Month: July 2023

Winners were awarded prizes by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Minister for Education, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong

 

A tool to help regulators detect potential suspects of insider trading created by students of Nanyang Technological University, Amity University, and Dwarkadas College of Engineering took the top student prize at the third edition of the Singapore-India Hackathon, jointly organised by India's Ministry of Education's All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). The top winner in the startup category, Haqdarshak won for enabling 2.8 million Indians to unlock close to SGD 700 million in government welfare services. Held under the G20 Presidency in IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the hackathon’s finale brought together the best start-ups and students from India and Singapore. It was attended by over 600 students, start-ups, investors, policymakers, corporates, and academics.

 

India’s Minister for Education, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Wong presented the prizes to winning teams of the student and start-up categories. The top three student teams, Team Foxtrot, Team Charli and Team Lima, won S$15,000/ INR 9 lakh, S$10,000/INR 6 lakh, and S$7,000/INR 4 Lakh respectively. The top three start-ups, Haqdarshak, Pawsible Food and Pints, won S$20,000/INR 12 lakh, S$15,000/INR 9 lakh, and S$10,000/INR 6 lakh respectively.

 

Mr Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Singapore said, “The Singapore-India Hackathon is unique and precious. It is supported by the leaders of both the countries and is conceived from [PM] Modi’s vision. I am very happy to come to Gandhinagar for the finale event for the first time post [Covid-19] pandemic. The Hackathon brings our best youths and minds to solve global challenges together.”

 

The teams competed to showcase solutions for six problem statements – Financial Fraud Detection, Financial Inclusion and Credit Offering, Sea-level Rise and Coastal Flooding, Optimising Food Recycling, Monitoring Carbon Footprint, and boosting Singapore-India Trade Connectivity. 

 

The Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, initiated the first Singapore-India Hackathon in 2018 on an official visit to Singapore, with the past two events held in Singapore in 2018 and India in 2019 at IIT Madras.

 

In a written message PM Modi sent, he said, “The Singapore India Hackathon comes at a time when India has assumed the presidency of G20. The mantra of the G20 Presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, is the manifestation of ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the world is one family. The essence of this vision is to come together to build a shared future. The Singapore-India Hackathon is an initiative that encapsulates this noble thought.”

 

During his address at the Hackathon, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Skills Development & Entrepreneurship, India, said, “Knowledge is power’, goes the old saying. It was as relevant in the past as it is today. The modern day development rests on three axis: knowledge, research and innovation. Singapore is a knowledge-based economy. It has transformed itself through knowledge and excellence in education in the last 30-40 years. Through NEP 2020, India has made great strides in becoming a knowledge-based society. The next 25 years of Amrit Kaal are full of promise and potential for India and close collaboration through initiatives like Singapore-India Hackathon would help in knowledge transfers between our two countries.”

 

This year’s Singapore-India Hackathon brought together not only research-intensive academic institutions like NTU Singapore and IIT Gandhinagar, but also leading corporates and the public sector from both nations to mentor the aspiring entrepreneurs for building start-ups that impact some of the world’s most pressing global challenges.

 

Ganesh Pandey from Haqdarshak was the First Prize in the Startup Track. His team was working on Delivering Financial Literacy at Scale. He mentioned, “Our participation in the Singapore India Hackathon was a remarkable experience that enabled us to engage with promising startups, talented students, and key stakeholders from India and Singapore, while gaining valuable insights into fintech, ESG, and sustainability. Our win has further strengthened our belief in our mission to transform lives and create a financially secure future for all.”

 

Dishant Zaveri from the winning student team summed up, “Singapore India Hackathon was a great learning and a life-changing experience for us and we are thankful to the organisers. Never stop dreaming”. Working in a team of four students comprising two from Singapore and two from India, the team was working on Financial Fraud Detection.

 

NTU Vice President (Industry) and Hackathon Patron Professor Lam Khin Yong said, “NTU broadened the tent this year and brought together some of the most prestigious private and public sector partners in Singapore and India in our Triple Helix Partnership model involving academia, industry, and public agencies. These diverse stakeholders can support our students and start-ups in the creation of impactful solutions that can stand the test of the market.” 

 

Building partnerships to address global challenges

The support for the Singapore-India Hackathon from the highest levels is emblematic of the growing ties between the two nations. Today, Singapore is the highest foreign direct investor in India with investment of US$137 billion accounting for roughly 25 per cent of its overall foreign direct investment inflow. More than 10,000 Indian companies are registered in Singapore, making India the number one source of foreign companies in Singapore.

 

India’s ongoing efforts to become more business and investor-friendly, while also helping Indian start-ups to grow was echoed by Dr. Abhay Jere, AICTE Vice Chairman and a Patron of the Singapore-India Hackathon. He said, “India is now the world’s start-up nation due to our systematic efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship after 2014. In 2016, AICTE conceptualized the Smart India Hackathon, which has now emerged as the world's biggest Hackathon and one of the large open-innovation models to crowdsource solutions from our vibrant youth. We are delighted to partner with NTU Singapore to provide our youth a global platform.”

 

Forging student partnerships through problem-solving

The Singapore-India Hackathon 2023 finale saw an intense final round in which 12 teams of two Indian and two Singaporean students competed in a 36-hour hackathon on 14-15 July at IIT Gandhinagar. Twenty-four start-up companies from India and Singapore also showcased their stellar solutions.

 

Professor Louis Phee, NTU Vice President (Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Dean of the College of Engineering and Hackathon Patron said, “The Hackathon provides aspiring entrepreneurs from Singapore and India with invaluable opportunities to learn, exchange ideas and embark on a transformative learning journey that nurtures their entrepreneurial spirit and empowers them to create impactful solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.”

 

Sponsors and supporters of the Singapore India Hackathon 2023 include the Monetary Authority of Singapore, DBS Bank, KPMG, TATA AIA Life Insurance, Confederation of Indian Industries, High Commission of Singapore in New Delhi, Consulate-General of Singapore in Mumbai, Enterprise Singapore, Indian Scholars Association, NTUitive, SGInnovate, Singapore Fintech Festival, IIT Gandhinagar, and TiE Singapore. 

 

Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore explained how the Singapore-India Hackathon provides an ideal platform for building a holistic ecosystem for start-ups: “India has great capacity and capability of talent, and Singapore has enormous capital. When you combine the three, you have a winning formula of pairing the best talent with enough capital to build companies that can succeed and positively impact society.”

 

Sponsors provided support from generous cash awards, mentorship by top industry leaders, fast-track job and internship placements, and stipends. The winning start-up is also guaranteed automatic entry into the iconic Singapore Fintech Festival Hackathon, alongside the chance to win S$50,000.

 

Mr Surojit Shome, DBS India CEO, and sponsor said: “We are proud to partner with NTU and be a part of the Singapore India Hackathon 2023. DBS Bank has sponsored two unique challenges in the Hackathon, one on facilitating cross-border trade for SMEs and the other on solutions for sustainably achieving zero food waste. Coinciding with India’s presidency of the G20 this year, this association underscores DBS Bank’s commitment to fostering increased collaboration between Singapore and India.”

 

Another sponsor, Mr. Venky Iyer, President and Chief Distribution Officer, TATA AIA Life Insurance and sponsor, said: “We are excited to be part of the Singapore-India Hackathon, which aims to find innovative solutions to global and locally relevant issues of environment, financial inclusion and sustainability. Guided by the ethos of Tata and AIA group, we are committed to contributing to this important collaborative endeavour between India and Singapore.”

– 18 Days | 75 motorcyclists | 3,050 Kms adventure 

– Ride to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass at 19,024 ft

Amid the thunderous roaring of over 75 Royal Enfield motorcycles, the 19th edition of Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey was flagged off from Delhi today. Embarking on an 18-day adventure ride, 75 riders will traverse approximately 3050 km to reach Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world, via some of the most breath-taking terrains in northern India.

Flagged off in the traditional Ladakhi ceremony, the riding contingent was blessed by Buddhist lamas who chanted prayers to bless the riders at the flag-off ceremony. This year, participants for Himalayan Odyssey congregated from across the world like Netherlands, Singapore as well as from cities like Madurai, Kasargod, Srivilliputhur among others, to be a part of this epic ride. The entire contingent was flagged off from Delhi, and follow the Jammu-Srinagar route and make a stop at the Kargil War memorial, Dras, to pay homage to our martyrs. From Kargil, the team will move towards Leh and then ride to Umling La. From the top of the world, the riding contingent will traverse towards the picturesque landscape of Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley traversing the rugged Sarchu route, to reach Manali and end the ride at Chandigarh. Riding through Ladakh will challenge the rider in terms of weather and terrain, while also experiencing an adventure of a lifetime. With a view to reducing the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas and also raising awareness about environment-friendly tourism, this edition of the Himalayan Odyssey will continue to root for the adoption of Responsible Travel practices by its riding community, in a bid to #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield said, “The Himalayas have always been our spiritual home, and Himalayan Odyssey is a tribute to our undying spirit of exploration and motorcycle adventure. Since its inception in 1997, when 15 bravehearts embarked on the first Himalayan Odyssey to today when we have 75 adventurists embarking on this, journey, Himalayan Odyssey has become a journey of self-discovery and human endurance that inspires and enables riders to fulfill their dream of riding to the Himalayas. Each year, we see participants in huge numbers joining us on the Himalayan Odyssey ride where we not only help them explore the beautiful Ladakh region, but also become more environmentally conscious and responsible on the journey. This year too, we will continue our efforts to preserve and sustain the delicate Himalayan environment through our 'Responsible Travel' initiative and inculcate the adoption of sustainable travel practices within the riding community.”

Traversing through some of the roughest terrains and highest mountain passes in the world, the Himalayan Odyssey contingent will continue to promote the concept of a responsible motorcycle journey through various efforts. In 2019, Royal Enfield took it upon themselves to reduce the plastic waste footprint generated due to Himalayan Odyssey by ensuring that the participants do not buy single-use plastic water bottles. This was made possible by carrying water filtration units during the ride so that the participants can fill their reusable water bottles and hydration bags when required. In addition to that, the team also placed filtration units at the Royal Enfield service center in Keylong and Leh as well as at camps in Nubra, Debring, and Sarchu, so that the people visiting these camps can access clean drinking water without having to purchase water bottles. This exercise on Himalayan Odyssey 2019 gave birth to the concept of ‘Leave Every Place Better’ which is now an overarching theme for all the rides and events at Royal Enfield.

Ride Route:

Nos	Date	Start	Destination	Kms
1	14/07	New Delhi		–
2	15/07	New Delhi		–
3	16/07	New Delhi	Chandigarh	270
4	17/07	Chandigarh	Jammu	260
5	18/07	Jammu	Srinagar	310
6	19/07	Srinagar	Kargil	202
7	20/07	Kargil	Leh	210
8	21/07	Leh		–
9	22/07	Leh	Hanle	260
10	23/07	Hanle	Umling La – Hanle	200
11	24/07	Hanle	Pangong Tso	188
12	25/07	Pangong Tso	Nubra	220
13	26/07	Nubra	Leh	160
14	27/07	Leh		–
15	28/07	Leh	Sarchu	250
16	29/07	Sarchu	Manali	180
17	30/07	Manali	Chandigarh	300
18	31/07	Chandigarh	Check-out

For more information on this ride, log in to- Himalayan Odyssey

Hashtags:  #HO2023 | #HimalayanOdyssey | #RoyalEnfield

Bank of India – a major public sector bank with a significant international presence – today launched its IFSC Banking Unit and NRI Help Centre. Located in GIFT City Gandhinagar, the IFSC Banking Unit will provide a range of global banking financial solutions, including External Commercial Borrowing (ECBs), Trade Finance Facilities, Foreign Currency Loans, Syndication Loans (Origination, Underwriting & Distribution), Foreign Currency Deposit Accounts as well as Current & Term Deposits, besides offering digital banking facilities through transaction-based Internet Banking facility to its clients.

The NRI Help Centre will provide comprehensive support and services to NRI customers. The Centre will be staffed by trained officers who will assist people with a wide range of needs and customer support. The NRI Help Centre will have a dedicated team of officers working in shifts from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. It will ensure extended support to NRIs across different time zones. A recorded ISD Telephone line +91 79 6924 1100 and a dedicated email ID FEBO.NRI@bankofindia.co.in has been established for any assistance. This Centre will also assist the bank’s branches in resolving issues faced by NRI customers during branch visits.

The IFSC Banking Unit and NRI Help Centre were inaugurated by Shri Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO of Bank of India, in the presence of the Bank’s Executive Director Shri Swarup Dasgupta and IFSCA Executive Director Shri Pravin Trivedi on 12 July 2023.

Shri Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO, Bank of India, said: “The launch of the IFSC Banking Unit and NRI Help Centre is a significant milestone in Bank of India’s journey to becoming a global bank. The Bank aims to touch a business of USD 4 billion with equal distributions of advances and deposits in the subsequent three years by March 2027 through its IFSC banking unit at GIFT City.”

Through its NRI Help Centre, Bank of India strives to enhance the banking experience of NRIs and reinforce its commitment to their financial needs. This Centre will work as a back office for foreign exchange transactions of NRI customers, including inward remittances, outward remittances and centralised account opening. The NRI Help Centre will have an NRI welcome centre for one-to-one meeting opportunities during their visits, especially the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. 

Redefines pediatric healthcare with a dedicated, state-of-the-art pediatrics arm for childcare

o   Comprehensive care for children across primary to quaternary care with the best clinical outcomes

o   400+ specialised pediatricians to provide 25+ specialised pediatric care spread across 40+ hospitals

o   Advanced treatment facility for Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care

o   Consultant Led 24*7 Pediatric Emergency Services

 

 Building on its 40-year legacy of clinical excellence, Apollo, the world’s largest vertically integrated healthcare provider, today, announced the launch of Apollo Children’s – India’s largest, dedicated and most comprehensive network for Pediatric care. With a wide network of 40+ hospitals, 900 + dedicated beds for pediatric care, 400+ specialised pediatricians providing services across 25+ specialised pediatric care specialities. 

The Department of Pediatrics at Apollo is known, for its excellence in India and beyond. Be it the care of the extremely pre-term neonate or children with multi-organ dysfunction, Apollo is one of the leaders in advanced treatment facility for comprehensive pediatric care.

Apollo Children’s will offer specialized interventions for complex medical and surgical pediatric conditions, including congenital disorders, gastrointestinal and liver disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiac conditions, renal disease, oncology, and liver transplants. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, Apollo Children's prioritizes delivering the highest quality care to children in need.

Recognizing the need to transform pediatric care in the country, Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo said, “Over the last 40 years Apollo has been able to build a formidable reputation in pediatric care that is rooted in our understanding of the unique needs of children. Our efforts have resulted in delivering world class care to children not only in India but also from more than 50 other countries. With our highly skilled pediatric specialists, Apollo Children’s is designed to be a one-stop destination where children receive the highest quality of care across all aspects of their health. Recognizing the need to cover the entire spectrum of a child's development, we aim to provide multidimensional and the most advanced care to children, setting new benchmarks in pediatric care.”

Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo said, “Patient centricity is at the core of what we do at Apollo. With the largest dedicated number of multidisciplinary paediatricians, legacy of best patient outcomes and use of best technology, we are all set to revolutionize pediatric care in India. Helming this transformation, Apollo Children’s will be India’s finest healthcare facilities backed by multi-disciplinary expertise and treatment infrastructure. Through our comprehensive approach, cutting-edge technology, and emphasis on family-centered care, we will continue to be at the forefront of providing the best pediatric care in the country.”

What sets Apollo Children's apart is its unwavering commitment to 24/7 pediatric emergency and pediatric intensive care services. The dedicated emergency department is staffed by expert pediatric specialists and equipped with advanced life-saving equipment, ensuring immediate and efficient management of Pediatric emergencies. Parents can trust that their children will receive prompt and expert care in times of sudden illness, injury, or any other medical emergency.

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo said, “Our primary objective is to foster a child-friendly environment that ensures personalized attention and care of the highest order. We are committed to providing comprehensive pediatric care at every step of the way, from minor colds to major surgeries. We strive for pediatric clinical excellence in India and beyond. We are equipped to handle all cases, including those requiring multi-disciplinary expertise and treatment infrastructure. Our specialized approach caters to the unique needs of children, and we will continue to leverage the expertise of our accomplished medical professionals and cutting-edge facilities to provide world-class care to our young patients.”

Sindoori Reddy, COO, Southern Region, Apollo Hospitals said: “ With this, Apollo Children’s will provide services across the spectrum – from primary and secondary care to tertiary and quaternary care, making it the most preferred destination for 24*7 Pediatric care.  Apollo Children’s offers over 25 specialties that include Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Heart Transplantation, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric oncology, Pediatric Robotics, Urology, Neonatalogy etc. to name a few.”

 

Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director & Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals said “Apollo has been a leader in pediatric care and has been the first to establish an integrated ecosystem for the care of children. Apollo Indraprastha Delhi was the first hospital in India to perform a first successful pediatric liver transplant in 1998. Since then, over 500 pediatric liver transplants have been performed. Highly complicated pediatric robotic, pediatric and neonatal cardiac surgeries, bone marrow transplants, kidney transplants are performed with outcomes comparable to the best published international outcomes.  Now, with the launch of Apollo Children’s, we are confident that we shall make a profound impact on the way holistic neonatal, pediatric  and adolescent care is delivered in the country. ”

Apollo is India’s largest pediatric tertiary and quaternary care provider with its vertically integrated ecosystem providing parents several care touch points across Apollo Children’s, Clinics, 24/7 and many more. Recognised by the National Board of Examinations, Apollo currently has 49 pediatric and pediatric sub-specialty DNB seats across its hospitals that aim to provide highest quality of post graduate training in pediatrics and pediatric super specialities like pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric oncology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology and others.

Cultivating Educational Alliances Across Borders

 

In an exciting development, another university from New Zealand is on the cusp of finalizing an agreement with Mumbai's Bombay Stock Exchange Institute, a premier subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in Asia, established 148 years ago. This collaboration will pave the way for Indian students to enrich their learning experiences in Aotearoa.

 

Earlier, the University of Canterbury and the University of Otago had set the trend by initiating similar agreements with Indian institutions. These alliances have created a model that allows students to embark on their academic journey in India and complete their course in New Zealand, thereby qualifying for a Post Study Work Visa.

 

In response to this innovative approach, Raghwa Gopal, CEO of M Square Media (MSM), an educational management company, stated, “Fostering such international collaborations is critical for the growth and diversification of global education. It's a win-win situation for students and universities alike.”

 

Averting Crisis Through International Collaboration

 

These collaborative programs were initially impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19, leading to a noticeable dip in the number of international students. However, the educational institutions remained undeterred, looking for creative ways to tackle the situation. The New Zealand government also stepped in, offering substantial financial support to struggling universities and tertiary institutions.

 

Commenting on this situation, Gopal noted, “The pandemic posed significant challenges to the education sector. But the unwavering spirit of the educators and the supportive approach of the government are commendable. It illustrates the resilience and adaptability of the education industry.”

 

A New Era in Educational Exchange

 

Quality NZ Education, formed during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been instrumental in establishing these pathway programs, connecting Indian students with New Zealand universities. A fresh perspective on education emerged during these challenging times, opening up learning possibilities beyond borders.

 

Reflecting on the innovative shift, Gopal added, “The pandemic, despite its numerous challenges, has compelled us to re-think traditional methods and explore innovative approaches in education. The shift to introduce programs independent of border control demonstrates this progressive thinking.”

 

Anticipating Future Trends

 

According to the CEO of MSM, India's role in global education is anticipated to grow substantially. He stated, “Predictions indicate that by 2027, India will surpass China as the largest contributor to the international student body. It's crucial for countries like New Zealand to capitalize on these impending trends.”

 

Through these collaborations, New Zealanders are also interested in studying disciplines like well-being, Ayurveda, and yoga in India, indicating a potential two-way educational exchange between the countries.

 

Gopal concluded by saying, “The future of global education lies in these multi-faceted exchanges. It's an exciting time for international education, with these alliances serving as a blueprint for future collaborations.”

 

These collaborative agreements signify a landmark development in the domain of international education. As educational institutions across the globe adapt to evolving circumstances, they are increasingly recognizing the need for mutual growth and the sharing of resources. It is this spirit of collaboration and adaptability that will continue to drive the global education sector toward new heights.