UPSC Excellence : Topper Tales from Vision IAS, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 7th May 2024: The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a nationwide competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for Recruitment to higher Civil Services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Police Service.

Vision IAS conducted a seminar on UPSC preparation strategy by our students who secured All India Rank Mr. Navneet Anand ( AIR Rank. 499, UPSC CSE 2023 ) & Mr. Harshit Srivastava ( AIR Rank. 521, UPSC CSE 2023 ) which was attended by many aspirants.

AIR Topper’s talk in seminar on UPSC Exam Preparation in Vision IAS, Hyderabad 7

Navneet Anand (Purnia Dst, BIHAR) – 3rd attempt, Optional -Sociology

10th – 12th from – Sainik School, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, B.A(HONS)- Ambedkar University, Delhi. and

M.A. Sociology – Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. CAPF(ACS)

Mr. Harshit Srivastava (Prayagraj, Uttarpradesh) – 5th attempt, Optional -Geography

Completed his School & Intermediate in Maharshi Patanjali Vidyamandir – CBSE and B tech Electronics and Communication- Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow.

In this session, both shared their inspiring journey with the aspirants and offered them strategies for managing time effectively, developing practical study plans, and maintaining motivation throughout their preparation journey. The session was appraised by all the aspirants who reached the VISION IAS Hyderabad centre in Telangana to attend the open session, leaving a mark on the future nation leaders.

Motorola Solutions signs up with Arya Omnitalk to promote professional and commercial radios

Bengaluru, 16th April 2024: Pune-headquartered Arya Omnitalk, a joint venture between two of India’s most reputed business houses, Arvind Ltd. and the JM Baxi Group, has secured an exclusive partnership with Motorola Solutions to distribute Professional and Commercial Radios in India.

Arya Omnitalk operates three business divisions, namely Shared Mobile Radio Services (SMR), GPS-based Fleet Tracking and Management Solutions, and Toll and Highway Traffic Management Systems (HTMS). Under this collaboration, Arya Omnitalk will exclusively distribute Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO Portfolio of products, along with continuing to distribute Wave PTX and associated services.

A leading provider of PMRTS (Public Mobile Radio Trunking Services), CMRTS (Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services), and Broadband Push-to-talk devices, Arya Omnitalk holds licenses to operate in 18 cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Indore, Kolkata, Bharuch, Navi Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Jaipur.

These radios are specially designed for organizations operating in today’s fast-moving business environment. They allow real-time, instant communication among teams, improving coordination in fast-paced environments. It allows cross-platform compatibility and works across various devices and platforms, ensuring seamless communication between different teams and devices within the company. These radios connect teams spread across different locations and facilities. It can integrate with existing communication systems and tools, streamlining processes and enhancing overall connectivity within the company.

These radios provide secure communication channels, crucial for the industries where confidentiality and data protection are paramount. It enables swift response during emergencies or critical situations, ensuring immediate communication for rapid decision-making and crisis management.

These services cater to important sectors such as Municipal Corporations, Manufacturing, Security, Oil & Gas, Transport and Logistics, Warehousing, Educational Institutes, IT/ITeS, Hospitality, Hospitals, Embassies, Mines, and Construction.

Speaking of the occasion, Mr. Paresh Shetty, CEO, Arya Omnitalk said, “We are thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Motorola Solutions, further solidifying the trust we’ve built with the brand and customers over the years. This exclusive partnership grants us the opportunity to sell best in class products in India. Our commitment remains unwavering in delivering unmatched customer experiences, ensuring every interaction mirrors our dedication to excellence and satisfaction.”

ASHA KA MAHOTSAV: Interfaith Easter Celebration Brings Hope and Unity

Interfaith Easter Celebration

New Delhi, April 3rd, 2024: The Chavara Cultural Centre Delhi, in collaboration with the Delhi Syro Malabar Youth Movement (DSYM), hosted a heartwarming Interfaith Easter Celebration titled ‘Asha Ka Mahotsav’ (Celebration of Hope) on April 2nd, 2023, at the Diocesan Community Centre (DCC) of Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church in New Delhi.

This event transcended religious boundaries, fostering a spirit of unity and hope. Dr. Fr. Roby Kannanchira CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi, warmly welcomed the esteemed guests and participants. He said, “We come together today to celebrate the message of Easter, a message of hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. This interfaith gathering is a testament to the power of faith to bring people together and promote understanding and peace.”

Delivering the benedictory addresses were Most Rev. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of the Archdiocese of Delhi and Most Rev. Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Faridabad. Archbishop Bharanikulangara emphasized the importance of strengthening interfaith relations in the capital, he said: “We aim to strengthen inter-religious relations, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities.”

Interfaith Easter Celebration Brings Hope and Unity Pic 2

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of HE Mr Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile. He highlighted the role of ambassadors in building peace and the collective responsibility to address global challenges like climate change, hunger, and terrorism. Ambassador Angulo remarked, “As ambassadors, we are builders of peace. Everyone has a role. The resurrection of Jesus symbolizes hope, reminding us of our shared humanity.”

The ceremonial cutting of the Easter cake by the Ambassador of Chile and other dignitaries marked the joyous occasion. The evening concluded with vibrant cultural performances, uniting participants in a celebration of diversity and harmony.

This Interfaith Easter Celebration served as a platform for fostering dialogue, understanding, and solidarity among people of different faiths, embodying the true spirit of Easter: a celebration of renewal, hope, and peace.

Greenpanel and The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s Successful Collaboration Continues to Nourish Children’s Lives Through Nutritious Meals

Delhi, 21st March 2024 – Greenpanel Industries Limited, India’s largest manufacturer of wood panel, partners with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program and related state government school meal programs, to provide hot-nutritious mid-day meals to government & government-aided school children in the districts of Nellore and Kuppam. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Greenpanel has partnered with The Akshay Patra Foundation and supports their School Meals Program.

The collaboration has been underway since April 2023, which has enabled the provision of nutrition-rich mid-day meals to children in government schools, laying the foundation for a healthy childhood and a better quality of life. From April to December 2023 alone, this partnership has ensured in serving over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children in government schools in Nellore and Kuppam. The continuous, long-term feeding has deepened the organization’s impact on these communities, enhancing their overall well-being.

Mr. Arvind Joshi, VP and Head Marketing, Greenpanel Industries Ltd., said, “Our collaboration with Akshaya Patra Foundation has been a resounding success in upholding every child’s basic right to proper nutrition. The program is a life-changing experience for the children who come to attend a government school, with the hope of getting educated, and having a full meal in their recess. Every meal has a direct impact on the health and well-being of a child, which lays the foundation for a healthy childhood. We are proud to witness the direct and lasting impact this program has had, and our ongoing contribution will ensure its continued success.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful to Greenpanel Industries Limited for their generous support as this collaboration is a significant stride towards eradicating classroom hunger and ensuring that children in Nellore and Kuppam receive the nutrition they need to thrive academically. By providing over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children, we are not just addressing providing nutritious meal but also are investing in the future of our nation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more educated, and empowered generation. We look forward to nurturing this partnership and continuing to make a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve.”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors, and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure children’s access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic, and safe mid-day meals in government and aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention, and concentration.

QueueBuster Awarded Emerging Fintech Company/Solution Provider at FinTech Festival India 2024

Delhi, March 13, 2024: QueueBuster, a leading point-of-sale (POS) solution company, has been awarded the Emerging Fintech Company/Solution Provider Award at the Fintech Festival India 2024. The award is a testament to the brand’s effort to bridge a glaring gap in the retail technology space with innovation.

FFI_2

The third edition of FinTech Festival India (FFI) 2024, was held from March 6 to 8 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Themed ‘Connecting Innovators, Co-creating the Future of Finance,’ FFI 2024 brought together key stakeholders from the global FinTech industry to shape the future of finance. The event saw a comprehensive mix of exhibition showcases, insightful speaking sessions by marquee leaders of the industry, and new product launches.

QueueBuster is a comprehensive Android first all-in-one point-of-sale and ERP solution designed to take businesses to the next level. The cutting-edge platform makes it easy to manage every aspect of a business, from billing and inventory to digital payments, eStore, CRM & Loyalty, cloud dashboard, and more. It stands out with its innovative software, serving as a powerful tool for banks, fintech and payment companies to empower their ecosystem on Android POS Machines. By providing end-to-end POS solutions, QueueBuster enables these companies to catalyze substantial growth for their clients’ businesses, marking a significant stride in the evolution of POS Technology.

Varun Tangri, Founder and CEO said, “We are delighted to be recognized with the”Emerging Fintech Company/Solution Provider” award by FinTech Festival India, a testament to our dedication to fostering innovation and driving positive transformations within the industry. Our strategic partnerships with banks and payment companies have not only enhanced their POS offerings but have also contributed substantial value to the fintech and payments ecosystem. The Fintech Festival provided an exceptional platform for us to connect with some of the brightest minds in the industry, further fueling our enthusiasm for continued collaboration and innovation.”

As graced by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Cabinet Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, the exclusive ‘Viksit Bharat Ambassador’ Meetup was the event’s highlight. This meetup was one of many happening across India under the banner of ‘Viksit Bharat Ambassador Events’. These meetups aim to gather support and motivate people to join the Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement initiated by PM Narendra Modi.

QueueBuster, through its cutting-edge retail technology solutions, is playing a pivotal role in supporting the growth of Indian businesses and facilitating their inclusion in the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Prosperous India).

Qdesq’s Hyperflex Capabilities Drive Workspace Evolution Amid Hybrid Work Trends

Delhi, NCR (12th March ’24): Qdesq, India’s leading marketplace for flexible workspaces, offers workspace solutions to freelancers, startups, MSMEs, and larger enterprises. With a track record dating back to 2015, the company has successfully catered to over 30,000 corporate clients. As part of its service portfolio, Qdesq is now focusing on expanding and strengthening its hyperflex capabilities.

Qdesq, Flexi for Enterprise, is a technologically agile and flexible desk booking platform that has played a crucial role in effectively addressing various challenges related to hybrid work models, proximity to home, and on-demand solutions in numerous locations across India.

Anil Tahlani, Vice President of Client Servicing at Qdesq, said “The importance of our hyperflex capability in empowering bootstrapped companies within the industry to attract enterprise clients and contribute to India’s growth trajectory. We are delighted to observe that operators, particularly from emerging cities, are effectively collaborating and leveraging our technological solutions to fortify their positions and capitalize on market opportunities.”

He further explains that the confidence instilled by their portfolio clients in their HyperFlex platform has been instrumental in expanding the capabilities and strengthening relationships with both occupiers and providers. Initially established as a cost center during the COVID-19 pandemic, their HyperFlex platform has now evolved into a fully profitable division, thanks to a remarkable 17% year-on-year increase in demand. A highly efficient and dedicated team now oversees the HyperFlex vertical, ensuring its smooth operation.

This growth is a testament to the positive sentiments among occupiers, as evidenced by a threefold increase in flexible workspace supply in Tier 2 cities and a twofold increase in Tier 1 cities from March 2020 to March 2023. The reasons behind this surge are clear when considering the optimized real estate operational expenses (OPEX).

According to market speculations, the penetration of flex office spaces is projected to reach 35% of the total office stock, which amounts to 1.4 billion square feet, by March 2030. This represents a significant increase from the current 20% penetration rate, which corresponds to 1 billion square feet, as of March 2023.

Furthermore, an intriguing trend that deserves attention is the substantial growth in meeting room bookings within hybrid work setups. In the second quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year, these bookings have tripled compared to previous periods. Several factors contribute to this surge in demand, including seamless team collaboration, enhanced privacy, superior facilities, convenient scheduling, and centralized control.

Finally, technology has served as the foundation for ensuring flexibility in locating and reserving a workspace or conference room. Moreover, it provides a more efficient revenue generation system for service providers, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities, enabling them to capitalize on their underutilized resources.

BOBCARD LIMITED Launches Hashtag PlayHerCardsWell, enabling Women to Reimagine Life Through Inclusive Credit Support

Delhi, 11 March 2024: BOBCARD LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, announced the launch of a campaign, #PlayHerCardsWell, celebrating its brand theme “Reimagining Credit for Stree Shakti”. The campaign comes at a crucial time, especially as recent surveys, such as the one conducted by CRIF High Mark, highlighted a concerning decline in the participation of women in the credit realm.

The data from December 2022 to December 2023 paints a stagnant picture, with no observable growth in the proportion of female credit card holders, remaining fixed at 17%. Moreover, the representation of women in overall retail loans has dipped from 25% to 24% over the past year, as revealed by CRIF. In light of these trends. BOBCARD is stepping up with its “Reimagining Credit for Stree Shakti, so she can #PlayHerCardsWell” initiative which is not just a brand campaign rather a purposely focussed social commitment, aimed at empowering women through credit card literacy and igniting conversation around putting women’s financial inclusion first.

As a part of the #PlayHerCardsWell campaign, BOBCARD facilitated a dynamic talk show titled MeTalks in partnership with MomsLeague Global – a community network platform amplifying the voices of women of all ages. Avantika Bahuguna, Founder of MomsLeague Global led the discussion with a panel of esteemed guests. The panel delved into crucial issues concerning mothers and women, including financial independence, mental health, career breaks, and equal pay. The women panellists including Heena Lulla Singh, AVP Sales, RadioCity India, Jaspreet Oberoi, Lead-Brands Solutions- Sony Pictures Network India, Celebrity Nutritionist-Suman Agarwal, RJ Ruchi from Radio Nasha, Mega Social Media influencer Linda Fernandes aka thatquirkymumma and Celebrity photographer & Entrepreneur Anamika Singh emphasized the importance of credit cards and highlighted the multitude of benefits such financial tools offer.

Mr. Ravindra Rai M, Deputy Managing Director at BOBCARD LIMITED, explained the thought behind the campaign, stating, “The #PlayHerCardsWell movement is all about enabling women to meet their personal and professional goals with the right credit support leading towards financial independence. At BOBCARD, we are committed to providing easy access to credit and financial services, particularly for women, so our Stree Shakti can thrive and secure their futures. This endeavour underscores BOBCARD’s unwavering dedication to empowering women and fostering financial inclusivity for all. It’s about giving women the tools they need to reimagine their financial possibilities and achieve their dreams.”

As a part of the MeTalks Women’s Day special event “empowered by BOBCARD” and organised by MomsLeagueGlobal, also unveiled a quirky video titled ‘Never Have I Ever’, featuring engaging interactions with attendees about the usage of credit cards with Sabiha Gulrays- Influencer & Content Consultant with MomsLeague. The video aims to demystify common misconceptions surrounding credit card use and showcase the practical benefits they offer to women.

Ms. Avantika Bahuguna, Founder, MomsLeague Global, commented “Programs like #PlayHerCardsWell are pivotal for women’s holistic empowerment, encompassing not just financial inclusion but also addressing critical aspects like mental health, postpartum depression, navigating career breaks, and embracing imperfections. By fostering conversations on these vital topics, we not only equip women with the tools for financial independence but also nurture their overall well-being and resilience, ensuring they can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace. I’m thrilled to be on board with BOBCARD as their support partner, and as a woman so very amazed to see them leading the charge in reimagining credit for women in India with their credit solutions & customer-
centric offerings.”

Kühl Fans Expands Portfolio, Offering Energy-Efficient Solutions and Innovative Technologies to Delhi Market

Delhi, 11th March 2024: Kuhl Fans, from the house of the country’s largest RO purifiers brand, have introduced the newest range of Kühl Smart and Stylish Fans in Delhi. These fans, built using BLDC technology, are not only elegant and stylish but also energy-efficient, offering up to 65% savings on power consumption.

By expanding its portfolio, Kuhl now offers an extended array of energy-efficient fan models. The launch Delhi signifies increased availability of the new range at new retail points, ensuring broader accessibility for Kühl fans. With this strategic expansion, Kuhl aims to solidify its standing as a premier provider of energy-efficient and innovative ceiling fan solutions in the market.

Kuhl

One of the latest innovation, Kühl introduced -Next-Gen Desert Cooler fan based on BLDC technology called Kuhl Exzel. This floor-standing desert cooler cum fan disperses ultrasonic water mist into the air, effectively reducing room temperature by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the Exzel Desert Cooler Fan operates with almost no noise, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep. With its oscillation feature and a 12-hour-lasting internal water tank, it serves as an ideal replacement for the loud and bulky traditional desert coolers in your home. The introductory price is only INR 8990.

Kühl has also launched the Kuhl Inspira series, India’s first 100% Made in India BLDC Wall and Pedestal range of fans. These innovative wall and pedestal fans offer 65% power savings and operate with low noise. The Kuhl Inspira series TPW range features 5-blade fans with dual control options – touchscreen and via remote. One notable feature of these fans is the electronic swing control, a much-needed function that allows users to easily switch on/off the swing or oscillation function with a simple touch of a button. The introductory price for Kuhl Inspira fans starts at an excitingly low price of only INR 3999.

Additionally, the Kuhl Galaxis series has been introduced, catering to larger spaces with ceiling fans available in diameters ranging from 55 inches to 68 inches. These fans operate at a nearly silent 100 RPM while delivering an industry-leading air delivery of 280 CMM. Equipped with smart technology, they are IoT-enabled, allowing convenient operation through mobile phones or Amazon Alexa/Google Home devices. Furthermore, these innovative fans come with a built-in downlight offering a variety of colors.

For the cost-conscious customers seeking stylish fans, the company has introduced its latest Kuhl Arctis series of ceiling fans. These sleek and slim fans feature a compact motor and come in various colors.

Kühl BLDC fans boast a range of stylish and innovative features that make them highly desirable. They are WiFi and IoT-enabled, allowing remote control through a smartphone, Alexa, or voice commands. Additionally, they come with a reverse function that effectively circulates warm air around the room, making them a practical choice for all seasons. Moreover, the Kühl fans are designed to deliver more airflow while producing minimal noise, making them a perfect fit for modern architectural and interior projects in both residential and commercial settings. With these unique features, Kühl fans offer an efficient way to reduce energy consumption while enhancing the aesthetics and comfort of any space.

Mr. Varun Gupta, Joint Managing Director of Kent RO Systems Limited, said, “We are proud to launch the latest range of Kühl Stylish Fans in Delhi, aligning with our brand philosophy focusing on energy, environment, and technology. With the rising temperature and the need to conserve energy, we believe that these fans will be in high demand in the region. Notably, a typical induction fan consumes around 80 watts of power, whereas a Kühl BLDC fan consumes only 28 watts of power at full speed. This means that Kühl BLDC fans can achieve energy savings of up to 65 percent.”

Mr. Gupta further added, “Kuhl, which entered the Indian ceiling fan market last year with a premium range of smart and stylish fans, has made significant strides in its first year of operations. In fact, the brand boasts the largest selection of high-end premium fans in India and is now prepared to dominate the mass premium category in the country. Encouraged by the positive response to its initial offerings, the brand is aggressively expanding its product portfolio and venturing into new territories. This exciting move includes Delhi, a key market for ceiling fans, marking Kuhl’s commitment to becoming a nationwide leader in the industry.”

“We are continuously investing in R&D to bring the best range of products to our customers. In a short span of 1 year, we have been able to make significant strides and demonstrate to our customers that our world-class engineers and the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility are creating the most desirable and elegant range of fans for Indian consumers. All Kühl fans have a 5-star rating from BEE and are BIS certified,” said Mr. Gupta.

Kühl fans are also 100% made in India, designed by Kuhl’s R&D team, and offer a longer service life compared to typical induction motors. As part of its forward-looking approach, Kuhl envisions taking its fans in the international markets also, making a significant contribution to the idea of ‘Make in India, Make for World’.

Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital Organized a Bike Rally on the Occasion of International Women’s Day 2024

Delhi, 6th March 2024: Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, a prominent pediatric and maternity hospital in Delhi, hosted a bike rally to create awareness and uniquely celebrate International Women’s Day. Over 200 bikers, including both women and men, participated and shared their experiences which inspired them to learn to bike. Men bikers also came forward in support of Women’s Day.

Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital came forward with this Bike Rally on Delhi roads to be aware of the need to make inclusion in society. If a woman can bring a new life to this world andnurture then women can also come forward at the front seat of the vehicle to ride her life.

Dr. Prashant Vashistha, Vice President Operations, Regional Director (Delhi-NCR), Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said, “The mindset that women can’t ride a bike is now a past story, Women are bringing multifold changes to society. This is the time to celebrate and inspire through this bike rally, we are happy to contribute towards the Inclusive India mission.’’

On World NGO Day, SOS Children’s Villages India commits to embracing sustainability for a brighter future

Delhi, 27 February 2024: Embracing the spirit of World NGO Day, SOS Children’s Villages India, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to childcare and child development, commits to forge a path towards a sustainable future for children under its care.

SOS Children's Villages Logo

SOS Children’s Villages India has been actively and consciously engaged in initiatives that align with Sustainable Development Goals, fostering holistic development and resilience among vulnerable communities. Established by the United Nations, the SDGs (17 interconnected goals) provide a blueprint for a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

SOS Children’s Villages India stands out for its comprehensive approach to sustainable development, encompassing education, healthcare, child welfare, and community empowerment. The organisation’s initiatives aim to bring about enduring positive change, uplifting the most marginalised segments of society.

Within its work framework, SOS Children’s Villages India and its programme participants actively contribute to various facets of sustainable development and climate action, including waste disposal, kitchen gardening, organic farming, water harvesting, vermicomposting, climate change initiatives and the reduction of plastic bag usage.

Across many of its impact locations, solar power plants, vermiculture pits, biogas plants, solar water heaters, solar streetlights, sewage treatment plants, and rainwater harvesting plants have been installed. These measures have also led to cost savings and reduced carbon gas emissions, besides recharging the groundwater table, and reduction in water consumption to name a few.

Sumanta Kar, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages India, said, “SOS Children’s Villages India is committed to empowering communities and ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of a better world. We believe that collaborative efforts with governments, society, and the private sector can significantly amplify our impact and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We aspire for the children under our care to be empowered to take action for a better future, consciously making a positive impact on the world they will inherit.”

Programmes including Family Strengthening, Education & Youth Skilling, Kinship Care, Family-like Care, Foster Care, Short Stay Homes, Emergency Childcare and Special Needs Childcare, directly contribute to five Sustainable Development Goals. These encompass No Poverty, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions