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Indian-Australian Scholar Ajith Abraham appointed as Bennett University’s New VC

Professor Ajith Abraham, hailing from Indian-Australian roots, has been named the latest Vice Chancellor of Bennett University. Holding a PhD in Computer Science from Monash University (2001) and a Master of Science from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (1998), Prof. Abraham brings over three decades of combined industry and academic expertise to his new role.

His distinguished career includes spearheading and collaborating on research endeavors securing upwards of US$100 million in grants. Prof. Abraham’s contributions transcend disciplinary boundaries, evidenced by his delivery of more than 150 plenary lectures and conference tutorials. Furthermore, his scholarly impact is undeniable, boasting over 1400 publications and an impressive h-index of 105.

Prior to his current appointment, Prof. Abraham served as Pro-Vice Chancellor at Bennett University and held the position of Dean at the Faculty of Computing and Data Science at FLAME University, Pune.

Situated in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Bennett University, since its establishment in 2016, has garnered global recognition for its Centers of Excellence such as the Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) and the Centre of Executive Education (CEE).

ObserveNow to host biggest gathering of higher education Leaders from Northern India at 6th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards

ObserveNow is set to host the 6th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards (ELCA) co-presented by Acer, Powered By Salesforce, and Co-Powered by Samsung on 25-26 April 2024 at The LaLit in Chandigarh. The leading connoisseurs of higher education from the northern region of the nation will converge to grace this prestigious summit and discuss the ways to reinvent education.

Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Department of Education, Government of Uttarakhand will grace this edition as Chief Guest.

“Acer has continuously upheld its position as a leader in the education sector. Our commitment to transforming traditional classrooms into dynamic, interactive learning environments has redefined the educational landscape. By integrating cutting-edge technology like interactive flat panels, we have not only facilitated online learning initiatives but also attracted private institutions seeking to elevate their teaching methodologies. Through our involvement in the “Make in India” initiative, we have been instrumental in advancing educational technology and customizing solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Acer has collaborated with schools and colleges for the accessibility of educational resources and helped teachers impart knowledge in a better and smarter way while allowing students to expand their learning horizons. Acer’s dedication to product development ensures that our offerings exceed market expectations, solidifying our role as a trusted partner in enhancing the overall learning experience”, said, Priya Krishnamurthy, Director – Commercial Sales overseeing enterprise, government, banking, SME, and education markets, Acer and expressed her enthusiasm to be part of ObserveNow Presents 6th Education Conclave & Awards as prestigious partner and esteemed guest.

Jeet Sharma, Co-Founder, ObserveNow said, “ ELCA has consistently been instrumental in ObserveNow’s success journey and Hosting esteemed educators from India has been a privilege, offering invaluable opportunities for collaboration, networking, and exploring the latest innovations from participating edtech companies. With ELCA, our objective is to elevate the growth trajectory of higher education in India, a goal we have achieved in previous editions held across major cities in the country and will continuously strive to do so with our upcoming editions.”

Taniya Tikoo, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ObserveNow expressed her gratitude for being the host of 6th ELCA and said, “Education changes Mirrors into windows, and ELCA is one such prominent platform which not only empower and provide speakers a platform to discuss the recent happenings in the education sector but also provide emerging edtechs, a chance to collaborate with eminent higher education leaders under one roof. Grateful for 5+ editions, many more to come in future which will create a unique pathway for the Indian higher education system to evolve and accelerate.”

Also, prominent decision makers from Government of Punjab, National Skill Development Corporation, AICTE will be joining the summit. Alongside, leading HEIs – ICFAI Group, Lovely Professional University, Shoolini University, Chitkara University, UPES, Dehradun,Chandigarh University, Sri Sai University, Dev Bhoomi Uttara Khand University and many other leading HEIs from northern India.

Prof (Dr.) R S Bawa, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “I feel highly excited to be a part of ObserveNow Present 6th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards. I am looking forward to meeting all the esteemed educators from Northern India and keen to learn from their ideologies and practices.”

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, expressed her excitement about joining the conclave and said, “ I am most thrilled to be part of the most significant event for higher education in the Northern region by ObserveNow. This platform will not only be a melting pot for ideas and strategies but a great transformatory change for the Indian education system.”

With a major focus on “Reinventing Education: Transforming the Learning Experience”, the two days conclave will explore the various pressing and trending topics. Some of the leading education solution providers will also be gracing the summit with their valuable presence including Acer, Salesforce, ICFAI University, D2L, masai, Courseera for campus, Learning Spiral, Meritto, CodeTantra, MasterSoft, Cantilever, ecophon, incubez, Talisma Jeevika, CanPR, Sri Sai University, Desh Bhagat University, Chandigarh Group of Colleges,  and few others.

Expressing his enthusiasm and excitement for the 6th edition of ELCA, Prateek Shukla, Co-founder and CEO, Masai said, “The Indian education system is going through a massive transformation, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this. Masai School’s outcome-driven approach is bridging India’s skill gap by focusing on skills that are relevant for the industry. Our flagship program, MasaiONE, our pay-after- placement programme, has helped over 4500 learners from diverse backgrounds launch a successful tech career. To strengthen our industry-academia foothold, we have partnered with leading institutions like IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi, and IIT Ropar to offer credit-based micro-credential courses. At the ObserveNow presents 6th  Education Leaders Conclave & Awards, we aim to meet leaders, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations to transform tech education in India”.

“As an outcome-driven institute, Masai invests in every learner’s journey. Our mission is to make quality tech education accessible to all. With MasaiONE, individuals from all walks of life have not only launched successful careers but have also highlighted the importance of an industry-relevant curriculum to bridge India’s skill gap. Our collaborations with IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi, and IIT Ropar will create leaders of tomorrow and create a generational impact that will transcend generations. We look forward to meeting leaders at the ObserveNow presents 6th  Education Leaders Conclave & Awards to learn and grow together”, said Yogesh Bhat, Co-founder and SVP, Masai on being a prestigious partner and esteemed guest for ELCA.

Education Leadership Conclave & Awards(ELCA) is a flagship event by ObserNow Media – education that converged some of the prominent education figures in its 5+ editions. The conclave serves as a significant platform for pressing educational challenges, latest trends and happenings, alongside an exclusive chance to network with industry peers. In its previous editions, ELCA has not just ventured into various cities of India — Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Mumbai but also reached Dubai with its 5th edition. ObserveNow presents ELCA has not only gathered prominent leaders in various cities of India  but also carved a transformatory way by discussing the latest practices, current trends and at the same time addressing the ongoing challenges in the higher education ecosystem.

The two days at 6th ELCA will provide a platform to evoke intriguing discussions that will carve paths for fresh strategies, innovative learning practices and mitigating the challenges in the education landscape. 6th ELCA will not only be a premium gathering of higher education leaders but also some of the leading edtechs and education solution providers which will make this place a hub for exchanging knowledge alongside exploring the latest discoveries of innovative solutions in education.

We will continue our endeavour to transform the higher education landscape with our next edition – 7th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards in  Hyderabad. Save the dates and see us there on 18-19th July 2024!

Government of India Appoints New Joint Secretary level Officers

In a recent directive from the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, several changes have been made at the joint secretary level in various ministries.

Rajeev Kumar IOFS (2000) has been named as the new Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, replacing Ms. Sumita Singh CSS. His tenure will last until 05/03/2025.

Ranjit Singh IA&AS (2003) will take over as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, succeeding Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha IAS (SK:1997). He will serve for a term of seven years until 21/03/2028.

Debolina Thakur IA&AS (1998) has been appointed as the Joint Secretary & FA of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, replacing Shri Sanjay Pandey ICAS (1994). Her tenure will be five years.

Vrunda Manohar Desai IRS (IT 2003) is appointed as the new Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, taking over from Shri Vikram Sahay IRS (IT 1992). She will serve until 12/04/2027.

Rahul Jain IAS (Madhya Pradesh 2005) is appointed as the Joint Secretary of the Sixteenth Finance Commission under the Department of Economic Affairs. His tenure is set for five years, extendable for an additional two years subject to cadre clearance.

Monalisa Dash IFoS (Sikkim 2003) is appointed as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, replacing Shri Harpreet Singh, IPoS (1992). She will serve until 11/10/2026.

 

 

CFTC Probes Major Banks Over Alleged Suppression of Whistleblowers

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has initiated inquiries into several prominent banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup, to investigate potential obstruction of whistleblowers, as per sources cited by a news agency on Wednesday.

According to the report, the CFTC has requested non-disclosure agreements from these banks concerning their swaps and clearing operations. Additionally, the regulator has sought access to employment and customer agreements within these sectors.

This move by the CFTC aligns with heightened scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has intensified its vigilance in this domain and imposed penalties on firms found non-compliant.

In recent developments, JPMorgan consented to pay an $18 million civil fine in January to settle allegations of violating whistleblower protection regulations, according to statements from the SEC.

Damian Williams, a prominent figure in prosecuting financial misconduct on Wall Street, has also encouraged whistleblowers to step forward and disclose illicit activities under a newly instituted program aimed at uncovering unlawful behavior.

IIHMR University Launches Digital Health Certificate Course

Mumbai: IIHMR University has unveiled its inaugural certificate program in digital health. Geared towards professionals aspiring to navigate the complexities of the digital healthcare realm, the initiative aims to cultivate a cohort of healthcare practitioners equipped with the insights and skills needed to leverage digital innovations effectively. Endorsed by the advisory board of the School of Digital Health, this intensive six-month program has been meticulously crafted by dedicated faculty members to address the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Delivered in an online format to accommodate geographical constraints, the course offers participants the flexibility to engage remotely while also providing opportunities for in-person discussions on campus. By launching this initiative, the School of Digital Health underscores its commitment to actively contribute to various facets of the healthcare sector, aligning with the government’s vision to digitize India’s healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. P.R. Sodani, President, IIHMR University, while delivering the inaugural address, emphasized that, “ Since its inception, IIHMR University is continuously working towards the objective of improving management practices in the healthcare sector. Considering the current cleft between public healthcare in the country and the digital healthcare ecosystem, IIHMR University understands the strong need to develop healthcare professionals with an understanding of digital health innovations to promote remote & advanced healthcare quality and accessibility. Hence, our expertise has decided to brew this course filled with flavors of cutting-edge technologies for our diverse alumni network and other public healthcare working professionals. I welcome all the participants and congratulate my team for their efforts and the resounding success of this launch.”

Dr. Swapnil Gadhave, a faculty member and coordinator of the course, highlighted that the program will offer a comprehensive exploration of digital health integration within the healthcare ecosystem. Through a thoughtfully structured curriculum, students will engage in a variety of training methods tailored to meet the needs of working professionals. These include lectures, case studies, projects, term papers, and assignments, all facilitated through online platforms. This dynamic approach encourages active participation and fosters meaningful interactions among students and faculty, paving the way for continued growth and excellence in the field.

 

ObserveNow presents Female Minds Driving Cybersecurity Marketing Strategies

Cybersecurity stands as the vigilant protector of our digital age, sculpting the contours of modern technology and redefining safety protocols in our globally connected society. Its evolution has catalyzed a paradigm shift, fundamentally altering the approach of individuals, corporations, and governments in safeguarding their digital resources against an increasingly diverse spectrum of hazards. Amidst this transformative trajectory, the ascent of women into key positions within the cybersecurity domain represents a notable stride toward inclusivity and diversity. Their involvement not only injects fresh viewpoints and inventive remedies into the sector but also symbolizes the breakdown of conventional gender divides in technology and security.

As per a report from Cybersecurity Ventures, women now occupy 25 percent of cybersecurity positions globally in 2022, up from 20 percent in 2019 and approximately 10 percent in 2013.

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, where cyber threats loom large, effective marketing in cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. It serves as a conduit for raising awareness about evolving cyber risks, educating individuals and organizations on best practices for safeguarding their digital assets, and promoting innovative solutions to combat cyber threats. Marketing campaigns play a pivotal role in demystifying complex cybersecurity concepts, fostering trust in security products and services, and galvanizing collective action against cybercrime. Moreover, strategic marketing efforts can empower businesses to stay ahead of emerging threats by continuously adapting and fortifying their cyber defenses. Ultimately, marketing in cybersecurity not only protects data and systems but also empowers individuals and organizations to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.

Here are the key women marketing leaders in the Cybersecurity Ecosystem:

  • Roopal Shah, Head of Marketing at Cloudflare: Roopal is a seasoned marketing expert with a proven track record in internet application security. She excels in product management, brand development, and integrated marketing strategies.
  • Kristine Daniels, Head of India Marketing at Rubrik: With extensive experience in information technology and services, Kristine is a skilled Marketing Manager proficient in CRM, event management, market research, and lead generation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a focus on Business and Management.
  • Sanchari Mitra, Head of Marketing at Aujas Cybersecurity: Sanchari is proficient in various marketing domains including inbound marketing, SEO, social media, and email marketing. With certifications in business analysis, content marketing, and LinkedIn marketing, she leads the marketing efforts at Aujas Cybersecurity, focusing on integrated campaigns across multiple platforms.
  • Shalini Kaul, Director of Marketing, India at Juniper Networks: With over 18 years of experience, Shalini is a marketing leader specializing in B2B marketing, communications, branding, and advertising. She drives marketing strategy and execution at Juniper Networks India, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration and team empowerment.
  • Krishita Motwani, Head of Marketing, India and SAARC at Trellix: Krishita brings a wealth of marketing experience from companies like Seagate Technology, McAfee, and Symantec. With a background in commerce and marketing, she leads marketing efforts at Trellix, leveraging her expertise in consumer marketing and brand management.

In contemporary digital spheres, the preservation of online security stands as a paramount concern. Within this domain, the distinguished female marketing leaders highlighted herein serve as exemplars of excellence and innovation. Through their strategic acumen and steadfast dedication, they advance pivotal initiatives aimed at educating and empowering individuals and enterprises against the manifold risks posed by cyber threats. Their collective efforts not only bolster the resilience of our digital infrastructure but also underscore the imperative of inclusivity and diversity within the technology and security sectors.

Bajaj Housing Finance Welcomes Sayantani Dutta as Chief of HR and Administration

Bajaj Housing Finance has announced the appointment of Sayantani Dutta as its new Chief of Human Resources and Administration. Bringing over two decades of versatile HR expertise gained from leading organizations, Sayantani officially joined the company in March.

In her new capacity, Sayantani will collaborate closely with various business units to drive the company’s human resources strategies. Known for her solution-oriented approach, she will oversee a wide spectrum of HR functions, including employee development, talent management, organizational structure, and rewards.

Prior to her tenure at Bajaj Housing Finance, Sayantani held key roles at prestigious firms such as GE Capital, Walmart, Vodafone, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. She holds an MBA in HR from XIMB, Bhubaneshwar.

Razorpay Launches UPI Switch with Airtel, Transforming Digital Payments in India

In a monumental development poised to revolutionize India’s digital payment landscape, Razorpay, a leading payment gateway provider, has introduced its own UPI infrastructure named UPI Switch. This cutting-edge cloud-based innovation, developed in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank, promises to elevate success rates by 4-5% and can seamlessly handle up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) at any given time. Notably, UPI Switch also offers enterprises 5X quicker access to UPI technologies.

The emergence of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) as India’s preferred payment mechanism, constituting 70% of digital transactions, underscores the significance of this development. January 2024 witnessed UPI transactions soaring to a record high of Rs 18.41 trillion, signaling its burgeoning growth trajectory. With the advent of alternative payment methods like credit cards, wallets, and credit lines, UPI is forecasted to surpass 2 billion transactions per day by 2030. This proliferation underscores UPI’s evolution into a versatile payment network accommodating various modes, including savings and current accounts, credit cards, prepaid wallets, and credit lines, hinting at a substantial uptick in UPI transaction volumes in the foreseeable future.

The efficacy of UPI transactions heavily hinges on the UPI infrastructure deployed by banks. Serving as the backbone, this infrastructure, termed as UPI switch, facilitates seamless communication between core banking systems and UPI technology during transactions. However, the existing infrastructure falls short in meeting the nuanced demands of enterprises and scaling to enhance performance. This shortfall translates into scalability issues, technical glitches, and downtimes, impacting overall customer experience. Additionally, legacy Technology Service Providers (TSPs) grapple with compliance issues, constraining their innovation potential and ability to cater to modern organizational needs.

In response to these challenges, Razorpay’s UPI Switch emerges as a game-changer, offering a holistic infrastructure solution that addresses the aforementioned pain points while enhancing the business experience through its array of features. Noteworthy features include expedited dispute resolution, resolving disputes 7X faster within 24 hours compared to the industry standard of 7 days, and instantaneous processing of refunds, ensuring a seamless consumer experience. Positioned as the bedrock for future UPI advancements, Razorpay UPI Switch not only supports ongoing Razorpay UPI innovations like Turbo UPI and TPAP but also sets the stage for forthcoming breakthroughs in the UPI ecosystem.

Monash College and Microsoft Forge Groundbreaking Partnership in Technology Education

New Delhi: Monash College has unveiled an innovative collaboration with tech giant Microsoft, poised to revolutionize technology education and industry engagement across Australia.

In this pioneering venture, Microsoft’s AI learning resources, certifications, and expertise will be seamlessly integrated into Monash College’s Future Skills programs. This strategic alliance aims to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge aligned with industry needs, ensuring their readiness to tackle the dynamic challenges of the technology sector.

The partnership promises not only to enhance the quality of AI education but also to offer a comprehensive array of Microsoft certifications and badges. Monash College CEO Jo Mithen emphasized the significance of these credentials, underscoring their role in providing tangible qualifications recognized by employers, thus empowering individuals to advance in AI and technology careers.

Read more: Microsofts Bold Leadership Shift Unveils a New Era

“Monash College is proud to partner with Microsoft in pioneering AI-driven solutions that redefine the educational landscape. Together, we’re not just shaping the future; we’re defining it,” said Mithen.

“At Monash College, we’re equipping our students with the skills Australia’s and Victoria’s economy needs, and part of that is exposing them to cutting-edge opportunities that prepare them for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. Our collaboration with Microsoft exemplifies this dedication, as we leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes and empower our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

A notable aspect of the collaboration, touted as a global first, involves all Future Skills students undertaking a dedicated Microsoft ‘Responsible AI’ learning pathway. This initiative underscores the commitment to instilling principles of fairness, equity, and accountability in AI development and application.

Experts from Microsoft will collaborate closely with Monash College’s academic team, tailoring AI concepts and applications to students’ educational context. This collaborative effort aims to bolster students’ confidence in engaging with AI technologies, thus directly benefiting prospective employers, particularly in the small and medium-sized business sector.

The partnership was officially launched with a keynote address by Sarah Carney, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. The event featured a panel discussion with industry leaders, exploring the transformative impact of AI across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and energy.

Naima Khatoon Appointed as AMU VC, Third Woman to Lead Central University

In a historic stride towards gender inclusivity, Naima Khatoon has been selected as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), marking a significant milestone as the first woman to ascend to this esteemed position in over a century. The Ministry of Education (MoE), under the auspices of President Droupadi Murmu, the University’s Visitor, confirmed Khatoon’s appointment on Monday, heralding a new era of leadership at the prestigious institution.

With her induction, AMU joins the ranks of only three central universities to have a woman at the helm, alongside Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia University. Khatoon’s trajectory to this pinnacle of academic leadership is marked by a distinguished career within AMU’s academic and administrative spheres.

Read more: Deependra Kumar Jha appointed as VC at Manav Rachna University

This groundbreaking decision was not without procedural diligence, as the Election Commission of India (ECI) was also consulted to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in place. The appointment of Khatoon not only signifies a personal triumph but also underscores a broader trend towards gender diversification in higher education leadership.

Commencing her professional voyage as a lecturer at AMU in 1988, Khatoon steadily ascended the academic ladder, culminating in her appointment as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology before assuming the role of Principal at Women’s College in 2014. Her multifaceted contributions extend beyond the confines of AMU, encompassing teaching stints at the National University of Rwanda and various administrative responsibilities within the university.

Khatoon’s academic prowess is underscored by her PhD in Political Psychology, a testament to her scholarly dedication and intellectual breadth. Her research endeavors have traversed international boundaries, with presentations at esteemed institutions worldwide, highlighting her global footprint in academia.

Beyond academia, Khatoon’s literary acumen shines through her authorship and editorial contributions to six books, alongside numerous publications in national and international journals. Her expertise spans diverse domains, including clinical, health, applied social, and spiritual psychology, reflecting a multifaceted intellect committed to advancing human understanding.

Acknowledged for her holistic excellence, Khatoon’s accolades include the prestigious Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Best Girl Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to academic and personal excellence.

However, Khatoon’s journey to the pinnacle of academic leadership was not devoid of controversy, with her inclusion among the shortlisted candidates sparking debates over potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, her selection by the 27-member Executive Council (EC), amidst a pool of 36 applicants, reaffirms her meritocratic ascendancy and underscores AMU’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership.

In Khatoon’s appointment, AMU not only welcomes a trailblazer but also heralds a new chapter of gender equity and academic excellence, embodying the progressive ethos of a venerable institution poised to shape the future of higher education.

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