Bank of Baroda Introduces Three New Zones as Part of Strategic Realignment
04th April, 2025: Bank of Baroda (BoB), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced a strategic realignment of its zonal structure with the creation of 3 new zones that will help the Bank drive sustainable business growth, enhance customer service and improve operational efficiencies. Effective 1st April, 2025, the Bank has established the following new zones:
- Surat Zone (earlier part of Baroda Zone)
- Varanasi Zone (earlier part of Lucknow Zone)
- Jodhpur Zone (earlier part of Jaipur Zone)
The 3 zones were virtually inaugurated by Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda, along with the Bank’s Executive Directors.
With the formation of 3 new zones, the Bank now has a total of 25 zones. This move is part of the Bank’s aspiration to create a more agile organisation that ensures better control through decentralisation, faster growth and reinforces the Bank’s ability to serve customers better.
Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of 3 new zones. The objective is to have more compact zones – this will ensure more effective control and administration, provide a superior banking experience to our customers as well as enable the Bank to grow faster. The new zonal structure will also foster the growth & development of our employees.”
Masoom Minawala Exits Schbang MMaximise, Shifts Focus to New Ventures
Masoom Minawala announces her exit from Schbang MMaximise, plans to focus on her new upcoming ventures. Starting off in 2023, Masoom successfully completed a two year-long role with MMaximise. As the Co-Founder, Masoom has played a crucial role in shaping the company, building it to profitability, and establishing it as a thriving platform for talent. With this accomplishment, she has decided to move on from Schbang MMaximise and focus on her show and other entrepreneurial ventures. Schbang will be buying out Masoom’s share in Schbang MMaximise.
Speaking about the transition, Masoom shared, “Building Schbang MMaximise has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. I am proud of the impact we’ve created together and confident that Schbang will continue to take it to greater heights. As I take this next step in my entrepreneurial journey, I am entrusting the company to the capable leadership of Schbang.”
Schbang extended its deepest gratitude to Masoom for her leadership, vision, and contributions, which have been instrumental in the success of Schbang MMaximise.
Masoom has sold her stake in Schbang MMaximise to Schbang, which will consolidate the talent management subsidiary, continue to serve talents and build on the foundation that Masoom has built.
Schbang MMaximise will now be merged into Schbang Fluence – Schbang’s Influencer Management arm and the talent representation business will be called Represent by Schbang Fluence. Schbang Fluence is helmed by Divisha Iyer. With 12 years of industry experience, including 7 years at Schbang, Divisha Iyer has played a pivotal role in leading and transforming multiple departments at Schbang and setting up the influencer management practice at Schbang. Her leadership, alongside her core team that includes Sneh Chheda and Vaishnavi Thirumalai, is set to propel Schbang Fluence to new heights, driving impactful brand collaborations with strategic expertise and industry foresight.
Harshil Karia, Founder and CEO of Schbang expressed, “Masoom has been instrumental in shaping MMaximise into a thriving and profitable platform, and we deeply appreciate her contributions. I learnt a lot from Masoom during this partnership and I feel so grateful to have worked with her. As we turn this new chapter, we are confident that Fluence, under the leadership of Divisha, Sneh, and Vaishnavi, will continue to set new benchmarks in the industry. To every talent out there—we are committed to building your brand with strategic expertise and meaningful opportunities that drive real, measurable impact.”
Introducing Schbang Fluence: Invest in Influencers for Impact
Schbang Fluence connects brands with the right influencers and celebrities, crafting compelling narratives that enhance credibility, visibility, and business growth. With a precision-driven approach, it seamlessly integrates storytelling with data-backed strategies to ensure high-impact, ROI-driven partnerships. Beyond influencer marketing, it extends its expertise across meme marketing, PR & thought leadership, LinkedIn marketing, Youth & Campus Marketing and IPs & podcasts.
Additionally, Represent by Schbang Fluence, will now be its dedicated talent management division with the merger of Schbang MMaximise after the purchase of Masoom Minawala’s shares. Represent by Schbang Fluence will focus on shaping the next generation of content creators. By leveraging Schbang’s brand ecosystem, it will focus on transforming influencers, celebrities, and thought leaders into powerful personal brands, equipping them with strategic insights, business expertise, and scalable growth models.
With a focus on holistic brand-building, industry intelligence, and strategic positioning, Schbang Fluence is redefining influence in India, empowering brands and talent to lead the future.
With Schbang Fluence at the helm of influencer marketing solutions, Schbang continues to strengthen its position as a top 5 player in the influencer marketing space, delivering impactful brand collaborations and driving influence with measurable results.
Climate Change Fuels Mental Health Struggles Among Youth, Resulting in USD 13.7 Billion GDP Loss
04 April 2025: From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production to rising sea levels increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding, climate change’s impacts are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. A comprehensive study by Primus Partners titled “The Cost of Climate Change: Young Voices in a Warming World” has highlighted significant findings on the effects of climate change on the mental health of young adults aged 15-24.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Mental Health Impact on Youth: Anxiety and stress are the most prevalent climate-induced mental health issues, affecting 26% of respondents in this age group. Of the 46% who reported experiencing mental health issues owing to climatic changes, only 33% are aware of available support services
- Economic Implications: Climate-induced mental health challenges in the 15-24 age group could lead to a potential annual financial loss of approximately USD 13.7 billion, equating to 0.35% of India’s current GDP. This loss is part of a broader 6% GDP reduction associated with health complications
- Global Context and Public Health Concerns: According to the WHO, climate change could contribute to an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to extreme weather events’ impact on mortality and morbidity. A 2020 Royal College of Psychiatrists study found that 60% of child and adolescent psychiatrists in the UK’s NHS had seen a patient distressed about environmental and ecological issues
- Awareness Levels: 56% of respondents aged 15-18 and 60% of those aged 19-24 express significant awareness of climate change’s mental health implications, with 39% and 44%, respectively, feeling its significant impact on their mental well-being
The Road Ahead:
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Head of Community Psychiatry, NIMHANS, emphasized, “Policies need to integrate mental health support with climate resilience strategies, particularly for children and adolescents. This could involve integrating climate-change education in school curricula, developing targeted psychosocial support services, and ensuring that disaster response mechanisms are child-sensitive.“
As a strategic response, the study recommends:
- Developing a national policy integrating climate-related mental health strategies into the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
- Specialized training for school counselors on climate change-induced psychological stress and establishing effective referral mechanisms
- Strengthening outreach for mental health services by enhancing Tele-MANAS and increasing awareness through government-led campaigns involving Community Health Officers (CHOs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)
Prof. Dr. Sanjay Zodpey, President of PHFI, stated, “Through a multidisciplinary lens, this document delves into the scientific, psychological, and policy dimensions of climate-induced mental health challenges.”
Nilaya Varma, Co-Founder & CEO, Primus Partners, highlighted, “This study will lay the foundation for further research in this field and serve as a guiding framework for policy development to address the growing crisis of climate change and its impact on mental health. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrating mental health considerations into climate policies, ensuring that young people, who are among the most affected, have access to adequate support mechanisms. By strengthening outreach, enhancing awareness, and embedding climate resilience into public health strategies, we can take proactive steps toward mitigating the long-term socio-economic consequences of climate-induced mental health challenges.”
Vivek Tandon, VP, Health Practice, Primus Partners, further informed that “the study shreds light on the disproportionate effect of climate change on gender, with more females reporting its impact than men. This paves the path for further research on this from a gender lens.”
India Gets Its First Custom LASIK Treatment with Alcon’s Wavelight Plus
April 4, 2025 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the launch of wavelight plus, India’s first fully personalized Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) treatment.1 Alcon is a leader in refractive vision correction and its next-generation wavelight plus technology introduces a new era of precision in refractive surgery, with unprecedented levels of personalization offering patients outstanding visual outcomes with minimal risk and excellent predictability.1,3,4∞ Wavelight plus has received Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) India approval, CE Mark and recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.12
Myopia is the most common refractive error, and globally, more than 30% of the population currently suffers from myopia. This number is expected to grow to nearly 50% by 2050.6 In India, cases of refractive errors are steadily increasing because of factors like increased screen time, reduced outdoor activities and lifestyle changes.9-11 Alcon’s latest refractive technology is an advanced LASIK solution that addresses the growing need with a highly personalized and sophisticated vision correction.6
“Today’s generation embraces an active lifestyle, fuelled by diverse passions and ambitious aspirations from an early age. However, wearing glasses can sometimes feel like an obstacle on their journey to fully realize their potential,” said Amar Vyas, Country Head, Alcon India. “Wavelight plus is a breakthrough in personalized vision correction, designed for the younger generation who refuse to be limited by spectacles. We are excited to offer Alcon’s latest innovation in vision correction in India. This launch also marks a new chapter in Alcon’s longstanding commitment to laser eye surgery, as we enable surgeons in India for the first time to deliver a fully personalized procedure, tailored to every patient’s complete eye system.1-2“
Unlike conventional Lasik treatment, wavelight plus uses Ray Tracing Technology to create a Digital Eye Twin, a highly detailed 3D model of each patient’s eye.3,4 This allows surgeons to simulate, test and optimize a fully customized treatment plan before surgery, ensuring a high level of accuracy and personalized vision correction.1-4 By considering the complete optical system rather than just the cornea, this innovation enhances surgical precision, safety and visual outcomes, often enabling patients to achieve vision beyond 20/20.4-5∞ For more information about this innovative technology, please visit https://www.myalcon.com/in/lasik/
“Many patients come with high expectations for their vision—they are young professionals, athletes, artists who don’t want to be held back by glasses. Whether it’s swimming, adventure sports, dancing, or simply wanting sharper vision for daily activities, they seek the best possible results from LASIK surgery. With Alcon’s latest technology, it is now possible to offer them a truly personalized treatment that is unique to their optical system ensuring the highest level of precision without compromising safety. This advanced technology has transformed the way we approach LASIK, giving the patients 20/20 vision or better, helping them see the world with newfound clarity and confidence,” said a leading Eye Care Professional from Wavikar Eye Institute, Thane, who has completed 100 procedures with wavelight plus.
The real-world clinical evidence of 200 patients who underwent wavelight plus LASIK found that the technology delivered visual acuity results that raised the bar for refractive outcomes, which is in line with Alcon’s clinical study. Key results from Dr. Chandra Bala’s study include:5*
- 100% of myopic eyes achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 at 3 months5*
- 89% of myopic eyes achieved postoperative UDVA of 20/16 and 50% achieved 20/12.5 at 3 months5*
- 98% of eyes achieved postoperative UDVA within 1 line of their preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) by 3 months5*
- 94% of eyes achieved the same or better postoperative CDVA than their preoperative CDVA by 3 months5*
Since LASIK became widely available in India, the technologies have continually advanced from keratometry and refraction to corneal tomography and wavefront aberrometry.7 Wavelight plus builds on these advancements, using Sightmap diagnostic technology to analyze and refine treatment plans before surgery, offering patients outstanding visual clarity.3
The decision to undergo refractive surgery is personal and Alcon’s latest technology in refractive surgery can help people reach 20/20 vision and beyond to live free from glasses1,2,4. This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical practitioner for further details.
Wavelight plus was first launched in China. It is available in several markets in Europe, Asia, and has recently received approval in the U.S.
ATTENTION: Refer to the wavelight plus Operator’s Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings and precautions.
David Blaine Challenges the Impossible in New National Geographic Documentary Series
April 4 : Prepare for the ultimate magic adventure as Nat Geo’s upcoming series ‘DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT’ gears up to premiere on April 6, Sundays, 8 PM on the National Geographic Channel. Produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s award-winning Imagine Documentaries (‘Genius’ anthology series, ‘Rebuilding Paradise,’ ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’), this six-part series follows world-renowned magician and endurance artist David Blaine exploring the world through the lens of magic. David will be seen taking viewers on a fascinating cultural exchange and a jaw-dropping journey through extraordinary cultures, where he meets performers and masters — kindred spirits who inspire and share with him exceptional skills (and secrets) — in India, Brazil, Southeast Asia, the Arctic Circle, South Africa, and Japan.
Widely recognized for his epic stunts and illusions, this series also reveals a surprising and more personal side to David, which has rarely been seen before – through intimate documentary storytelling. Traveling through the spiritual centers of India to the urban and natural jungles of Brazil, from the unforgiving ice of the Arctic Circle to the thriving cultural heart of South Africa, David seeks out real feats of magic at the intersection of physical and mental strength performed by extraordinary people. In each episode, David immerses himself in the cultures, histories, and hidden rituals that make these astonishing talents possible. He learns and attempts – so you don’t have to – while shining a light on a side of magic few have ever seen.
“I’m discovering incredible people with unbelievable talents, pushing the limits of what’s possible. It’s been a privilege to learn from them. As a magician, I’m in awe of their abilities because, for me, the most magical moments aren’t tricks but human potential realized,” said David Blaine.
“National Geographic’s legacy of innovative storytelling shines brightly in this series, with India’s rich heritage taking center stage in the premiere episode. Our ancient traditions – passed down through generations – offer a powerful glimpse into the extraordinary, connecting Indian audiences to Nat Geo’s global narrative,” said a National Geographic India spokesperson. “It is truly captivating to witness David Blaine immerse himself in the art of Indian magic, unraveling its mysteries and showcasing its timeless allure,” she added.
From sword swallowing to surviving venomous creature stings, and from feats of athleticism to kissing king cobras, ‘DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT’ uncovers the rituals, preparation and strength that take magic beyond mere illusion. The National Geographic series is a celebration of pushing boundaries safely and responsibly, rooted in years of training, preparation and a process of refinement. Viewers are reminded that professionals do all the feats shown in the series with safety teams to prevent any accidents. None of the activities from the series should ever be practiced; the series title provides instructions to viewers for a reason: DO NOT ATTEMPT.
This series contains content that may be disturbing to some viewers. All acts performed are inherently dangerous and were done under strict supervision. They should not be attempted. Viewer discretion is advised.
Episodes include the following:
- “India” – Premieres April 6
Growing up, David Blaine was fascinated by images from India of extraordinary physical feats. This evolved into a life-long obsession with real acts that are so extreme they look like magic. Using secrets passed down over hundreds of years, people still perform these acts today. In India, David unearths these modern practitioners to explore how belief and performance intersect to make magic.
- “Arctic Circle” – Premieres April 13
In the stunning frozen landscape of the Arctic Circle, David Blaine explores humanity’s curiously extreme ability to endure freezing temperatures. He meets and learns from people who reach beyond their limits to transform barriers into new frontiers and embody a sense of resilience, perseverance and grit that is unique to the region.
- “South Africa” – Premieres April 20
In a nation once defined by apartheid, David embarks on an epic adventure in South Africa, uncovering the magic of its diverse cultures and wildlife that is reshaping perceptions and dismantling barriers in this dynamic country.
- “Japan” – Premieres April 27
From perfectly punctual bullet trains to meticulously assembled pieces of sushi, Japan is renowned for its craftsmanship, artistry and commitment to excellence in all endeavors. In Japan, David explores the concept of mastery by meeting with people who spend a lifetime refining a single skill.
- “Brazil” – Premieres May 4
In Brazil, David Blaine seeks inspiration by immersing himself in his hosts’ vibrant energy, passion and spontaneity. The exceptional daredevils, artists, explorers and athletes he encounters unite to help him bring an audacious feat to life that’s lingered in his dreams for years.
- “Southeast Asia” – Premieres May 11
In Southeast Asia, David Blaine explores fascinating relationships with wildlife and how pain endurance can transform fear into magic. He meets practitioners who appear impenetrable by sharp objects and performers who can endure the stings of venomous creatures. David unpacks how people exploit fear in order to create wonder.
DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT is produced by Imagine Documentaries for National Geographic. Executive producers are Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, David Blaine, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Christopher St. John, Matthew Akers, Erica Sashin and Toby Oppenheimer. Abigail Harper is co-executive producer. For National Geographic, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Development, Bengt Anderson is executive producer and senior vice president of Unscripted Production, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.
Celebrate in Color with Rangriti’s Navratri Collection
Rangriti curates an exclusive collection for Navratri that captures the nine divine days of worship and celebration. Each of these pieces in the collection deeply reflects the essence of the festival that blends traditional and contemporary styles with grace and elegance. With an exquisite range of intricately designed indo-westerns, ethnic silhouettes, and festive fusion wear, Rangriti sets up the festal mood of fashion enthusiasts. From mix-and-match, stylish ethnic, all-time classics, to dresses, ethnic wear and matching bottom wear, amp up your celebrations by raising the bar of ethnic styling.
Traditional Fusion Accents
Worshiping the Goddess wearing purple bestows devotees with fortune and magnificence. Rangriti’s embroidered straight kurta paired with matching rust pants is a perfect example to don in for your Navratri poojas. Complemented with a printed georgette dupatta, this outfit adds a sophisticated touch of style while balancing traditional and modern flair.
Wear Rangriti’s royal blue fusion fit for that unmatched panache and elegance! The dhoti skirt and jacket effortlessly makes you look chic and classy. The vibrant colour and intricate embroidery represents prosperity and tranquillity that redefine casual dressing and makes you stand out in the crowd.
Festive Elegance
This Navratri, celebrate unparalleled optimism and joy in Rangriti’s yellow three-piece set. This lightweight and comfortable ensemble features a kurta adorned with monochrome leaf print and coordinating salwar with flowing dupatta that allows comfort and style perfect for ritual offerings and Kanya Puja.
Beyond Textbooks: Curious Junior by PhysicsWallah Elevates Education
April 3, 2025 – Curious Junior, by PW, is trying to assist the live learning experience for students by aligning skill specific NEP-aligned curriculum. Designed for students in grades 3 to 9, Curious Junior provides a structured approach to learning, to help students to strengthen their academic foundations while also helping them to develop essential life skills. The platform offers interactive programs in Science, English, and Mathematics, Social science tailored to a child’s needs.
As an online academic program, it aims to diagnose the learning gaps through interactive live classes and engaging tools enabling better learning experience. Students are offered personalized support and progress is tracked. To retain the attention span of students, a variety of interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, storytelling, mind maps, entry and exit tickets , feedback mechanisms and hands-on experiments are used by teachers. It provides personalized attention through a two-teacher model, homework support, doubt resolution and an interactive video player.
“Online education is more than just convenience, it’s about trying to make learning accessible to students. At Curious Junior, we try to assist students towards combining structured teaching to help and create an interactive space where students can learn at their own pace. Our dual-teacher model aims to cater to personalised attention, helping students feel comfortable asking questions without any inhibitions.” – said Supreet Kaur, Academic Head at Curious Junior.
Developed by subject matter individuals with several years of experience, Curious Junior’s curriculum follows a structured approach emphasizing deep understanding rather than rote memorization. The program has several features like personalised attention through a two-teacher model, homework support, and an interactive video player for parent supervision such as weekly test reports, PTMs, and attendance monitoring.
The focus at Curious Junior is to enable the student community with well-structured online classroom experience fostering strengthened curriculum practices with well laid lesson plans delivered through live classroom experience by qualified and experienced faculties. The learning experiences are heightened with engaging classroom activities including the hands-on experiments through learning kits at Curious Junior.
Lumiere by Haier: A New Era in Style and Innovation
3 April 2025: Haier Appliances India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 16 consecutive years, made a bold style statement with the grand unveiling of its latest innovation — Lumiere, India’s only 4-door convertible refrigerator — at the prestigious Hindustan Times India’s Most Stylish 2025 event. Designed to transform modern Indian homes, the Lumiere refrigerator seamlessly blends innovation with premium aesthetics, setting new benchmarks in both style and functionality. Notably, Haier is the only brand manufacturing 4-door side-by-side refrigerators in India, underscoring its dedication to providing innovative and premium solutions tailored for Indian homes.
As a celebration of fashion, glamour, and trendsetters, HT India’s Most Stylish 2025 provided the ideal platform for Haier to showcase its commitment to merging innovation with elegance. The unveiling of the Lumiere refrigerator was a showstopping moment, presented by actress and UN Ambassador Dia Mirza, co-host Cyrus Sahukar, and Mr NS Satish, President at Haier Appliances India. The Lumiere series’ stylish design and advanced features perfectly complemented the spirit of the evening, reinforcing Haier’s leadership in premium home appliances.
Haier further amplified its presence by hosting a captivating Brand Zone during the red-carpet segment. Bollywood celebrities such as Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Shikhar Dhawan, Kanika Kapoor, and Farhan Akhtar experienced the sleek design and innovative features of the Lumiere refrigerator firsthand. Its striking aesthetics made it a standout attraction at the event.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India, said, “At Haier India, we take immense pride in being the only brand in India manufacturing 4-door convertible side-by-side refrigerators. This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation and delivering solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern Indian homes. The launch of the Haier Lumiere Series is a proud addition to our ‘Made in India, Made for India’ vision, combining advanced technology with elegant design. Our association with HT India’s Most Stylish 2025 provided the perfect platform to showcase a product that redefines style and functionality. As we continue to innovate, Haier remains dedicated to introducing appliances that elevate everyday living while complementing contemporary lifestyles with elegance and performance.”
Vijay Nair, VP & Head Branded IP’s, HT Media Group Ltd added, “We are delighted to have Haier India as a valued partner at the 13th edition of HT India’s Most Stylish. As the voice of the nation since 1924, HT has been at the forefront of culture, style, and innovation. This year, we crafted an immersive experience, celebrating 100 years of style through the cinematic lens—where fashion met storytelling in its most iconic form. Haier’s spirit of innovation perfectly complemented our vision, making this collaboration truly special. We are proud to have provided a platform that showcased Haier’s commitment to redefining home experiences with style and functionality through the launch of the Lumiere Series Refrigerator.”
Haier’s partnership with HT India’s Most Stylish 2025 strategically positions the brand at the forefront of innovation and luxury, strengthening its connection with premium consumers. The Lumiere series, with its refined aesthetics and intelligent features, exemplifies Haier’s vision of transforming everyday living through innovation, style, and superior functionality.
Apply Today: University of Manchester’s MA in Social Anthropology Program
The University of Manchester is inviting applications from Indian students for their MA in Social Anthropology for the 2025 session.
The MA in Social Anthropology course aims to convey an anthropologically informed comprehension of social dynamics in both Western and non-Western societies. By exposing you to the vast diversity of human social and cultural experiences, our goal is to prompt you to question conventional assumptions and adopt a fresh perspective on the world. Through core course units, which constitute approximately one-third of coursework credits, you will gain a thorough foundation in classical and contemporary debates in social anthropology, alongside exposure to the unique research methods and ethical stances inherent to the discipline. Additionally, you can select elective modules from a variety of offerings, led by faculty at the forefront of their respective fields, and complement these with a broad selection of units available across the Faculty of Humanities.
Programme delivery: Students will take four 15-credit core course units to a total of 60 credits, including Key Approaches to Social Anthropology, Ethnography Reading Seminar, Contemporary Debates, and Image Text and Fieldwork, and a selection of optional units offered.
Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (MA)
Applications open: October 10, 2024
Duration: 1 year
Entry Requirements:
- Students should hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline for entry to the MA programme; or a UK bachelor’s degree with a Lower-Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma (You need to have 60%-70%).
- Please feel free to contact the team directly for further advice on your specific background and qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5
- TOEFL IBT 100 with 25 in writing and no further score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall, with 76 in writing and no further score below 70
- To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:
- 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no more than one sub-skill of 6.0.
- 10 Week Pre-sessional Course: IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 or above in each sub-skill
Tuition Fee: £30,000 per annum
Scholarship: There are several scholarships and bursaries available for international students like:
- Several postgraduate-taught scholarships and awards to outstanding applicants, such as the Humanities Bicentenary Scholarship of £10,000 for 1 year of study.
- The Global Futures Scholarship, offering £8,000 to South Asian students.
- The Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers a £3,000 fee reduction to Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class bachelor’s degree within the last three years and are progressing to postgraduate study.
- For more information, please check the Fees and Funding page.
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP) General Scholarship
How to Apply: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/admissions/how-to-apply/
Transforming E-Commerce: Lumina Datamatics Fuels Retail Success
As global e-commerce continues its meteoric rise, retailers face a crucial challenge: How can brands create engaging, accurate, and scalable product content to stand out in a crowded digital marketplace? Lumina Datamatics, a trusted partner to 3 of the top 5 global marketplaces, is transforming the e-commerce landscape with innovative content solutions that optimize the online shopping experience and drive sales growth.
Key focus areas:
- Product Content Enrichment: From compelling descriptions to SEO optimization, Lumina Datamatics ensures product listings resonate with consumers and rank higher on search engines.
- AI-Powered Catalog Management: Their intelligent platforms automate catalog creation, content updates, and marketplace onboarding—reducing time-to-market for new products.
- Retail Analytics & Insights: Through advanced analytics, they help retailers understand customer behavior, track content performance, and optimize strategies for maximum ROI.
- Global Scalability with Local Relevance: With operations across the US, UK, Germany, India, and the Philippines, Lumina Datamatics delivers culturally relevant content tailored to diverse markets.
As retail rapidly evolves, the synergy between compelling content and personalized customer experiences will define future success. Lumina Datamatics stands ready to help retailers navigate this shift with innovative solutions grounded in industry expertise and cutting-edge technology.
Additionally, we’d love to explore a feature on Lumina Datamatics’ journey and vision for the future of retail—perhaps a conversation with the Managing Director and CEO, Sameer L. Kanodia, on how the company has helped global retailers navigate the digital commerce boom with innovative content and technology solutions.