Business

India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Japan Experiencing Most Significant Proficiency Declines Among Youth  

The Netherlands, Singapore, and Austria Retain Top Spots in EF's Global English Proficiency Ranking

ZURICH, Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EF Education First (EF) today released the 2023 edition of its EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), the largest international survey of adult English skills.  The index, calculated from the test results of 2.2 million non-native English speakers in 113 countries and regions, reveals a concerning decline in youth English proficiency over the past five years and a growing gender gap.

"This year's index portrays an illusion of global stability – where everyone's English stays about the same, but the truth is that gains in certain countries and regions are being offset by losses in others," said EF EPI author Kate Bell.  "Language is essential to sharing perspectives and sparking understanding; and as a bridge language, English has been uniquely positioned to connect people across borders.  We look forward to continuing our examination of English proficiency trends over time, as we did for the first time this year."    

The EF EPI is based on test scores from the EF Standard English Test (EF SET), used worldwide by schools, companies, and governments for large-scale testing as well as individual test takers. 

Key findings include:

• Youth English proficiency continues to drop (-89 points in 18 – 20-year-olds since 2015), driven by a few large countries including India and Indonesia. Many more countries experienced pandemic-related declines in this cohort, accelerating the worldwide trend.
• Workforce proficiency is rising.  Worldwide these gains were made during the pandemic period (+20 points for adults over 30 between 2020 and 2021), however, many national trends indicate steady improvement since 2015.
• The gender gap is widening, with men's English improving (+14 points) and women's declining (-19 points since 2014). The gender gap is not uniform, however, with 63 countries at or near gender parity.
• Regionally:  Proficiency in East Asia has declined four years running, accelerated this year by Japan and China.  Proficiency in the Middle East is stagnant.  English is steadily improving in Latin America, but the region's progress is hampered by declining proficiency in Mexico and a slower pace in Brazil.  Despite dominating the top of the index, Europe plateaued this year.  Finally, English proficiency in Africa is largely stable except for Tunisia and Algeria, both improving quickly.    

The EF EPI trend report is available for download. 

EF Education First provides culturally immersive education through language, travel, cultural exchange, and academic programs in over 100 countries.  Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF's mission is opening the world through education. 

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Indian fans experience epic World Cup moments with best-in-breed augmented reality technology

DHARAMSHALA, India, Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A cross-border collaboration between a US-based global management consulting firm and a British sports technology company, significantly supported by the HPCA, offers a cutting-edge cricket fan experience at the Dharamshala stadium during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. The mission of this partnership is to leverage technology to enhance global sports participation.

The cricket simulator enables cricket enthusiasts of all ages to step into the shoes of Indian cricket legends like Kohli, Dhoni, Tendulkar, and Gavaskar, facing some of the greatest deliveries in World Cup history within an immersive and engaging environment.

Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting, tried the historic deliveries at the simulator and appreciated the experience during his HPCA visit.  

Arun Singh Dhumal, IPL Chairman, expressed his excitement about this venture. "We brought the cricket simulator to Dharamshala before the World Cup. The enthusiastic response of fans encouraged us to keep it going for the elimination round games."

The simulator was featured at the iconic Dharamshala cricket stadium for five matches of this year's Cricket World Cup, providing a free interactive experience for cricket fans, and offering a unique opportunity to experience the challenges faced by their cricketing heroes on the field.

David Page, the Chairman of the British company, noted their enthusiasm for introducing this fan experience in India, and participating in the world's premier cricket celebration.

Steve Denison, former Chair of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and key to this partnership, emphasized the opportunity to enhance customer experience with significant support from HPCA.

BatFast is a global sports technology company based in the UK that aims to drive an increase in global sports participation using their technology. Altius Strategic Consulting, based in the US, aims to elevate customer experience to the next level using innovation and technology, and have partnered with BatFast for this exciting venture in India.

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The airline to work with IBM Consulting to create and build mission-critical technology and business capabilities to support the path to their first flight

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia and ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Riyadh Air and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced the signing of a strategic agreement in which IBM Consulting will be the lead systems integrator to support creating, building and orchestrating the technology foundation that can help the digitally native airline offer exceptional and seamless travel experiences.

Together, Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting have already created the airline's digital and technology strategy. Now, Riyadh Air has selected IBM Consulting to support building the key business and technology capabilities that underpin the strategy. That includes implementing and integrating more than 50 airline industry solutions and core technology capabilities, including security, infrastructure, integration and data platforms, using a hybrid cloud approach. IBM will also orchestrate the work of over 40 partners by providing program and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change and communications management and training.

The collaboration is expected to help position Riyadh Air strategically within the broader ecosystem to offer digital innovations and exceptional experiences for travelers and guests. Riyadh Air aims to create a world class airline with personalized and seamless guest experiences powered by AI and state of the art digital technology, taking obsessive care for details that create memorable micro-moments across the traveler journey. It also includes empowering employees with data-driven insights and new ways of working to help Riyadh Air better serve their guests.

"Our ambition is to launch our first flight in 2025 and put Riyadh Air at the cutting edge of digital technology and innovation within the aviation industry, adopting the best international sustainability and safety practices to deliver an exceptional travel experience, for our guests locally and internationally," said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, Riyadh Air. "IBM Consulting will be our principal partner driving us towards our vision with their deep expertise in managing large complex systems and integration programs as well as their expertise in the travel industry."

"We're proud to be Riyadh Air's partner and help them bring this new era of the Kingdom's aviation industry to life," said John Granger, Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting. "A technology foundation built with an open, hybrid cloud approach and AI can help them achieve the flexibility and agility needed to support their goal of delivering an exceptional travel experience for their guests."

IBM Consulting will also establish and maintain Riyadh Air's hybrid cloud integration platform. With IBM CloudPak for Integration and Red Hat OpenShift, this platform will provide integration tools to connect applications and data within a unified and simple user experience.

Riyadh Air's digital and technology strategy supports its mission and is aligned to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to lead the aviation industry by transforming Saudi Arabia, given its unique strategic location, into a global aviation and trade hub.

IBM Consulting helps accelerate business transformation for our clients through hybrid cloud and AI technologies, leveraging our open ecosystem of partners. With deep industry and business expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology, and operations, we have become a trusted partner to the world's most innovative and valuable companies, helping them modernize and secure their most complex systems. Our 160,000 consultants embrace an open way of working and apply our proven co-creation method, IBM Garage, to scale ideas into outcomes. As the only major global systems integrator inside a technology company, we don't just advise -- we invent and build what's next together with our clients. Find out more at IBM.com/consulting.

About Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is a world-class airline owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally-led, full service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircrafts with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. 

For more information please visit our website: www.riyadhair.com - and for any media inquiries please contact us at: media@riyadhair.com

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications, airline, and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to effect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

IBM media contact:
Aymen Alfaraj
IBM Communciations
Aymen.Alfaraj@ibm.com

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• Advancing Towards an Omni-channel Shopping Experience
• Mobile App Now Available on Android and iOS, Strengthening their Proprietary Sales Network

JAIPUR, India, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nandani Creation Ltd (NSE: JAIPURKURT), a leading player in women's Indian wear, proudly announces the opening of three new exclusive brand outlets in a single day, along with the launch of its mobile application to enhance its reach in target markets. These developments align with the company's strategy to expand its retail presence in high-potential markets for its fashionable ethnic wear offerings.

Three New Store Locations & Details:

1. Jaipur Kurti, Kota, 1700 sqft (COCO Store)
2. Jaipur Kurti, Ambikapur, 700 sqft (FOFO Store)
3. Jaipur Kurti, Ghaziabad, 600 sqft (FOFO Store)

The mobile application, available on both Android and iOS, offers convenient shopping with a vast product selection at users' fingertips. It provides real-time updates on new collections, special promotions, and exclusive offers. The mobile app is a critical tool for developing the company's proprietary online sales channel and establishing a comprehensive Omni-channel presence.

Mr. Anuj Mundhra, Chairman & Managing Director of Nandani Creation Limited, commented: "We are committed to offering Indian women the latest trends in ethnic fashion while upholding our tradition of quality and craftsmanship. The new store openings and our mobile app launch demonstrate our dedication to serving our customers better, and we are confident that these innovations will enhance the shopping experience for every fashion-conscious woman in India."

Sharing further he commented, "Jaipur Kurti is not just a brand, it's a journey that began in the heart of the pink city. Jaipur Kurti has always been about celebrating timeless beauty and ethnicity. These new store will allow us to bring that essence even closer to the modern women of India indulging in brand's offerings."

The launch of the shopping app provides a dual advantage: it enhances customer service through personalized recommendations, easy navigation, secure transactions, and seamless customer support, while enabling the company to gather valuable data insights, increase customer reach, reduce customer acquisition and marketing costs, and improve inventory management.

Nandani Creation Ltd. now operates 10 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) in 7 major Indian cities and retails through major e-commerce platforms, its proprietary website (www.jaipurkurti.com), and the mobile application.

JAIPUR KURTI SHOPPING APP IS LIVE

Download on Google Play | App Store

About Nandani Creation Ltd: 

Nandani Creation, founded in 2012, is a Jaipur-based online-first fashion player offering women's Indian wear products under brands 'Jaipur Kurti', 'Amaiva', and 'Desi Fusion'. The company has its manufacturing setup in Jaipur and sells through various channels, including third-party online platforms and its own website. For more information, visit www.nandanicreation.com

Follow us on:

www.facebook.com/jaipurkurti 

www.youtube.com/@jaipurkurtiofficial

www.instagram.com/jaipurkurti/ 

in.pinterest.com/jaipurkurti/

Disclaimer: Certain statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements, and they are based on management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties. Nandani Creation Limited does not intend, and is under no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release.

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MUMBAI, India, Oct. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SHISEIDO and Baccarose Perfumes & Beauty Product, the renowned global beauty brand, recently announced Tamannaah Bhatia as the India Brand Ambassador and now unveils their first Campaign Video in India for a skincare range that promises healthy & vibrant skin. This celebrated Indian actress, known for her talent and timeless beauty, perfectly embodies the essence of the Asian Beauty expert brand, SHISEIDO's skincare with her elegance and charm. 

India's first localized Shiseido campaign video, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia showcases how she harnesses her beauty with SHISEIDO's 3-step skincare regimen, to Activate, Strengthen and Regenerate her skin. The video captures the co-usage of Shiseido's star products of the Eudermine Activating Essence, Ultimune Serum & Essential Energy cream to ensure radiant, resilient & smooth skin.

Tamannaah Bhatia, with her remarkable acting prowess and striking beauty, has captivated audiences across the globe. As a long-time user of Shiseido, Tamannaah has experienced first-hand, the efficacy of the ASR range, especially in the brands' hero product, Ultimune Serum which strengthens the inner defensive power of the skin. This collaboration with Tamannaah, reaffirms SHISEIDO's authority in its science & innovation, attention to detail & renown Japanese quality & its delivery of unparalleled customer experiences.

"We are thrilled to have Tamannaah Bhatia as the face of our skincare regimen Campaign Video in India. Tamannaah's grace, elegance, and authenticity resonate with SHISEIDO's values, making her the perfect choice for this campaign. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire aand penetrate the market of luxury aspirants by educating them. Tamannaah's dedication to SHISEIDO's products makes her not just an endorser but an authentic advocate, aligning perfectly with our ethos of promoting genuine beauty and inclusivity" said Villoo Daji, Senior Vice President - Group Marketing, Baccarose Perfumes & Beauty Products Pvt Ltd.

The campaign will initially be deployed across digital platforms like GDN and YouTube and aims at building consideration via social media like Instagram, Facebook, etc. Consumers will get to see 3 distinct key films which will be developed to educate, build consideration, and generate trials. A specific problem solution film which will also be amplified, which will address the specific issues of Indian skin and how the SHISEIDO trio effectively addresses the India consumer's concerns.

"Tamannaah Bhatia's association with SHISEIDO goes beyond being a brand ambassador; she is a true user & advocate of our brand philosophy and skincare products, we are looking forward to her sharing how SHISEIDO skincare may help the Indian consumers' skin, especially with its unique climate & environment," said Sher Le CHUA, APAC Regional Director, SHISEIDO. "Her genuine belief in our skincare solutions and her own remarkable skincare journey epitomize the effectiveness of SHISEIDO skincare. We are thrilled to have her on board, and she personifies the values of inclusivity and authenticity that SHISEIDO holds dear. This trio range, targeting the age group of 25 – 40, Tamannaah is a perfect choice as our target consumer resonates with her as a personality. I am also elated about consumers using the Skin Visualizer, which has been developed through many years of research by SHISEIDO. It is a touch-free device that instantly measures and visualizes the current condition of beauty circulation and is designed to help bring beauty out from the skin's foundation, rather than merely solving problems on the surface."

Tamannaah Bhatia expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, "I am honored to be a part of SHISEIDO's Skincare Campaign Video. I have been using SHISEIDO skincare for over a long time now and can confirm the efficacy of the brand through visible results on my skin. SHISEIDO's commitment to celebrating diverse beauty aligns with my personal beliefs, and I am thrilled to represent a brand that empowers individuals to embrace their true selves."

The SHISEIDO Campaign Video featuring Tamannaah Bhatia will be aired from 30^th October onwards, across various digital platforms and will be a phased media roll out for a 6 week campaign. Viewers can expect a visual masterpiece that celebrates the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting SHISEIDO's innovative approach to beauty.

SHISEIDO Product Line Up –

ULTIMUNE POWER CONCENTRATE 15ML – Rs. 3200
ULTIMUNE POWER CONCENTRATE 30ML – Rs. 6000
ULTIMUNE POWER CONCENTRATE 50ML – Rs. 9000
ESSENTIAL ENERGY HYDRATING CREAM 50ML – Rs. 5400
ESSENTIAL ENERGY HYDRATING DAY CREAM 50ML – Rs. 5400
EUDERMINE ACTIVATING ESSENCE 145 ML – Rs. 6500

Campaign Film Credits –

Director/ Photographer - Prasad Naik
Producer/ Creative Director - Swamini Phansekar & Anirudh Raman
Production House - 12BY12 Films
Executive Producer- Prasanna Shetty
Cinematographer - Ragul Herian Dharuman
Editor - Anirudh Raman
Stylist/ Costume designer - Ami Patel
Hair - Madhuri Nakhale
Makeup Artist- Florian Hurel 

About Baccarose:

In 1984, Baccarose set up in business in India with a manufacturing plant in Western India to produce fragrances and cosmetics. Soon, we diversified our partnerships with brands and made inroads into the country's retail industry. From establishing the very first fragrance counter in a departmental store in India to 380+ consumer facing counters with trained consultants in retail stores all over India, Baccarose has established itself as a 'Pioneer in Luxury Brand Distribution' in the Indian Beauty business. Today, in strategizing to build the identity of all our brands, we focus heavily on innovative.

About SHISEIDO: 

Founded in 1872, SHISEIDO is one of the oldest and most trusted beauty brands in the world. With a rich heritage of over 150 years, the brand is renowned for its innovative skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. SHISEIDO's commitment to quality, creativity, and excellence has made it a global leader in the beauty industry, serving millions of customers across the globe.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xjOnaQuY9g

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