Wayland Baptist University, a century-old institution from United States, on Saturday unveiled plans to recruit students directly from Hyderabad, India, emphasizing global diversity and collaboration. Renowned for educational excellence, the university is strategically expanding its global footprint with diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly focusing on Indian students.

Dr. Bobby Hall, President of Wayland Baptist University, Cindy Marlow McClenagan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor of English Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Don Ashley, Alaska Region Executive Director and Dean, Director of Global Projects and Dr Daniel Brown, Vice President of Enrolment Management addressed the press conference on Saturday.

 Dr. Bobby Hall, President of Wayland Baptist University, highlighted the university's commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. The initiative includes competitive pricing, offering special tuition fees for the Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Science in Information Technology programs, making advanced business education more accessible at approximately $14,250 per year.

“This pricing structure not only enhances global accessibility to quality education but also enriches our academic community by fostering cultural diversity,” emphasized Dr. Hall.

Wayland Baptist University invites international students to immerse themselves in a vibrant academic and cultural environment emanating from its 116-year-old home campus in Plainview, Texas, combining small-town charm with academic excellence. Established in 1908, the university is known for academic rigor and holistic student development, attracting students globally. Dr. Hall reiterated the university's commitment to global engagement through diverse academic programs.

Collaborating exclusively with its international service partner, UniversityHub in Hyderabad, Wayland Baptist University aims to streamline recruitment efforts, particularly in IT and Business. The university will host a Spot Admission Event in India on Feb 28 at Aditya Park, Ameerpet, providing an opportunity for students to explore academic offerings and interact with university representatives.

Dr. Anil Palla, Founder of UniversityHub, expressed confidence in Wayland Baptist University's admissions process, emphasizing the university's compelling value proposition in business and education courses. UniversityHub, now an exclusive partner with Wayland Baptist University, offers free services, including assistance with standardized tests, university selection, visa interview preparation, and pre-departure orientations, enhancing Wayland Baptist University's commitment to global programs and international collaboration. 

–        ALOKA Arietta 850 Diagnostic Ultrasound System excels with superior image quality and an enhanced user interface compared to conventional Endoscopic ultrasound machines.

–        It will enhance diagnostic services including better detection of Pancreatic cancers. Stomach, Oesophageal and Rectal early cancers, and submucosal tumours. It will be replacing MRCP for bile duct stones which fall from Gallbladder. It is an excellent machine for various types of endoscopic therapeutic procedures. Even laparoscopic surgeries for Pseudocyst are now replaced by EUS guided Pseudocyst. Gastrojejunostomy by surgery is being replaced by EUS guided GJ which is totally non-invasive. Revolutionising cancer therapy by EUS guided placement of fiducials and Cancer ablation by RFA in pancreatic tumours.

–        The state-of-the-art machine will uplift health and wellness services in the region, touching countless lives in Karnataka

FUJIFILM India, a pioneer in diagnostic imaging and information systems, has launched the groundbreaking ALOKA ARIETTA 850 Diagnostic Ultrasound System in India with its first-ever installation at Fortis Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the state’s leading healthcare services provider. Representing a remarkable advancement in endoscopic technologies, the high-tech ultrasound system aims to enhance diagnostic precision and image clarity for gastrointestinal diseases in the region.

 

In India, contemporary lifestyles and changing dietary choices are leading to the deteriorating digestive health of the population, adding to the growing prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Addressing this, FUJIFILM INDIA’S ALOKA ARIETTA 850 Endoscopic Ultrasound Machine at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru is a significant step in providing world-class diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients against these GI-related diseases, performing targeted treatments such as Pancreatic pseudo cyst drainage (without surgery), targeted delivery of treatment in Pancreatic cancers. Gastrojejunostomy being done non-invasive without surgery by endoscopic ultrasound. Bleeding in liver cirrhosis in stomach can be accurately managed by endoscopic ultrasound guided coiling with this machine. This will also be quite helpful in management of jaundice, EUS guided bile duct drainage and Gallbladder drainage.

  

Mr. Dheeraj Chaudhri, Head of Endoscopy Division & Endoscopy Systems Division of FUJIFILM India, highlighted, “At FUJIFILM, we are committed to developing cutting-edge medical innovations and technologies to enhance the quality of life across the nation. This momentous installation of ALOKA ARIETTA 850 in Bengaluru exemplifies this effort, ensuring patients in the city receive vital medical support for cancer staging and high-quality diagnostic imaging at the Fortis Hospital. With crystal-clear ultrasound images and integrated processes for both technicians and patients, our goal is to offer superior medical systems in India and positively contribute to the patient care. With our continuous innovation in healthcare technology, we strive to foster a health-conscious India.”

 

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive method for assessing malignancies affecting the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract and neighbouring organs or tissues. With this high degree of accuracy in both diagnostic and therapeutic capacities, it allows doctors to precisely examine organs like the lungs, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes and nearby affected areas. EUS also facilitates the extraction of tissue or fluid samples through a thin needle, eliminating the need for a separate biopsy procedure. Additionally, it improves the staging of cancers with accurate sampling provided by Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB). Furthermore, EUS proves valuable in cases of altered anatomy and among cancer patients for various therapeutic procedures.

 

“We are honoured to welcome the ALOKA ARIETTA 850 system at our facility in Bengaluru as this installation will enhance our existing diagnostic capabilities while ensuring improved and faster results for patients. This cutting-edge endoscopic ultrasound machine signifies technological progress that will revolutionize the healthcare outcomes for the community. It is set to raise the standard of care in gastrointestinal health, facilitating timely and accurate diagnoses crucial in battling cancer and various life-threatening diseases. Previously limited to foreign countries like Japan and the US, we take pride in introducing this technology to India with FUJIFILM India,” said, Dr. Ravindra B S, Director & HOD of Gastroenterology, Fortis Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.

 

FUJIFILM India’s ALOKA ARIETTA 850 stands out from conventional Endoscopic ultrasound machines with a range of superior features. The machine generates exceptional image quality with 7 million digital channels in its B mode. This remarkable system also incorporates HD-THI for deeper penetration, ensuring accurate diagnoses, along with combi-elastography, pure symphonic architecture and CHI-TIC and Inflow Time Mapping for clearer visibility by reducing noise and enhancing the completeness and continuity of tissue boundaries. These advanced features collectively aim to enhance healthcare outcomes and, ultimately, save more lives through early diagnosis of cancers in liver Pancreas and Gastrointestinal organs.

 

This remarkable launch solidifies FUJIFILM India’s important role in improving healthcare services in India. The company is on a mission to pioneer medical technology and build innovative products to guide humanity toward a healthier and more sustainable way of life.

 

~It will be one of the biggest distilleries in India with a capacity of producing upto 60K liters of fresh malt spirit per day.

~Aimed at transforming the region’s socio-economic landscape, Pernod Ricard India envisions this investment to be an integral driver for the growth and development of the local community.

 

The Government of Maharashtra andPernod Ricard India, a global leader in the wine and spirits industry, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish one of the biggestmalt spirit distilleriesin India, in the industrial suburb of Butibori in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Furthering Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India’, Pernod Ricard India plans an investment up to 200 M€ in the decade. TheMoU signing was graced by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Minister of Industries, Maharashtra, Shri Uday Samant;Maharashtra Excise Minister, Shri Shambhuraj Desai; Principal Secretary Industries Dr. Harshdeep Kamblealong with Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India;Prasanna Mohile, National Corporate Affairs Head, Pernod Ricard India and Gagandeep Sethi, Senior VP, Integrated Operations, Pernod Ricard India.

 

With the commissioning of this distillery, Pernod Ricard Indiaaimsto employ a workforce up to 700 to 800 ultimately. This commitment extends not only to the construction phase of the distillery but also encompasses the post-commissioning operations of the plant. Beyond the immediate impact, this is poised to create a ripple effect, positively influencing indirect employment opportunities throughout the region.

 

India has proven to be a strategic market for Pernod Ricard Group, a global leader in the alco-bev industry. Pernod Ricard India is not only committed to investing in the country, but also fostering employment opportunities and skill development initiatives for local communities, focusing on farmers. With this project, Pernod Ricard Indiaaims to eventually procure up to 50,000 tons of barley on an annual basis from farmers nationwide. In due course, the company aims to work jointly with the Government to develop capabilities of barley cultivation in the State of Maharashtra to boost farmers’ income.

 

Speaking on the occasion, ShriDevendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said “We believe that infrastructural growth is the first step towards amplifying advancement for any State & we are delighted that Pernod Ricard India shares our vision to invest in the economic and skill development of the region and the country. The foundation of this distillery will assist in creating strong avenues for employment and aid in spurring growth of ancillary industries and services. And most importantly this would serve as a platform of opportunities for thousands of farmers of the region to attain steady income and bring agricultural diversity and stability.”

 

Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Pernod Ricard India have been actively working together and have identified a suitable location to build the distillery. MIDC has come forward with the necessary support and assistance, providing the regulatory permissions for the project and paving the wayfor its success, in the state of Maharashtra.

 

Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India, said, “We are excited to announce the launch of one of India’s biggest malt spirit distilleries, to be set up in Nagpur, in Maharashtra. This initiative is in continuation of our dedicated efforts to Make and Innovate in India and we are confident that it will elevate India's standing on the global map, as a key player in the production of high-quality malt. The establishment of this distillery will provide a boost to various allied sectors in and around Nagpur and the state of Maharashtra. Further, the foundation of the plant will aim to provide local entrepreneurs and the farmer community with new avenues of growth. As a leading player in the alco-bev segment for over 30 years, inclusive and sustainable growth has been at the heart of our India strategy. We are honored to work with the Government of Maharashtra which shares a similar vision.”

The malt spirit distillery will integrate sustainable practices and technologies across processes from inception.

 

Pernod Ricard India aims to accelerate the nation’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. With this investment, the company is laying down the foundation stones for sustainable and inclusive development, which will eventually become the lifeline across communities, pump in economic vitality, foster social cohesion, and create convivial experiences.

In the exciting early days of spring, Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, has welcomed their 105th aircraft to join its modern fleet, continuing its fleet development plan to meet all customers’ needs.

 

The new aircraft has been welcomed by Vietjet leaders, staff, and flight crews, further strengthening the airline's world-leading modern fleet and preparing for plans to expand its flight network to new destinations in the Year of the Dragon, bringing new resources and momentum for Vietjet's next development steps.

 

The airline’s 105th aircraft arrived at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City this morning and belongs to the world's leading modern generation of Airbus – A321neo ACF, capable of saving fuel up to 20%, reducing emissions to the environment by up to 50%, and reducing noise by up to 75%.

 

Before the peak season of the 2024 Lunar New Year, the airline received new-generation Airbus aircraft, along with six aircraft equipped with flight crews to meet customers' needs. The newest aircraft will continue to be operated by friendly, dedicated, and professional flight crews, ensuring passengers receive quality services on every flight.

 

The new aircraft will be put into operation immediately on routes connecting destinations in Vietnam and internationally to Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, etc., to serve passengers on their spring vacation, business travel, investment, and tourism.

 

The airline is currently operating 35 round-trip flights per week across 5 major cities in India – Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Tiruchirappalli. The airline provides four distinct ticket classes, namely Business, SkyBoss, Deluxe, and Eco, ensuring a comprehensive range of services to cater to diverse passenger needs. Business class tickets offer an exquisite travel experience on Vietjet's modern wide-body aircraft A330, featuring exclusive privileges such as private check-in counters, business lounges, private cabins, cocktail services, and the opportunity to savour Vietnamese specialties like Pho Thin, Banh Mi, as well as specially crafted Indian vegetarian dishes and Halal options.

·         Reflects the media group’s focus on innovation and harnessing emerging technologies, whilst enhancing the quality of services to its vast customer base.

·         Gamechanger status validates the company’s smart growth in Q3 – with broadband growing by over 13% quarter on quarter and the digital television subscriber base also growing by 7% during the same period.

 

NXTDIGITAL, the rapidly growing digital media division of technology-led customer experience company Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (HGS) has bagged the prestigious “Industry Gamechanger Award 2024” in the Video, Broadband & Distribution Industry category at the recently held Video & Broadband Summit 2024 in Mumbai. NXTDIGITAL, with a presence in digital television via cable and satellite, broadband, enterprise services, OTT aggregation and content syndication, snapped up the award for its consistent innovation and harnessing emerging technologies to drive growth.

 

NK Rouse, Chief Operating Officer at NXTDIGITAL received the award on behalf of the organisation and said, “This award is a recognition of our constant efforts to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions for our growing customer base, pan-India. It is a testament to our belief that we’re on the right path towards customer-centric growth. We are grateful for the ecosystem to recognise us as a gamechanger in the digital distribution space.”

 

NXTDIGITAL's Q3 results reflect the company's innovative approach and strategic initiatives to ensure it remains on its aggressive growth path, with customer preferences at the centre. The media division’s broadband subscriber base grew substantially by 13% over Q2, and its digital television subscriber base increased by 7% during the same period. Notably, the company is focusing on Tier 2 & Tier 3 markets – which are amenable to steady ARPU growth in the future.

 

Vynsley Fernandes, Wholetime Director at HGS and Head of the media businesses said, “This award elevates our Q3 performance across all our business verticals as we offer an innovative integrated solution to customers – with broadband, television & OTT as the base product layer. Not only has the broadband and digital television business seen a strong performance in Q3, but CelerityX, our enterprise business unit is seeing remarkable traction with its innovative portfolio of services developed through deep synergies between our HGS & NXT technology teams”. 

 

Last month, CeleritX showcased its first-of-its-kind platform, NetX at the Shree Ram Mandir inauguration – enabling crucial connectivity for global broadcasters to telecast the auspicious event to millions overseas.

 

Godrej Yummiez, a leading brand of frozen ready-to-cook products from Godrej Tyson Foods Limited (GTFL), is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest innovation,Yummiez Crispy Fried Chicken, a ready-to-cook crunchy snack that is convenient to make at home in just five to seven minutes. The brand also unveiled Yummiez Crispy Chicken Bites; bite-sized munchies made from premium boneless chicken. As the leading brand in non-veg frozen ready-to-cook category, Godrej Yummiez continues to redefine the landscape with its offerings and innovations.  Crispy Fried Chicken and Crispy Chicken Bitesbecomes two fresh additions in Yummiez’s non-veg portfolio, having witnessed the launch of chicken sausage sachets, cocktail sausages, and prawnsin last one year.

As per a report released by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries in 2022, India’s chicken meat consumption is around 3 kg per person per year. The organised fried chicken category in India is estimated to be around INR 2000 crore, growing anywhere between 15-20% per annum. However, most consumerschoose to enjoy fried chicken outside due to the hassle associated with cooking it athome and the inability to achieve recipe and taste matching restaurant like fried chicken. Identifying this need gap, Godrej Yummiez is offeringa ready-to-cook variant bringing restaurant like taste to homealong with convenience and ease. The ready-to-cook fried chicken also offers more value to consumers.

Speaking on the launch of new product, Abhay Parnerkar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Godrej Tyson Foods Limited,said, “Factors such as the rising popularity of ready-to-cook and value-added chicken products are driving up chicken consumption. As India’s leading player in ready-to-cook frozen products category, Godrej Yummiez recognizes consumer preference for indulging in fried chicken out of home, steering clear of the kitchen complexities and its preparation at home. Sensing the potential and the absence of hassle-free home options, we proudly introducea ready-to-cookformat of fried chickenthat is super crunchy, tasty and can be made within just five to seven minutes.”

He further added “Our unique advantage lies in our vertically integrated operations, where we breed organic-fed chicken on our own farms. The best-in-class practices from Farm-to-Fork ensures that the chicken on offer is high protein, tender and juicier which can then be bought in various shapes and forms. This way we ensure there is complete control on the quality of chicken and consumers get only what we breed on our farms.”

Godrej Tyson Foods, the parent company of Godrej Yummiez, has fully integrated breeding & hatchery operations and owns farms for quality poultry for processing. Yummiez Crispy Fried Chicken and Yummiez Crispy Chicken Bites are made from tender, juicy and best quality chicken sourced directly from these farms. The chicken is 100% organic fed and maintains the highest standards of hygiene. Both the products are preservative-free since it is made using the IQF technology. This process involves unique flash freeze technology that allows freezing each product ensuring high quality standards in taste, texture, and food safety.

Yummiez Crispy Fried Chicken and Yummiez Crispy Chicken Bites need to be fried or air fried, allowing consumers to enjoy delicious fried chicken without the hassle of extensive preparation.Crispy Fried Chicken is available in 425g bucket pack for INR 390 while Crispy Chicken Bites comes in 360g bucket pack for INR 360. Both the products are available across general trade, modern trade, and e-commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.

Product details:

https://godrejyummiez.in/product/crispy-fried-chicken

https://godrejyummiez.in/product/crispy-chicken-bites

·         Restoration of travellers’ confidence and easing of travel restrictions major catalysts.

·         Acceptance of personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) see over three-fold rise against 2019

·         Popular destinations for Indian travellers include Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and US (in alphabetical order).

·         Travel momentum to sustain in 2024 as well; applicants advised to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute rush.

Visa application volumes from New Delhi continued to stay strong in 2023 and closed in further to the pre-pandemic levels with restoration of travellers’ confidence to explore global destinations and easing of travel restrictions.According to VFS Global, the visa application volumefrom New Delhi registered a 10% year-on-year growth in 2023.When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from New Delhi reached 82% of the 2019 levels.

This trend of rise in visa application volume from New Delhi is in line with the overall growth trend registered in India, which saw a 16% year-on-year growth in 2023. When compared to the pre-pandemic numbers, visa application volumes from India reached 93% of the 2019 levels.

Vishal Jairath, Head – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “We continued to witness unprecedented demand from India and the entire South Asia region in 2023 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady visa application volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that this positive travel momentum will sustain in 2024 as well. Thus, applicants who are planning to travel overseas from India are advised to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.”

 

A few of the popular destinations preferred by travellers from India in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, US (in alphabetical order).

 

Strong demand for personalised services continued to be a defining trend in the 2023 visa application patterns as well. VFS Global recorded a strong uptick in customised services such as the Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service that empowers applicants to complete their entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their homes or any other location of their choice. Through this premium service, customers can submit their applications, enroll for biometrics, and get their passport couriered back to their location of choice. VAYD bookings in 2023 in India registered around five-fold increase when compared to 2019. VFS Global offers VAYD services for 16 countries in India – Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Switzerland, and UK.

Similarly, the demand for Premium Lounge, an optional service which provides end-to-end personalised assistance with visa application submission from the comfort of a lounge, is rising with the rise in application volumes. Another service named Prime Time, which allows visa application submission outside of working hours and even on weekends, has seen a healthy adoption since pandemic.
Please note that all these premium services are optional and has no bearing in expediting applicant’s visa process or favourable decision-making.

“We continue to see a healthy adoption of contactless and personalised services such as VAYD and Premium Lounge by discerning travellers post the pandemic due to health considerations. These services enhance the overall  experience for applicants by offering them greater comfort and convenience when submitting their visa applications. We foresee higher demand for such premium services prioritising safe travel this year as well,” added Jairath.

VFS Global is the trusted partner to 52sovereign governments in Indiaand provides visa services on their behalf through a network of over 560 visa application centres spread across 19 cities.VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa.

 

For more information, please visit www.vfsglobal.com.

 

 

Peak Season Travel Guide

 

#ApplyinAdvance

 

It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09^th February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible.

 

#DoNotFallForFraud

 

Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently.VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments on www.vfsglobal.com which is the official website catering to visa applications. However, some governments require pre-payment of the service fee at the time of booking the appointment. This payment will be reimbursed or deducted during the application process. This step is only to ensure genuine travellers use appointment booking and the system is kept safe from misuse by fraudulent entities. For any assistance, feel free to reach out to one of our staff and to report any instances of fraud, visit https://secure.ethicspoint.eu/domain/media/en/gui/108559/index.html. 

 

Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience such as:

 

·         Visa At Your Doorstep: Apply for your visa and enrol biometrics from the location of your choice.

·         Premium Lounge:Get an end-to-end personalised visa submission experience from the comfort of a lounge.

·         Prime Time: Apply for your visa beyond normal working hours or even on weekends.

·         Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre

·         Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient.

·         Travel Medical Insurance:Get your mandatory Travel Medical Insurance including Covid-19 coverage from global insurers.

·         SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.