Latest news with #Vibrant
Hans India
5 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
NRIIT to hold internationalmeet on Quantum AI
Pothavarappadu (Krishna district): The NRI Institute of Technology (NRIIT), in collaboration with PB Siddhartha College of Arts & Science, has announced an upcoming international conference on 'Quantum AI and Deep-Tech Innovations for Next-Gen Intelligence'. The conference, scheduled for February 6-7, 2026, officially launched its promotional activities with a poster release event held on Wednesday. The two-day conference is a joint initiative of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at NRIIT, Pothavarappadu in Krishna district, and the Department of Computer Science at PB Siddhartha College. It is being financially supported by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under its VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Innovation) scheme. A key highlight of the conference is the special focus on promoting regional languages in research. Faculty members, researchers, and postgraduate students are invited to submit their research articles in Telugu. These selected articles will be published as a Telugu textbook at no cost to the authors. The VAANI scheme, under which the conference is being organised, aims to encourage national and international conferences in regional languages, promote knowledge sharing, and foster collaborative learning, innovation, and research in Indian languages. R Venkata Rao, Chairman, NRI Institute of Technology, Dr C Naga Bhaskar, Principal, NRI Institute of Technology, Dr KV Sambasiva Rao, Conference Chair & Dean, CSE Department, Dr D Sunitha, Head, CSE Department, NRIIT, Dr B Venu Gopal, Professor, CSE, NRIIT and Dr TS Ravi Kiran, Co-Convener of the Conference and Head, Department of Computer Science, PB Siddhartha College of Arts and Science unveiled the poster for the conference at the NRIIT on Wednesday.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Enrolments drop in Rajasthan's Kota, hitting hostels and local economy
In Rajasthan's Kota, toppers aren't just celebrated, they're marketed. Billboards, walls, and posters across the coaching capital are plastered with the faces of NEET achievers, often accompanied by the logos of the coaching centres. Even the Kota Hostel Association, with no direct link to academic results, has circulated newspaper clippings of the toppers on their Facebook page. This flood of advertising isn't just a strategy to bag profits but a desperate attempt to keep a struggling industry afloat amid declining student enrolments. According to industry experts, there has been a 30 to 40 per cent decline in enrolments in 2024. In figures, Kota's admissions reduced from a usual count of 2 to 2.5 lakh students a year to 85,000 to 1 lakh last year. '60% of the hostels are vacant, and nine branches of legacy players, such as Bansal Classes, Vibrant, Career Point, Reliable, Resonance, and two other centres have already shut shop in Kota. At least a lakh people became unemployed in the past year,' said a veteran professor associated with a reputed coaching centre in Kota, requesting anonymity. 'The admission season continues until the last week of July, so the final numbers are yet to be seen. But as of now, we're witnessing a 20–25% decline in admissions compared to last year,' said Pramod Mewara, spokesperson for Allen Career Institute. Multiple reasons Once coaching took off, hundreds of centres mushroomed and the sector became Kota's primary economic engine, shadowing its industrial past. This is not the first time the coaching centres in the city are staring at a bleak future — the COVID-19 pandemic was also a blow to enrolments. Why are admissions reducing this time, and can Kota's centres make a comeback once again? 'During the pandemic, there was no footfall due to the lockdown regulations. But now, on their own, students do not seem to prefer Kota,' said the veteran professor on request of anonymity. Kota's decline isn't due to a single reason; it's a sum of many. 'As coaching centres have expanded to other states, parents prefer enrolling their wards closer to home to save on accommodation and travel costs. In a year, parents visit their children in Kota at least ten times, and some even stay with them for weeks at a stretch,' Akhilesh Jain, general manager of Bansal Classes, observed. Industry experts said that students from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who contributed to the majority of Kota's student strength, are currently retained in their states. 'When you look at our admissions from all the 75+ operational branches in the country, it has increased by 15%. But, our centres in Kota, just like any other, have been seeing a 50% decline since last year,' Mr. Jain remarked. Bansal Classes, the pioneer coaching institute in Kota, was founded by Vinod Kumar Bansal in 1991 after JK Synthetics, formerly the city's major employer, shut down in 1983. Before Bansal's success, Kota was known more as an industrial town than an education hub. Sakshi Sinha, a parent from Aligarh, said, 'If I go with the coaching institute's accommodation, it costs me ₹1.2 lakh a year, plus the coaching fees, which range from ₹1.3 to ₹1.8 lakh. The cheaper option is a PG, but even that is ₹4,500 to ₹7,000 a month. By putting my son in a coaching centre in our hometown, I save a lot on food, accommodation, and all our travel expenses—we would have to visit at least once every couple of months'. The rise of online platforms like Physics Wallah and Unacademy is seen as a cooler and more affordable option, drawing students away from conventional institutes. For a few institutions, internal crises have rung a death knell to their profits. 'Laying off employees and massive pay cuts for teachers made many quit these institutes and start academies on their own. There are just too many centres in Kota,' the professor said on request of anonymity. High suicide rates among students are seen as a social factor that has demotivated parents from choosing Kota. More recently, 24 students died by suicide in 2023, the highest annual toll since Kota became the country's coaching capital. The most hit The decline doesn't deal a direct blow to the coaching centres, which have branched out to other parts of the country, as much as it does to Kota's ecosystem — hostels, hotels, autorickshaws, stationery shops, and more. People from around 60km from Kota are reliant on the businesses connected with the students, and their reduced footfall has had a direct impact on them. The decline in enrolments hasn't hit the coaching giants as hard as it has the local service economy — hostels, messes, stationery stores, transport operators, and the likes. Experts estimate that at least one lakh people working in these ancillary services in the 60km radius of Kota have either become unemployed or are reeling under major financial losses. 'We have just 50% occupancy,' said Sunil Agarwal, who started Coral Girls Heights, a girls' hostel with a 65-bed capacity, seven years ago. Since 2024, there have been fewer than 30 girls in his hostel—an unusual phenomenon, as it was always full before that. Slowly, hostel owners are branching into other businesses, and new investments have stalled. 'There are about 4,000 hostels in Kota. These owners are now involved in other businesses such as textiles (given the popularity of Kota sarees), real estate, and hotels,' said Naveen Mittal, President of the Kota Hostel Association. Many mess workers, auto drivers, and stationery shop owners, who migrated from agrarian villages by selling farm lands for investment, are struggling without income or the means to return to agriculture. A section of entrepreneurs, who took loans to start anew, are struggling to repay them due to low income. A multilateral effort Efforts undertaken by the entrepreneurs, district administration, and organisations point towards a hopeful future. Earlier, hostels in Kota insisted on an 11-month commitment, and students who left early had to pay for the remaining period. Even if they vacated after nine months, they were charged for the full 11. But now, such rules have quietly faded away. 'Students can now come and leave whenever they want. We no longer enforce long-term commitments,' said Mr. Agarwal of Coral Girls Heights. 'Most premium hostels that once charged ₹15,000 a month have slashed prices by at least 40% to cope with the drop in demand,' he added. Under the guidance of the Kota district administration, hostel staff have undergone gatekeeper training to identify and support students showing signs of mental distress. 'Most of Kota's hostels have fan hanging devices that make suicides by hanging impossible. Hostels in the city have made Sundays fun and stress-free for the students by organising singing, poetry, and other such activities,' Mr. Mittal added. Per-kilometre fares of autorickshaws have dropped in response to falling student footfall. Helpdesks have been set up at railway stations to assist newcomers. 'The district collectorate now maintains detailed records of every student enrolled in coaching centres, and night patrolling has intensified. Refunds from coaching institutes, once nearly impossible, have become more common. Nodal officers have been appointed to monitor student well-being more closely,' said a senior official from the Kota District Collectorate. Despite all efforts, experts say the glory of Kota's coaching industry is fading. 'It feels like a dead end,' said a veteran professor.
India.com
30-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Stylish Co-ords Under ₹799 on Myntra: Trendy Matching Sets for Every Mood
Looking for a fashion-forward outfit that's easy to wear and makes a big style impact? Co-ord sets are your answer! And the best part? You can now grab stunning, trend-savvy co-ords under budget on Myntra without compromising on quality. Whether you're heading to brunch, lounging on weekends, or making an impression at casual meetings, these curated co-ord picks offer the perfect mix of comfort and charm. Ready to discover your new go-to look? Let's dive into the most stylish and affordable co-ords on Myntra. DressBerry: Vibrant Leafy Tropical Print Shirt & Shorts Co-ords Image Source: Order Now DressBerry Vibrant Leafy Tropical Print Shirt & Shorts Co-ord Set is perfect for adding up fun and joy to your looks. It is happy and bright and fun. Tropical leaf pattern and easy fit makes it just right for a walk on the beach, lunch in summer, or just relaxing in style. Key Features: Tropical Leaf Print: These are bright and fun for the summertime. Short-Sleeved Shirt: They are light and give the chance for air to circulate in hot weather. Matching Shorts: They are comfy to wear all of the time. Soft Fabric: They are good for fun walks and trips. May not be versatile enough for formal occasions or office wear. Glitchez: Raw Style Printed Relaxed Fit T-shirt & Shorts Co-Ords Image Source: Order Now If you're all about street style with an edge, the Glitchez Raw Style Printed Relaxed Fit T-shirt & Shorts Co-ord Set is your perfect pick. Featuring edgy graphics and ultra-comfy cuts, this co-ord screams cool and carefree. Great for weekend hangs, errand runs, or relaxed evenings with friends. Key Features: Bold Graphic Print: Adds a raw, trendy edge to your outfit. Relaxed Fit Tee: Casual and roomy for ultimate comfort. Coordinated Shorts: Styled to match while keeping it laid-back. Stretchable Fabric: Easy movement and soft feel. The print may fade slightly after multiple washes—handle with care. Sangria: Pure Cotton Conversational Printed Co-ords Image Source: Order Now The Sangria Pure Cotton Conversational Printed Co-ords blend traditional artistry with modern co-ord is made with light frosted organic cotton, and have fun and silly prints. These are dressy enough for big days in the summer heat, mix up costume days, or even for lazy days in the summer sun. If you like to put some world into your closet, take your pick. Key Features: 100% Cotton Fabric: Soft, breathable, and perfect for Indian summers. Conversational Prints: Quirky and eye-catching designs. Comfortable Fit: Loose yet stylish for daily wear. Versatile Styling: Can be dressed up or down easily. May require ironing after each wash due to pure cotton material. Tokyo Talkies: Shirt-Collar Shirt With Trouser Co-ords Image Source: Order Now Looking for a smart-casual outfit with a touch of elegance? The Tokyo Talkies Shirt-Collar Shirt with Trouser Co-ord Set is tailored for a polished look. Ideal for casual office days, semi-formal events, or smart weekend outings, this set balances structure with comfort for the modern woman. Key Features: Structured Shirt-Collar Design: Adds a crisp, office-ready finish. Straight Fit Trousers: Sleek and stylish for formal-casual wear. Coordinated Aesthetic: Looks well-put-together instantly. Comfortable Fabric Blend: Keeps you cozy while looking sharp. Might feel a bit warm for extremely hot and humid climates. Why spend time matching outfits when these co-ord sets under budget on Myntra give you instant style and comfort in one go? From DressBerry's tropical getaway vibe to Glitchez's raw, street-ready charm, these sets redefine casual dressing. Prefer ethnic flair? Sangria's cotton conversational prints have you covered. Want something that doubles as smart-casual? Tokyo Talkies' shirt and trouser combo is a wardrobe must. These co-ords not only save time but also ensure you stay stylish no matter where you're headed. Grab your favorites before they're gone, and slay the matching game the Myntra way. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
National Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Trivest Partners and Vibrant Equity Announce Formation of True North Dental Partnership Organization
Article content TORONTO — Trivest Partners ('Trivest') and Vibrant Equity ('Vibrant') are pleased to announce the formation of True North Dental Partnership Organization ('True North' or 'Company'), a newly established dental partnership organization (DPO) focused on supporting leading dental professionals and enhancing operational excellence. True North launches with an initial group of eight high-performing dental offices across Ontario. Article content Article content True North is positioned to serve as a premier partner for dentists, fostering clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term growth. The platform will support its dental partners through investments in technology, mentorship, and professional development, ensuring that practitioners can focus on delivering exceptional patient care. This approach mirrors industry trends where dental organizations emphasize doctor-centric cultures and patient-first focuses to drive growth and success. Article content Dr. Miyen Kwek, Chief Clinical Officer of True North, stated, ' True North represents a vision my partners and I shared—to build a new kind of DPO committed to clinical quality, a dentist-driven culture, and best-in-class resources, technology, and development to help dentists thrive. We are thrilled to partner with Trivest and Vibrant, who share this vision and are committed to providing the resources needed to make True North the most compelling DPO in Canada.' Article content True North aims to leverage its experience in healthcare services to become a leading partner for dentists across Canada. The company is actively seeking additional partnerships with dental practices across Ontario to continue its growth trajectory, reflecting a commitment to expanding its footprint and providing a best-in-class experience for patients and providers alike. This strategy is consistent with industry movements where dental organizations expand through affiliations and partnerships to enhance their service offerings and market presence. Article content Jacob Roche, Principal at Trivest, commented, 'True North is perfectly aligned with Trivest's strategy to partner with founder and family-owned businesses in fragmented markets. We are excited to work with Vibrant and our dentist partners to help True North become a leading DPO across Canada. ' Article content True North is a dental partnership organization that supports a network of clinics primarily focused on general dentistry, with specialty offerings and a strong emphasis on technology, mentorship, and thought leadership. Headquartered in Toronto, ON, True North is focused on building a network of leading dental practices across Canada through collaboration, innovation, and clinical excellence. Learn more at Article content Trivest Partners is a leading private equity firm with $6 billion of capital under management across four unique investment funds that focus exclusively on the support and growth of founder-led and family-owned businesses with both control and non-control transactions across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Miami, with a presence in Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto, the Firm has more than 50 portfolio companies as of January 2025. Learn more at Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crisis brews as global drought set to send NYC's coffee prices soaring
A coffee crisis is brewing. The cost of New Yorkers' morning java is about to get even more expensive – by up to $1 – as a prolonged drought in Brazil, which produces nearly half the world's Arabica beans, sends shockwaves around the world. 'It's a nightmare,' said Peter Longo, whose family has owned New York's Porto Rico Importing Co. for three generations. Earlier this month, Arabica futures – which coffee roasters like Longo have to buy to get their supply – reached a historic high of $4 per pound on commodity markets, double the $2 price just a year ago. A severe drought has been ravaging vast areas of South America since 2023. The lack of rain has destroyed coffee crops and eroded global stockpiles. Two weeks ago, Longo raised the price of his bulk coffee beans from $15.99 to $16.99 a pound in response to the global shortage. On Monday, the price at his coffee bar is going up, by somewhere between 5-10% depending on the beverage. A medium latte or cappuccino will go from $4.90 to $5.20. Other coffee shops in the city are faced with the same dilemma, after already marking up prices to deal with raging inflation over the last three years. 'It's disturbing,' said Teodora Tomic, co-owner of Vibrant coffee in the West Village. 'We don't want to change the prices.' Tomic conceded the shop might have to raise prices by $1 but said they will wait until the spring or summer to see what happens with the cost of coffee beans. 'It's hard to compete with bigger businesses because they have secured their prices for the whole year,' said co-owner Stefan Tomic. Big companies hedge their bets by buying coffee contracts for multiple years on commodity markets. Starbucks said it would hit the pause button on price hikes at least through the fiscal year, though that ends in September. According to a coffee analyst, no brew business will escape 2025 unscathed. 'A lot of these high prices haven't hit the supply chain yet,' said independent coffee consultant Steven Colten. 'Roasters are going to have to raise prices.' Colten said retail coffee prices in New York could go up anywhere between 10 and 25% in the next few months. At a trendy coffee shop like Blue Bottle, where a medium latte currently sells for $7.25 without any add-ons, that would mean a hike of between 72 cents and $1.60, up to a high of $8.85. And New Yorkers are getting jittery. 'It's so expensive!' exclaimed Ana Rudnytska, on a coffee run for coworkers. 'I think that's crazy. The prices are already very high,' said Sam Zingerman at Starbucks. 'It's very hard to get just a good cup of coffee for a low price. I feel like it's become designer coffee almost,' said another customer.
