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DTDC Express Appoints Ankita Tiwari as New CHRO

On Tuesday, DTDC Express, a prominent logistics company in India, announced the appointment of Ankita Tiwari as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In her new role, Tiwari will focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as fostering a robust organizational culture. She is recognized for her expertise in relationship-building, enhancing people skills, and cultivating a positive workplace environment.

With 20 years of HR leadership experience across various industries, Tiwari previously held senior positions at notable companies such as Larsen & Toubro, AP Moller-Maersk, Pidilite, BASF, and ST Ericsson.

Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO of DTDC Express, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Ankita to our DTDC family. Her extensive experience, innovative approach, and proven track record in human resources will be invaluable in fostering a positive and productive work environment.”

Top 7 Edtech Platforms Revolutionizing Education in India for 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology continues to be a catalyst for profound transformation. Edtech, an amalgamation of education and technology, is not just shaping but revolutionizing the way knowledge is imparted and acquired. As we stride into 2024, the impact of these innovations is more pronounced than ever, redefining classrooms into dynamic, accessible spaces where learning transcends boundaries.

Here, we delve into the top 7 edtech platforms in India, poised at the forefront of this educational revolution, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of digital learning solutions available today.

1. AASOKA

AASOKA Learning and Teaching Solution, developed by the MBD Group, integrates advanced blended learning techniques to deliver a meticulously designed curriculum for K-12 students. The initiative aims to democratize educational resources, ensuring accessibility and affordability nationwide, thereby empowering schools across India. With a robust foundation in EdTech, educational assets, and academic research, AASOKA distinguishes itself in the education sector. Developed by their in-house research team using innovative learning design principles, AASOKA’s learner-centric approach equips educators with effective teaching tools. Aligned with the NEP 2020, AASOKA’s curriculum promotes interactive, engaging, and creative learning experiences, supporting holistic development and achieving significant educational outcomes. Their hybrid learning solutions cater comprehensively to both scholastic and co-scholastic growth, addressing diverse teaching and learning management needs. AASOKA continues to serve as a trusted partner for educational institutions, facilitating tailored education solutions and advancing traditional schools into technology-enabled learning environments.

2. Zamit

Zamit, headquartered in the UK, specializes in Skills and Knowledge Integrated Learning solutions for students and Teaching Excellence and Relevance Management for teachers. Their unique Measure, Improve, and Monitor model drives their approach, supported by AI-driven Learner Analytics for impactful institutional assessments. For students, Zamit offers a holistic development programme rooted in Skills and Knowledge Integrated Learning principles. This initiative cultivates lifelong learning habits and fosters over one hundred 21st-century skills alongside traditional school subjects. Central to Zamit’s student programmes is the Zamit Quotient (ZQ), an advanced benchmarking framework that assesses future readiness beyond conventional metrics like IQ, EQ, and SQ. On the other hand, Zamit for Teachers is a comprehensive CPD programme tailored for educators shaping the educational journey of Gen Z and Gen Alpha students. The programme utilizes the TERM (Teaching Excellence and Relevance Management) framework to evaluate and enhance over seventy teaching and relevance management skills. Teachers benefit from access to a robust Resource Vault, enriching both their teaching capabilities and personal development journey.

3. Coursera

Founded in 2012 by Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, Coursera is dedicated to democratizing education by providing life-transforming online learning experiences globally. As a leading platform for online learning and career development, Coursera offers accessible courses and degrees from prestigious universities and companies, benefiting 148 million learners, 7,000 campuses, businesses, and governments worldwide. Recently achieving B Corp certification in February 2021, Coursera upholds a commitment not only to shareholder value but also to making a positive societal impact. By reducing barriers to world-class education, Coursera partners with over 300 leading institutions and organizations to deliver flexible, affordable, and job-relevant learning opportunities, including hands-on projects, courses, job-ready certificates, and comprehensive degree programs.

4. Unacademy

Unacademy, headquartered in Bangalore, is an Indian multinational educational technology company renowned for its online learning platform. Established in 2015 by Gaurav Munjal, Hemesh Singh, and Roman Saini, Unacademy prepares students for a diverse array of competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, UPSC, GATE, Chartered Accountancy, UPSC NDA, CUET, Boards, and more. Additionally, it offers foundational K-12 education and skill-building courses spanning programming, photography, entrepreneurship, and others. As of May 2022, Unacademy boasted a valuation of US$3.44 billion and has garnered accolades including being named among the GSV Global EdTech 50 in 2020 and ranking first in the LinkedIn Top Startups List for India in 2021.

5. Khan Academy

Founded by Sal Khan in 2006, Khan Academy is a prominent American non-profit dedicated to providing free online educational resources. With a mission to enhance student learning, the organization offers a vast library of over 10,000 video lessons covering subjects like mathematics, sciences, literature, history, and computer science. Khan Academy’s website features supplementary practice exercises and materials tailored for educators, all accessible at no cost through its website and app. Through a combination of practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard, Khan Academy supports self-paced learning both inside and outside the classroom. Spanning kindergarten to early college levels, the platform emphasizes skill mastery across diverse disciplines such as math, science, reading, computing, and more, equipping learners with the foundational knowledge essential for success in higher education and professional careers.

6. AlphaLearn

AlphaLearn serves over 500,000 learners globally, empowering them with digital tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Their online platform facilitates swift implementation of Learning and Development programs for businesses, enabling trainers to create modules, develop content, configure courses, quizzes, and generate insightful reports—all within a unified interface. Evolving significantly since its inception, AlphaLearn strives to become the most accessible and user-friendly e-learning platform, continuously innovating and integrating new features. Notably, all software updates are perpetually free for every AlphaLearn customer, ensuring ongoing enhancement and value.

7. UNIVO Education

UNIVO Education stands out as a pioneering EdTech start-up, revolutionizing online program management and forging partnerships in higher education. Collaborating closely with prestigious educational institutions across India, the Middle East, and Africa, UNIVO integrates them seamlessly into the digital learning landscape. Their comprehensive services include developing educational programs and robust student support systems, aimed at democratizing access to online higher education through innovative technology. At the forefront of their offerings is an e-learning platform leveraging advanced generative AI, marking a significant advancement in EdTech infrastructure. UNIVO’s strategic growth plan includes a projected 100% increase in their workforce this fiscal year, underscoring their ambitious goals and substantial impact on the online education sector. Emphasizing sustainable learning outcomes and enhancing employability, UNIVO emerges as a key player in the dynamic EdTech startup ecosystem.

Deloitte Appoints Pintu Singh as Partner & HR Transformation Offering Leader

Deloitte has promoted Pintu Singh to the role of Partner and HR Transformation (HRT) Offering Leader. Singh expressed his excitement about the new position in a LinkedIn post, stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Partner and HR Transformation (HRT) Offering Leader at Deloitte.”

Joining Deloitte in 2021 as a Partner, Singh previously held positions at KPMG India and Idhasoft.

He holds a Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) from IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management and a BE in Computer Engineering from North Maharashtra University.

Hoopr Appoints Vitasta Kaul as Chief Marketing Officer

Hoopr.ai has announced significant additions to its executive leadership team, appointing Rakesh Nair as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vitasta Kaul as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective immediately.

Rakesh Nair, with over 16 years of experience in the industry, brings his expertise from SHEROES, Mahila Money, and BookMyShow to his new role as CTO. “I’m thrilled to join Hoopr at this pivotal juncture,” Nair stated. “The creator economy is witnessing unprecedented growth, and Hoopr is at the forefront of enabling creators to thrive. With a daily stream average of 18,000 tracks and a 70% retention rate, Hoopr’s tracks are evidently popular and engaging. I look forward to leveraging my experience to build a robust technology foundation that empowers artists, facilitates seamless content creation, and unlocks new avenues for growth.”

Vitasta Kaul, with over 17 years of experience as a brand storyteller, has worked across early-stage startups in EdTech, F&B, Design, and Auto sectors. “I am excited to join the dynamic team at Hoopr and contribute to their remarkable growth story,” Kaul said. “The creator economy presents a canvas of limitless possibilities, and Hoopr’s innovative platform empowers creators, including 85% from the Nano category with fewer than 10,000 subscribers, to unleash their true potential using copyright-cleared music. With the broader creator economy thriving, over 700,000 people in India can make a living through YouTube income alone. As the market potential is immense, with over a million Indian channels crossing the 1,000-subscriber milestone to enable monetization, I am committed to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with our audience and drive Hoopr to new heights.”

Gaurav Dagaonkar, CEO and Co-founder of Hoopr, commented on the appointments, saying, “We are pleased to welcome Rakesh and Vitasta to the Hoopr family. Their combined expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we move towards the next phase of our growth journey. With their guidance, we are well-positioned to strengthen our position as the go-to platform for copyright-safe music, enabling creators to thrive without legal hurdles.”

C-DAC and AICTE Partner to Advance High-Performance Computing Education

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to enhance human resource development in high-performance computing (HPC) and related fields. This collaboration, announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), aims to promote sustainable growth in HPC through comprehensive training programs designed to improve the teaching capabilities of master trainers in these areas.

Additionally, C-DAC and AICTE will develop quality improvement programs for educators from non-computer science disciplines, broadening their knowledge in HPC and associated technologies. Courses will be available on the Ministry of Education’s SWAYAM platform, making them accessible to students nationwide. C-DAC will also provide its HPC learning platforms to select institutes, enriching the practical learning experience.

At the MoA signing ceremony, AICTE Chairman Prof. T. G. Sitharam stated, “With this MoA between AICTE and C-DAC, we are taking a significant step towards creating a robust ecosystem for High-Performance Computing education in India.”

This initiative supports the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at building HPC capacity and capability. Through this strategic partnership, C-DAC and AICTE are set to advance HPC education and drive technological innovation across the country.

Tags: aicteC-DAC

Unofin Partners with makeO to Provide No-Cost EMI Solutions at 25 Centers Across India

Unofin has collaborated with makeO to introduce no-cost EMI solutions for customers at makeO’s 25 centers across India, utilizing LoanTap’s QR-based loan system. Unofin, which was acquired by LoanTap in 2023, aims to make healthcare financing affordable and accessible. By transforming medical bills into manageable EMIs, Unofin ensures healthcare providers receive payments within 24 hours.

This partnership addresses financial barriers that prevent men, women, and younger individuals from accessing cosmetic procedures. It aligns with LoanTap’s vision of providing affordable healthcare financing across India through no-cost EMI options.

Soumya Arora, Senior Vice President at LoanTap, stated: “This partnership is a crucial step towards ensuring that affordable healthcare financing is within reach for everyone. Our goal is to leverage makeO’s customer base and LoanTap’s QR-based financing to create an ecosystem where each customer can get the treatment they need without financial worries.”

Pritesh Desai, Business Head at Toothsi, added: “We are thrilled to partner with LoanTap. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to make advanced dental and skincare treatments accessible to everyone. By removing financial barriers, we can ensure that our customers receive the best possible care without the stress of high costs usually associated with expert-led aligner and skincare treatments. We are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will have on many Indians, turning their smile and skin makeover dreams into reality.”

The cosmetic industry in India, particularly in dental and skincare segments, is experiencing significant growth. Rising awareness and the desire for aesthetic improvements are driving demand for advanced treatments. Celebrity endorsements from figures like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma further enhance the appeal and trust of these brands among consumers.

Electric Mobility Startup Matter Raises Rs 82.6 Crore in Maiden Equity Funding Round

Ahmedabad-based electric mobility startup Matter has successfully raised Rs 82.6 crore (approximately $10 million) in its first-ever round of equity funding. According to regulatory filings accessed from the Registrar of Companies, Matter’s board issued 1,12,837 CCPS at an issue price of Rs 7,320 each to secure the funding.

Key investors in this round include Japan Airlines & Translink Fund, which invested Rs 25 crore, Info Edge-backed Capital 2B Fund with Rs 10.8 crore, Helena Special Investments Fund with Rs 41.75 crore, and Abhay P Shah on behalf of Miracle Carriers, who contributed Rs 5 crore.

TheKredible estimates place Matter’s post-allotment valuation at approximately Rs 1,690 crore (around $204 million). The e-bike manufacturer, which launched its first bike in early 2023 and began pre-orders in May 2023, was reportedly in talks to raise $200 million to expand its operations, distribution, and factory setup.

Despite being a year old, Matter was in the pre-revenue stage during the fiscal year ending March 2023, reporting losses of Rs 25 crore. The company has yet to file its annual results for FY24.

Positioning itself as a premium brand with a price range starting from Rs 1.7 lakh, Matter differentiates itself from competitors like Ola Electric and Ather by not targeting the mass market. In the e-bike segment, Matter competes with Bharat Forge-backed Tork Motors, TVS-backed Ultraviolette, and RattanIndia Enterprises-controlled Revolt. Notably, Tork Motors raised $6 million from Maxis Capital in January, while Ultraviolette is reportedly in talks to raise a larger round of approximately $100 million. Additionally, Ola Electric, currently manufacturing electric scooters, plans to enter the e-bike segment by FY26.

Interactive Displays Transforming Indian Classrooms into Dynamic Learning Environments

In an era where digital technologies are revolutionizing education, interactive displays are transforming traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments. These advanced tools facilitate interactive and immersive experiences, allowing teachers to present information in more engaging and effective ways. Students benefit from these dynamic settings, which encourage participation, collaboration, and deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Leading providers of interactive displays are at the forefront of this educational transformation. Their innovative solutions are reshaping the educational landscape across India, making learning more engaging and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

Following mentioned are the companies are ensuring that students receive a modern education that prepares them for the future:

1. MAXHUB

Pioneering Interactive Learning Solutions

MAXHUB is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge collaboration solutions designed to enhance immersive communications. Known for its advanced audio-visual technologies, MAXHUB sets new standards for seamless communication and interactive learning in classrooms.

MAXHUB’s commitment to accessibility and innovation makes it a game-changer for classrooms, particularly in rural areas where digital learning is emerging. Its interactive displays are utilized by notable educational platforms such as Dirsty IAS and Physics Wallah. By integrating MAXHUB displays, these platforms enhance their interactive learning sessions, making complex concepts more accessible and easier to understand.

MAXHUB’s educational solutions extend beyond urban centers, bringing high-quality, interactive education to remote and underserved regions. This democratizes learning, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to engaging and effective educational resources.

Key Features:

– Touch Interactivity: MAXHUB displays enable real-time annotation and interactive discussions, fostering active participation and engagement among students. Teachers can easily highlight key points and students can directly interact with the content, making learning more dynamic and interactive.

– Wireless Connectivity: MAXHUB offers robust wireless connectivity, ensuring easy integration with various devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This simplifies setup and operation for teachers, allowing for flexible and spontaneous teaching methods.

– Collaborative Tools: MAXHUB’s suite of collaborative tools includes digital whiteboards, screen sharing, and real-time feedback mechanisms. These tools engage both teachers and students dynamically, promoting a more interactive and immersive learning experience.

2. BenQ

BenQ is synonymous with innovation in education technology, offering interactive flat panels that redefine classroom engagement.

Key Features:

– Low Blue Light Technology: Reduces eye strain for comfortable long-term use, promoting healthier learning environments.

– Built-in Speakers: Enhances the audiovisual learning experience, ensuring clear and immersive sound quality.

– Hassle-free Installation: Simplifies setup, making it accessible in various educational settings.

BenQ’s user-friendly interfaces and durable design make it a preferred choice for educators looking to enhance traditional teaching methods with interactive technologies.

3. ViewSonic

ViewSonic empowers educators to create dynamic learning environments with its innovative visual solutions.

Key Features:

– Dual Pen Support and Multi-Touch Capabilities: Facilitates collaborative learning experiences, allowing multiple users to interact with the display simultaneously.

– Integrated Software Solutions: Provides a seamless and interactive teaching experience, enabling educators to deliver engaging lessons.

– Affordability and Accessibility: Ideal for schools adopting technology-enabled learning, offering cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

4. Optoma

Optoma excels in projection technology, offering interactive projectors that redefine classroom presentations.

Key Features:

– Interactive Pen Support: Enhances interactive teaching and learning, allowing educators to annotate content in real-time.

– Wireless Connectivity: Facilitates easy integration with devices, enabling flexible and hassle-free presentations.

– High-Definition Resolution: Ensures clear and vivid presentations, enhancing the visual learning experience for students.

5. Promethean

Promethean is a leading provider of interactive displays, known for its comprehensive educational solutions designed to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Key Features:

– ActiveInspire Software: Provides a suite of interactive tools and resources for creating dynamic lessons.

– Multi-User Capability: Supports multiple users simultaneously, encouraging student collaboration.

– Robust Construction: Designed to withstand the rigors of classroom environments, ensuring longevity and reliability.

These top interactive display providers are revolutionizing learning spaces across India, empowering educators to create engaging and interactive learning environments. With their innovative features and user-friendly designs, they are shaping the future of education, making learning more accessible, engaging, and effective for students of all backgrounds.

Propelld Forms Strategic Alliances with Five Universities to Offer Collateral-Free Student Loans

Propelld has forged strategic partnerships with five prominent universities, enhancing access to higher education by offering collateral-free student loans. The beneficiaries of this initiative include universities in Dehradun, Noida, Chhattisgarh, Roorkee, Gurgaon, and Uttar Pradesh.

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involves:

– Quantum University – Roorkee/Dehradun
– Doon Business School – Dehradun
– AAFT – Noida
– Indian School of Hospitality
– Vishveswarya Group of Institutions

Brijesh Samantaray, Co-Founder of Propelld, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborations, emphasizing their commitment to making education accessible in India. “These partnerships reflect our mission to democratize education. Our tech-driven approach allows us to offer customized loan products and seamless EMI options, removing immediate financial barriers for students. We have empowered over 250,000 students and partnered with more than 2,000 institutes, and we aim to expand this reach continually.”

The collaboration provides the universities with access to Propelld’s services, including collateral-free education loans with minimal documentation and a quick turnaround time of two days. Propelld’s technology ensures a smooth, digital application process for students and streamlines administrative tasks like fee management for the institutions.

By partnering with these esteemed universities, Propelld strengthens its position as a leader in education financing, dedicated to democratizing education through technology. This initiative aims to simplify access to higher education, significantly contributing to the growth of the educational ecosystem.

Readywire Introduces Affordable, Specialized ERP Solutions for Automobile Dealerships in the MSME Sector

Readywire has announced a strategic initiative to target the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, with a particular emphasis on automobile dealerships. This move aims to address the technology gap in a sector often underserved by affordable and specialized solutions.

The MSME sector, a cornerstone of the Indian economy, has traditionally struggled with high-cost, generic ERP solutions that fail to meet its specific needs. Readywire aims to bridge this gap with its vertical-specific, AI-powered ERP systems, tailored to the unique requirements of automobile dealerships. These innovative solutions promise to enhance business processes while remaining cost-effective.

Readywire’s initiative is set to revolutionize the MSME sector, particularly automobile dealerships, which are vital to the automotive industry yet remain largely undigitized. By introducing comprehensive digital solutions, Readywire plans to improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and the overall competitiveness of these businesses.

“We are thrilled to offer our advanced AI-driven ERP solutions to MSME automobile dealerships, transforming their operational landscape,” said Mr. Viren Choudary, Founder & CEO of Readywire. “Our solutions, built on client feedback and cutting-edge technology, are designed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across all processes.”

The company’s “Trifecta” approach addresses the specific challenges faced by automotive dealerships, such as fragmented systems and manual processes. By leveraging technologies like Process Automation and AI for data management, analytics, and security, Readywire ensures streamlined operations, accurate data, and a holistic overview.

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