IIT Ropar, NSDC, and Masai School are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration to introduce a jointly certified minor program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). This strategic partnership brings together the expertise of three esteemed institutions to deliver a transformative educational experience designed for ambitious professionals seeking to excel in the tech industry.

The students will attend lectures and will be evaluated by IIT Ropar professors. The course includes 7 modules: Fundamentals of Prompt Engineering, Introduction to Machine Learning, Data Handling & Processing, Neural Networks & Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Functioning of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Capstone Project. Building on past triumphs, their collaboration with IIT Guwahati and IIT Mandi has garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying Masai's commitment to excellence in education.

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International emphasised on the collaboration, stating, “In our third collaborative endeavour with Masai, we are dedicated to shaping a pioneering era of technological prowess. This partnership reaffirms our steadfast commitment to providing learners with the state-of-the-art skills required in today's dynamic job market. Together, we endeavour to construct a pathway for individuals to not only adapt but to thrive amidst the digital revolution, catalysing innovation and propelling economic growth.”

Rajeev Ahuja Director – IIT Ropar said, “The Minor Program in AI and ML epitomises our dedication to providing students with a holistic educational experience, blending academic rigour with hands-on application. With great anticipation, we embark on this journey to push boundaries and revolutionise technological education. We aim to nurture forward-thinking pioneers equipped to tackle emerging challenges with innovation and confidence.”

Sri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary – MSDE said, “Intelligence (AI) skill courses are pivotal as we navigate the demands of the modern economy. Integrating AI into our curriculum underscores our commitment to equipping students with cutting-edge competencies that are highly sought after in today's job market. AI is not just a technological advancement; it's a transformative force that is reshaping industries, driving innovation, and creating new economic opportunities for our youth. By embracing AI education, we are preparing our workforce to meet future challenges and ensuring our nation's competitive edge in the global arena. I am happy to witness such partnerships as this one between IIT Ropar, and Masai and wish them the very best.”

Commenting on the partnership, Prateek Shukla, Co-Founder, and CEO of Masai School, said “We are not just transforming education; we're sculpting a new paradigm in skill-based learning, sculpting a dynamic talent pool primed for global success. This collaboration stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to reshaping the landscape of technical education. It mirrors our ongoing efforts to revolutionise technical education, building upon successful partnerships with esteemed institutions like IIT Mandi and IIT Guwahati.”

The Credit-linked Micro-Specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is the most in-demand and the highest-paying tech job in India. The course is meticulously crafted to equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and industry exposure necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

JSW One Platforms, the B2B e-commerce venture of JSW Group, crossed the US $ 1 billion GMV run rate for FY24. The company reported a GMV of INR ~785 crores for March 2024, with an exit GMV run rate of INR ~9,420 crores for FY24. It has quadrupled in growth from the last year, with the actual GMV at INR 5,200 crores for FY 24. With this, the company has become one of the fastest-growing tech companies in India.

“Our bet on digitisation of the B2B ecosystem is paying off, with our customers relying on online and digital channels for manufacturing and construction materials. Last year, we had set a target of US $1 billion exit by Mar’24. With strong tailwinds in the sector and our focus on distribution andsupply chain, we were able to scale past run-rate at INR 9,420 crores for FY24.

As we embark on our journey to the IPO over the next 18-24 months, we will leverage the growth across our customer segments and augment the same with our private brands to cater to the evolving market needs.” said Mr Gaurav Sachdeva, CEO of JSW One Platforms.

The company intends to continue to scale up and maintain high growth rates while building on allied categories. JSW One is revolutionising B2B e-commerce, with over 70% of repeat orders from customers showing their trust in the brand.

JSW One enables end-to-end fulfilment from logistics to finance to over 53,000 registered users across India. The company operates in 18 states and has expanded operations in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, to name a few. Its diversified offerings and enhanced value proposition, combined with a tech-led customer experience, have been the cornerstone of its strategy. The company also operates JSW One Homes and has invested in creating experience centres where JSW One Homes customers can engage with contractors and architects, understand the technical and aesthetic aspects of construction materials and review their digital home construction journey.

Spice Money (a subsidiary of DiGiSPICE Technologies), India’s pioneering rural fintech revolutionizing the way Bharat banks, is thrilled to announce the launch of its VIP Program, designed to provide a four-fold exclusive benefit package to its network of 14 lakh Adhikaris. This program is tailored to enhance their experience and drive growth in their businesses. This first-of-its-kind initiative in the segment is designed to offer premium benefits, personalized assistance, and exclusive earning opportunities, ensuring that high-transacting Adhikaris receive exceptional service, support, and priority attention. This program aims to identify and reward the top-performing Adhikaris(Merchant)by providing them with a clear path to increased earnings and enhanced services. This initiative will lead to the loyalty of Adhikaris, ensuring their commitment to the Spice Money platform through exclusive benefits and additional earning opportunities. Any Adhikari (Merchant) looking to advance within the Spice Money network can join the VIP Program.

Key Features of the VIP Program:

·         Transactional Benefits: Adhikari's enrolled in the VIP Program will enjoy additional commissions on core products such as Aadhar-based withdrawals AePs, DMT, and financial services products like opening of CASA and consumer loan products.

·         Care Benefits: VIP Adhikari's will receive special care and support due to their high transaction volumes, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing transactional volumes.

·         Discounts on Services & Hardware: The program offers discounts on hardware, including the change of biometric devices as per UIDAI guidelines as an industry-wide change in the ecosystem, leading to a reduction in fraud.

·         Personal Benefits: Spice Money is also committed to offering personal benefits such as insurance and scholarships for Adhikari's children, providing a holistic approach for a Nanoprenuer to grow their business

The VIP Program is open to all Adhikaris aspiring to advance in their Spice Money journey. Adhikaris can choose from three levels of subscription plans, Basic, Advance and VIP plans starting at Rs. 199 as an introductory monthly price, tailored to meet varying needs and preferences. 

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money, said, “The VIP Program is a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and rewarding the outstanding performance of our top Adhikaris. This initiative provides them with a clear pathway to increased earnings and superior services, aligning with our mission of fostering financial inclusion and empowerment in emerging India.”

Kuldeep Pawar, Chief Marketing Officer, Spice Money, said, ”I am thrilled to introduce our VIP Program, another game-changing initiative from Spice Money tailored to elevate the journey of our high-transacting Adhikaris. This program not only recognizes the exceptional performance of our top Adhikaris and rewards it but also enhances their experience with exclusive benefits and personalized services. This initiative highlights our unwavering dedication to empowering our partners and revolutionizing rural banking in India”

The VIP program offers a unique status as a VIP Adhikari, with enhanced UI/UX exclusively for these members. They will have access to a VIP dashboard where they can seamlessly view all details regarding their earnings, transactions, and more, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Adhikaris enrolled in the VIP Program will enjoy additional commission payouts on transactions, with the ability to track their growth in earnings conveniently. Furthermore, the program includes forthcoming insurance benefits. Since its launch, over 5000+ Adhikaris have already subscribed to the VIP Program in less than 30 days, highlighting its popularity and the value it offers to Spice Money's high-transacting Adhikaris.

Video Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6NUlm0j40o&ab_channel=SpiceMoney

The International Day of Families is celebrated annually on May 15th. In India, one of the key moments that brings families together is the daily 'chai time and snacks.' This tradition transcends age groups, from kids to senior citizens, making it a perfect bonding time for families. An interesting study titled 'STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter' – The India Snacking Report (Volume I) by Godrej Yummiez, a brand of ready-to-cook products from Godrej Tyson Foods Ltd (GTFL), examines which age group typically decides on the choice of snacks consumed in families, amidst the plethora of options available in the market. This insight into family snacking dynamics is particularly insightful as we celebrate the International Day of Families, highlighting the role of food and snacks in bringing families together.

According to the report, youths(male – female both) aged between18-30 take the lead in deciding the family's snacking choice, accounting for 34%,kids at27%, followed by Adults and Senior Citizen at 22% and12%respectively.When compared across regions, the Godrej Yummiez report shows that youth in the East have the highest influence in making snacking choices, scoring 40%. Following closely behind are youth in the West, with a score of 34%. Meanwhile, youth in the North and South of India demonstrate a comparable level of influence on snacking choices, with 33% and 32%, respectively.

Speaking about the insights and the report, Mohit Marwaha, AVP – Yummiez, Godrej Tyson Foods Limited (GTFL), stated, “Godrej Yummiez is proud to be a category thought leader, deeply understanding consumers and shaping trends that redefine the frozen ready-to-cook segment. Our India Snacking Report is a testament to this commitment, offering valuable insights into snacking trends and highlighting the increasing influence of youth in shaping family snacking choices. It's fascinating to see the significant shift in traditional family dynamics, with youngsters aged 18-30 now taking the lead in deciding snacking preferences. This trend reflects the evolving consumer landscape and the growing demand for affordable, convenient, and easy-to-make options, and encourages youths to explore new snacking categories.”

One interesting trend highlighted in the report is the emerging role of children in snack decision-making, particularly in Hyderabad, where they account for 33% of choices. The report also provides city-wise data on youth-led snacking decisions across India's key cities. Kolkata leads with 40% of youth influencing family snacking choices, followed by Lucknow at 37%, Ahmedabad at 36%, Bangalore at 35%, and Mumbai at 34%. Delhi and Jaipur tie at 32%, while Pune and Chennai follow closely at 31% and 30%, respectively.

Commissioned by Godrej Yummiez, ‘STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter’ – The India Snacking Report (Volume I) was conducted by InQognito Insights. The study was conducted across North, South, West, and East regions and covered 10 cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

Please download the complete report on https://www.godrejyummiez.in/

~Starting May 10, 2024, passengers will be able to avail all-in one-way tickets from INR 5,555 and a 50% discount on Business tickets~

VietJet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, is delighted to announce its latest summer promotion, offering irresistible E-vouchers for Indian travellers. Starting from May 10th to May 16th, passengers can avail of exclusive discounts on eco tickets starting from INR 5,555 all-in one-way (*) for VietJet's India network, valid for flights between September 1st to December 31^st, 2024.

Additionally, the airline is pleased to offer a 50% discount on Business tickets (excluding taxes and fees) for Indian and Australian routes by applying the code BUSUMMER50 (*), valid for flights from June 1st to June 30th. For other routes, there is a generous 30% discount on Business tickets (excluding taxes and fees) by applying the code BUSUMMER30 (*) during the same period.

Moreover, Vietjet is introducing an exciting lucky draw with prizes totalling ₹ 1,96,90,174 (VND 6 billion). Lucky winners stand a chance to win Sky Gold+ membership passes redeemable for up to 12 flight tickets, ticket vouchers worth up to ₹ 32,814 (VND 10 million) each, and numerous gifts from beloved brands. The lucky draw games include a daily lucky spin and a monthly lottery, applicable to ticket purchases made between May 5th to August 7th. Travellers can participate in the lucky draw by visiting https://game.skyjoy.vietjetair.com/mua-ve-vietjet-trung-so-moi-ngay.

Furthermore, the airline began their new route between Hanoi and Hiroshima on 12^th May 2024.The flights will operate with two return flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays, each leg lasting approximately 4 hours. Vietjet currently operates numerous flights connecting Vietnam's largest cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, to famous Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

Vietjet has aggressively expanded its network to India, which is home to over 1.4 billion people, currently operating 29 round-trip flights per week across 4 major cities – Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Kochi.

For more information, please visit the official website: www.vietjetair.com

(*) Subject to availability

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurers, has announced the appointment of Ms. Jaya Tripathi as Head – Key Relations Group. In her new role, Ms. Tripathi will lead the expansion of new business opportunities and partnerships, drive sales team growth, and deepen partner relationships to enhance profitability.

With a diverse background spanning general insurance, fashion retail, and tourism, Ms. Tripathi brings anarray of experience to her new position. Her extensive background includes holding senior leadership roles at renowned organizations such as Mahindra Holidays, ICICI Lombard, Forevermark Diamonds (De Beers Group), and Aditya Birla Group, where she has significantly contributed to business and strategic development. Ms. Tripathi holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (Marketing) from Symbiosis International University.

Mr. Rakesh Kaul, CBO,SBI General Insurance, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jaya to the SBI General Insurance family. We are confident that with her extensive experience and proven track record, she will play a pivotal and indispensable role in driving our business goals forward.”

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Jaya Tripathi said, “I am excited to join SBI General Insurance as the Head – Key Relations Group. In this new role, I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive strategic partnerships and contribute to the company's growth.”

Ms. Tripathi's appointment reflects SBI General Insurance's commitment to strengthening its leadership team and delivering value to its partners and customers.