Assessment leaders reveal global best practices at Pearson VUE seminars

International assessment leaders, employers, higher education academics and association bodies from the UK, US and India will meet at two exclusive seminars hosted by Pearson VUE, the global leader in computer-based testing, to reveal and debate global best practices.

The theme of the events, taking place at the end of the month in Delhi and Chennai, is: “Evaluating candidate aptitude and skills through assessments: Creating quality examinations for higher education and professionals in India”.

Pearson VUE’s Divyalok Sharma, senior director of client development, and Dr Gary Gates, senior vice president of global business, will lead the event. Industry leaders will take part in panel debates and give presentations on topics ranging from technologies in the assessment space, psychometrics, and online proctoring, to the importance of skills-focused certification.

Mr. Sharma said: “These events are a wonderful opportunity for a meeting of the minds from the world of assessment. Thought leaders across a wide range of organisations will bring their valuable expertise and observations together with the aim of learning from each other to raise assessment standards even further.”

At the Delhi event, speakers include: Prof. Furqan Qamar, secretary general, Association of Indian Universities;  Dr. Rupamanjari Ghosh, vice chancellor, Shiv Nadar University and co-chair, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ranjit Madan, CEO, Life Sciences Sector Skills Development Council; and Maheshwer Peri, founder and chairman, Careers 360.

Speakers at the Chennai event include: Dr. Sandeep Sancheti, vice chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Dr. Balakrishna Shetty, vice chancellor of Sri Siddhartha University.

To register for the Delhi event on 29 August at 9am, go to the bit.ly/2LN7NgR website.

Star Air - A new Airline by Sanjay Ghodawat Group is all set to Takeoff

It has been a known fact that the aviation industry has witnessed an exponential growth in the recent years. Although a lot of new airports have been operationalized, the airlines are constrained to provide direct (no transit) flights from these airports. Envisioning this demand of smaller business jets flying directly from A to B, the Sanjay Ghodawat Group - a reputed business house in India with over 20 business verticals, have entered the aviation with a promising new airline - Star Air.

Headquartered in the Bangalore International Airport, Star Air has been established with a view of serving the common man, with an experience like that of a business class. "What we aim for is to create the right balance between a common man's pocket and the expectations which he holds from an airline," quoted Capt. Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air. "In due course time, we aim to provide an all jet engine fleet connecting new city pairs," he added.

Introducing the Embraer ERJ-145 for the first time in India in commercial airline, Star Air has smartly chalked out a road map, which seems to go a long way. The plane, till date, was the chosen favourite of the business class as private business jets. Starting off with a fleet of two aircrafts, the airline is planning a steady expansion.

Under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, launched by the Govt. of India, Star Air has bagged three routes under their wings:

Hubli - Pune 

Hubli - Hindon (Delhi) 

Hubli - Tirupathi 

The airline is yet to disclose its routes from Bangalore and other cities.

Though the airline is a greenhorn, the team is full of experience and high spirits. Headed by Capt. Tiwana, who believes in leading by example, the highly skilled team is backed by the parent team of The Sanjay Ghodawat Group. "Our Chairman has a vision to Connect the Real India. We have taken the first step. Now, our entire focus remains on providing best-in-class service," stated Capt. Tiwana.

The airline is all set to takeoff, with its first flight expected in mid-July 2018.

Megha Gas, an Eco-friendly Green Fuel for Household and Commercial Purposes

Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) has embarked on a mission to supply natural gas to households and commercial establishments. A first-of-its-kind in the Rural India, MEIL has executed gas distribution projects in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, Tumkur and Belgavi districts of Karnataka. Performance of these projects has already been tested. "Soon commercial operations would be launched officially." said Mr. Rajesh Reddy, Associate Vice President, Hydrocarbons, MEIL in a press release today. Filling stations have been set up in Agiripalli and Kanuru in Krishna district and underground pipeline system for supply of gas was put in place. Likewise, Tumkur and Belgavi districts in Karnataka too are all set to have piped gas supply. MEIL has come up with eco-friendly methods to supply Megha Gas to households of rural and urban areas, for commercial needs. This would not only enhance living standards of people but also helps enriching society with the fruits of infrastructure. MEIL is making strides in these three districts with a motto of 'Green Fuel and Clean Fuel'. It has kept in place the basic infrastructure to supply gas to address the needs of industry and transport sector.

MEIL would get natural gas supplies from ONGC. ONGC has recently launched natural gas production in Nagayalanka of Krishna district on commercial scale. Megha will soon enter into a commercial agreement with ONGC to get a supply of 90,000 SCMD (Standard Cubic Meter per Day) of gas from this center.

'Megha Gas - It's Smart … It's Good' - Megha Gas will soon hit the market by launching gas supply services with the above tag line. It will bring natural gas to households, commercial establishments, industrial houses and transport vehicles at an affordable price. To begin with, gas supply services will be launched in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Tumkur and Belgavi districts of Karnataka. MEIL has laid 571 KM long, steel MDPE pipeline to supply gas from mother station located at Agiripalli. It passes through Agiripalli, Thotapalli, BB Gudem, Gollanapalli, Surampalli, Kesarapalli, Nunna Bypass, Enikepadu, Poranki, Nuziveedu, Mustabad, Gannavaram, Chopparametla villages. Some of the households en route the pipeline have already been given gas connections. Megha Gas has made all arrangements to supply gas to a few commercial establishments during this year itself.

In Tumkur district of Karnataka too, Megha has put in place necessary infrastructure to supply gas to households. A 300 kilometre long pipeline has been laid in areas like Vakkodi, Heggeri, Gollahalli, Gollarahati, Kuppur, Dasamuddepalya, Siragate, Dibbur, Gulur, Santapet, Maralurur Dinne, Settihalli, Jayanagar, Gokul Extension, Khyatisandra, Heerehalli area, Manchikal, Kuppe, Batwadi, Hanumathapura in Tumkur dist. In addition to this 75 km long MDPE pipeline has been laid in Sadasiva Nagar, Banasankari, Mandipet, Gandhi Nagar, Chikpet areas. In Belgavi district 350 km long steel, MDPE pipeline has been laid connecting areas like Basavanna Kolla, Auto Nagar, Ramteertha Nagar, Asoka Circle, Azad Nagar, Chennamma Circle, Maruti Nagar, Sadasiva Nagar. Megha Gas will bring 50,000 SCMD of natural gas to Belgavi district.

To have a close and continuous relationship with consumers and to address their grievances, Megha Gas has come up with an exclusive Mobile App and a dedicated website. It has also brought out a loyalty card exclusively for its consumers to extend benefits of being a loyal customer of Megha Gas.

A Healthy Renal Diet can Help Extend the Life of Your Kidneys: DaVita MD

DaVita Kidney Care (India) Pvt. Ltd, a leading provider of kidney care services in India, on the occasion of World Nutrition Day (May 28) emphasized the importance of a kidney-friendly diet while undergoing renal treatment.

Aditya Singh, Managing Director, DaVita Care (India) Pvt. Ltd., said, "Our 'Zero Compromise Dialysis' policy reflects in our holistic approach to dialysis treatment with extensive patient counselling and integrated treatment plans including individualized diet plans for patients. DaVita believes in a preventive approach to renal health problems and our no-cost resources such as kidney-friendly recipes and no-cost kidney screenings are geared towards spreading awareness on kidney health."

"DaVita is proud to participate in TCS World 10K, held on May 27, this year to support the cause of kidney awareness and kidney health. At DaVita, we believe understanding the kidneys - our body's filtration system - is the first step in taking charge of our kidney health. Participating in TCS World 10Kis one of our many initiatives to raise awareness about kidney disease and its management," he added.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is an annual 10 kilometers road running competition which takes place every year in Bengaluru, India. This year, approximately 24,000 runners took to the roads of Bengaluru for five different races in what has become an annual event on the third Sunday in May and has emerged as Asia's leading run over the past nine years.

DaVita in India provides a wealth of no-cost diet resources - kidney-friendly recipes and diet tips - to raise awareness on kidney health and help those living with a kidney ailment better manage their disease. Each recipe on the website is created with the dietary needs of those undergoing renal treatment in mind.

Speaking on the importance of a renal diet plan Swathi K. Sreekanta, Sr. consultant dietitian, DaVita Care (India) Pvt. Ltd., said, "A nutritious diet is necessary for every individual. The emphasis on good nutrition increases in the presence of an illness. With kidney disease, malnutrition is extremely common. Lack of appetite leaves the patient eating meagre amounts with little nutrition. Optimum nutrition needs to be the main dietary goal in a patient with kidney illness. A well-planned diet provides the kidney with the essential nutrients to continue its residual functioning and prevents further damage by not overloading it."

"A balanced diet ensures efficient functioning of the body. While an excess of food consumption may lead to weight gain, too few calorie intakes can lead to weight and muscle loss. Taking care of your daily nutrition intake becomes even more important when suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Adhering to an individualized meal plan by a trained renal dietitian can not only help keep you healthy but also extend the life of your kidneys," she added.

Swathi further explains the benefits of a healthy and nutritious diet regime.

"If you eat a diet that is kidney-friendly, you are not taxing your kidneys. Some of the benefits of a renal-friendly diet include reduced load on kidneys and maintenance of residual function, improved energy to perform day-to-day activities, better infection control, reduced symptoms such as itching, nausea, weakness, improved muscle growth and better control of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac ailments," she added.

When kidney function deteriorates, it becomes difficult for kidneys to remove protein waste and minerals. It often requires dialysis (depending on the stage of chronic kidney disease). Each person's kidney diet prescription varies but the main nutrients that are generally limited in a kidney diet include protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Fluid restriction when necessary is of utmost importance. 

What’s your Skin-töhl?

A finely made leather accessory affirms luxury and your choice of a handbag speaks volumes of your style. A handbag serves as both; a necessity as well as a statement piece. Eyeing this space in the market The Sac and Satchel Company has launched its brand, töhl. Ranging from hand and shoulder bags, to totes, backpacks, clutches and wallets, the töhl product range is versatile, utilitarian and thoughtfully crafted for varied purposes.

 Töhl combines the best of contemporary styling, technology and the legacy of time-honored handcrafted leather smithing traditions to manufacture the bags. ‘töhl’, meaning skin in Tamil, is a brand synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. The leathers are handpicked and treated with artisanal respect using processes that meet international standards.

 Defined by its minimalist style, the product range has an old-world charm combined with understated modern elegance. The brand and its product range are perfectly suited to the urban lifestyle, combining functionality and aesthetics. töhl’s clientele is women who balance the many roles of contemporary life, whilst holding on to a sense and expression of personal style.

 With 25 years of industry experience exporting leather bags and accessories to Europe the finest product range is now accessible at your fingertips. All the products are made in India with a manufacturing facility in Chennai

.

Price Range: INR 990 – INR 8500 Availability: tohl.in

Manish Malhotra to mentor students online at INIFD & LST

Ace Bollywood Fashion Icon Manish Malhotra is all set to share his knowledge and expertise to Indian students by being their mentor. Mr. Malhotra has joined hands with INIFD & LST to impart specialized Fashion, education and training online. This ‘Learn with Manish Malhotra’ Program shall be available from the current academic session. 

Now every fashion enthusiast has the privilege and opportunity to learn from the Master himself, the finest nuances of the Fashion World. Mr. Malhotra will share his experience of last 28 years in Fashion & Bollywood Movies with students through the use of technology by providing extensive video lectures and online study material. Mr. Manish Malhotra will be providing specialized lectures covering the wide range of topics from Bollywood Costumes to Bridal Trousseau and from Men’s Apparel to preparing for the Fashion Weeks.

While Manish Malhotra will share his knowledge online, the Certified Faculty at INIFD Centres across India will provide the necessary skills to shape the career of budding designers. This unique blend of Fashion education will revolutionize the method of learning as students can now access the lectures of Maestro Manish Malhotra anywhere in the country with just a finger touch through a dedicated app.  

Mr. Manish Malhotra launched this ‘Learn from Manish Malhotra’ program in presence of INIFD Corporate Directors Ms. Ritu Kochhar, Mr. Ashok Kaushik and Executive Director London School of  Trends Mr. Sunny Somra.  Ms. Ritu Kochhar Director INIFD Corporate said that ‘shortly this coveted program ‘Learn from Manish Malhotra’ will be available to each and every Fashion Conscious Citizen who wants to gain insight and experience directly from the icon of the Fashion World – Mr. Manish Malhotra.’ The Centre Directors of INIFD Pune Deccan - Mr. Amar Khatri and Mr. Ashok Daryani said that ‘All students enrolled in academic session 2018 - 19 will get this exclusive opportunity to have ‘Learn from Manish Malhotra’ as part of their regular curriculum.’ 

The launch was done in the presence of the beautiful Mrs Universe Arab Asia (India) contestant - Khushboo Karva who visited the event as a Guest of Honor. She will be competing with leading ladies from across the globe in the month of December in Philippines and is an interior designer by profession. It was great to see the launch of the historic and prestigious event with the hands of a woman who has worked hard to be where she is today. 

Antuit Appoints Craig Silverman as Group Chief Executive Officer

 Antuit Group, a global analytics provider backed by Goldman Sachs and Zodius Capital, today announced that Craig Silverman has joined as Group Chief Executive Officer. The group’s solutions combine domain expertise and proprietary platforms with technologies like machine learning and AI to deliver advanced analytics solutions that drive revenue and margin growth, improve supply chain efficiency, enhance customer experience and manage cyber risks.

Silverman brings to Antuit an enviable track record of helping companies rapidly transform into digital data driven enterprises in retail, consumer goods, healthcare and manufacturing, along with extensive experience and expertise in advanced analytics, AI, cloud and innovation. Most recently as SVP Global Services for Qlik, Silverman led a team of 450 sales and delivery employees to accelerate customers' digital and data-driven journeys through data visualization, guided analytics and embedded analytics.

Prior to Qlik, Silverman led Accenture’s largest digital analytics practice, where he helped organizations leverage real-time, applied intelligence to enable personalized customer experiences and increased brand loyalty. Before Accenture, he delivered significant growth at IBM’s Retail Analytics and Retail eCommerce practices by helping customers drive digital transformation through omni-channel approaches across marketing, merchandising and supply chain management.

Silverman stated, "Antuit is uniquely poised to deliver insights that drive prescriptive actions and business transformation across an organization. Our data engineering, marketing and pricing analytics, forecasting and supply chain analytics, and cyber intelligence solutions capitalize on the power of Antuit’s talent and advanced technologies to empower businesses to predict, shape and fill demand while proactively managing security risks."

"Craig is the right CEO to lead Antuit through its next stage of growth and profitability. He has a strong track record of delivering outstanding results for business growth and expansion, and his vast analytics experience will deliver greater value for our customers. We are delighted to attract a leader with the vision and ability to build on our accomplishments and drive future success," commented Neeraj Bhargava, Chairman, Antuit.

Ankur Sahu, Co-Head of Private Equity at Goldman Sachs – Asia, said “Craig’s appointment as Group CEO marks a new chapter for Antuit. We are excited about Antuit’s progress to date, and are confident that under Craig’s leadership, the group will continue to innovate and execute to build an exceptional business.”