Technology

NextGenInnov8 Launches ‘Know Your Army’ National Quiz in Association with Defense Force League to Honor Indian Armed Forces

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

PUNE, India, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to strengthen the connection between youth and the Indian Armed Forces, NextGenInnov8, in collaboration with the Defense Force League (DFL), is proud to announce the launch of the Know Your Army National Quiz competition. This nationwide initiative was officially launched at the Param Veerangana – Mission Shakti ceremony, held on February 16, 2025, at the Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park. The ceremony, which celebrated the remarkable contributions of women to India’s defense and social progress, also marked the unveiling of this national-level quiz that aims to increase awareness of the Indian Army among students.

Hon’ble Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma, former Governor of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, launched the Know Your Army initiative in front of a distinguished audience that included dignitaries such as Dr. Arvind Natu, a senior scientist from IISER and Germany’s Order of Merit Awardee, among others. Mr. Naresh Golla (Founder, Defense Force League), Ex-Commando Raghunath Sawant, Subedar Major Yashwant Mahadik, among other esteemed participants, also took part in the launch of Know Your Army Quiz.

Lt. Gen. Sharma expressed his strong support for the quiz, emphasizing the importance of educating the youth about the sacrifices and valor of India’s armed forces. “Understanding the sacrifices made by our soldiers is crucial for fostering national pride. The Know Your Army quiz is a fantastic initiative to connect our youth with the history, values, contributions and heroism of our defense forces, and I urge students and schools to take part in this inspiring initiative,” said Lt. Gen. Sharma.

The Know Your Army quiz will be conducted across three levels on BrainPulses Quizzing platform, allowing students from across India to participate and test their knowledge of the Indian Army’s history, operations, and contributions to national security.

Know Your Army Quiz Structure and Objectives

The quiz aims to engage students from Class 8 to 10 (school-level participants), and will be held in three phases to ensure maximum participation and engagement:

Phase 1: Online Awareness & Screening Round (Round 1)
A national-level online quiz will be hosted, providing students with an interactive and engaging way to learn about the Indian Army.The online quiz will cover a broad range of topics, from the history of the Army to its current operations and contributions to national security.Phase 2: Regional Semi-Finals (Round 2)
The top students from the online round will qualify for regional semi-finals, where they will compete in defense-related knowledge challenges.Students from all four zones—North, South, East, and West India—will participate in this phase, with the top 20 students from Round 1 advancing to Round 2. From this pool, 8 finalists will be selected to compete in the grand finale.Phase 3: Offline Grand Finale (Round 3)
The final round of the quiz will take place offline in a live, interactive event with an audience of over 200 attendees. The 8 finalists will compete for the top three positions, with monetary prizes, trophies, and sponsorship gifts to be awarded to the winners.The grand finale will feature a panel of experts who will serve as jury members and evaluate the finalists’ performances.

About the Know Your Army Quiz

The Know Your Army initiative is more than just a quiz; it is an educational movement designed to inspire students to appreciate the sacrifices of India’s soldiers and understand the importance of the defense forces in national security. Through this quiz, NextGenInnov8 and its partners—Defense Force League, ASM Group of Institutes, and BrainPulses—are working together to instill a sense of patriotism and national pride in young minds.

Aditi Pachpande, Co-founder of NextGenInnov8, spoke passionately about the motivation behind the quiz during the event. “Today’s generation is more connected than ever—with the world at our fingertips. But somewhere in this digital age, we are losing touch with something crucial—the incredible work our Indian Defense Forces do for us every single day. How many of us truly understand the sacrifices, the courage, and the unwavering dedication of our soldiers?” Aditi said. She went on to explain the aim of the Know Your Army quiz: “This quiz isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about rediscovering what patriotism really means in today’s world. Through this quiz on the BrainPulses platform, students will get a chance to test their knowledge, challenge themselves, and develop a newfound respect for those who serve our country.”

Dr. Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman, ASM Group of Institutes and Founder, NextGenInnov8, also emphasized the importance of the initiative: “At NextGenInnov8, we believe that initiatives like the Know Your Army quiz are critical in shaping the future generation of leaders. By engaging students in learning about our defense forces, we not only educate them about the history and heroism of the Indian Army but also instill in them the values of courage, sacrifice, and responsibility.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Smt. Pratibha Patil, the first female President of India, for her extraordinary leadership. The event was also an opportunity to honor exceptional individuals who have contributed significantly to India’s growth. Dr. Asha Pachpande, Management Trustee and Secretary of ASM Group of Institutes, was one of the awardees who received the Medal of Honor for her contributions to education and social welfare. These recognitions were part of the larger ceremony celebrating women’s contributions to India’s progress, and they added to the significance of the quiz launch.

The Road Ahead

As the Know Your Army quiz progresses through the three levels, NextGenInnov8, along with its partners, expects a high level of engagement and participation from schools, students, and educators across the country. The quiz aims to reach a wide audience, not just those with a direct interest in defense, but anyone who is passionate about learning more about India’s history and the sacrifices made by our soldiers.

The quiz is part of a larger movement to create awareness about the Indian Defense Services, and NextGenInnov8 is excited to see the positive impact it will have on students across the country. By offering a platform for learning, competition, and recognition, the Know Your Army quiz will help students engage with the history and values of their country in a way that is both informative and inspiring.

About NextGenInnov8

Founded in 2019, NextGenInnov8 is dedicated to empowering young leaders through innovation-driven education. Through initiatives like Know Your Army, the organization is dedicated to inspiring youth to become responsible, informed citizens who contribute to the growth and success of their nation. The company’s key initiatives include:

Innovation Clubs – Programs designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.Training Programs – Hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and sustainability, offered in collaboration with global institutions like Harvard Student Agencies (HSA).BrainPulses Quizzing Platform – A cutting-edge platform that makes learning engaging and interactive.

www.nextgeninnov8.com

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Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

4 hours ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

4 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

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SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage