Archive: February 26, 2021

Business World

Funding alert: Hindustan Media Ventures buys minority stake as part of strategic investment in podcast company Hubhopper

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Hubhopper, #Mr.Nishant Kumar - Head of Partnerships

New Delhi: Delhi- based podcast hosting, creation and distribution company Hubhopper has raised an undisclosed amount as a strategic investment from Hindustan Times Media Ventures.

Earlier, Hubhopper had raised over $500k across several rounds of investment from angel investors and institutional investors, including ITI Growth Opportunities Fund, Unit-E Ventures, and more.

Hubhopper will use the funds to continue growing the podcast ecosystem in India by democratising and empowering Indian creators with tools and technologies to create, host, launch, distribute, analyze and monetize their podcasts and audio content.

Further, they will continue to grow their products and podcast distribution network of over 50+ partners and integrations — currently including the likes of Samsung, Spotify, Gaana, Wynk, Paytm, PhonePe, Karbonn, Indus OS, and more.

The deal comes at a time when tech & media giants, both in India and globally, are doubling down to own a piece of India’s rapidly growing podcast market. Just earlier in November 2020, Tencent backed Pratilipi had acquired podcast firm IVM Podcasts — moving towards the consolidation of the podcast space in India, the first of many moves and alliances to come.

Globally, this alliance comes at a time of incredible fervour and activity across the podcast landscape that has been witnessed over the past 18 months, with events including audio streaming giant Spotify acquiring a host of podcast houses and platforms, including Gimlet Media, Parcast, Megaphone, and Anchor.

On the other hand, Amazon has placed its bets in the podcast market by purchasing 4-year-old podcast network Wondery and Sirius XM has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to buy podcasting companies Stitcher and Simplecast. Most recently social media giant Twitter has entered the fray, acquiring podcast platform Breaker.

Mr.Gautam Raj Anand – Founder, Hubhopper

“Audio is an incredibly special medium. It’s more language, literacy and capital agnostic than its contemporaries and has a special place in the hearts and lives Indian people. Hubhopper’s endeavor along with HT is to continue to champion this community and democratise podcasting for all. We have only scratched the tip of this ice-berg”

Mr.Nishant Kumar – Head of Partnerships, Hubhopper

“Hubhopper has always endeavored to make audio creation and consumption accessible through robust and innovative technology platforms. This strategic partnership between HT Media and Hubhopper marks a turning point in the development of India’s podcast landscape. We look forward to together bringing this incredible medium of digital audio to every creator and consumer in India.”

Business World

Top 4 Innovative Startups Taking Education To The Next Level

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #CodeMonkey, #CoderBunnyz, #DcodeAI, #StayQrious

India, being the fastest growing economy with more than 50% of its population below the age of 25, has a significant stake in the AI and coding revolution across the globe. Technology disruptions like AI and coding are once-in-a-generation phenomenon, and hence large-scale adoption strategies, especially in schools, need to strike a balance between narrow definitions of financial impact and the greater good. The adoption of technology in education is growing at an exponential pace post-pandemic. In order to keep up with this mass adoption of digital transformation, students must leverage remote self-learning platforms providing AI and coding technology education.

Here the top 4 EdTech startups that are offering customised AI & coding courses to sharpen logical & analytical thinking skills:

DcodeAI

DcodeAI offers interactive DIY Artificial Intelligence learning pathways by making the next generation of learners equipped with AI without having even a coding background. With the focus on low code/no-code tools and using AI to make the learning of AI concepts and fundamentals easy, intuitive and personalized, even those without any coding background can start to learn and implement AI models. With a vision to equip the next generation of learners with AI skills, without having a formal coding background, DcodeAI aims to democratize AI learning among primary and secondary level students across 10,000+ schools that are currently part of its network. These learning programs are suitable for students who want to learn about developing Chatbots, Image Recognition Models, as well as Voice Recognition-based Bots and Home Automation Systems.

CoderBunnyz

CoderBunnyz is all about teaching coding and AI to young kids while engaging in fun games. Samaira Mehta, the young founder has created a game that helps children learn coding, computer programming, and AI skills in an easy, fun manner. Her love of computer programming and board games led her to bring computer coding to a board game. CoderMindz, is reportedly the first-ever AI board game that engages a kid while helping them learn coding.

StayQrious

Stayqrious – a revolutionary online learning platform for students focussed on STEM foundations, technology and 21st century skills. The company’s unique hybrid learning model combines content from India’s top instructors with small group classes led by Learning Coaches. Founded by top veterans from Byju’s and Khan Academy, StayQrious is led by a team dedicated to revolutionizing learning outcomes, engaged social learning and 21st century readiness for students across the globe. The aim is to be the most learner-centric company in the world, creating millions of happy, independent learners for life. At the beginner level – students learn all the core programming concepts like sequences, loops, variables, conditionals, sprites, events, functions, for loops, while loops by building games / STEM projects.

CodeMonkey

Providing a fun and educational game-based environment, CodeMonkey helps kids learn and understand code without any prior knowledge. It provides resources for students of various grades that help them not only learn coding basics but also how to code in real programming. It helps them navigate through the programming world with a sense of confidence and accomplishment. It has various programs such as self-guided challenges, learning real-coding languages, and game-based learning for kids to learn.

Business World

World University of Design adds more feathers to its hat Talented students bring pride to the university

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #World University of Design

Chiseling its own abilities, innovating and emerging out as a winner is something that World University of Design excels at. It stands tall again as the talented students of WUD come home as winners of the most prestigious Design Challenges in India – Rugved Patil (M.Des Transportation Design) won the Automotive Design Competition (ADC) organized by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Gokul Gopi (M.Des Industrial Design) and his team won the D’source Corona Design Challenge organized by IIT Bombay, A third team (calling themselves Team Pentagon) comprising of Abhay Pratap Singh, Anand Singh and Mehak Singal (all from B.Des Product Design) and their faculty mentors Aditi Parikh and Rohit Kothari have reached the finals of Toycathon 2021 – the inter-ministerial initiative of Government of India!

Rugved Patil stood second in the recently concluded SIAM ADC 2021 that revolved around the theme “Influence of the New Normal on the Future of Automotive Design” amongst one hundred and fifty odd design aspirants from across the country. It is a matter of utmost pleasure that this future automobile designer has secured himself a spot in the country’s biggest Automotive Design Competition showcased his talent by showcasing a segway type shared mobility solution for the gen glass for the year 2040.

AatmaNirbhar Bharat project

Gokul Gopi and his team on the other hand designed a Japanese-inspired concept on “Sanitization of Rooms for Aggregate hotel chains that provide an online booking platform” keeping in mind the need of a post pandemic world – the very theme of the challenge this year. In an Open Design Challenge of choice, IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay allowed a sea of infinite ideas to the participants to present pertaining to sanitation, health and hygiene across industries and fields for a better India.

In their winning attempt, the team displayed a model that could let customers take normal vacations and feel safe back again allowing them to witness live streaming of sanitization of their hotel room prior to check-in! This would help achieve consumer satisfaction, enhancement of tourism and business building opportunities for holiday agencies and organized hotel chain companies.

Team Pentagon’s toy project will prove that superior toys & games can be created by Indians in India. Toycathon is an immensely ambitious mission of the current government, under AatmaNirbhar Bharat project, inviting talented young designers and thinkers to develop the gaming and toy industry of India. It is organized by Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell with support from All India Council for Technical Education, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Business World

Amity University Haryana Inks MoU with Taipei Economic and Cultural Center for Teaching Mandarin Chinese Language

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Amity University Haryana

Amity University Haryana a leading private university today signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the august presence of Ambassador His Excellency, Mr. Baushuan Ger for cooperation and collaboration between India and Taiwan in teaching Mandarin Chinese Language to the students of Amity University Haryana.

“This is the beginning of the cooperation and the collaboration between the two sides. We shall facilitate the academic exchange between Amity University Haryana and Universities of Taiwan”, said His Excellency Mr. Baushuan Ger, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC) who expressed his delight on visiting the research & innovation driven Amity University Haryana today.

“Taiwan is desirous of attracting a much bigger talent from India in the coming years. Currently there are 3,000 Indian students studying in leading Universities in Taiwan. This number shall increase to 10,000 in the near future”, added His Excellency Mr. Ger.

Expressing his profound happiness in inking the MoU with Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, Kulpati Prof P B Sharma greeted His Excellency Mr. Baushuan Ger with a deep sense of appreciation of the hi-tech science and technology research and innovations being carried out in universities in Taiwan and desired that further collaborative ties in areas of great national and global importance be taken up in future. These areas include Artificial Intelligence and automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, Nano Science and technologies and Environmental Science and Human Health.

Prof Sharma recalled his visit to leading Universities of Taiwan when he led the VC’s delegation from India to Taiwan for the University President’s Forum in Taipei in 2018 during his tenure as the President of Association of Indian Universities, AIU.

Taiwan and India both share a common culture and spiritual heritage belonging to the larger Asian philosophy of the Vedic times and thus the people of the two sides have a strong cultural bond to foster a new era of cultural and scientific cooperation and collaboration. Especially now that the center of gravity of the global economic growth has shifted to Asia and Asian countries.

Taiwanese delegation also included Dr Mumin Cheng, Dy. Representative, TECC, Mr Perets Chen, Director Education Division, Mr Tsan Wang Director, Science Division, Dr Willy Wu, Secretary Cultural Division. Those present from Amity University Haryana included Maj Gen B S Suhag (Retd), Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Padmakali Banerjee, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Vikas Madhukar, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor, Deans Dr Rajendra Prasad, Prof U N Singh, Maj Gen P K Sharma, Director HR Rear Admiral K K Pandey(Retd.) and Registrar Dr Ravi Muneja. Program Coordinator Ms. Geetika Agrawal of Amity School of Languages conducted the ceremony.

Business World

Hon’ble Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joins the leaders of tomorrow at IIM Ahmedabad for an interactive session

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Finance Minister of India, #IIMA, #Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, #Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), welcomed Hon’ble Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, as she joined MBA students of the globally recognized, premier management institute, for an interactive session on the theme ‘The Economic Rebound and the Indian Economy in 2021 and Beyond’ with its students.

Hosted by IIMA’s JSW-School of Public Policy, was the first on ground event held at the Institute since the pandemic. The session threw light on various aspects of the Indian economy including return of consumer confidence, robust financial markets, an uptick in manufacturing, education sector and the decrease in the budget allocation this year, PSU disinvestment target, health expenditure, skill India, fuel prices reduction, savings and borrowing scheme, upskilling: for automation and gig workers, investment in infrastructure, agriculture and many more.

Hon’ble Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman during an interactive session at IIM Ahmedabad (1)-min

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Errol D’Souza, Director, IIMA Programmes said, “It is our honour and an encouragement to have the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman at the Institute. We are grateful for her presence, in spite of her commitments. I am happy to share that IIMA and its faculty have been supporting the government with their expertise on various aspects of policymaking, which is our way of contributing to the growth of the country. Today’s interaction with the Hon’ble Minister will become a memorable and inspiring moment for our students, who are at the threshold of beginning their journey into the real world.”

Smt. Sitharaman is an inspiration for all, especially the young people of the country. As the first woman leader to hold the portfolios of Defence and Finance at the Centre, she has become an aspirational model for the young women in the country. During the session, the Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman encouraged the students to expand their boundaries and said, “You all are fortunate enough to be in an institution like this [IIMA]. My only request to you is spare sometime for the country and the nation to get stronger. India needs your support. Concentrate on yourself but also concentrate on making India brighter and smarter”

Acting as co-chairs, Prof. Errol D’Souza, with IIMA students Mr. Arunabh Saxena and Ms. Sonakshi Agrawal, among other points discussed about disinvestment targets of PSUs and government’s approach towards it. They also addressed the concerns of consumers bearing the high costs of fuel today and how is the government resolving these challenges.

When asked about the rationale and steps taken by the government to ensure quality education, Smt. Sitharaman said, “That the desire for encouraging twinning programmes in hopes of getting a world class university certificate and technologically driven tools like optical fibres even at the panchayat level will add to the betterment of education in the country. Hence there has been a conscious attempt in improving the funding of education. I would want to underline the fact that the New Education Policy, the schemes under it, and the long term vision under which the NEP looks at making the Indian education a lot more vibrant has received due consideration in the budget making process.”

Smt. Sitharaman further addressed that the Indian economy was on a rebound and she expects to see an economic recovery in the coming year. While the budget gave a due consideration to the national education policy and its schemes, she also believes that there is a huge potential of digital learning in the country across states, especially for the ones who have lesser access to it. She also threw light on the need for skilling and up skilling across industries and its success rates with a focussed approach.

The institute has a unique model of a convivial combination of the union, state and the business community. IIMA research programmes are the most coveted and prominent in the areas like Strategy, Economics, Finance, Operations and Marketing. IIMA also set up a number of sector or mission-oriented thrust groups termed ‘Centres’ to apply management science to other sectors of the economy. These Centres are led by faculty members from different inter-disciplinary areas that come together to pursue research and consulting.

Education

Launching of 1st in the World “Sri Sri School of CyberPeace” in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation; along with 4 other Research Centers, and Faculty of Emerging Technologies by Poojya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #CyberPeace Foundation and Sri Sri University, #Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, #Mr. Erik Solheim, #Sri Sri School of CyberPeace

Today is a historic day not only for Sri Sri University but also for the world to launch the first of its kind in the globe, Sri Sri School of Cyber Peace and five other Centers and Faculty which will offer 20 programs in the upcoming academic year 2021-22. CyberPeace Foundation and Sri Sri University have joined hands for “Infusing CyberPeace in cyberspace”. The first step towards the goal is the launch of “Sri Sri School of CyberPeace”, a joint initiative of CyberPeace Foundation and Sri Sri University (SSU) in the presence of Poojya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. The School is committed to strengthen the global CyberPeace Ecosystem through the research and innovation focused educational framework in sync with the ace initiative from the CyberPeace Foundation. The curriculum for the degree Programmes in the field of cyber security has been conceptualized keeping in mind the Learning Outcome-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) on the one hand and having 65% plus hands on experience for the students as per the spirit of National Education Policy 2020 on the the other hand. This will enhance their employability quotient as well as entrepreneurial skills so that they are competent enough to start up their own ventures which is a step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

As per the Cybersecurity Ventures, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by the end of 2021, up from one million positions in 2014. Moreover there is a growing number of cybercrimes and threats across the globe, therefore, the degree Programmes in the following areas are the need of the hour:

UG Programmes

  1.  B. Tech. / B.Sc. (Research) in CSE (specialization in CyberSecurity & Cyber Defense)
  2. B. Tech. / B.Sc. (Research) in CSE (specialization in Digital Forensic & Incident Response)
  3. M. Tech. (Regular) (specialization in CyberSecurity)
  4. M. Tech. (Research) (specialization in CyberSecurity)

PG & Integrated Programmes

  1.  MBA (Cyber Security Management)
  2.  Executive MBA (Cyber Security Management)
  3.  Integrated MBA (B. Tech. / B. Sc. (Research) + Cyber Security Management)
  4.  Integrated M. Tech. (B. Tech. + CyberSecurity)
  5.  Integrated M. Sc. (B. Sc. (Research) + CyberSecurity)

This joint initiative will involve a bouquet of activities of CyberPeace Foundation such as Global CyberPeace Challenge, eRaksha – Nationwide online safety competition, Hackathons, Seminars, Conferences, Colloquiums, Roundtables, Global CyberPeace Dialogues, Global CyberPeace Summit, CyberPeace Clubs, CyberPeace Corps, and Academia CyberPeace Ecosystem (ACE) Initiative – An initiative for Excellence.

Many dignitaries graced the occasion with their presence, including Shri G. Asok Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Water Mission, MoWR, RD and GR, Govt. of India, Mr. Erik Solheim, Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Former Minister of International Development and Environment, Norway, Padma Bhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan, Padma Shri Dr. Puru Dadheech, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Mrs. Rajita Kulkarni, President, SSU, Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, Vice Chancellor, SSU, Captain Vineet Kumar, Founder and President, CyberPeace Foundation, a think tank and grassroots NGO of CyberPeace and cyber security experts to name a few.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji during his address said, “The world is incomplete without art, culture, architecture, and science. We need to nurture both the left and right brain activities and achieve synergies between the two in the contemporary world. Today’s Programme has witnessed so many experts nationally and internationally to make the world a better place to live for the present and future generation. We can give the dream of a better world to the future generations including the current generations through these initiatives. I congratulate CyberPeace Foundation and encourage all to continue this journey by creating waves of excellence for growth of the students across the world. This collaboration has created an ecosystem of happiness and harmony where happiness is realized as one’s nature and spreading happiness is one’s dharma. Together we can make this research unit one of the best in the whole world.”

Talking about the importance of CyberPeace Education, Captain Vineet Kumar, Founder and President, CyberPeace Foundation, said, “The CyberPeace Foundation envisions creating a global CyberPeace ecosystem which is only possible with the active involvement of the young generation in understating, learning, working, and innovating in the field. I am glad and thankful to Poojya Gurudev and the Sri Sri University for their insight and understanding of the need of the hour to ensure a peaceful and resilient Cyberspace.”

Shri G. Asok Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Water Mission, MoWR, RD and GR, Govt. of India, has spoken about various methods and importance to conserve water.

Mr. Erik Solheim, Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Former Minister of International Development and Environment, Norway said, Water management and environment are the most critical issues of our time. Mr. Solheim pointed out that water is precious for life and he applauded the initiative of Poojya Gurudev and The Art of Living to conserve water. He further stated that water is the most precious and important issue of the global community for climate change, be it melting of glacier in Himalayas and its effects on river systems of India, China, etc., the rise of sea level, cyclonic storm and extreme weather events. He applauded the commitment of Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Water Resources and Environment Management to work in such an important domain to address the issues of water, agriculture and environment.

Mrs. Rajita Kulkarni, President, SSU delivered the welcome address and briefed about the various launches which were planned for the day, namely,

  1. Faculty of Emerging Technologies (First of its kind Faculty in India offering Industry integrated Programmes in line with National Education Policy 2020)
  2. Department of Emerging Technologies
  3. Sri Sri School of CyberPeace (World’s first School for cyberPeace in association with CyberPeace Foundation)
  4. Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Water Resources and Environment Management
  5. Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Kathak (SSCARK) (First and largest in the world)
  6. Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Bharatanatyam (Third in India)
  7. Sri Sri Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies (First in India)

Prof. Rabi Narayan Satpathy, Director, SSU shared the vision and mission of the Faculty of Emerging Technologies and the Sri Sri School of CyberPeace along with the list of 15 Programmes to be offered.

Speaking on the importance of classical dance form Kathak, the exponent Padma Shri Dr. Puru Dadheech credited Poojya Gurudev for his vision and co-operation in developing the Advanced research Centre for Kathak which can transform the youths through its rich heritage.

Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Director, Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Bharatanatyam, which is third of its kind in the world, and Padma Vibhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan aspire for innovative research and exploring new talent in the field.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mohanty, Director, Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Water Resources and Environment Management and Dr. Rindon Kundu, Director, Sri Sri Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies spoke about the importance of the centers.

Ms. Gayatri Dhume, Head of Admissions and Promotions, SSU shared the list of new Programmes launched during the ceremony namely Master of Computer Applications (MCA), M. Sc. Computer Science-Artificial Intelligence, M. Sc.  Computer Science-Data Science, B. Sc. Exercise and Sports

Physiology, M. Sc.  Exercise and Sports Physiology, Bachelors in Physical Education, Masters in Physical Education, and MA Hindu Studies, etc.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, SSU delivered a vote of thanks and mentioned that Sri Sri University is on the path of becoming the Institute of Global Eminence and the launching ceremony of today is a step towards that direction.

Education

Government of Ireland announces Scholarships worth €1,500,000 for Indian students

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Director of Education in Ireland, #Mr. Giles O’Neill

Ireland has become and remains one of the top English speaking destinations for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Thus, to encourage students and provide them assistance, the Government of Ireland has announced scholarships worth €1,500,000.

Mr. Giles O’Neill, Director of Education in Ireland while announcing the scholarships mentions, “There are various choices with regards to scholarships. Firstly, the Higher Education Institutes of Ireland themselves are offering merit based scholarships. Besides, Education in Ireland, as a national brand, will be giving scholarships to 10 Indian students on the day of the showcase. Each of the scholarships given is worth €3,000 for fee reduction.”

Education in Ireland, the national brand under the authority of the Minister for Education and Skills that is responsible for the promotion of Irish Higher Education Institutions overseas, to further promote Ireland as an educational destination has announced an additional scholarship worth € 30,000 for Indian students who will be attending the Virtual Showcase.

Further highlighting the scholarships provided by Education in Ireland, Mr. O’Neill says, ”Under the initiative of ‘Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2021’, 60 scholarships will be provided for one year’s education at Bachelor, Masters of PhD levels to qualified candidates. This is available to all international students and further details can be clarified on the Virtual Showcase day on Saturday, 27th February.”

The Education in Ireland Virtual Showcase is an event specifically for students in South Asia and includes 20 of Ireland’s top higher education institutions that are offering globally recognized UG and PG programmes in Business, Science, Engineering, and Humanities as Officials from the Irish Visa Office in New Delhi will also speak and participate at the event. 

Mr. Barry O’Driscoll, Regional Manager, India & South Asia for Education in Ireland said, “We are glad to announce the second Virtual Showcase of Education in Ireland. These courses prove to be an ideal stage to offer students continuous real-time meetings, live Q&A sessions, audio and video chats with the faculty and experts of the institutions in addition assists the students to boost commitment in a more viable way. To offer extra benefit to participants, this virtual showcase will have experts who can offer direction with respect to various parts of an institution application.” 

Recently, some 3,000 Indian students travelled to Ireland to undertake their students, many of whom are keen to explore the subsequent career opportunities that Ireland offers. Talking about the showcase, Mr. O’Driscoll added, “Ireland has a long history of welcoming international students and in recent years has become one of the top destinations for India students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Ireland’s careful and cautious approach to COVID-19 demonstrated how Irish institutions have prioritized the physical and mental health of students, while ensuring the highest standards of education.”

Participating Institutions
Institute of Technology Carlow Trinity College Dublin
Athlone Institute of Technology Dundalk Institute of Technology
Griffith College University College Cork
Technological University Dublin Waterford Institute of Technology
National University of Ireland, Galway Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Dublin Business School University of Limerick
Mary Immaculate College Limerick Institute of Technology
Dublin City University Maynooth University
University College Dublin Munster Technological University
National College of Ireland  Education in Ireland

 Participants at the upcoming event can also attend detailed seminars and info sessions on studying in Ireland, talk with college representatives and agents, get advice from official Irish government representatives, learn about scholarships, have the visa process explained, and pose inquiries. It’s the perfect opportunity for Indian students to speak directly with admissions and academic staff from Ireland’s top institutions. Students can engage in a chat room format or through video calls.

 Participation in the Education in Ireland Virtual Showcase is free and students can register their interest here: https://india.educationinireland.live/

Business World

Top 4 Experiential Marketing Companies Catering to Different Sectors

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Digital Jalebi, #Indigital Technologies

Experiential marketing companies engage consumers through interactive solutions and help the brand to connect its idea with its audiences. These companies plan and execute immersive events and experiential activities, such as interactive exhibits using cutting edge technologies that encourage consumers to actively participate and get entertained at the same time. Generally, these services include location planning, logistics, and staffing solutions for all events and activities. Experiential marketing is often used by businesses looking for creative solutions that allow consumers to develop deeper connections with their brand. Businesses may accompany their experiential marketing efforts with other forms of advertising too.

Below is the list of top 4 preferred experiential marketing agencies by bigger and renowned brands across varied sectors.

  1. Digital Jalebi: The company which embarked on its journey in September 2012, is engaged in designing interactive installations and software for spaces like museums, exhibitions and planetariums. With a varied background of design, software engineering, electronics and multimedia, Digital Jalebi offers end-to-end delivery starting from research, conceptualisation and story-boarding; to content generation, graphic design, and animation, 3D modelling, to development, fabrication and installation.
  2. Indigital Technologies: Since its inception in 2015, Indigital Technologies has been selling its array of products and services to the pharma-healthcare industry by supporting pharma marketeers. Intending to solve all the marketing problems of the targeted industry through its products, the company is offering products that no one else could even imagine. Some of its phenomenal products include Kanopi, Kribado, Kyoiku, Incontro, and Pixika. The company has been serving as the potential digital transformation collaborator for its rich clientele for a long time now.
  3. Adloid: The company is a pioneer in 3D visualization and Augmented Reality technology since 2016. Using its proprietary 2D to 3D offerings, it is enabling large enterprises to create virtual shopping experiences for their customers. With world-class products on offer and leading in terms of the features supported, the company believes that its rate of customer-retention is considerably high as the team constantly innovates. Innovation enables the company to meet the needs of enterprise customers across multiple sectors without compromising on any features of the AR experience.
  4. Alchemy Group: Founded in 2015, Alchemy Group is a tech-first digital media and content agency providing marketing solutions to reach next-gen audiences. The company caters to more than 700 large-scale advertiser and media publication clients from around the world. Backed by cutting-edge technology, the company’s focus on experiential marketing to push digital boundaries in an ecosystem thriving on growth and exclusive engagements has delivered an uber-connected environment across all avenues of digital.
Business World, News

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Paves Way For Mass Deployment of Open RAN in 5G Networks with Industry-First Open RAN Solution Stack

Feb 26, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Communications Technology Group, #Convergent Networks Control, #Emmanuel Bidet, #Hewlett Packard Enterprise, #Orange Group, #Phil Mottram, #SVP and GM, #VP

New Delhi – Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)  announced the HPE Open RAN Solution Stack to enable the commercial deployment of Open RAN at scale in global 5G networks. The HPE Open RAN Solution Stack includes HPE’s orchestration and automation software, RAN specific infrastructure blueprints and telco optimized infrastructure. HPE service management and orchestration software supports telco networks from the core to the edge, reducing risk and allowing operators to seize the benefits of 5G. The HPE Open RAN Solution Stack also features the new HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen10 Plus server – the industry’s first Open RAN (radio access network) workload optimized server.

The HPE Open RAN Solution Stack has been developed by HPE’s newly formed Communications Technology Group (CTG), which offers one of the broadest telco portfolios in the market, and has been created to help telcos and enterprises take advantage of the huge 5G market opportunity with a family of open, interoperable solution stacks. The HPE Open RAN Solution Stack follows in the footsteps of the HPE 5G Core Stack that was unveiled in March last year. The solutions are linked with a common orchestration platform which supports telcos deploying resources and applications from the telco core to the edge. Both solutions are underpinned by an ecosystem of partners, with industry leaders already working to test and optimize their Open RAN software with the HPE Open RAN Solution Stack.

Global communications networks are undergoing a major transformation. 5G has been developed with open standards, allowing network operators to move away from proprietary single vendor systems on which previous generation networks were built. 5G standards give network operators the ability to mix and match best-of-breed hardware and software from multiple vendors into both the RAN and the core. These open technologies are being pursued vigorously by global telcos, industry bodies, and governments as they promise to create greater competition, lower costs, and boost innovation.

Open, cloud-native 5G networks are built on industry standard IT hardware running virtualized networks and technology advancements are now enabling the benefits of this disaggregation to also be applied to 5G RAN. HPE is contributing to the O-RAN Alliance and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) who are driving this major industry shift. With the introduction of the HPE Open RAN Solution Stack, telcos can prepare for the commercial adoption of Open RAN at scale. HPE has more than 30 years of experience designing, building and tuning telco-grade infrastructure and software, and is bringing its unique telco expertise to bear with this pre-integrated, hardened RAN infrastructure platform.

“By driving innovation from edge to cloud through secure, open solution stacks, HPE aims to become the transformation catalyst for the 5G economy,” said Phil Mottram, SVP and GM, Communications Technology Group, Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “We have collaborated with customers and partners to build the HPE Open RAN Solution Stack from the ground up to meet the unique demands of Open RAN deployments. The HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen10 Plus server is the industry’s first Open RAN workload optimized server, allowing telcos to deliver efficiencies, reduce operational complexity, simplify the infrastructure, and futureproof the radio access network.”

Accelerating the commercial deployment of Open RAN

The HPE Open RAN Solution Stack allows telcos to allocate resources where needed, delivering increased network agility, efficiency and flexibility. Designed from the ground up to support RAN workloads, the HPE Open RAN Solution Stack enables customers to futureproof their RAN and protect their investment by gaining the ability to support new multivendor technologies in a low risk environment.

The key to deploying Open RAN at scale is the ability to manage and orchestrate workloads across thousands of edge sites. HPE’s tried and tested management and orchestration software is ready for deployment in live Open RAN instances. It brings key innovations, including intent-based orchestration and AI/ML based automation solutions. This allows telcos to manage thousands of virtual machines (VMs), and hundreds of different virtual network functions (VNFs) and containerized network functions (CNFs) across the entire network.

Another crucial element is access to low risk, pre-validated telco-optimized technology blueprints. The small number of open RAN deployments currently live are built on bespoke configurations that are not designed to be replicated across thousands of sites. Telco Infrastructure Blueprints from HPE solve this challenge, reducing the risk, complexity and speed of deployment, whilst allowing for software from a variety of vendors. HPE is collaborating with Intel to develop a verified reference configuration built to help customers simplify the path to virtualized RAN (vRAN), establishing a foundation of hardened hardware, firmware and software that reduces time to market and operational complexities for both telcos and technology partners.

HPE CTG is committed to creating a vibrant ecosystem of partners to reduce the risk of deploying open, multivendor 5G networks. The HPE 5G Core Stack has already gained support from many industry leaders and with the launch of the HPE Open RAN Solution Stack, HPE is encouraging telcos, systems integrators, network equipment providers, and software vendors to come together to test, validate and pre-integrate their Open RAN technologies in order to deliver open, best of breed solutions.

The HPE Open RAN Solution Stack is launched with the brand new HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen10 Plus server that is highly optimized for the vRAN workloads that telcos demand:

· Open, standards-based architecture — Supporting multi-vendor software-based RAN solutions

· Powerful compute capabilities — Backed by upcoming 3rd Generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors delivering the performance and low power consumption required for RAN sites

· Carrier-grade ruggedized NEBS Level 3 and GR 3108-compliant platform — Designed for the far edge

· Reduced overall power consumption and footprint — Supporting the functionality of baseband unit, fronthaul gateway and cell site router in a highly optimized single short-depth 1U/1P server

· Accelerator options — Driving the performance-sensitive, packet-processing vRAN workload

· Consistency from core to edge — Delivering the trusted HPE ProLiant security and manageability experience, including silicon root of trust

The HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen10 Plus server is the latest addition to HPE’s comprehensive hardware portfolio for communications service providers, which also includes HPE Edgeline Converged Edge Systems. The Edgeline EL8000 family of rugged multi-blade servers offer a large-accelerator capability and can also accommodate a variety of 5G vRAN scenarios, as well as non-RAN workload such as multi-access edge compute (MEC). The HPE ProLiant DL360 is also a good option for centralized RAN deployment.

5G Core trials by Orange and HPE

Now generally available worldwide, the HPE 5G Core Stack is an open, cloud-native, containerized 5G core network software stack that unlocks the full potential of 5G. It offers slicing and end-to-end automation, enabling telcos to deliver differentiated quality services across their existing and future networks.

Orange, one of the world’s largest mobile network operators, is on a journey to transform to an open, multivendor cloud approach for 5G. The company is conducting multiple trials to ensure it is ready for this significant transformation. A demo with HPE and Casa Systems at their Lab in France was successfully realized last year.

“In 2020 together with HPE, we achieved the first call on a multivendor 5G standalone network chain. Now we are going further and are testing the concept of a 100% software-based, data and AI-driven, fully automated 5G Core,” said Emmanuel Bidet, VP, Convergent Networks Control, Orange Group. “HPE is an important partner with a long history in core networks and OSS systems, a good understanding of our multivendor needs, and experience of horizontal and vertical integration from application to infrastructure. HPE brings a set of cloud native, standards-compliant network functions, and the automation of slice management that can be replicated for end to end integration in each country. The first results are really encouraging and Orange appreciate the strong involvement from HPE teams.”

With the HPE 5G Core Stack, telcos can bring in network functions as needed, enabling them to respond to market developments, avoid vendor lock-in and futureproof the network for forthcoming milestones in 5G standards. It can be deployed, tested and commissioned in less than an hour – more than 10x faster than a traditional core solution. It is simple to operate and offers unlimited scalability thanks to its true cloud-native design.

In line with the founding principle of HPE CTG, the HPE 5G Core Stack combines the best of HPE’s software and hardware expertise with this solution available today as a pre-integrated software and hardware platform via HPE GreenLake. By deploying the HPE 5G Core Stack on a pay-as-you-use basis with HPE Greenlake, telcos can deploy a 5G core network with reduced risk and little upfront investment by aligning costs to the number of subscribers.

HPE – a trusted and proven partner to telcos

HPE CTG continues a legacy of more than 30 years of experience in the telecoms industry, with more than 300 telco customers in 160 countries and 850 million mobile devices worldwide connected to HPE software. HPE CTG plays an important role in advancing HPE’s edge-to-cloud platform as-a-service strategy and uniquely brings together both enterprise and telco solutions that can bridge from the enterprise edge, across the telco network into multiple clouds. The CTG portfolio includes: open, cloud-native, flexible solutions; pre-integrated stacks and blueprints; automation and operations software; secure, resilient carrier-grade IT infrastructure; and enterprise connectivity with edge networking solutions from Aruba.

Availability

The HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen10 Plus server will be available worldwide in Q2 2021.

 

Business World

Comment on vulnerabilities in VMware vCenter Server from Tenable

Feb 26, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Satnam Narang, #Staff Research Engineer, #Tenable

“At least four proof-of-concept exploit scripts for CVE-2021-21972, a critical remote code execution flaw in VMWare’s vCenter Server solution are currently available. We know that the availability of proof-of-concept code or exploit scripts following the publication of a critical vulnerability is a boon for threat actors.

“While some cybercriminals may be adept at developing their own proof-of-concept exploits, threat actors are keen on leveraging what’s publicly available, as evidenced in the Copy Paste Compromises report from the Australian Cyber Security Centre in June 2020 that arrived at the same conclusion.

“There are confirmed reports that attackers are probing for vulnerable vCenter Server systems. According to a Shodan search, there are over 6,700 publicly accessible vCenter Servers. Coupled with the availability of these exploit scripts, it is all the more imperative for organizations to apply the available patches immediately instead of relying on temporary workarounds.”– Satnam Narang, Staff Research Engineer, Tenable