Category: National News

Massive Earth Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program, will host the ‘Low Carbon Earth‘ 23 Demo Day’ on 25 & 26 April 2024, in Novotel, Sian Square, Bangkok. The event will enable promising climate tech startups from Across the Asia Pacific to showcase their products, connect with investors, raise funds and scale their innovative climate tech solutions.

Climate Accelerator in Bangkok in collaboration with UN and MEF

The Low Carbon Earth Demo Day in Bangkok is the final stage in the Low Carbon Earth Accelerator Program that was launched in August 2023. The accelerator program invited applications from all the climate tech startups from the Asia-Pacific region and conducted a 12- week intensive virtual program to help the climate tech startups connect with mentors, network, raise funding, and showcase their products on a global level. The program witnessed an overwhelming response from various startups who demonstrated their climate tech products. Women-led startups from all around the globe participated in the even with a common agenda “Making Earth towards a green and clean plant.”

The Low Carbon Earth is an annually recurring accelerator program launched by the Massive Earth Foundation to solve climate change and pollution reduction. The accelerator program is launched in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program, which includes the UNEP’s Go4SDGs initiative, and it also partners up with UN Women – EmPower: Women for Climate Resilient Societies. Low Carbon Earth calls out to all startups working in various sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable textiles, addressing microplastics, optimising farming practices and mitigating urban heat in cities. etc. & conducts accelerator programs to help startups learn from mentors, connect with the most accredited and active climate-tech investors, network with high potential founders, and grow their products on a larger scale. The program spans the Asia-Pacific region and invites all startups whose goals are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and who are dedicated to solving climate change by developing climate friendly technological solutions.

Min-Si Wang, founder, Ecomonitor from Singapore said, ‘LCE introduces me to a network of climate tech peers and mentors that provide invaluable collaboration and learning opportunities. I find UNEPs insights on regional climate initiatives and tool kits to be especially valuable.’

Vilasinee Churat, founder, Munie Lifestyle from Thailand said, ‘This journey has been truly transformative, and Im excited to reflect on what made it so meaningful for me. The program empowered me to understand the core business values and navigate the global market for sustainable products. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey.’

The Low Carbon Earth’23 will conclude on the demo day, which will be held in Novotel, Siam Square, Bangkok on the 25th and 26th of April, where the top 14 handpicked finalist startups will unite together at a global platform to showcase their products to investors from across the Asia.

About Massive Earth Foundation

Massive Earth Foundation (MEF), is a non-profit company registered under Sec 8, The Massive Earth Foundation (MEF) is a non-profit organization, with the vision to effect actionable policy, research, and project for the Pollution Reduction / Climate change Industry.

MEF is working to build a vibrant ecosystem to support innovation & scale through partnerships, investments, and ecosystem building in the area of Air pollution, Clean Energy, Clean Mobility, Smart and Sustainable Agriculture, Water and sanitation, and the sustainable built environment.

The core strength of MEF lies in its ability to execute complex projects at scale, doing path-breaking research, and bringing various stakeholders to a single platform. It is backed by Indias leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and investors.

MEF operates LowCarbon.earth Climate accelerator in partnership with UNEP for Asa-pacific startups and also supports other corporates, foundations, and multi-lateral agencies in running their Net zero / climate tech open innovation / acceleration program. MEF has impacted more than 2100 start-ups through its various programs since its inception.

MEF in past has run programs for organisations like Waste.aid, Amazon, IFC etc.

​ 

Challenging assumptions and continuing the legacy of placements, IBDP 2 students at Oakridge International School, Bengaluru, have received 100+ offers from top universities such as Purdue University, Durham University, Johns Hopkins, and Kings College London.

Oakridge IBDP students attending a Career Counselling session(L), Parents talking to Admission Officers during Oakridge University Fair(R)

“Like every year, we ensured placement of IBDP students in prestigious QS-ranked universities worldwide“, said Principal Ms Pallavi Mishra. She further elaborated on the futuristic possibilities of courses chosen by students, such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Managerial Economics, Computer Science & Engineering, Liberal Arts, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Business Analytics, Product Design, and Digital Futures.

Narrating his experience, Arjun from IBDP 2, who received 8 offers, said, “Oakridges diverse opportunities, including Student Council and the IBDP Group 4 Project, have shaped me into a well-rounded individual and an effective student leader.”

Starting as early as Grade 8
Oakridge organizes personal and group counseling sessions for students from Grade 8 to Grade 11. The school nurtures student potential through regular follow-up meetings and definite timelines for working on their university applications. One-on-one interactions between teachers and parents build stronger student profiles.

Test Preparations to Crack the Best
Even though prestigious universities look only for IB academic excellence during placement season, information sessions on SAT and PSAT are regularly organized for those learners who still believe they need such training. PSAT 8/9 test is also administered for MYP 3 and 4 students.

Regular University Fairs & Visits
The career counseling team organizes university visits throughout the year. Representatives from 18 universities participated in the University Fair held with CIALFO, Oakridges career partner, in September 2023 and February 2024. All these events allowed students and their parents to interact directly with the university admission officers and receive insights into aspects beyond the curriculum. The Q&A sessions helped students clear their doubts and better understand the university culture and processes.

Universities from India, the USA, the UK, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand visited Oakridge in September and February. Hospitality and culinary institutes were also among them. The IB curriculum at Oakridge offers a wide range of subject interests across fields, which appeals to Universities worldwide.

Pre-IBDP Bridge Programme
The IBDP Bridge Programme is a specialized 2-week training session for Grade 11 students before commencing an academic year. It is designed to provide a smooth transition for students from CBSE/IGCSE/ICSE to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IB-trained educators at Oakridge take introductory workshops for success in the IBDP core elements of CAS, TOK, and EEs along with support in course selection. Career guidance also starts from day one of the academic session at Oakridge.

To know more about, visit: www.oakridge.in/bengaluru.

About Oakridge International
As a Nord Anglia Education School, Oakridge International School, Bengaluru, is part of the worlds leading premium school organisations. It is an IB continuum school committed to providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to its students and their families.

Niswarth Kadam begins several charitable projects to improve communities. All the activities were successfully conducted under Pramod Raghav’s direction.

Pramod Raghav Founder Niswarth Kadam

Through the efforts of Pramod Raghav, a free bus service for Ram devotees from the village of Ghamdouj, Gurugram, was launched, providing them with a convenient and safe way to travel to the holy Ayodhya Ram Temple. This action, which was carried out in cooperation with prominent authorities such as Region Sanghchalak (RSS) Honorable Pawan Ji Jindal, shows Pramod Raghavs strong commitment to protecting religious feelings while making sure that everyone may access it.

At the same time, members of Niswarth Kadam, expanded their efforts to help others by donating clothing to laborers and people with limited resources living in Sector 37 Gurgaon. This charitable initiative conveys their primary goal of improving equality and social success.

In another mega campaign of cleanliness awareness, the “Niswarth Kadam” organization launched a major initiative in an effort to address the urgent issue of menstruation hygiene among young girls. At Government Secondary School in Wazirpur, free sanitary pads were given out in an effort to decrease the difficulties students encounter in obtaining necessary monthly supplies.

Moreover, they lead the continuing Then Ek Kadam Neki Ki Aur effort by Selfless Kadam, which distributed milk to Cluster School in Sector-92 of Gurugram. Understanding how important nutrition is to a childs growth, this program aims to give young students the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Regarding this project, Pramod Raghav highlighted the need of giving children nutritional support, highlighting the organizations dedication to encouraging the communitys overall growth. His constant commitment to serving humanity and promoting helpful social change can be seen by his projects. He continues to encourage others to work together to create a more just and compassionate world by his acts of kindness.

Think of Goa, and the picture that emerges before you is of verdant sun-kissed beaches, adventure sports, frolicking by the sea, fun, gaiety, laughter and togetherness. Goa is a holiday like no other. For those seeking to party, Goa is a massive rock concert. Its beaches, while offering a never-ending delight, also promise a relaxing time. There is so much to do in Goa, and you have so little time. To make the most of your Goa visit, you need to stay at one of the best resorts in Goa. Most importantly, if its available in budget-friendly packages, nothing can beat the experience.

Boho By The Beach

While talking about most touristy places in Goa, North Goa takes the lead. It is not only considered to be the most hip and happening in the entire Goa but is also tourists No. 1 choice when it comes to selecting a place to stay. With so much on offer and the presence of some of the best resorts in North Goa, the question naturally arises: it must be costly. Moreover, beachside resorts are usually on the upper side. Therefore, for a person wanting to spend some time in Goa with his/her family budget is a constraint. Further, recent research by an independent research firm, IBRF, found that 70% of travellers to Goa post-pandemic look out for vacations at budget-friendly beach properties where they can stay, relax, eat and enjoy the beaches with their families.

However, since budget accommodation is a major concern, a clutch of suave businesses have taken the lead to capture the segment and besides coming up with some of the best homestays in North Goa for families located close to the beaches and priced them affordably.

Boho By The Beach, Goas premier family resort of 2024, is one of them, about 800 metres from the Morjim beach.

Morjim beach is known for its distinctive charm. An abode of a relaxing ambience, it is also one of the best places to stay in Goa. It also makes for a beautiful place to witness people indulge in activities like feni distilling and basket weaving among others. Morjim Beach is the heart of the vibrant coastal paradise of Goa.

Boho By The Beach offers an unparalleled blend of bohemian elegance and natural beauty, along with a host of other facilities that make it the ultimate destination for families seeking a memorable getaway. It is also one of the most sought-after family hotels at Morjim Beach in Goa. Staying here, you wake up to the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore, and as you leave your room, you will be surrounded by an oasis of lush greenery and pristine beaches. Boho By The Beach offers an immersive experience of Goas coastline. With 12 beautifully appointed rooms, Boho By The Beach is a boutique North Goa resort for families, where each room is designed to provide both comfort and elegance and is suitable for guests of all ages.

Staying at Boho By The Beach, the vacationers have discovered courteous staff, an exemplary menu, and a dedication to ensure an unforgettable experience. It also offers a leisurely stay with stunning views, making Boho By The Beach a perfect choice. The indulgences at the resort also include a leisurely lawn, rejuvenating swimming pool and spa. The resort also offers a relaxing indoor dining option. No visit to Boho By The Beach is complete without indulging in the sumptuous dining options, along with specially curated healthy breakfasts designed to tantalize taste buds and nourish your body.

Boho By The Beach is close to Goas renowned local market. It offers a glimpse of local life and culture, turning a leisurely walk into a memorable stroll.

However, there is more to Boho By The Beach than just the resort. The company managing the resort also runs a cafe adjacent to the Baga River in Anjuna. Called The Boho Box, its a sports-themed cafe and highly popular among tourists for its vibrant atmosphere and delectable cuisine.

Returning from Goa to the hustle and bustle of the city, the vacationers take back with them memories of a holiday in which the Boho By The Beach had a central place. The moniker Goas Premier Family Resort of 2024 for the boutique resort is well-earned.

The first trip of Manaskhand Express Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train to Uttarakhand started from Pune at 7.30 PM on 22-04-2024.

280 Tourists on board

The Package is being operated by IRCTC jointly with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board

The services in the all inclusive package will be provided by IRCTC at starting price of Rs. 28,020/-

According to ancient Indian scriptures, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is known as Manaskhand. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in association with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. has started a Special Tourist Train named Manaskhand Express to promote lesser known destinations of the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand.

Tourists depart on the Manaskhand Express from Pune

The first trip of the train started from Pune on 22.04.2024 with 280 Tourists. The train will reach Tanakpur Railway Station in Uttarakhand on 24.04.2024. The tourists were welcomed in traditional Indian way by putting Aarti, Tikka and showering of flowers petals. The tourists were quite enthusiastic about this tour and expected to see some of the new destinations through this tour package.

The 10 nights/11 days trip will include visit to various locations including Nainital, Bhimtal, Almora, Chaukori, Purnagiri temple, Haat Kalika Temple, Katarmal, Kainchi Dham, Chitai Golu Devta, Jageshwar, Shardha Ghat, Patal Bhuvneshwar temple, Nanakmatta Gurudwara, Champawat etc.

Train travel is in 3AC Train. However, only four persons in one Coupe have been booked to enhance comfort of the tourists. The train’s exterior is showcase of Uttarakhand’s rich natural, cultural, architectural and spiritual heritage. The pantry car coach depicts various dishes from Uttarakhandi cuisine, one of the coaches depicts various folk festivals, on another coach there are people wearing different attire from the State. Various temples and other places of importance are also depicted on the coaches.

The train is equipped with an airconditioned pantry car which will serve various dishes including Uttarakhandi cuisine to the tourists during the journey. After deboarding at Tanakpur the tourists will be taken to various destinations where they will stay at hotels/homestays and visit various places as per the Itinerary with nights halts at Tanakpur, Champawat/Lohaghat, Chaukori, Almora and Bhimtal.

Seeing the overwhelming response from tourists Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board plans to operate more such trips in the future with the next trip from Pune scheduled on 22-05-2024, the bookings for which are already open on www.irctctourism.com/bharatgaurav

This unique initiative by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is perhaps the first-of-its-kind in India in which an attempt is being made to promote lesser known destinations through train tours.