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Month: July 2024

Digital Native

Lifetime Health Secures $1.5 Million in Seed Funding

Observenow Desk July 18, 2024

Lifetime Health, a digital platform offering at-home care services, has successfully raised $1.5 million in a seed round led by US-based venture capital firm The Garage Syndicate, with contributions from various angel investors.

Previously, the company had garnered $900,000 in funding from an existing investor.

The new funds will be allocated towards further development, according to a press release from Lifetime Health.

Founded in 2023 by Konstantin Riabtsev, Michail Vorobiev, and Nabil Ahmed, Lifetime Health offers a comprehensive digital platform for hospital-at-home care. Their services include phlebotomy, diagnostic tools, medical devices, nursing care, physiotherapy, and postoperative care, all accessible through a single app. The automated platform promises swift, high-quality, and affordable services, from order placement to nurse dispatch and result processing.

Currently operational in Bengaluru, Lifetime Health partners with 200 local clinics and aims to expand to major Indian cities, targeting a network of over 10,000 medical offices nationwide. The platform plans to enable residents in Bengaluru and its suburbs to order medical services at home, with future expansions planned for Mumbai. It aims to register 1,000 doctors on the platform, with at least 300 becoming active users who can schedule appointments, make recommendations, and maintain digital patient histories.

Other notable startups in this sector include Caresathome, CASAMED, Muse Diagnostic, and Care24-India.

 

Tags: Seed FundingStartupstartup news

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HR

Workplace Stress Peaks Among Young Adults: YourDOST Report

Observenow Desk

YourDOST’s latest report, titled “Emotional Wellness State of Employees,” reveals significant insights into workplace stress among different age groups. According to the study, employees aged 21-30 face the highest levels of stress, with a striking 64.-% experiencing significant stress. Close behind are those aged 31-40, where 59.18% reported high stress levels. Surprisingly, employees aged 41-50 were found to be the least stressed demographic.

The findings suggest that younger employees may be more willing to discuss emotional and mental health compared to their older counterparts. However, they also indicate that younger employees face heightened stress due to familial, social, and other personal pressures.

Dr Jini Gopinath, Chief Psychology Officer at YourDOST, said, “The shift in workplace dynamics, the evolution of remote and hybrid work models, has had an impact on the 21-30 age demographic. To support them, organizations should prioritize regular communication and engagement. Implementing frequent pulse surveys allows us to keep a finger on the pulse of our employees’ needs and challenges. We’ve also seen hosting regular webinars and company-wide programs fosters a sense of community and synergy, bridging the gap between age groups”

 

The report highlights key reasons for seeking counseling among employees, with self-improvement (35%) and relationship issues (33%) ranking highest, followed by career anxiety. This underscores the necessity for comprehensive employee support programs covering diverse areas such as career counseling, mental health, diversity, and personal development.

Additionally, the study reveals that women experience higher levels of stress than men in the workplace. A significant 72.2% of female respondents reported high stress levels, compared to 53.64% of male respondents. Factors contributing to this gender disparity include lack of work-life balance, insufficient recognition, low morale, and fear of judgment.

Overall, the report identifies a concerning 31% year-on-year increase in employees reporting high to extreme stress levels, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to support emotional well-being in the workplace.

“Organizations must implement comprehensive strategies that go beyond DEI workshops for women.  By implementing targeted leadership development programs, fostering mentorship networks, offering comprehensive maternity support, and actively addressing unconscious biases, organizations can create an environment where women not only participate but thrive”

“While we’ve seen counseling plays a huge role in balancing stress- a supportive and inclusive environment in the workplace goes a long way in helping women at work manage their responsibilities in and out of work”, Dr Gopinath added.

The report was prepared after collecting responses from over 5,000 employees across India. They work in IT and Manufacturing, Transportation, staff and recruiting, Tech and media, Legal Services, Business Consulting and Services and more.

 

Tags: HRWorkplaceWorkplace newsYourDOST

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Education

NAAC Unveils Major Reforms to Enhance Higher Education Accreditation

Observenow Desk

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has announced sweeping reforms aimed at significantly improving the quality of higher education in India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These reforms, approved by the Ministry of Education and developed by the Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee, introduce Binary Accreditation and Maturity-Based Graded Levels to elevate educational standards across universities and colleges.

The new framework, which follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, marks a departure from traditional accreditation methods by introducing Binary Accreditation. This approach aims to streamline processes, reduce accreditation timelines, and eliminate physical peer team visits. It also emphasizes data validation through quantitative metrics to ensure fairness and accuracy in assessments.

To facilitate the implementation of these changes, NAAC has developed specific manuals tailored to disciplines such as law, health sciences, and management, addressing their unique accreditation needs. The council plans to conduct regional workshops to gather feedback from educational institutions on the Binary Accreditation manual before its official rollout.

Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, a prominent figure in vocational education, highlighted the importance of integrating skill development into the accreditation framework, aligning with the National Curriculum Framework and promoting Education 5.0 concepts like online and blended learning.

The Binary Accreditation Framework, based on the 10 Attributes recommended by the Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee, underscores outcome-oriented education, emphasizing higher education’s role in socio-economic development. NAAC aims to engage extensively with state-level education departments and councils to ensure broad participation and effective implementation of these reforms.

Moving forward, NAAC will continue refining its accreditation framework in collaboration with universities and colleges, aiming to set new benchmarks for educational quality and innovation in India.

 

 

Tags: EDUCATION NEWSNAACNEPUGC

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Education

Convergence of Pedagogical Pioneers: ObserveNow set to host 7th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards in Hyderabad

Observenow Desk July 17, 2024

The higher education scenario in India is swiftly evolving, propelled by a burgeoning youth demographic and heightened demand for skilled professionals. Institutions are swiftly adopting technological innovations and inventive teaching methodologies to meet these demands. They are concentrating on holistic student development, bridging the divide between academia and industry, and fostering entrepreneurship and research. Initiatives such as digital learning platforms, global university partnerships, and an emphasis on practical skills are reshaping the delivery and perception of education across the nation. As India aims to establish itself as a global knowledge hub, events like the Education Leaders & Awards are pivotal in showcasing and cultivating these advancements.

ObserveNow Media is ecstatic to announce the return of its flagship extravaganza, the Education Leaders & Awards, now in its 7th spectacular edition. Mark your calendars for a two-day educational odyssey at Novotel Hitex HICC, Hyderabad, on July 18 and 19, 2024.

This prestigious event promises a whirlwind of high-level discussions, electrifying networking opportunities, and groundbreaking initiatives set to catapult the education sector to new heights. Dive into riveting topics, including the integration of cutting-edge technology in education, revolutionary curriculum evolution, and crafting future-ready workforces.

With an impressive lineup of partners, the event is set to dazzle. Our presenting partner is Unstop, with the Telangana State Council of Higher Education as the academic partner. Silver partners include Prasoft and Adobe, while Coursera takes the stage as the online learning partner. Guvi is the upskilling partner, Peoplelink is the hybrid classroom partner, and L&T Educatech is the Edtech partner. Academia joins as the ERP partner, Code Tantra as the coding and assessment partner, and CTPL.io as the admission partner. Mastersoft is the automation partner, Nextgen Horizons is the study abroad partner, with associate partners Wadhwani Foundation, Intellipaat, ABE, upGrad, Cantilever, and AnandRathi. Badruka School of Management is our B School partner, BIM joins as the institute partner, and Lamrin Tech Skills University is the tech skills university partner. Extra Edge is the admission automation partner, Campx is the exhibitor, and Canvas is the LMS partner. Supporting partners include Malla Ready University and White Scholars, with Startup Story as the media partner and Pleasin Strides Foundation as the CSR partner.

Kicking off the event, Taniya Tikoo, Editor in Chief & Co-Founder of ObserveNow, will deliver a stirring welcome address. The inaugural session features a stellar lineup: Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, and Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana; Mr. Burra Venkatesham, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Education Department, Government of Telangana; Prof. R. Limbadri, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education; Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Vice Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE), & Vice Chancellor, RGUKT, IIIT, Basar; Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Director, ICFAI Group; and Mr. Ankit Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Unstop. They will delve into the critical role of government support in the growth of EdTech in Southern India.

Prepare for an illuminating fireside chat on “Advancing Higher Education: Curriculum to Careers,” featuring Dr. Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor, Anurag University, Telangana; Dr. S. Altaf Hussain, Director, Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad; Dr. K.M. Lakshmana Rao, Director of Academic Affairs, JNTUH University College of Engineering, Science & Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana; Dr. Poreddy Narasimha Reddy, Executive Director, Sreenidhi Educational Group, Hyderabad, Telangana; and Mr. Manik Kathuria, Enterprise Account Director, Coursera for Campus. Moderated by Taniya Tikoo, this session is set to ignite thought-provoking conversations.

Another enthralling fireside chat, “Gen Z Whisperers: Decoding the Learning Styles of the Digital Generation,” will feature Dr. K.S. Jagannatha Rao, Pro Chancellor, KL University, Andhra Pradesh; Dr. B Priestly Shan, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Alliance University, Karnataka; Dr. Balakrishna Shetty, Pro Chancellor, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad; with Ankit Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Unstop, moderating the session.

The first day will also feature four dynamic panel discussions on these trailblazing topics: “The Future of Work: Study of Career Evolution, Digital Credentials, and Skill Enhancement to Create Future-Ready Workforce,” “Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Role of Technology and Blockchain in Fostering Innovation and Creativity,” “Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity: Navigating the Digital Age in Education,” and “Immersive Technology: Enhancing Learning with AI, AR, and VR in Classrooms.” These panels will offer a deep dive into the evolution of the education sector and future opportunities.

Culminating the first day, the grand award ceremony will honor institutions and leaders who are pioneering a revolution in the education sphere.

Day two will commence with another invigorating inaugural session, featuring keynote speakers Srikanth Venkatraman, Chief Executive Officer, ICT Academy Information Technology and Digital Services Department, Government of Tamil Nadu; Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya; Mr. Shrikant Sinha, CEO, Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge; and Mr. Ankit Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Unstop.

The second day will continue the momentum with four more panel discussions focusing on “The Future of Work: Study of Career Evolution, Digital Credentials, and Skill Enhancement to Create Future-Ready Workforce,” “Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Role of Technology and Blockchain in Fostering Innovation and Creativity,” “Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity: Navigating the Digital Age in Education,” and “Immersive Technology: Enhancing Learning with AI, AR, and VR in Classrooms.”

Adding to the excitement, an exclusive session by Anand Rathi Advisors Limited on student financing in higher education will feature Mr. Hemang Parekh, DSK Legal, Mr. Manish Khanna, UEI Global, with Atul Thakkar from Anand Rathi Advisors moderating the session.

This event promises a powerhouse of networking opportunities, cutting-edge knowledge sessions, and an award ceremony celebrating visionary leaders in the education sector. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of a transformative journey in education!

Tags: 7th Education Leaders Conclave & Awardscybersecurityhigher educationHyderabad

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Digital Native

SwopStore Boosts Snitch to Digital Excellence, Driving INR 5 Million Revenue Increase

Observenow Desk July 16, 2024

SwopStore, an e-commerce optimization platform, has successfully collaborated with Snitch, leading to a notable revenue increase of approximately INR 5 million. Through strategic interventions leveraging advanced analytics, targeted marketing strategies, and user experience enhancements, SwopStore has significantly boosted Snitch’s market presence and profitability.

The partnership involved comprehensive data analysis to pinpoint key market trends and consumer preferences, allowing Snitch to effectively tailor its offerings. Additionally, targeted marketing campaigns were crafted to reach a broader audience, and user experience improvements ensured a seamless and engaging shopping experience for Snitch’s customers. These combined efforts not only increased Snitch’s revenue but also improved customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Ayush Gupta, CEO & Founder of SwopStore, commented on this successful partnership: “At SwopStore, our mission is to enable businesses to harness the power of data for tangible results. Our collaboration with Snitch is a testament to the potential of our platform in driving digital excellence and performance optimization. We are thrilled to see Snitch achieving such remarkable success and are committed to supporting their ongoing growth.”

Chetan Siyal, CMO Snitch of Snitch also shared their thoughts on the partnership: “Partnering with SwoStore has been a game-changer for us. Their advanced analytics and data-driven insights have significantly contributed to our revenue growth and operational efficiency. We are excited about the new growth opportunities this collaboration has unlocked and look forward to continuing our journey with SwopStore.”

This collaboration highlights the crucial role of data-driven strategies in today’s competitive digital marketplace. By merging SwopStore’s expertise in advanced analytics with Snitch’s innovative digital approach, both companies are poised for unprecedented success.

Tags: Ayush GuptaSwopStore

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HR

Schindler India Appoints Jyoti Abrol as Senior VP and HR Head

Observenow Desk

Schindler India, a subsidiary of the global Schindler Group, renowned for its elevators, escalators, and related services, has announced the appointment of Jyoti Abrol as Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, effective this July. Abrol transitions to Schindler India from her previous role as Director of HR at Thermo Fisher Scientific India.

Expressing her enthusiasm on LinkedIn, Abrol stated, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Sr. Vice President, Human Resources | Head HR at Schindler India!”

With over 23 years of HR experience across diverse sectors including Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Farming, Staffing & Recruiting, Media Production, and Financial Services, Abrol brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her career portfolio also includes significant tenures at Monsanto Company and Indusion Consulting.

Tags: Jyoti AbrolSchindler India

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Digital Native

Indian Startups Secure $114 Million in a Week, Highlighting Strong Investor Confidence

Observenow Desk

Between July 8 and July 13, 2024, Indian companies secured approximately $114 million in funding, showcasing strong investor confidence. Sixteen firms across diverse sectors, including wealthtech, food, OTT, gaming, healthcare, education, and B2B, benefited from this influx of capital.

In comparison, Indian entrepreneurs raised nearly $259 million the previous week, with Mumbai-based beauty retailer Purplle Group alone securing $120 million. These recent investment rounds provide insight into the sectors attracting the most interest from investors, in contrast to mergers and acquisitions, which often do not disclose financial details.

Significant investments were recorded across various industries, with wealthtech taking the lead. The standout was Dezerv, a Mumbai-based wealthtech startup, which raised $32 million in a Series B round led by Premji Invest, alongside existing investors. Additionally, Infra.market, a B2B e-commerce platform, raised $22 million in debt capital.

Other notable startups also garnered substantial funding. Goat Brand Labs, an e-commerce roll-up firm, raised $21 million, while biotech startup Immuneel Therapeutics secured $12 million. Collegedekho, an education platform, garnered $9 million.

Several emerging startups achieved significant milestones as well. TimBuckDo, an on-demand talent platform, raised $240,000 in a seed funding round. Helium, an AI startup, secured $550,000 in a pre-seed funding round, and Felicity Games, a gaming startup, garnered $700,000 in a pre-seed funding round. Centiriti, a B2B startup, raised $710,000.

Other emerging startups also made notable strides. QarmaTek, an electronics renewal and refurbishment company, secured $1 million, while proptech startup Jugyah raised $1.5 million. House of Biryan, a restaurant chain, garnered $2 million, and healthcare startup Care.fi secured $2.6 million in debt funding.

Significant investments were also made in Circuit House Technologies, a consumer electronics startup that raised $4.3 million, and Planet Marathi OTT, a Marathi language video streaming platform, which secured $5 million in a funding round.

The period also saw notable mergers and acquisitions, indicating strategic expansions and consolidations within the tech and education sectors. L&T acquired Bengaluru-based semiconductor design startup SiliConch Systems for Rs 183 crore. Accenture acquired Excelmax Technologies, a Bengaluru-based semiconductor design services provider. Additionally, Adda247 acquired Ekagrata Eduserv, known for its focus on Chartered Accountancy (CA) test preparation, for an undisclosed sum.

The Indian startup ecosystem continues to thrive, evidenced by the recent fundraising activities. With over $114 million raised in just one week, investor confidence remains robust across various industries. Startups such as Dezerv and Infra.market exemplify the growing trend of leveraging innovative solutions to meet consumer demands.

Tags: Indian Startupsstartups

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Governance

Coal Ministry Signs Agreements for Three Coal Mines

Observenow Desk

Today, the Ministry of Coal signed Coal Mining Development and Production Agreements for three coal mines auctioned during the second attempt of the 7th round, marking a key achievement in the progress of commercial coal mining. The agreements cover two partially explored mines and one fully explored mine.

The mines involved are the Machhakata (Revised) coal mine, the Kudanali Lubri coal mine, and the Sakhigopal-B Kakurhi coal mine. The agreements were signed with NLC India Limited, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited, and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, respectively.

The commercial auction of these mines is expected to generate an annual revenue of approximately ₹2,991.20 crores, with a combined Peak Rate Capacity of about 30.00 MTPA. Once operational, these mines are projected to create roughly 40,560 direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, an investment of around ₹4,500 crores will be made to bring these mines into operation.

This initiative is a significant step towards achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the coal sector, promoting economic growth, job creation, and ensuring the nation’s energy security.

Tags: Ministry of CoalNLC India Limited

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Education

Amity University Online Enhances Education Portfolio with New Advanced Programs

Observenow Desk

Amity University Online (AUO), becomes the first Indian university to receive UGC approval for online degree programs, is enhancing its program portfolio by introducing three innovative courses: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, Master of Science (MSc.) in Data Science, and Bachelor of Commerce (Honors). These industry-relevant online programs aim to empower professionals and students worldwide by delivering high-quality, accessible education and equipping them with critical skills for success in various sectors.

In an era where students are increasingly pursuing unconventional career paths, these programs are poised to be transformative for professionals looking to upskill and advance in their careers. The MA in Psychology offers a pathway to diverse careers in mental health, counseling, and organizational development. With the demand for data science professionals skyrocketing, the MSc. in Data Science prepares learners for roles such as data analysts, big data engineers, and data architects. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) is an excellent choice for students aiming to build a solid foundation in commerce and business.

Ajit Chauhan, Chairman, Amity University Online, said, “Providing high-quality and affordable education for learners has been the driving force for Amity University Online. The demand for careers in data science, psychology, and commerce has increased tremendously. We’re committed to creating a strong digital education ecosystem to equip our learners with the right skills to remain adaptable and resilient in a rapidly changing world.”

AUO’s new programs provide learners with the flexibility to study at their own pace, accommodating their work and personal commitments. The growing demand for skilled professionals in psychology, data science, and commerce is evident both in India and globally. By recognizing this need, AUO’s online format offers a flexible and accessible pathway for individuals to gain expertise in these rapidly expanding fields.

Tags: Ajit ChauhanAmity University Online

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Governance

NBCC (India) Ltd Appoints Anjeev Kumar Jain as Director (Finance)

Observenow Desk

NBCC (India) Limited has appointed Anjeev Kumar Jain as its new Director (Finance), following a meeting by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) on July 13, 2024.

Jain, currently serving as Executive Director at RITES Limited, was selected from a competitive pool of 11 candidates. The candidates included two from NBCC, and one each from HSCL, RITES Limited, Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, MECON Limited, HLL Lifecare Limited, NTPC Limited, Power Grid, BHEL, and PFC.

Jain’s appointment was finalized after the necessary vigilance clearances and approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. NBCC (India) Limited, formerly known as National Buildings Construction Corporation, operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

Tags: Anjeev Kumar JainNBCC

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