December 2023 - Page 3 of 4 -

HE 28TH EDITION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL (EUFF) IN DELHI HOSTED A SPECIAL SECTION, ‘BACHPAN’, FOR ITS YOUNG AUDIENCE IN COLLABORATION WITHSIFFCY, A SMILE FOUNDATION INITIATIVE

EUFF curated a special storyboard workshop with Jitendra Mishra, an independent filmmaker, producer, and festival director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY).

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) hosted a special section, BACHPAN, in collaboration with Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY), a Smile Foundation initiative. The workshop was attended by over 80 children from the Smile Foundation who had the rare opportunity to learn from masters in cinema about one of the most important aspects of filmmaking: storyboarding.

Speaking about the workshop, Jitendra Mishra, Festival Director of SIFFCY, said, “It is a privilege to host BACHPAN, a specially curated section in collaboration with the European Union Film Festival. Films are a child’s window to the world, and through BACHPAN, we hope to broaden the perspective of our young audiences. The workshop was focused on the art of storyboarding, one of the most important tools for taking the first step towards visualising a narrative. A powerful storyboard can help bring the narrative alive and leave a strong impact on the audience. Our workshop also introduced children to some techniques to aid the process of storyboarding while keeping them engaged and entertained as they learned the art of expression and creativity from some of the best global talent.”

The section, BACHPAN, began with the screening of two specially curated films, She-Hero from Slovakia and Icarus and the Minotaur from Luxembourg. Directed by Mira Fornay, She-Hero follows the journey of Romy as she roams alone through the forest on the outskirts of town in search of her escaped pet, Mimi. Directed by Carlo Vogele, Icarus and the Minotaur showcases the precious bond of friendship between Icarus and his ‘monster’ friend. The film culminates in a tragic choice for young Icarus between light and darkness.

Speaking on the special curation for the BACHPAN, Veronica Flora, Curator at EUFF 2023, said, “Cinema is a journey we undertake, where the narrative takes us into a world of alternate reality while also offering a glimpse of the larger world beyond our borders. The 28th edition of the European Union Film Festival features carefully curated films that offer audiences the opportunity to explore new emotions, diverse cultures, and the essence of humanity. The films for the specially curated section, BACHPAN, will resonate with our younger audience and compel them to think about and appreciate similarities across diverse cultures.”

The 28th edition of the film festival continues to captivate audiences in New Delhi across three prominent venues—the India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural Centre), and The Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan—running until December 10th, 2023. The Chennai chapter of the 28th edition, which follows Delhi screenings, will start from January 19th to 28th, 2024.

This year, the festival has an excellent line-up of films that have won accolades at top film festivals worldwide, including Cannes, the Academy Awards, the Venice Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and IFFI, among others. Rich in genre, the EUFF brings some of the best stories and creators from Europe to the Indian audience.

The ‘free for all’ festival, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to India, Embassies of EU Member States, and regional partners, brings to its audience an incredible cinematic experience with 28 films in 25 different languages from 28 European countries.

Dr. Nowhera Shaik Honored for Women’s Empowerment Achievements

Dr. Nowhera Shaik, President of the All India Mahila Empowerment Party and a prominent business figure, received recognition at the Times Exemplary Leaders award ceremony in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Honored for her outstanding contributions to women's empowerment, Dr. Shaik, a multifaceted individual known for her roles as an entrepreneur and politician, has left a lasting impact

As the executive chairperson and founder of Heera Group, she has significantly shaped the business landscape. Additionally, her role as the founder and current president of the All India Mahila Empowerment Party underscores her commitment to advancing women's empowerment and engaging in political advocacy.

Her journey began with a focus on addressing the educational needs of women. Initiating religious and scriptural lessons for girls at the age of 19, she later established a service-oriented educational institution in 1998. This institution, which started with 150 students, epitomizes her dedication to providing accessible learning opportunities, with 1200 students benefiting from free education.

Expanding her educational initiatives in 2007, Dr. Shaik established a residential school in Chandragiri village. Despite facing financial challenges, she demonstrated resilience by seeking alternative sources of income, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to empowering through education.

Recognition for Dr. Nowhera Shaik's impactful contributions includes awards like the Mumbai Ratan Award (2013), Bharat Gaurav Award (2014), and the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award. Global recognition came in the form of the Business Leadership Icon award in 2018, presented by a UAE government minister—an acknowledgment of her leadership in the business realm.

Despite her achievements, Dr. Shaik remains grounded in her mission. Her dedication to women's empowerment and education is evident, with a focus on uplifting the downtrodden and providing quality education for girls.

As the founder of the All India Mahila Empowerment Party and the Managing Director and CEO of The Heera Gold Group, Dr. Nowhera Shaik is set to enter the political arena, exemplifying a fusion of entrepreneurial success, social responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to empowering women through education and political representation.

India’s Cybersecurity Industry Shapes the Future of Digital Protection Worldwide: experts at cybersecurity summit

Cybersecurity summit held at Hyderabad

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where businesses are increasingly reliant on technology, the importance of cybersecurity has never been more pronounced. TCP Wave a trailblazer in providing DDI and ADC solutions, empowering businesses held a Cyber Security Summit on Wednesday evening at Hyderabad to provide solutions to business challenges. About 40 Chief Technology Officers (CTO’s), Chief Information Security Officer’s (CISO’s) and Cyber Security experts across India participated in the summit.

India, a trailblazer in digital transactions, stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity battleground. As cyber threats continue to escalate, industry leaders and experts gathered at the TCPWave summit at Westin to discuss the challenges, advancements, and future prospects of cybersecurity in India.

According to Sam Parepally, Co-Founder & CIO, TCPWave “In a world dominated by digital transformations, the vision for cybersecurity extends beyond mere protection. It involves innovation, automation, and adaptability. India has become a hub for cybersecurity solutions, with a surge in products addressing varied challenges. Our vision is to automate operations, integrate AI/ML for enhanced security, and ensure our solutions align with the dynamic business priorities of enterprises.”

Mr Butchi Babu Burra, Industry Expert said “India's cybersecurity strength lies not just in the technology it develops but in the professionals who drive innovation. The country boasts a vast pool of cybersecurity experts, and Hyderabad, in particular, has emerged as a cybersecurity hub. Our industry thrives on the innovators, developers, and operations experts who foresee challenges, create solutions, and provide crucial cybersecurity services to businesses globally.”

According to Mr Manish Shamjee, Sales Director, TCPWave “As India's cybersecurity market is projected to reach USD 9.21 billion by 2028, the challenges are stark. Skillsets, identifying tailored solutions, and managing the cost and time of acquisition are critical hurdles. The key to success lies in fostering a diverse ecosystem of professionals – from innovators predicting future needs to developers crafting AI-infused solutions and operations teams offering comprehensive services. It's a dynamic journey, and India is not just a participant; it's taking the lead in shaping the global cybersecurity landscape.”

This summit not only highlighted the technological capabilities of TCPWave but also emphasized the imperative need for collaboration, innovation, and talent development to fortify India's position in the ever-changing realm of cybersecurity. As businesses continue to embrace digitization, the cybersecurity industry in India is not just a career choice; it's a mission-critical endeavor ensuring the safeguarding of digital assets and the integrity of the global digital ecosystem.

AIMEP President Dr. Nowhera Shaik Launches Nationwide Yatra

Dr. Nowhera Shaik Takes AIMEP's Vision Across 30 States

Nowhera Shaik's Nationwide Tour: Amplifying Voices, Inspiring Change

“Amplifying Voices, Fostering Change,” Dr. Nowhera Shaik's nationwide Yatra

As part of a transformative initiative, Dr. Nowhera Shaik, Founder and National President of the All India Mahila Empowerment Party, will undertake a comprehensive Yatra/tour across 30 states before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

During this yatra, Dr. Shaik will actively engage with people from all corners, attentively listening to their concerns and aspirations.The purpose of the yatra will be to create a platform for citizens to voice their issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by women. Her visit will aim to understand the diverse needs of the population and foster a more inclusive political discourse.

This extensive tour will reflect the party's commitment to grassroots democracy and her dedication to addressing the concerns of people at the local level. By actively listening to the challenges faced by individuals in various states, Shaik will demonstrate a sincere effort to incorporate the voices of the people into the political agenda.

She will emphasize that the yatra exemplifies a proactive approach to understanding the needs of citizens and working towards empowering women across the nation.

During this national visit, Shaik will actively engage with impoverished communities in these states, lending an attentive ear to the concerns of the underprivileged. Her commitment goes beyond just listening; she will advocate for these individuals before the government, striving to bring attention to their challenges and work towards effective solutions.

By directly interacting with the poor and marginalized, Shaik aims to be a voice for those often unheard, ensuring their grievances are acknowledged and addressed at the highest levels of governance. This proactive approach underscores her dedication to social justice and empowerment, as she endeavors to fight for the rights and well-being of the less privileged across the nation.

Throughout this yatra, a senior party leader said that Dr. Shaik is determined to connect with all sections of society that have endured challenges over the past several years. Her agenda is not just to witness the struggles but to actively engage and empathize with people who have faced adversity. “She will champion their cause, advocating for their basic rights before the government. By understanding the diverse challenges experienced by different segments of the population, she aims to be a relentless advocate for justice and equitable opportunities,” the senior leader said.

“Driven by the belief that every citizen deserves fundamental rights and dignified living conditions, she will carry their concerns to the forefront, seeking concrete actions and policy changes that address the longstanding issues faced by various,” he added.

She has undertaken tremendous efforts to advance women's welfare, dedicating her time and energy to initiatives that directly benefit and uplift women. Through her impactful work, she has strived to create positive change, advocating for the well-being and empowerment of women in various aspects of their lives.

Her commitment to this cause has left a lasting impact, fostering a supportive environment for women to thrive and access opportunities that contribute to their overall welfare.

Nowhera Shaik is gearing up to contest the Lok Sabha elections on dual fronts. Her candidacy will span two significant constituencies: one in Aurangabad, a prominent city in Maharashtra, and the other in Hyderabad.

This strategic move showcases her commitment to engaging with diverse communities and addressing the unique challenges faced by constituents in these distinct regions.

While she steps into the electoral arena, Dr. Shaik aims to bring her proactive approach and dedication to these constituencies, promising to advocate for their concerns and work towards meaningful representation at the national level.

MVN-88 Exercise and Sports Academy was inaugurated on Tuesday at Modern Vidya Niketan (MVN) School, Sector-88, Faridabad

The academy which was a dream project of our young and energetic President, Mr.Varun Sharma was inaugurated by our chief guests Mr. Pullela Gopichand (Padma Bhushan) the renowned Indian badminton player and head coach of the Indian team, Arjuna Award winner HS Prannoy , track and field athlete and gold medallist Jyothi Yarraji, Founder and Managing Director of Badminton Gurukul Academy, Supriya Devgan.

Speaking on the occasion, Pullela Gopichand congratulated Mr.Varun Sharma for providing one of its kind world class Indoor Exercise and Sports Academy and said, “ MVN's commitment to balancing education and sports aligns perfectly with the promotion of physical literacy.”

He motivated the students and said,” Compete with yourself and be a better of yourself.” He also asked the faculty members to organise group events to promote team spirit.

MVN Exercise & Sports Academy provides a unique platform for students to hone their skills and develop a passion for badminton.The inauguration of the Exercise & Sports Academy is a testament to MVN School Sector-88's vision of creating well-rounded leaders who embrace the values of discipline, perseverance and teamwork.

Mr.Varun Sharma, President, MVN Society, expressed happiness at the inauguration and described it as a confluence of talent and experience. He thanked Mr.Pullela Gopichand, Mr.HS Prannoy, Ms.Supriya Devgan and Ms.Jyothi Yarraji for sparing time and being a part of this momentous occasion. Furthermore, he reiterated the fact that the exercise and sports academy will lay the foundation for the remarkable achievements and overall growth of our students as they embark on this exciting journey of academic and athletic excellence.

The opening of the MVN Exercise & Sports Academy marks the beginning of a transformational era.
This academy will prove to be a boon to every MVNite who will be trained for various sports under professionally acclaimed National and International mentors and coaches. The academy is laced with facilities like snorkelling pool, gymnasium, basketball court, badminton court, table tennis court, multi-purpose studio, cross fit area, spin cycling area, kids play zone, etc.

Svayamand Khelo India join hands to make the experience seamless for the Para-Athletes; Svayam announced as the Accessibility Partner for Para Games 2023

Khelo India, the flagship program by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Svayam, India's pioneering accessibility organization, todayannounced their partnership for Khelo India’sfirst-ever Para Games. The strategic partnership focuses on making infrastructure and transportation accessible for the young and aspiring para-athletes.

Khelo India is proudly introducing Para Games this year. This ground-breaking initiative is set to witness an extraordinary participation of 1400+ para-athletes hailing from all 36 States & Union Territories. The eight day-long event will take place at three big stadiums of the capital- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Arena and Dr.Karni Singh Shooting Range, where the games will be held from Dec 10 – 17. The event is categorized in seven different disciplines – Para-Athletics, Para-Archery, CP-Football, Para-Badminton, Para Table-Tennis, Para-Shooting, and Para-Powerlifting.

For the upcoming Para Games, Svayamwill be undertaking the mammoth task of providing accessible transportation all the Para-Athletes, Para-Officials and Para-Coaches from their arrival in the city to their departure, including from railway stations, bus stations, the airport, and transportation between accommodation (hotels/hostels) and the respective stadiums. This is being done with the objective of making the commute safe and dignified for all. Additionally, Svayamis conducting a sensitisation training program for about 400 volunteers and Khelo India officials who will be involved in the event.

Further, promoting sports as a means of holistic development, irrespective of physical abilities, Svayam’s team of civil engineers and architects conducted a comprehensive accessibility audit of the three big stadiums and their facilities, to ensure that these stadiums become the epitome of true inclusivity.The existing gaps in the infrastructure to be used by the para players, coaches, caregivers, officials and spectators were identified and rectified for a smooth event of national importance. The audits have ensured that it's not just about ramps with handrails but also accessible toilets, accessible seating and accessible parking for para players and spectators.

Sharing her thoughts on the partnership, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder – Chairperson of Svayam and Managing Director, Jindal SAW said, “We are ecstatic to join hands with Khelo India Para Games in their pursuit of making sports accessible for all. With this partnership, we are working together to make accessibility a visible success. We hope this partnership paves the way for growth and the broader vision of Svayam, which is to make the world accessible for all.”

Ms. Jindal added, “Such partnerships go a long way in encouraging sporting talent hidden in corners of our vast country to come to the forefront and make our nation proud overseas. Additionally, with an increased budget for Khelo India, the Government has given wings to para-sports and sports in India, and we thank them for that.”

The collaboration between Khelo India and Svayam is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible sports environment in India. Svayam and Khelo India are dedicated to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate, compete, and witness the excitement of sports that brings the whole nation together.

Airtel Deepens Commitment to Talent Development in Delhi-NCR

According to data from TeamLease*, the Indian IT sector will hire 40% fewer freshers compared with FY23, when they onboarded 2,50,000 engineers. Usually, by August-September, the IT majors begin their campus placement processes but have been absent from campuses this placement season. Recently, many Indian tech-services outsourcing companies have halted the hiring of college graduates.

Airtel on the other hand is set to bring on board over 700 campus hires from 100 plus colleges across the country to drive growth across our multiple lines of business – Mobility, Airtel Business, Homes, Airtel Digital, and Nxtra by Airtel. The company is actively expanding its campus recruitment programs to establish a presence in new colleges while concentrating on specific job roles, including sales, engineering, and business solutions.

Delhi-NCR continues to be an important talent hub for Airtel. The company is very excited to announce strategic partnerships with IIIT Delhi, DTU, NSIT, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, International Management Institute, MDI, FMS, Amity University, The NorthCap University, Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology, FORE School of Management, Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management,Dronacharya College of Engineeringand highlight its continuous commitment to helping young talent by giving them various growth platforms and opportunities to accelerate their careers. The new recruits sourced from these campus programs will be assimilated into diverse roles within the organization, including product managers, area managers, territory sales managers, key account managers, software developers, network engineers, solution architects, and NOC engineers.

“Airtel has always taken big & early bets on talent. We firmly believe that real talent does not have any labels and so we do not limit our campus program to only a few institutes. This year, Airtel will hire 700+ top talent from 100+ campuses across the country to drive growth across our multiple lines of business – Mobility, Airtel Business, Homes, Airtel Digital and Nxtra by Airtel. We are excited to welcome our new batch of future leaders.” – Amrita Padda, Chief People Office, Bharti Airtel.

*reference link to Teamlease study: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/it-firms-in-india-to-slash-campus-hiring-by-40-due-to-bench-strength-and-reduced-client-orders-analysis-by-teamlease-digital-11684863047501.html

IN-SPACe announces Seed Fund Scheme for Start-ups in Urban Development and Disaster Management Sector12-2023

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the nodal agency in Department of Space (DoS) responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise space activities of the Non-Government Entities (NGEs), has announced the Seed Fund Scheme for start-ups operating in the areas of Urban Development and Disaster Management by using space technology.

The scheme, launched in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO will provide opportunities for NGEs that leverage space technology for societal benefits to graduate to the next level. The last date of application for the Seed Fund Scheme is 20th December 2023.

As part of the scheme, selected start-ups will receive seed funding for transforming an original idea into a prototype using space technology, ISRO facility support including Earth Observation (EO) data for validation of the concept, mentorship support, and access to data algorithm as transfer of technology from DoS.

Talking about the unique scheme, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “The role of the space sector is crucial to the overall development of the national economy, and IN-SPACe has been bringing out schemes from time-to-time for promoting space technology for the benefit of the common man. The Seed Fund Scheme is a part of IN-SPACe's efforts to provide a special thrust to enhance the space activity capabilities of the nation with the active participation of the start-ups. This scheme is designed to support Indian space start-ups that aim to develop innovative space products and services, thereby improving the quality of life for people and communities in India and around the world.”

The scheme details can be downloaded from https://www.inspace.gov.in/. The IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme has the provision of providing financial assistance up to Rs.1 crore in addition to mentorship support, training and networking opportunities.

For urban development, opportunities abound for start-ups working in the domains of urban planning, monitoring and infrastructure management, telecommunication, navigation, broadband connectivity, water resources management, energy efficiency, climate and weather monitoring, disaster risk reduction, public health, healthcare, and more.

Similarly, disaster management offers opportunities for startups specializing in the domains of Geographical Information System (GIS), early warning and monitoring systems, insurance and risk assessment, communication and navigation systems, climate change monitoring, search and rescue operations, space-borne sensors, and instruments, among others.

The applications to the Seed Fund Scheme should be made only through the IN-SPACe Digital Platform (IDP). More details on eligibility criteria and nature of financial assistance can be availed at IN-SPACe Disaster & Urban Page – IN-SPACe (inspace.gov.in).

Satya School spearheads an awareness drive on World Pollution Day

Caption-Satya School students inspire change with a powerful Nukkad Natak on World Pollution Day at World Mark Mall, Gurugram.jpeg

Figure 1-Satya School students inspire change with a powerful Nukkad Natak on World Pollution Day at World Mark Mall, Gurugram

To observe World Pollution Day, students of Satya School organised a weeklong awareness drive, aiming to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the environment. In the run-up to World Pollution Day, the Satya School students and teachers collaborated, hosting thought-provoking discussions, poem competitions, poster making sessions centered on adopting eco-friendly habits and advocating for a sustainable lifestyle.

Concluding the week-long commemoration of World Pollution Day, the Satya School students presented a meaningful Nukkad Natak (street play) staged at the World Mark Mall in Gurgaon. The compelling performance highlighted students' commitment to raising awareness, igniting positive change, and sowing the seeds for a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future. World Pollution Day serves as a reminder to protect the environment by creating awareness amongst the community on the importance of conserving and protecting natural resources and advocating sustainable economic growth.

ICICI Bank introduces UPI payments via RuPay Credit Cards

ICICI Bank today announced that it has integrated its RuPay Credit Cards with UPI transactions, enhancing the payment convenience for its customers. With this integration, ICICI Bank customers can simply link their RuPay Credit Cards to UPI to carry out Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions online- such as shopping, payment of utility bills—and offline- such as payments at a POS (point of sale) machine– in an effortless and secure manner. Further, they can earn reward points on their spends, improving their digital payment experience.

The Bank has collaborated with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enable UPI transactions on its RuPay Credit Cards. The customers can link ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card, ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver RuPay Credit Card and ICICI Bank Rubyx RuPay Credit Card to UPI. They can scan the merchant QR code and make the payment from their RuPay Credit Cards using any UPI payment app including iMobile Pay.

Mr. Bijith Bhaskar, Head – Cards, ICICI Bank said “We are delighted to announce our partnership with NPCI to embed our RuPay Credit Cards with UPI. This partnership is a significant step taken by the Bank to offer improved convenience to customers on digital payments. The integration of RuPay Credit Cards with UPI provides customers with better financial liquidity by giving them interest-free credit for up to 50 days. We believe this feature will strengthen our commitment to offer simple yet convenient solutions to cater to the evolving needs of our customers.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI said “We are delighted to announce that ICICI Bank RuPay Credit Cards are now live on UPI. RuPay has steadily evolved into a modern, contemporary, and vibrant brand, known for custom value propositions and cutting-edge technology, ensuring broader acceptance and security. By merging the versatility of UPI with the reliability of RuPay Credit Cards, we are reshaping the landscape of digital payments. With this game-changing integration, users will enjoy even more flexibility and convenience in making digital payments. Through our collaboration with ICICI Bank, our goal is to empower RuPay Credit Card customers with an enhanced digital payment experience and thereby further fuel India's economic growth.”

Below are some key features of the offering:

· Convenience and security: Customers can now seamlessly scan the merchant QR code and pay directly from their RuPay Credit Cards through UPI apps in a secure and hassle-free manner

· Reward points: With this offering, customers can now get reward points on their RuPay Credit Cards

· Financial flexibility: By leveraging UPI transactions on RuPay Credit Cards, customers get interest free credit period of up to 50 days which empowers them to manage expenses more efficiently

Below are easy steps to link RuPay Credit Card with UPI on iMobile Pay:

· In iMobile Pay app, go to ‘UPI Payments’ > ‘Manage’ > ‘My Profile’ > ‘Create New UPI ID’

· Select ‘RuPay Credit Card’ as the payment method

· Pick the UPI ID you want to link > ‘Proceed’ and review the transaction details

· Confirm the transaction by clicking ‘Confirm’

To know more about the details on UPI payments through RuPay Credit Cards, please visit https://www.icicibank.com/personal-banking/cards/credit-card/rupay-credit-cards-on-upi

To access and avail ICICI Bank RuPay Credit Card variants, please visit https://buy.icicibank.com/ucj/cc/mobile?ius=RUP83139CRD&iup=UCC00476

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