Author: Sarita Jena

  • Join IIT Madras’ Exciting Supply Chain Certification Courses in 2025!

    Join IIT Madras’ Exciting Supply Chain Certification Courses in 2025!

    The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation is working with Cambtech Training and Placement firm to offer new certification programs in the Supply Chain and Logistics field. These courses are designed to give students a realistic work experience in a “Virtual Office,” where they can learn just like they would in a real job.

    Students will also use an artificial intelligence platform that creates a virtual business environment for them to practice tasks like handling financial transactions in real-time.

    The available courses include Supply Chain Management, Port Management, Chartering Practices, and International Liners Trade. Upon finishing the program, students will receive a certificate from Cambtech and IITM Pravartak.

    Prof. Mangala Sunder, the founder of Digital Skills Academy at IITM Pravartak, stressed that the aim is to equip college students and workers from various industries with the skills they need to find jobs or learn new skills. “The training will prepare students to take on competitive exams in Supply Chain and Logistics confidently,” said Prof. Sunder.

    Vaishnavi B Iyer, CEO of Cambtech, also highlighted how essential upskilling is today, encouraging candidates to prepare for successful careers in Supply Chain and Logistics. The unique virtual training platform created by Cambtech will let students learn in various ways.

    The foundational knowledge for all training will come from expert lessons by Prof. G. Srinivasan, who has been a part of IIT Madras for over 30 years and has experience in international management.

    The first batch of these courses will start on January 1, 2025, and registration will close on December 25, 2024. Interested candidates can sign up through the provided link.

  • ISRO Is Launching Proba-3 Mission for Solar Studies Tomorrow!

    ISRO Is Launching Proba-3 Mission for Solar Studies Tomorrow!

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is getting ready to launch an exciting mission called PSLV-C59/Proba-3! The launch will happen on December 4 at 4:08 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), will focus on advanced space technology.

    What is the Proba-3 Mission?

    – The PSLV-C59 rocket will carry two spacecraft, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), working together to study the Sun.
    – This mission is special because it will demonstrate how these two satellites can fly closely together, creating the effect of one big spacecraft in space!
    – The satellites will be 150 meters apart and aligned with the Sun, allowing the OSC to block bright sunlight so the CSC can observe the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere (the corona).

    Details About the Spacecrafts:

    – The Coronagraph Spacecraft weighs 310 kg and uses hydrazine for propulsion. It has special instruments to study the Sun’s corona.
    – The Occulter Spacecraft, which weighs 240 kg, uses cold gas propulsion and has its own scientific instruments.

    The mission will act as a “floating lab,” testing new ways for space gadgets to meet and work together in orbit. Both satellites will work in a fixed formation, providing continuous views of the Sun for valuable scientific research.

    NSIL, which is a part of ISRO, aims to provide satellite services to Indian and global users. As India’s first commercial satellite service provider, NSIL supports communication and remote sensing services.

  • LinkedIn Fury: Should ‘Reply All’ Affect Job Offers?

    LinkedIn Fury: Should ‘Reply All’ Affect Job Offers?

    A LinkedIn post by Ben Newman, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and Catapult Opera, has started a big argument online about email manners. He warned that not using “reply all” in emails could mean losing a job offer. His post received many different opinions from people on social media.

    In his LinkedIn post, Newman shared his frustration with what he sees as bad email etiquette from younger workers. He said, “If I send you an email with a job offer and others are copied in, if you don’t hit ‘reply all,’ I will take back the job offer.” He pointed out that it’s surprising how many people under 40 can use complicated software but don’t know basic email rules.

    Newman talked about how this mistake wastes time and can lead to unnecessary emails. He urged everyone to improve their email skills and said that this should be seen as a matter of professionalism, not social class.

    When people reacted to his post, it quickly gained attention with over 900 comments on LinkedIn and even spread to Reddit. Some agreed with him, saying it’s basic office etiquette, while others felt his warning was too extreme, with one person commenting, “It seems harsh to take back a job offer because of a simple email mistake.”

    The debate showed a divide between generations, with younger people sharing their views about workplace communication. One person said that sometimes they don’t use “reply all” because they think it’s not necessary for everyone to see their response.

    Reddit users had a funny take on the situation. One joked, “Why are you sending a job offer to multiple people? It’s not personal!” Another said, “I’d take back an offer if someone used ‘reply all’ too much!”

  • Snow and School Changes in North Carolina: Winter Weather Updates!

    Snow and School Changes in North Carolina: Winter Weather Updates!

    Winter has arrived in North Carolina, bringing snow, ice, and changes to school schedules. In Charlotte, kids saw their first snow in three years! Nearby areas faced slippery roads due to ice. Because of the winter weather, several school districts—like Iredell, Lincoln, Alexander, and Ashe counties—had to change their plans for the day.

    What Schools Are Doing This Tuesday:
    – Iredell County Schools: Closed for the day, but teachers can choose to work from home.
    – Lincoln County Schools: Delayed opening by two hours because of black ice.
    – Alexander County Schools: Also delayed by two hours.
    – Ashe County Schools: Students will learn from home, starting at 9 a.m. for elementary kids and 10 a.m. for high schoolers.

    Other districts, including Guilford, Winston-Salem/Forsyth, and Lexington City Schools, have also closed or delayed their schedules, offering remote learning options where possible.

    Expect cold weather this week! Temperatures will stay in the 40s during the day and drop to near record lows in the 20s at night. Tonight, the coldest air of the season is expected, with temperatures likely reaching the teens. Charlotte might even drop to around 20 degrees, just above the record low of 18 set in 2000.

    Weather Update for Charlotte:
    On Tuesday morning, Charlotte got a quick surprise snow, creating some winter alerts, especially in areas north and west of town. Although the snow was short-lived, it made a big impact.

    Later in the week, a cold front will bring temperatures back to the 40s on Friday and Saturday, with a slight warm-up on Sunday. There may also be some rain on Monday.

  • Indian Banks Thrive: Record Growth and Women Empowerment Boost

    Indian Banks Thrive: Record Growth and Women Empowerment Boost

    On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared great news about Indian banks. She said our banks are strong and doing well, which is really important because we can’t have banks that are struggling. This was said while she presented the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. She praised the Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Ministry for keeping the banking system steady, noting that even countries with good systems sometimes face bank failures.

    Sitharaman mentioned how banking has changed since 2014 and said we should be proud of how banks are now managed better. Unlike before, banks are not asking the government for money because they can now raise funds on their own by selling bonds. Nowadays, we can do banking online or on our phones, which is available everywhere from Arunachal Pradesh to Rajasthan. She also highlighted how Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) help reach people who need services in remote areas.

    The minister shared that the number of bank branches has grown significantly: from 3,792 to 1,65,501 branches by September 2024. Out of these, 85,116 are public sector banks, making banking easier even in rural areas. She said the number of rural branches increased from 41,855 in 2014 to 55,372 in March 2024. Semi-urban branches grew from 33,504 to 55,214, and urban branches rose from 21,007 to 29,276 over the same period.

    Sitharaman also talked about women empowerment. She revealed that 68% of all Mudra loans went to women and that 44% of all Swanidhi loans were granted to them without needing collateral. A huge milestone is that 1 lakh out of 12 lakh rural Mudra bankers are women, helping them earn more money. Today, there are 53 crore Mudra bank accounts with a total of Rs 2.37 lakh crore deposited, increasing the average balance from Rs 1,065 to Rs 4,397.

  • Mahindra & IndiGo: Trademark Dispute Over New Electric Model

    Mahindra & IndiGo: Trademark Dispute Over New Electric Model

    Mahindra & Mahindra recently announced that they are talking with InterGlobe Aviation, the company that owns IndiGo airlines. This conversation is about a trademark issue involving the name “6e” used for one of their new electric cars. Mahindra has launched two electric models: the BE 6e and XEV 9e. They believe that their trademark “BE 6e” is different from IndiGo’s “6E,” which is used as an airline code, and so there shouldn’t be any confusion.

    In a statement, Mahindra said that they understand IndiGo’s concerns about their reputation and did not mean to create any problems. As Mahindra looks to resolve this issue amicably, they continue to defend their trademark application for “BE 6e,” which falls under vehicles.

    IndiGo has filed a lawsuit against Mahindra, claiming that they are misusing their trademark. However, Mahindra insists that their mark is not the same as IndiGo’s and that the differences are clear. The design of the two names is also very different.

    On November 26, Mahindra introduced its new models, the BE 6e and XEV 9e, with deliveries set to start in February or March of next year. The BE 6e can travel up to 682 km on a full charge, while the XEV 9e can go 656 km. IndiGo is currently challenging Mahindra’s trademark in court.

  • New Car Models Launching in December 2024: What’s Coming!

    New Car Models Launching in December 2024: What’s Coming!

    As December 2024 approaches, car companies like Honda, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai are getting ready to launch exciting new models. While there may not be as many new features as earlier this year, we can still expect some brand-new cars and updates to popular favorites.

    Recently, Skoda introduced its first subcompact SUV named Kylaq, with prices ranging from ₹7.89 lakh to ₹14.4 lakh. Built on a special platform, it’s less than four meters long and competes with the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine that produces 115 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque. You can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It also offers many premium features, such as an 8.0-inch digital dashboard, a 10.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a Canton sound system. For safety, it includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

    The fresh third-generation Honda Amaze will make its debut on December 4, bringing a modern design and improved safety features. Prices are expected to start around ₹7.8 lakh. The new Amaze takes style ideas from the Honda Elevate and City, featuring a striking grille and sleek LED headlights. While the side looks similar, the back of the car looks a lot like the Honda City. Inside, it has a new infotainment system, a digital dashboard, and advanced safety features including ADAS. The Amaze will keep the 90 horsepower, 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, offered with either a 5-speed manual or CVT.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor will introduce the ninth-generation Toyota Camry on December 11, priced at around ₹48 lakh. This new sedan will be shipped from abroad and deliveries will start in 2025. The latest Camry will have a refreshed design with updated headlights, a honeycomb grille, and subtle changes at the back. The inside will be completely revamped, featuring a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, a JBL audio system, dual-zone climate control, and advanced safety features. The Camry will still be powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that produces 218 PS and 221 Nm of torque, paired with an eCVT gearbox.

    Finally, Kia India will unveil the Syros on December 19, which sits between the Sonet and Seltos. Teasers show a boxy design with a flat roof for extra cabin space. The SUV will feature stacked LED headlights, L-shaped taillights, and smooth door handles that echo the style of the EV9 and Carnival MPV. Inside, it will be similar to the Sonet but will also include a panoramic sunroof, a digital dashboard, and ADAS features. The Syros is expected to offer powertrain options similar to the Sonet, including a 1.2-liter NA petrol, a 1.0-liter turbo petrol, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine with various transmission choices

  • Discover Investment Opportunities with Groww Multicap Fund Today!

    Discover Investment Opportunities with Groww Multicap Fund Today!

    India is quickly becoming a top place for investment opportunities across many sectors. Anupam Tiwari, Head of Equity at Groww Mutual Fund, recently talked about the new Groww Multicap Fund, which aims to take advantage of India’s growth.

    What is the Groww Multicap Fund?
    The fund will be open for investment from November 26 to December 10, 2024. It puts money in three types of companies: large, mid-sized, and small. This mix is important because it helps spread out risk, meaning your money is safer. Tiwari believes that companies of all sizes can grow, and they will look for the best ones based on their quality and potential to make money.

    Why Invest in Mid and Small Companies?
    Tiwari says there is a growing chance for mid and small companies, particularly over the next ten years. These companies have become stronger financially and can now attract talented workers. More and more, new graduates want to work for startups instead of big foreign companies.

    Key Growth Factors
    1. Talent: There are many qualified people available for jobs, even in smaller companies.
    2. Capital: Small businesses now have better access to money from banks and investors.
    3. Markets: Digital tools are making it easier for companies to sell products.

    Tiwari also sees big chances for India in exports, premium products, financial technology, infrastructure, and areas where India can produce goods instead of relying on other countries, especially China.

    Why Choose a Multicap Fund Now?
    Tiwari believes that investing in a mix of large, mid, and small companies is great for anyone looking to invest for five years or more. The idea is that investing this way will lead to less risk and help make money over time.

    What Makes This Fund Different?
    The Groww Multicap Fund has a strong, systematic strategy that focuses on growth while paying attention to prices. They’re dedicated to being a true multicap fund, meaning they’ll balance their investments well among large, mid, and small companies.

    How Will the Fund Keep Your Investment Safe?
    The Groww Multicap Fund will pay close attention to two types of risks: those that come from the company itself and those coming from the economy. They plan to manage risks by doing thorough research and adjusting investments based on current market conditions.

    The Role of Multicap Funds in Your Portfolio
    Tiwari thinks that the Groww Multicap Fund should be the core of your investment portfolio. It gives investors access to a wide range of stocks, and from there, you can invest in specific areas or themes if you want.

  • CBSE to Introduce Two Levels for Science and Social Studies in Grades 9-10

    CBSE to Introduce Two Levels for Science and Social Studies in Grades 9-10

    The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is thinking about a new idea: offering two levels of science and social science classes for students in Grades 9 and 10! This plan is similar to what they already do with math in Grade 10, where students can choose between a standard level and an advanced level.

    The new idea is just waiting for approval from the CBSE governing body. If it gets the green light, it will follow guidelines from the National Education Policy (NEP). This means some students can study subjects at a regular level while others tackle advanced topics.

    A senior CBSE official explained that the goal of this plan is to help students who are good at science and social studies prepare better for the tougher subjects they’ll face in Grade 11.

    However, there are still a few things to figure out, like how to organize exams and create the right study materials, since the new textbooks are not yet ready. CBSE is also planning to have two rounds of board exams, but the schedule for that has been delayed.

    This idea comes from a report made by a group led by K. Kasturirangan, the former chairman of ISRO, and is designed to support the changes in education proposed in the National Education Policy 2020.

  • India and China Take Steps to Improve Relations After Troop Pullback

    India and China Take Steps to Improve Relations After Troop Pullback

    India and China have recently finished pulling back their soldiers from the last two spots where they faced each other on their Himalayan border. This is a big step toward improving their relationship. India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that now both countries will start to think about other parts of their relationship carefully.

    The two countries have had a tough time since the 2020 clashes, where 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers lost their lives. Since then, India has cut off direct flights to China, banned many Chinese apps, and increased checks on Chinese investments. India believes that their relationship can’t get better unless there is peace at the border.

    On the other hand, China thinks that the border issues shouldn’t stop them from having a good relationship. Jaishankar mentioned that with the end of the troop pullback, they can start looking at other ways to work together, but they need to keep their national safety as the main priority.

    He also mentioned that making sure there is peace and calm at the border is very important for both countries to grow closer. Soon, top officials and diplomats from both sides will meet to discuss how to keep things peaceful and manage their activities at the border.

    The border that stretches for about 4,000 km (around 2,500 miles) has caused tension for many years and even led to a war in 1962. After some earlier talks and agreements, things got better until the conflicts in 2020 interrupted their business ties.

    Not long after they reached an agreement to end the border dispute, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked for the first time in five years and decided to work on their differences and strengthen their ties. Indian officials believe that while they want to improve their business relationship, they will proceed slowly because there is still a lack of trust from the past years. The first steps may include restarting direct flights and speeding up visa approvals.