Author: Team

Over 40,000 kg of Plastic Waste Recycled by Akshayakalpa Organic Through Innovative ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ Initiative

Bengaluru, 28th January, 2025: This Republic Day, Akshayakalpa Organic, India’s first certified organic dairy company and producer of the country’s most popular organic milk has announced about the success of its sustainability initiative, ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’. Reflecting the spirit of responsibility and nation-building that Republic Day embodies, this innovative initiative encourages consumers to bring back their used milk packets for responsible recycling, sparking a significant revolution in the battle against plastic pollution. After its resounding success in Bengaluru, the program has expanded to other major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, further underscoring the brand’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

Since the inception of this initiative in 2022, Akshayakalpa Organic has recycled more than 40000 kg of plastic in total across Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad highlighting that when people come together for a common cause, small actions can create a big impact. This recycling program introduced by the brand urges consumers to follow three easy steps — rinse the pack for 30 seconds, hang it to dry, and once it dries then return it by placing it in a delivery bag. The consumers thus also play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for their generations to come through this simple process.

Speaking on the completion of this milestone, Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of Akshayakalpa Organic stated, “We are excited to share that through our ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ program, we have recycled over 40,000 kg of plastic waste in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This accomplishment shows the powerful change communities can create when they unite for a shared goal. It reminds us of our dedication to sustainability and how small efforts can lead to big environmental gains. We thank our consumers who have joined us in making this initiative a success and making this planet a better place to live. This is merely the start, and we look forward to continuing our journey toward bigger achievements towards sustainability.”

In addition to the ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ initiative, Akshayakalpa Organic is deeply committed to fostering a culture of sustainability through various community engagement programs and educational initiatives. These include lake cleaning drives and neighborhood cleanliness drives across major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which empower consumers to make eco-friendly choices. By inviting communities to actively participate in these efforts, Akshayakalpa emphasizes that every small action contributes to a larger positive impact on the environment, driving meaningful change for a sustainable future. The brand is also pioneering eco-conscious packaging solutions, such as paperboard packaging for its dairy products and sustainable leaf-based packaging for vegetables. These measures significantly reduce plastic use and reflect Akshayakalpa’s broader mission of promoting self-sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through these initiatives, Akshayakalpa addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution while inspiring collective action for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

IIITH and Swecha.org Kickstart AI Hackday, Harnessing 2,000 Student Innovations for the Greater Good

Hyderabad, January 28, 2028…..: AI Hackday, a mega AI hackathon, was conducted this weekend as the first round towards kickstarting a series to build people-centric AI development. With participation from 20+ colleges, 60+ faculty members, 100+ industry mentors nurtured 600+ teams with 2000+ students working on projects. This is organised by viswam.ai, a center setup at IIIT Hyderabad by IIITH and swecha.org.

The AI Hackathon is a 3-stage series fostering innovation and creativity, culminating AI Days 2025′ Spark Camp, where 100 production-ready AI applications are developed to address India’s unique challenges. Inaugurating the hackathon, Bhavesh Mishra, IAS, highlighted the need to leverage the AI revolution early, citing the success of non-Western models like DeepSeek LLM, and emphasised on how India can also build its own context-driven AI models.

The hackathon emphasizes using AI to solve real-world problems, bridging societal gaps, and fostering a more inclusive, tech-driven future. AI based audio tools, story generation and image AI were among the many prototypes built.

Other speakers and super mentors included Prof Ramesh Loganathan (IIIT Hyderabad), Chaitanya Chokkareddy (Co-founder and CTO of Ozonetel), Kiran Chandra (Head of Viswam.AI), and Pradeep Kumar Jilagam from Micron Technology.

AI HackDay is part of a broader initiative including the one Lakh internship program to encourage students to engage with communities, compile culture-specific data sets, to train Indic language models in various dialects, emphasizing localized AI solutions that reflect cultural and linguistic nuances. This initiative in the process is working towards building deep AI skills, at scale.

TEJAS2K25 Celebrates Student Innovation with 200+ Projects, Welcoming 1,600 Students from 30+ Govt Schools

Hyderabad, January 28, 2025……..TEJAS 2K25, the second edition of an Engineering Expo featuring 223 students’ inventions, innovative concepts, ideas, and social impact projects/products by Anurag University Engineering Students, was held on Monday at Anurag University in the city outskirts.

TEJAS 2K25 is a unique project that will be organised for the second time to kindle an innovation culture among engineering students at the University

It was inaugurated by Dr S. Glory Swarupa, Director General Ni MSME, Govt of India; Dr Shanta Toutam, Former Chief Innovation Officer of Govt of Telangana, Mr. Arjun Kumar Rumalla, Director and Manufacturing, Country Head of TechnipFMC in the presence of Ms Neelima, CEO, Dr Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor, Dr Vijay Kumar, Dean of School of Engineering, Prof UB Desai, Chancellor of Anurag University; Balaji Utla, Vice Chairman, Neelima Institute and Neelima Hospitals.

Tejas 2K25 received overwhelming applications of 600 of which 223 inventions, innovations, and novel concepts were shortlisted and exhibited in the one-day Engineering Inventions Expo at Anurag University located in the city outskirts.

Giving opening remarks, Dr Vijay Kumar said the first edition held last year saw 160 inventions, of which 30 were applied for patents, and nine are likely to be awarded patents. A couple of Venture Capitalists have shown interest in scaling up of a couple of ideas into a startup.

About 1600 students from the 30-plus Government Schools such as Narapally Govt School 80 Korremula Govt School; Green Fields School; Sri Chaitanya; Shantiniketan; Ghatkesar Govt School Girls; Edulabad Govt School; Delhi Public School; Annojiguda Govt School and others visited the expo and inspected the innovations.

Highlights of some of the products on display include “Live Safe”, an automated power cut-off system for electrical hazards prevention during large public gatherings. Giving more details, Greshmi Ratna one of the team members of the four-member team that worked on the project said, that whenever a human being comes in contact with a live wire in social gatherings like Maha Kumbh mela, crowded places like Pushpa film like a stampede, the system they developed detects it automatically and disconnects the power supply and prevents electrical fires

Parking is the next big problem that most urban dwellers will encounter. The problem will be so much so that it is said whenever 3rd world war breaks it will be over water. Similarly, the biggest fight that takes place on city roads and in apartments in Hyderabad today is over Parking. A movie titled ‘Parking’, a family drama aired over the OTT platform revolves around the clash between a youngster and an elderly tenant regarding their parking space. Parking is going to be the next big urban problem that needs to be addressed. The smart parking system developed using Arduino Uno (a series of Open Source Microcontroller Boards) by the students will help locate free parking slots, and help people park properly, the students SK Syed Pasha, M. Nitesh Reddy, B. Sanjay Kumar, P. Akhil.

The other interesting innovation was the Solar Powered Smart Bin which automatically separates dry and wet waste. Prevents bad odour from coming out. Indicates when it is full. Get’s closed automatically. Another innovation was Smart Refrigerator which lets you know its contents on your mobile phone so that you know what to refill while shopping on your way back from work, added that students

Speaking on the occasion Dr Glory Swarupa, Director General of Ni-MSME, Govt of India said mere development of Apps and software doesn’t solve problems. India is a land of problems and opportunities. We need field-level problems to be identified and solved. I am happy to note that there is good enthusiasm in the hall.

Further, she added that the Ni-MSME Ministry has a scheme called “The MSME Innovative Scheme” MSME to promote innovation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The scheme combines incubation, design, and intellectual property rights (IPR) to help MSMEs develop ideas into viable business opportunities. It offers a grant of 15 to 25 lakhs for a good idea or innovation. She urged students to utilise this opportunity.

The startup world is full of terminologies such as Unicorn, Minicorn etc. It is good to become a Unicorn, the valuation of which in Indian Rupees is one followed by nine zeroes. It takes 10 years to become a unicorn. So we must encourage startups to first become Babycorn companies with a valuation of about Rs ten lakhs and then they can go for Minicorn, Soonicorn and Unicorn.

Dr Balaji Utla, the brain behind Tejas 2K25 said we must make engineering MLJP which stands for “Meaning, Learning, Joy, and Pride”. Anurag University is committed to Problem-Based teaching. Prof UB Desai, Chancellor of the University said the culture of innovative thinking must be cultivated from the very first year of Engineering and he urged students to be lifetime learners.

Khallal: An Unforgettable Journey Through Emotion and Silence Wows Delhi Viewers

New Delhi— Checkmate Production took the stage by storm with the debut of its deeply evocative drama Khallal, directed by Nikki Narulaa, at Akshara Theatre, New Delhi. This soul-stirring production explored the delicate intricacies of a 15-year marriage, weaving a compelling narrative of passion, betrayal, separation, and the haunting silence that emerges in relationships once full of love and connection. With its seamless blend of Urdu, Shayari, and Ghazals, Khallal struck an emotional chord with audiences, making it a powerful experience for anyone who has loved, lost, or grappled with the complexities of letting go.

At the core of Khallal is the poignant story of Amir and Amayra, a couple navigating the painful dissolution of their long-standing bond. Through masterful storytelling, the production delves into the fragility of love, the weight of regret, and the silence that replaces intimacy when relationships unravel.

Performed in two shows at 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, Khallal left an indelible impact on a packed audience of over 200 attendees. Tickets sold out quickly, with many unable to secure seats, highlighting the production’s immense popularity and appeal.

A Stellar Cast Brings Khallal to Life

The success of Khallal lay in its deeply immersive performances by a talented cast, whose chemistry and intensity transported the audience into the lives of its characters:

• Amir, portrayed with remarkable depth by Tahsin Zahid, embodied a man torn between remorse and longing. Zahid’s powerful performance highlighted the vulnerability and complexity of a character grappling with the consequences of his actions.
• Amayra, played by the graceful Nikki Narulaa, served as the emotional anchor of the story. Her portrayal of a resilient woman confronting heartbreak resonated profoundly with audiences, showcasing the strength required to endure silence and loss.
• Ayaan, brought to life by Baskar Krishna, added intrigue and nuance to the narrative. As a subtle yet pivotal force in the unraveling of Amir and Amayra’s relationship, Ayaan enriched the story with complexity and depth.

 The seamless chemistry between the actors heightened the emotional intensity of the production, making Khallal an unforgettable experience. Through their performances, the echoes of a love once vibrant but now lost took center stage, leaving the audience deeply moved.

A Remarkable Debut

As its inaugural production, Khallal established Checkmate Production as a significant new presence in the theater community. The drama was lauded for its impeccable direction, masterful performances, and an atmospheric interplay of sound and visuals that brought the story’s emotional essence to life.

Listen to Your Gut

By-Dr. MP Madhu, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, Aster RV Hospital

Ever wondered how digestion happens in the body? The food we eat passes through four tubes: the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and finally through the large intestine which is also called the colon. A colonoscopy is a test to diagnose the problems of the large intestine.

When do you need a colonoscopy?

· If you have altered bowel habits.

· Loose stools not improving even after four weeks of treatment.

· If you find blood in stools.

· Recent onset of constipation.

· If you have low hemoglobin.

· If you have recurrent pain in the abdomen.

· If you notice significant weight loss and suspect colon cancer.

· Screening colonoscopy of normal individuals if a family member has colon cancer.

· Suspected intestinal diseases like tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease and IBS – irritable bowel syndrome).

At what level of hemoglobin is colonoscopy required?

Normally men should have hemoglobin of 13 gm and women, 11 gm. Any level below that needs to be evaluated. We do see patients just taking iron tablets or iron injections for low haemoglobin and not getting tested. They are found to have colon cancers at a later date. So it is always better to get a colonoscopy done before taking iron tablets.

How is a colonoscopy done?

Normally the intestine is filled with stool. So, bowels have to be cleansed before a colonoscopy.

Is admission required for a colonoscopy?

No, it’s done as a daycare procedure and needs three-four hours in the hospital.

Is colonoscopy painful?

Generally, people have the perception that it’s a painful procedure. But that’s not the case. With the availability of advanced colonoscopes, improving skills and the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) instead of air during the procedure, it can be performed with minimal discomfort. Conscious sedation also makes the procedure more comfortable. General anaesthesia is usually not required for colonoscopy.

What is seen in a colonoscopy, and how long will it take?

We see the whole of the large intestine and a small portion of the small intestine called the terminal ileum during the procedure. Procedure time varies from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the large intestine. We may see an ulcer, a polyp—small extra growth, a tumor—larger extra growth and a haemorrhoid (piles). Later, we take a biopsy from an ulcer or polyp. Small polyps are also removed during the procedure and sent for examination by a pathologist.

What is a biopsy and why is it done?

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a part of tissue is removed and sent for examination under a microscope. It is done to diagnose infection, inflammation, cancer and type of polyp.

What happens after colonoscopy?

We tell individuals to use restrooms to pass out the gas and stools. If a procedure is done under sedation – an individual is observed in the hospital for two hours. Then one can have normal food.

HSNC University’s Fit Bharat Club Triumphs with ‘Centre to Coast’ Ride, Recognized on Republic Day

Mumbai: 28th January 2025: Fourteen volunteers from the Fit Bharat Club of HSNC University, including faculty members, students, doctors, and technicians, successfully completed an extraordinary 1,450 km “Centre to Coast” cycle ride today. The journey, which began on January 18, 2025, saw the team navigate 200 km of challenging terrains, demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination.

In line with their mission to promote environmental sustainability, the cyclists planted 1,400 seeds in tribal regions along their route, contributing to ecological restoration and community welfare. The ride concluded in Mumbai on the historic occasion of Republic Day, where they were received and felicitated by Honorable Provost Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Vice Chancellor Col. Prof . Hemlata K Bagla, along with the Deans and Registrar of HSNC University.

The achievement coincided with the university’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering health, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility. This remarkable feat by the Fit Bharat Club exemplifies the spirit of service and sustainability that HSNC University proudly upholds.