champions of environmental conservation and take proactive measures towards building a sustainable future.”

The ceremony, held at Pragati Government Primary School in Sushant Lok, Gurugram, was attended by representatives of the Sachin Manchanda Foundation, school faculty, and enthusiastic students eager to embrace the initiatives aimed at preserving the environment.

New Delhi, 16th February 2024: The premier franchise-based preschool network in India, Bachpan Play School, celebrated 20 appealing years of its history at the renowned Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, marking a momentous occasion. Bachpan, which has more than 1200 franchise-owned schools all over India, is a major player in the field of early childhood education.

Mr. Gulshan Grover, who graced the anniversary ceremony, stressed the critical role that Bachpan and AHPS schools have had in influencing the country’s educational scene.

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the franchise maestros with the prestigious Maestro Awards, recognizing their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in making Bachpan Play School franchise a resounding success over the past two decades. This year marked the 6th edition celebrating the collective achievements and dedication of Bachpan’s franchise partners.

“As we celebrate 20 years of Bachpan, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the relentless teamwork and dedication that have propelled us to where we stand today,” stated Mr. Ajay Gupta, Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play School, reflecting on this incredible journey and expressing his sincere gratitude. “The remarkable people who have joined our family and the trust that numerous parents have placed in us have both played a significant role in our accomplishments.”

Additionally, the celebration honored the establishment of Academic Heights Public School (AHPS), Bachpan’s official formal school extension with more than 120 branches across the country, which took place 15 years ago.