TCS Announces Generative AI Partnership with Google Cloud and New Offering for Enterprise Customers
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services company, has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud and unveiled a new offering called TCS Generative AI. This collaboration aims to leverage Google Cloud’s generative AI services to develop customized business solutions that drive growth and transformation for clients across various industries. With its extensive domain expertise and investment in research and innovation, TCS has built a robust portfolio of AI-powered solutions, including AIOps, Algo Retail™, smart manufacturing, digital twins, and robotics.
Harnessing the Power of Generative AI
TCS Generative AI harnesses the capabilities of Google Cloud’s Generative AI tools, such as Vertex AI, Generative AI Application Builder, and Model Garden, alongside TCS’ own solutions. By combining client-specific contextual knowledge, design thinking, and agile development processes, TCS collaborates closely with clients to ideate, rapidly prototype, and build transformational solutions with accelerated time to value.
Co-Innovation and Collaboration
To facilitate collaboration and co-innovation, TCS leverages its TCS Pace Ports™, which are co-innovation hubs located in strategic global locations such as New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Tokyo. These hubs provide clients with opportunities to engage with academic researchers and start-up partners from TCS’ extended innovation ecosystem, fostering a collaborative environment for developing cutting-edge solutions.
Expertise and Investment in Cloud Technologies
Recognizing the importance of cloud technologies, TCS has made significant investments in scaling its expertise. The company boasts over 25,000 engineers certified on Google Cloud, and it continues to upskill its workforce in AI, aiming to have 40,000 skill badges on Google Cloud Generative AI within the year. This commitment positions TCS to meet the anticipated demand for its new offering and deliver value to clients seeking generative AI solutions.
Comprehensive Services and Solutions
Through the TCS Google Business Unit, clients can access a comprehensive catalog of services and solutions that leverage TCS’ contextual knowledge, industry-focused innovation, and Google Cloud’s platform capabilities. These offerings include advisory services, foundational cloud-build and security services, applications and data modernization, AI build and deployment services, managed services for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, and purpose-built digital solutions across industries.
Recognition and Achievements
TCS has been recognized by Google Cloud for its comprehensive solutions, receiving awards such as the 2021 Industry Solution Partner of the Year for Retail, 2021 Global Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the Year, and the 2020 Breakthrough Partner of the Year. The company’s cloud-native services and solutions span emerging technologies like generative AI, intelligent edge-to-core, and blockchain, enabling enhanced value for end customers.
World Turtle Day 2023 celebrates on 23rd May
World Turtle Day is an annual observance held every May 23rd. It began in 2000 and is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. The day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats, as well as to encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. The event was first celebrated in 2000, making 2023 the 24th anniversary of the observance.
Turtles are vital to the marine environment. They control the population of jellyfish, and sponges, and maintain the length of the seagrass, which provides oxygen to the ocean. Their eggshells help enrich coastal vegetation. Turtle hatchlings are food for raccoons, birds and fish. On the other hand, tortoises live on land. They have bigger, heavier shells and are not able to swim. Turtle populations around the globe are gradually declining due to habitat destruction, artificial lighting, turtle trade, climate change and pollution.
Significance of World Turtle Day 2023:
World Turtle Day is marked to raise awareness about the need to protect turtles and tortoises and their nesting sites around the world. The day also urges citizens, law enforcement agencies, policy members and governments to stop the illegal turtle trade.
Thousands of turtles nest on the beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. However, economic development and modernisation of the region threaten their survival today. It is essential that turtle nesting sites, at the respective beaches, should be protected at all costs to prevent their extinction.
History of World Turtle Day:
World Turtle Day is an annual observance celebrated on May 23rd to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of turtles and tortoises, as well as their habitats. The day aims to promote knowledge about these reptiles and the threats they face, while encouraging people to take action to ensure their survival.
World Turtle Day was founded by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and welfare of turtles and tortoises. The event was first celebrated in 2000, making 2023 the 24th anniversary of the observance.
The founders of World Turtle Day, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, established the day with the goal of increasing awareness about the challenges turtles and tortoises encounter. They recognized the need for conservation efforts due to the numerous threats faced by these creatures, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and illegal trafficking.
Financial Times Global Ranking Puts IIM Kozhikode Among the Top Four Schools in India
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has achieved recognition in the prestigious Financial Times Rankings 2023 (FT Rankings). The debut in FT Rankings places IIM Kozhikode at the 72nd position among the top 75 providers of open-enrolment executive programs globally.
IIM Kozhikode’s Growing Global Credentials:
This accomplishment further solidifies IIM Kozhikode’s status as a leading provider of executive education worldwide.
The institute’s impressive performance follows its remarkable leap of 100 spots in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2023 in the Business & Management Studies category, where it secured a position among the top 251-300 institutes globally.
IIM Kozhikode’s Exclusive Recognition:
IIM Kozhikode is one of only three Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and four Indian B-Schools to be featured in the top 75 FT Open-enrolment Executive Education Rankings 2023.
The rankings are based on surveys conducted with executive participants and respective institutes worldwide.
The institute’s expert faculty members design tailor-made courses to meet the specific requirements of open-enrolment participants.
IIM Kozhikode’s unique e-MDP (Management Development Programs), including the IIMK Kochi Campus, adopts participant-centered teaching methods and develops rigorous and relevant content for executive participants.
These factors contribute to higher satisfaction levels among executive participants.
The Stringent Ranking Process by Financial Times:
The FT Rankings 2023 involved data collection from eight criteria related to the executive education programs.
The rankings considered inputs from both the executive participants and the respective institutes.
The survey and evaluation process by Financial Times ensures a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the programs.
Garuda Aerospace and Naini Aerospace Collaborate to Manufacture Make in India Drones
Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone manufacturer, has joined hands with Naini Aerospace, a subsidiary of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, to establish a joint development partnership. This collaboration aims to enable Garuda Aerospace to manufacture Advanced Precision Drones within India for various applications. The partnership signifies a significant step towards achieving the Indian government’s vision of producing 1 lakh Made in India drones by 2024.
The Vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Garuda Aerospace’s CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating that it aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Jayaprakash mentioned that they have already pre-booked over 7,000 drones, reflecting the market demand and potential for growth in the drone industry. He also highlighted the importance of partnering with government public sector units (PSUs) to leverage their knowledge and experience in scaling up production.
Collaboration and Indigenization Efforts
Garuda Aerospace recently collaborated with BEML at Aero India to manufacture drones at their Mysore facility and initiated an extensive indigenization campaign. The company aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports of drone parts, components, and subsystems by partnering with 120 local suppliers. By strengthening the domestic supply chain, Garuda Aerospace aims to contribute to the “Make in India” initiative and promote self-reliance in the drone manufacturing sector.
Naini Aerospace’s Expertise
Naini Aerospace Limited (NAeL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HAL, brings its expertise in the production of aerostructures and aircraft loom manufacturing to the collaboration. NAeL was established in 2016 with the vision of sustainable manufacturing operations in the aerospace and aviation sector. The CEO of Naini Aerospace, RR Thakur, expressed excitement about working with Garuda Aerospace in the rapidly evolving drone sector. He highlighted NAeL’s proven capabilities and its contribution to the HAL Helicopter Division.
Strategic Location and Cost Efficiency
With Garuda Aerospace establishing its presence in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the collaboration will enhance delivery and access to clients across North, West, East, and Northeast regions of India. The factory’s strategic location on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway, near Prayagraj city center, provides ease of transportation, which translates into cost efficiencies. Moreover, Naini, Prayagraj, is being considered for inclusion in the proposed defense industrial corridor of Uttar Pradesh, further enhancing the partnership’s potential.
Israel ties up with IIT-M to set up water technology centre
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has entered into a partnership with Israel to establish the ‘India-Israel Center of Water Technology’ (CoWT). This joint initiative aims to address the challenges in water resources management and water technologies in India. The Letter of Intent (LoI) for the center was signed by representatives from both countries, highlighting the significance of this collaboration in ensuring water security for India.
Building Human Capacity for Water Management
The India-Israel Center of Water Technology will focus on building human capacity to implement Israel’s advanced water technologies in the Indian context. By leveraging the expertise of Israel, known as a global champion in water management, the center aims to develop tailor-made solutions for India’s water requirements. This collaboration will be instrumental in achieving the objectives of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ (MoHUA) ‘AMRUT’ Mission.
Israel ties up with IIT-M to set up water technology centre
Mutual Knowledge Sharing
CoWT will serve as a platform for mutual knowledge sharing between India and Israel. It will facilitate the exchange of technology, scientific information, and literature related to water management. The center will bring together experts from both countries to engage in discussions and consultations on various water-related issues, including drinking water, sewerage management, and the exploration of new areas of intervention.
Showcasing Sustainable Water Management Practices
Apart from promoting sustainable water management practices, the India-Israel Center of Water Technology will showcase cutting-edge technologies and projects. It will provide Indian water professionals with wide exposure to the latest advancements in the field by organizing demonstrations and exhibitions of Israeli water companies. This initiative will contribute to the adoption of state-of-the-art solutions in India’s water sector.
Focus Areas and Technological Solutions
The center will initially focus on specific projects related to integrated water resources management, urban water supply, non-revenue water, and sewage recycling. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will be key elements in developing innovative solutions for water harvesting and smart data management. Through the utilization of advanced technologies, the center aims to demonstrate effective and sustainable approaches to water management.
About Israel, key points:
President: Isaac Herzog
Prime Minister: Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu
Capital: Jerusalem
Currency: Israeli Shekel (ILS)
Official Language: Hebrew
Population: Approximately 9.3 million
Independence Day: May 14, 1948
National Anthem: Hatikvah (The Hope)
Government Type: Parliamentary Democracy
Area: 20,770 square kilometers
Major Cities: Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba, Ashdod
Education Ministry and World Bank Host Workshop for School-to-Work Transition
The Ministry of Education and the World Bank held a unique workshop on School-to-Work Transition under the STARS Program. The workshop was led by co-chairs Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education, and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Also in attendance were the Secretaries of Education and Skill Department of the six STARS states and representatives from the World Bank.
Workshop for School-to-Work Transition under STARS Program: Key Points
The workshop focused on strengthening of Vocational Education and School-to-Work Transition, which is a key component of the STARS program.
Discussions centered on a Skill Gap analysis of the six STARS States and Uttar Pradesh, and the convergence of vocational and skill.
The Secretaries elaborated on the present interventions of the Government of India, provisions of the National Education policy on vocational and skill education, and measures to scale vocational education in districts and take up aspirational districts to increase employability.
The present performance and interventions of the states were also discussed, proposing a broad-based strategy with focus on vocational education, industry tie-ups, integrating vocational studies with school curricula and modifying the existing school syllabus.
Industry experts provided key insights regarding the needs of skills in current industry situations, concluding that it is an opportune moment to invest in vocational training and make it aspirational for the youth in the country.
About STARS Program:
The Cabinet approved the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) Project in October 2020.
This centrally sponsored scheme became effective in 2021 and will be in place for five years until FY: 2024-25.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education will implement the project, with financial support from the World Bank.
The project will be carried out in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala.
The project will also support initiatives under PM e-Vidya, the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission, and the National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
STARS Program: Aim
It aims to provide various interventions to improve the quality of education and is a part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, focusing on the areas that will directly support school education enhancement. The STARS project’s components are aligned with the objectives of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes quality-based learning outcomes.
Neeraj Chopra becomes World No.1 in men’s javelin rankings
Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has claimed number one ranking in men’s javelin for the first time. Neeraj Chopra has topped the charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Grenada’s Anderson Peters. On 30 August, 2022, the Indian javelin throw ace rose to World No. 2, but was stuck behind Peters, the reigning world champion, since then.
Neeraj Chopra becomes World No.1 in men’s javelin rankings
In 2022, Neeraj won the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich in September, which made him the first Indian athlete to do so. However, he was sidelined with an injury following his victory in Zurich. The Indian national record holder in men’s javelin throw, competed in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 5 and finished first with a throw of 88.67m. Anderson Peters finished third in Doha with a distance of 85.88m.
Neeraj will now compete at the FBK Games 2023 on June 4 in the Netherlands and confirmed his participation at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023 in Turku, Finland, on June 13. With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, the 2023 season promises to be a crucial one for Neeraj. Neeraj will compete in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in addition to defending his Diamond League title and Asian Games javelin gold medal in Hangzhou.
SpaceX Sends First Saudi Arabian Astronauts to the International Space Station
In a groundbreaking moment for Saudi Arabia, the country’s first astronauts in decades have embarked on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government, a female stem cell researcher named Rayyanah Barnawi and a Royal Saudi Air Force fighter pilot named Ali al-Qarni joined a crew led by a retired NASA astronaut from Kennedy Space Center. The mission was organized by Axiom Space, a Houston-based company, and executed by SpaceX.
This article explores this historic event, highlighting the significance of the mission and its participants.
Breaking Barriers: Saudi Arabia’s Historic Space Mission Saudi Arabia’s efforts to send astronauts to space after several decades mark a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration ambitions. The last Saudi astronaut to journey into space was a prince who flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1985. The current mission, sponsored by the Saudi government, aims to showcase the nation’s commitment to advancing scientific research and technological innovation.
Rayyanah Barnawi: Pioneering Saudi Arabia’s Journey Rayyanah Barnawi, a Saudi stem cell researcher, has achieved a remarkable feat as the first Saudi Arabian woman to venture into space. Her inclusion in the crew reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in various fields, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Barnawi’s presence on this mission sets a powerful precedent for Saudi women pursuing careers in the space industry.
Ali al-Qarni: Representing the Royal Saudi Air Force Joining Barnawi on this historic mission is Ali al-Qarni, a distinguished fighter pilot from the Royal Saudi Air Force. Al-Qarni’s participation highlights the close collaboration between the military and space sectors in Saudi Arabia. His expertise as a pilot brings a unique perspective to the crew and showcases the country’s commitment to advancing its aerospace capabilities.
The Journey Begins: Excitement and Reflections from Space Upon reaching orbit, the crew expressed their awe and excitement at the beginning of their journey. Barnawi shared her amazement at viewing Earth from the capsule, emphasizing the significance of this moment. Al-Qarni expressed his optimism, stating that this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey for all involved. Their sentiments reflect the sense of wonder and anticipation that astronauts experience when venturing into space.
Accompanying Crew: John Shoffner and Peggy Whitson Accompanying Barnawi and al-Qarni on this mission are John Shoffner, a former driver and owner of a sports car racing team from Knoxville, Tennessee, and Peggy Whitson, the first female commander of the ISS. Shoffner’s inclusion underscores the diversity of participants on this privately chartered space mission. Whitson, with her extensive experience and record-setting time in space, serves as a mentor and guide for the crew during their stay on the ISS.