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Reflecting on the Success of the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 held on 3rd May 2024 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

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In a world where change is the only constant, education stands as the bedrock of progress, guiding us through the complexities of the 21st century. The 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024, held in the vibrant city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, embodied the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking that is essential for shaping the future of education. Hosted by ArdorComm Media Group, this summit brought together luminaries from various spheres of the education ecosystem, creating a platform for meaningful exchange and collaboration. Against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage and Coimbatore’s bustling educational hub, the event was a celebration of excellence, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of educational advancement. From thought-provoking discussions to insightful leadership talks, the summit explored key themes such as innovation in teaching and learning, skills for the future workforce, sustainable education practices, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and global collaboration in education. These discussions provided valuable insights into addressing the evolving needs of learners in an ever-changing world. At the heart of the summit lay the prestigious ‘ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2024,’ a beacon shining light on the exceptional achievements of individuals and institutions in education, skill development, and employability. With steadfast dedication and an unwavering quest for excellence, these trailblazers have redefined the educational landscape, embodying the ethos of innovation and advancement. Spanning various categories such as Higher Education, School Education, Preschool Education, Skills and Training, Start-ups & EdTech, the Education Leadership Awards 2024 not only celebrated accomplishments but also underscored the collective commitment to nurturing a brighter future through education. Through their remarkable efforts, the awardees have set a remarkable precedent for the entire education community, inspiring others to aspire, innovate, and effect positive transformation for the betterment of society. Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the success of the summit, stating, “We are thrilled by the resounding success of the summit, which has served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the education community. It is inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of educators, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of education. This summit reaffirms our belief in the power of collective action to drive positive change and transform lives.” We are delighted to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our esteemed partners who have played pivotal roles in making the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 a resounding success. LinkedIn, as our Presenting Partner, has provided unparalleled networking opportunities, while Samsung, our Powered By Partner, has infused the summit with cutting-edge technology. D2L, our EdTech Partner, has offered expertise in learning management systems, and Intercell has provided invaluable mentoring support. Teachmint has facilitated seamless integration of technology as our Connected Classroom Technology Partner. Additionally, DigitalEd India and SAS have enriched discussions as Associate Partners, and Kalorex has represented excellence in education as our School Partner. Together, these partners have formed a formidable alliance dedicated to shaping the future of education and driving positive change in the educational landscape. The Esteemed Guest Speakers at the summit were Uma Kannan, Founder Principal of Sri Venkateswara Group of Schools; Prof. Saramma Samuel, Secretary of RVS Group of Institutions; Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD and CEO of Kalorex Group; and Jayanth Prakash, Account Director & Regional Lead – South, Academics & Government, from LinkedIn. Each of these speakers brought invaluable insights and expertise to the discussions, enriching the summit with their diverse perspectives and experiences in the field of education. The Eminent Panel Speakers for the 1st Panel Topic – ‘Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and outcomes’ were Dr. Hemanalini, Principal of Rathinam College of Liberal Arts and Science in Coimbatore, who also served as the session moderator. Joining her were Prof. Shanmugam S., Founder & Chairman of United Educational Institutions in Coimbatore; Dr. Thomas K George, Chairman & Director of LEAD College of Management in Kerala; Dr. R. Nanda Gopal, Director General of the School of Management at Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College in Pollachi; Dr. J. Yogapriya, Dean (R&D) at Kongunadu College of Engineering & Technology in Tiruchirappalli; and Varun Bharadwaj, Vice President of Edtech Solutions at Intercell.  The Eminent Panel Speakers for the 2nd Panel Topic – ‘Sustainable Education Practices: Integrating sustainability education into the curriculum to foster responsible citizenship’ were Anantha Krishnan B., CEO- Operations of Kalorex Group in Ahmedabad, who also served as the session moderator. Joining him were Uma Kannan, Founder Principal of Sri Venkateswara Group of Schools in Ambattur; Dheepan Thangavelu, Vice Chairman of Sri Shakthi International School in Coimbatore; John Xavier Thangaraj, Chairman of Little Flower Group of Schools in Chennai; Sanchana Navaneethakrishnan, Trustee of Vivekam Sr. Sec. School in Coimbatore; Pradeepa Thinakaran, Founder & MD of Zing International Preschool in Chennai; and Vagisha Gupta, Director of RKS Institutions in Coimbatore.  The Eminent Panel Speakers for the 3rd Panel Topic – ‘Skills for the Future Workforce: Strategies for integrating employability skills and career readiness into educational programs’ were Dr. A. Shajin Nargunam, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director (CSTA) at Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education in Kanyakumari, who also served as the session moderator. Joining the discussion were Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, Pro Chancellor of Jeppiaar University in Chennai; Dr. N. Prasannan, CEO of Sree Sakthi Engineering College in Coimbatore; and Dr. T. V. Christy, Vice Chancellor of Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science & Technology in Vallam. Additionally, Jayanth Prakash, Account Director & Regional Lead – South, Academics & Government, from LinkedIn, provided valuable insights into the discussion.  The Eminent Panel Speakers for the 4th Panel Topic – ‘Global Collaboration and Partnerships in Education: Harnessing the power of international collaboration and partnerships to enrich teaching and learning experiences’ were Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, Director – South Asia, from D2L Corporation, who also served as the session moderator. Joining the discussion were Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary of Nehru Group of Institutions; Dr. C. Guna Sekaran, COO

Reflecting on the Success of the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 held on 3rd May 2024 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Read More »

Australia Resumes Accepting TOEFL Scores for Visas

/ Education Community

Australia has reinstated the acceptance of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for all visa applications, as announced by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) on Monday. This decision comes after the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) suspended the acceptance of TOEFL scores in July last year pending a review. TOEFL iBT, which is accepted by 100% of Australian universities and over 12,500 institutions worldwide across 160 countries, will now be considered valid for Australian visa applications. Applicants who have taken the TOEFL iBT test from May 5, 2024, onwards are eligible to submit their scores as part of their Australian visa application. Sachin Jain, the country manager of ETS India & South Asia, expressed the organization’s commitment to facilitating global higher education and mobility through their assessments. Australia remains a preferred choice for Indian students and working professionals, with over 1.20 lakh Indian students studying in Australia last year. Additionally, with 9 Australian universities ranking among the top 100 global universities in the latest QS World University Rankings, Australia offers world-class higher education and post-study work opportunities. Apart from TOEFL, Australia accepts scores from several other English language tests undertaken at secure test centers for visa requirements, including: International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)* Pearson Test of English (PTE) Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced) Occupational English Test (OET), designed specifically for health professionals This decision to resume accepting TOEFL scores for visas underscores Australia’s commitment to facilitating international education and attracting talented individuals from around the world.  

Australia Resumes Accepting TOEFL Scores for Visas Read More »

Akamai Doubles Down on API Security With $450M Noname Acquisition Deal

/ Human Resource Community

Akamai Technologies has announced its acquisition of API security firm Noname Security for $450 million, aiming to extend protection across all API traffic locations. The acquisition underscores Akamai’s commitment to enhancing API security by focusing on improved discovery of “shadow” APIs and detection of API vulnerabilities and attacks. This strategic move comes as Akamai showcases its security offerings at the RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco. Tom Leighton, Co-Founder and CEO of Akamai, highlighted the company’s strong results in API security, citing prior success with the acquisition of Neosec. He emphasized the increasing interest among enterprise CISOs and CIOs in bolstering API security, noting that many organizations are unaware of all the APIs within their infrastructure. Noname Security, founded in 2020, was acquired for less than half of its $1 billion valuation achieved in late 2021. Despite its relatively short history, the startup had secured substantial funding, totaling at least $220 million. The acquisition of Noname Security by Akamai is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of the year, further solidifying Akamai’s position in the API security market.  

Akamai Doubles Down on API Security With $450M Noname Acquisition Deal Read More »

Sunoco Completes Acquisition of NuStar Energy L.P. and Announces Quarterly Distribution Increase

/ Human Resource Community

Sunoco has successfully completed the acquisition of NuStar Energy L.P. The merger received approval from NuStar unitholders during a Special Meeting held on May 1, 2024. As of May 3, 2024, NuStar’s common units have ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange. This strategic acquisition significantly bolsters Sunoco’s stability, credit profile, and financial foundation. The transaction is expected to yield a minimum of $150 million in expense and commercial synergies, with an additional $50 million per year of cash flow from refinancing activities anticipated. Sunoco anticipates immediate accretion to distributable cash flow per LP unit, with accretion projected to exceed 10% by the third year post-close. Additionally, Sunoco’s Board of Directors has approved a quarterly distribution for the first quarter of 2024, amounting to $0.8756 per common unit, or $3.5024 per common unit on an annualized basis. The distribution is slated for payment on May 20, 2024, to common unitholders of record as of May 13, 2024, inclusive of former NuStar unitholders who received Sunoco common units following the merger. This 4% increase in quarterly distribution, following last year’s 2% rise, underscores Sunoco’s ongoing confidence in its business and future distribution growth. Sunoco will delve into further details regarding the NuStar acquisition and distribution increase during its first quarter 2024 conference call scheduled for May 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time.

Sunoco Completes Acquisition of NuStar Energy L.P. and Announces Quarterly Distribution Increase Read More »

Swine Flu Outbreak in Assam: Symptoms and Precautions

/ Health & Wellness Community

Following reports of swine flu infections in Assam’s Barak Valley, health authorities are on high alert, deploying frontline workers to assess the extent of the outbreak. The outbreak has led to several cases of infections, with one reported fatality in Hailakandi district. Dr. Subrata Das, Head of Internal Medicine and Diabetology at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, highlighted the symptoms associated with swine flu, which closely resemble those of the common flu. These symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience breathlessness and complications such as pneumonia and low oxygen levels. Dr. Das emphasized that precautions against swine flu mirror those recommended for COVID-19. These precautions include wearing masks, practicing frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and maintaining overall hygiene. Additionally, individuals are advised to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, avoid touching their face, and stay away from sick individuals. If feeling unwell, it’s crucial to stay home to prevent further spread of the virus. Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Dr. Das recommended that adults receive the annual flu vaccine, which provides protection against severe complications of flu, including swine flu. Swine flu, caused by the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus, is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among humans. To mitigate the risk of infection, individuals are advised to stay informed about credible medical information, practice proper respiratory hygiene, maintain hand hygiene, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and seek isolation if experiencing symptoms. Key Precautions to Avoid Swine Flu (H1N1): Stay informed about credible medical information regarding infectious diseases. Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues safely. Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizers. Avoid close contact with sick individuals. Isolate oneself to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Ensure to receive an annual influenza vaccine to reduce the risk and severity of swine flu infections. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of swine flu infection and contribute to public health safety during outbreaks.  

Swine Flu Outbreak in Assam: Symptoms and Precautions Read More »

Tamil Nadu School Education Department Warns Against Summer Special Classes Due to Heat Wave

/ Education Community

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued a stern warning to schools, cautioning them against conducting special classes during the summer vacation period. This directive comes in response to the prevailing intense heat wave conditions across the state, exacerbated by the onset of the peak summer period known as Agni Nakshatram, expected to extend until May 28. In an official statement, the School Education Department underscored the importance of exercising caution amidst the scorching heat, advising against the organization of special classes during this period. Schools are explicitly prohibited from conducting such sessions, with the department asserting its intent to take strict action against any violations of this directive. Moreover, the department has instructed district education officers to conduct thorough investigations to ensure compliance with the order, signaling a proactive approach towards enforcement. Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi reiterated the department’s stance, emphasizing that stringent measures would be implemented against any school found to be in breach of the prohibition on conducting special classes during the summer vacation. This proactive measure aims to safeguard the well-being of students and educators alike, recognizing the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat conditions. By discouraging special classes during this period, the department prioritizes the health and safety of the educational community, aligning with its commitment to promoting a conducive learning environment while addressing environmental challenges.  

Tamil Nadu School Education Department Warns Against Summer Special Classes Due to Heat Wave Read More »

Centre Considers Lowering GST to 12% for Health Insurance Premiums, Aiming to Expand Coverage

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Centre is contemplating a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on health insurance premiums from the current 18% to 12%, particularly for premiums up to Rs 30,000. This move aims to make health insurance more affordable and accessible, potentially widening coverage across the population. Currently, with the prevailing market rates, a health insurance premium of up to Rs 30,000 could secure coverage of approximately Rs 10 lakh per annum for a family of four members. The proposed reduction in the GST tax rate could result in decreased premium rates or the introduction of additional health coverage options tailored to the needs of individuals and families. An official stated that this proposal, among others, is pending and may be discussed in the GST Council following the general elections. The initiative aligns with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by BJP MP Jayant Sinha, which emphasized the need to rationalize the GST rate on insurance products, especially health and term insurance. The committee suggested lowering GST rates on health insurance products, particularly for retail policies targeting senior citizens and microinsurance policies, along with term policies. Since the implementation of GST, individuals purchasing health insurance policies have been subject to an 18% GST rate, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous Service Tax rate of 15%, including applicable cess. Furthermore, the report underscores the importance of extending health coverage to vulnerable populations, as highlighted by the Niti Aayog’s recommendation to extend the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme to the ‘missing middle’ on a paid basis. PMJAY currently provides free health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to 107 million economically disadvantaged households, constituting 40% of the population. The potential reduction in GST on health insurance premiums reflects a broader effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability, aiming to mitigate financial risks associated with medical expenses and promote comprehensive health coverage across India’s diverse population.

Centre Considers Lowering GST to 12% for Health Insurance Premiums, Aiming to Expand Coverage Read More »

Karnataka Government to End Four-Year Honours Degree Programme Implemented Under NEP

/ Education Community

The Karnataka state government has announced its decision to discontinue the option for students to pursue a four-year honours degree programme, which was implemented under the National Education Policy (NEP). An official order to this effect is scheduled to be issued on May 8, following the completion of the second phase of polling in Karnataka on May 7. The higher education department, awaiting the conclusion of the state’s elections, will issue the order, effectively ending the four-year honours courses. This decision will impact the current batch of students admitted under the NEP, who are currently in their third year and will be the last to have the option to continue into the fourth year. During a recent meeting, officials from the higher education department communicated this decision to the vice-chancellors of all state-run universities. The vice-chancellors have been instructed to inform students during the admissions process for the academic year 2024-25 that there will be no four-year honours programmes available, and to admit students only for three-year degree courses. The decision is based on the interim report submitted by the State Education Policy (SEP) commission, led by former chairperson of the University Grants Commission, Sukhadeo Thorat. While the commission requested until August 2024 to submit its final report, it submitted the interim report on the four-year honours programme to address the confusion among students admitted under the NEP. As students are currently in their final year, universities need to clarify whether they will receive a degree certificate or be allowed to continue for the fourth year. The issuance of an official order after the state elections aims to provide clarity on this matter and streamline the higher education system in Karnataka.  

Karnataka Government to End Four-Year Honours Degree Programme Implemented Under NEP Read More »

Australia Captain Clarifies IPL Star’s Absence from T20 World Cup Selection

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Australia’s newly appointed T20I captain, Mitch Marsh, has shed some light on why explosive batter Jake Fraser-McGurk missed out on selection for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, despite his stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fraser-McGurk, who has been in scintillating form for the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL, was widely expected to be included in Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup. However, his omission, along with former captain Steve Smith, surprised many cricket enthusiasts. Marsh acknowledged Fraser-McGurk’s outstanding talent and impressive performances in the IPL but emphasized that incumbent openers Travis Head and David Warner have been consistent performers for Australia and deserve their spots in the squad. While speaking on an Australian radio station, Marsh praised Fraser-McGurk’s contributions and expressed confidence in Australia’s current squad composition, stating, “We feel like we’ve got all bases covered within our team. Heady and David Warner have been fantastic for us, not only for a long period of time but over the last 18 months building towards this (T20) World Cup.” Fraser-McGurk’s remarkable strike rate and prolific run-scoring in the IPL have showcased his potential as a top-order performer in T20 cricket. Marsh acknowledged his rapid progress and predicted a bright future for the young talent, expressing optimism about his eventual return to the national team. With three half-centuries and a striking batting strike rate of 233.33 in the IPL, Fraser-McGurk’s dynamic batting style has caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide. Marsh highlighted his aggressive approach to the game and anticipated his continued success in the white-ball format. Despite missing out on the T20 World Cup selection this time, Fraser-McGurk’s impressive performances in domestic and franchise cricket suggest that he is a player to watch out for in the future, with Marsh expressing confidence in his potential to make a significant impact on the international stage.  

Australia Captain Clarifies IPL Star’s Absence from T20 World Cup Selection Read More »

Modi’s Photo Removed from Covid Vaccine Certificates; Health Ministry Responds

/ Human Resource Community

The Union health ministry has recently made a significant alteration to Covid-19 vaccination certificates issued through CoWIN, removing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Previously, these certificates prominently featured PM Modi’s image alongside a quote affirming India’s collective resolve to combat the coronavirus pandemic. While the quote remains intact, PM Modi’s name has been omitted, and his image has been replaced by a QR code. This change has caught the attention of many citizens, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Users have observed the absence of PM Modi’s photograph on the updated vaccination certificates, sparking discussions and speculation regarding the reasons behind this alteration. Health ministry officials have clarified that the removal of PM Modi’s image from the vaccination certificates is due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in place for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. This move aligns with past instances where PM Modi’s photograph was removed from vaccination certificates issued during state assembly elections in 2022. The controversy surrounding Covishield, AstraZeneca’s vaccine manufactured in partnership with the Serum Institute of India, has also resurfaced following discussions about its potential association with Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a rare side effect involving blood clotting. The opposition Congress has demanded compensation for the relatives of individuals who died due to heart attacks or similar reasons after receiving the Covishield vaccine, alleging that the BJP government at the Centre did not adhere to WHO guidelines. Despite these concerns, doctors associated with the Gujarat BJP have emphasized that a study conducted by an expert panel in the state found no direct link between Covid-19 vaccines and blood clotting leading to heart attacks. As discussions around Covid-19 vaccines continue, the removal of PM Modi’s photo from vaccination certificates adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue surrounding vaccine distribution and public health policies in India.  

Modi’s Photo Removed from Covid Vaccine Certificates; Health Ministry Responds Read More »