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SAI Global Debate 2025: SAI International School Welcomes 32 Schools and 300+ Debaters

National, 21st January’25: SAI International School, one of the country’s leading CBSE board schools hosted the 5th Edition of the SAI Global Debate recently, demonstrating its dedication to fostering critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills among students. This notable online debate competition attracted over 300 participants from 32 schools across the nation, with the presence of esteemed guests Ms. Rittika Chanda Parruck, MBE, Director of Education at the British Council in India, as the chief guest, and Mr. John Snell, Executive Head of Schools, England, as the guest of honour, further elevating the event’s intellectual significance.

The initiative, conceived by Founder, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, aims to cultivate a generation of confident communicators and critically aware global citizens, equipped to contribute to a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.

The debate showcased outstanding performances across various formats, including Turncoat, Extempore, and Conventional Debate. In the junior category, the preliminary round addressed the ethicality of governmental or corporate censorship of information on the internet to combat misinformation. Students adeptly navigated the tension between free speech and the necessity of controlling misinformation, presenting compelling arguments that engaged the jury’s attention. The final round focused on the topic “Virtual reality has had a tremendous impact on education methodologies,” prompting students to evaluate its transformative potential in learning while addressing challenges such as accessibility and dependency on technology.

The senior category tackled even more complex ethical issues. In their preliminary round, participants debated whether widespread digital surveillance by governments or corporations is ethically justifiable. The finals escalated the discussion with the topic “Do large tech companies hold too much power, posing ethical dilemmas for society?” Here, students critically examined monopolies, data privacy issues, and the ethical responsibilities of technology giants. The event’s structure fostered an environment of rigorous research, persuasive rebuttals, and intellectual excellence.

Overall, the 5th SAI Global Debate not only provided a platform for meaningful discourse but also underscored SAI International School’s pivotal role in nurturing future leaders and thinkers prepared to tackle contemporary global challenges.

Representing the capital, Bal Bharati Public School Dwarka, New Delhi, demonstrated exceptional debating prowess alongside Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Vidyasharam, K.M. Munshi Marg, Jaipur, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Vidyashram. Noteworthy institutions such as Blue Bells Model School, Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School (both campuses), and the prestigious Choithram Schools from Indore and its North Campus enriched the event’s diversity. Further enhancing the assembly were DAV Public School, Unit-8, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, DC Model Sr. Sec. School, KC Public School, and M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth. Maria’s Public School and Miles Bronson Residential School collaborated with ODM International School, Angul, and ODM Sapphire Global School. The event also included Rajkumar College, Raipur, and Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur. Additionally, Shiv Nadar School, Noida, Singapore International School, Mumbai, Sunbeam School Lahartara, The Sanskaar Valley School, and Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun, participated, showcasing a rich blend of academic excellence. The debate also had an international element with the participation of Starehe Boys’ Centre & School from Kenya, reinforcing the event’s global dimension.

In her address, Ms. Rittika Chanda Parruck, MBE, Director Education British Council, India, expressed her inspiration from witnessing young minds engage in meaningful discussions on themes that will influence modern society. She highlighted debates on topics such as digital surveillance, the influence of technology giants, and the boundaries of internet censorship, emphasizing the significance of responsible technology use. Moreover, she noted that discussions about how virtual reality is reshaping educational methodologies reflect students’ foresight. Ms. Parruck stated, “Such platforms not only sharpen critical thinking but also build the leaders of tomorrow who will guide us through complex ethical landscapes.” She praised the initiative led by SAI and wished the participants great success.

Mr. John Snell, in his capacity as guest of honor, expressed, “Debates of this caliber highlight the incredible potential of youth when provided with opportunities to explore complex global issues. As educators, our role is to cultivate critical thinking and guide students in understanding the interplay of ethics, innovation, and progress.”

Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, echoed these sentiments, expressing her inspiration by the vibrant assembly of youths grappling with global challenges through meaningful debates and innovative idea exchanges. She appreciated the active participation from numerous schools that contributed to making the global debate a resounding success. The event highlighted the dedication of students and educators alike in fostering critical discussions about pertinent issues, setting a strong foundation for future leaders.

“This platform goes beyond competition; it is a celebration of ideas, collaboration, and growth. It empowers young minds to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore diverse perspectives, and shape a more thoughtful and equitable future.”

reflected, Shri Nilakantha Panigrahi, Director of Academics & Senior Principal, SAI International School.

Shri Amitabh Agnihotri, Headmaster, SAI International Residential School (SIRS), lauded the initiative, saying, “Witnessing the brilliance of these young minds today fills me with optimism. The energy, eloquence, and depth of thought exhibited here assure us that the future is in capable hands. Such debates are not merely competitions but transformative experiences shaping tomorrow’s visionaries.”

Garuda Aerospace Takes Flight in Mining Sector, Announces Pan-India Deal Success

21st January 2025, Chennai – Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer and drone-as-a-service (DAAS) provider, is soaring to new heights with significant wins in the mining sector. The company has recently secured contracts with several prominent mining corporations across India, including the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Jharkhand, Odisha Mining Corporation, and various private mining companies. Garuda Aerospace will provide advanced data analysis and improve mining efficiency by deploying cutting-edge drone technology.

Garuda Aerospace’s drones are revolutionising mining operations by providing encompass volumetric analysis of stockpiles, accurate 2D and 3D terrain mapping, and detailed project monitoring. This technology allows for precise measurement of extracted materials, efficient resource management, and enhanced safety by providing detailed aerial views of mining sites. These drone-based solutions offer significant advantages over traditional methods, providing faster data acquisition, improved accuracy, and reduced operational costs.

The mining sector is fundamental to India’s economic progress, supplying crucial raw materials across industries. Efficient and sustainable practices are essential for maximising resource use while minimising environmental impact. Garuda Aerospace’s drone technology empowers mining companies to optimise operations, enhance safety, and gain valuable site insights. This data, critical for mine planning and informed decision-making, enables process optimisation. Drones conduct vital safety inspections, accessing hazardous areas like high walls and pit bottoms to identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring worker safety and contributing to a more efficient and responsible mining industry.

“This expansion into the mining sector marks a significant milestone for Garuda Aerospace,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “We are IPO-ready and this momentum in the mining sector further strengthens our position. We are committed to revolutionising mining operations with our advanced drone technology, providing our partners with the data and insights they need to operate more efficiently and sustainably. This partnership is a testament to our vision of becoming a global leader in drone technology, and we are confident that our solutions will play a key role in the future of the mining industry. We aim to achieve a significant market share in the mining drone sector and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. This is a crucial step towards our vision of making drones accessible and affordable for various industries.”

Garuda Aerospace is dedicated to delivering optimal drone solutions, collaborating closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop tailored applications. The company’s experienced engineers and pilots provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring safe and effective drone operations. With a proven track record, including six DGCA Type Certifications, Garuda is leading the drone revolution across multiple sectors. Beyond mining, Garuda’s drones are deployed in agriculture for precision farming, infrastructure for critical asset inspection, disaster management for aerial surveys, and even defence applications, showcasing the versatility of their DGCA-approved technology. Garuda Aerospace is also actively involved in initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi program.

Celebrating the Spirit of IIM Kashipur at Homecoming’25

The Alumni Relations Committee of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur successfully organized Homecoming’25 at the IIM Kashipur campus, an event celebrating the institute’s distinguished alumni network and its journey that began with the institute. The event spanned over two days, the 17th and 18th of January, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.

 The event commenced on the 17th evening with a warm welcome and registration of guests, followed by a campus tour for the attendees. The evening continued with a sumptuous dinner hosted in the mess. The ongoing college fest, Agnitraya XI, further enhanced the vibrant atmosphere.

 On January 18th, the festivities began with a friendly cricket match between the alumni and the faculty of the institute. This was followed by a Gala Lunch at the picturesque lakeside of IIM Kashipur that brought together alumni, faculty, students, and stakeholders, enhancing interaction and engagement. Specially curated goodie bags were presented to all alumni, as a token of appreciation designed exclusively for them. A group photograph session was conducted to capture the beautiful memory of the event along with a plantation drive to mark the occasion.

 As the event concluded, the alumni were thanked for their participation, with expressions of gratitude and anticipation for future opportunities to reconnect. Homecoming’25 succeeded in creating an atmosphere of nostalgia, nurturing relationships, and commemorating the rich legacy of IIM Kashipur over the past decade. The occasion was evidence of the enduring ties that IIM Kashipur promotes and of the dedication to the development and prosperity of the institution.

Pre-Budget Expectation Quotes by Experts

Nikhil Kurhe, Co-founder & CEO, Finarkein Analytics

“As we approach this year’s Union Budget, it’s crucial to recognize the transformative potential of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in fostering financial inclusion and economic growth. Initiatives like the Account Aggregator framework, Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission, and ONDC-FS are foundational to creating an interconnected and inclusive digital economy.

To drive widespread adoption and innovation around these digital public goods, the Budget can allocate targeted funding for capacity building, awareness campaigns, and incentives for early adopters. Establishing a dedicated innovation fund for DPI-focused startups can catalyze solutions tailored to underserved segments, including MSMEs and rural India. Additionally, simplifying regulatory frameworks and expanding support for secure data-sharing standards will encourage private sector collaboration while ensuring consumer trust.

The Budget is an opportunity to accelerate India’s leadership in digital innovation, not just for India but as a model for the world. A strategic focus on DPI can unlock unprecedented value across sectors, empowering citizens and businesses alike.”

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money

“As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025-26, it is imperative to prioritize measures that strengthen the digital financial ecosystem, particularly in rural India, where initiatives like Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) and Bharat Connect have become lifelines for millions. While AePS has revolutionized cash-in cash-out (CICO) operations, ensuring transaction safety and security remains a critical focus for the fintech ecosystem.

The framework put forth by Dvara Research highlights the need to integrate existing networks of Transactional Business Correspondents (TBCs) into the Digital Banking Unit (DBU) hierarchy. These TBCs are the true enablers of last-mile connectivity, providing uninterrupted banking access to underserved communities and reducing costs while fostering trust. Recognizing and supporting this network with technological upgrades and financial assistance would not only prevent duplication but also accelerate the pace of financial inclusion.

Additionally, a reduction or waiver of GST on financial services offered at Banking Agent outlets would significantly ease the financial burden on these grassroots operators, encouraging broader participation in rural banking. Beyond inclusion, the objective must evolve toward empowering rural communities with tools for savings, investments, and financial growth, fostering a self-reliant Bharat.

We hope this budget paves the way for robust, innovative, and inclusive financial policies that align with the aspirations of Digital India and truly reflect the transformative potential of integrating DBUs and TBCs into a unified framework.”

Rohit Mahajan, Co-Founder plutosONE

“Union Budget 2025 presents a transformative opportunity to deepen digital payment adoption in tier-2 cities and beyond, unlocking the next wave of growth. By incentivizing partnerships between fintechs and banks, the government can harness fintechs’ product innovation and banks’ outreach to extend digital payment innovations to the last mile. MSMEs are the ‘lifeblood’ of India’s economy and their major requirement is credit accessibility. Platforms like Trade Receivables Discounting Systems (TREDS) by converting it to cash actually will be proven quite precedent in working capital financing. We request the government to make some incentives in favour of the fintechs so that they can encourage MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to shift to TREDS fully ensuring certain back-up measures in everything they lack needed to move forward. This will not only empower several MSMEs but will also fast-forward the dream of financial inclusion throughout the country and catalyze sustainable growth in the whole economy.

 Ajay Singh, Principal, The Scindia School, Gwalior

 As we await the Union Budget for 2025, I believe the education sector is at a pivotal moment. To empower our children to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world, it is essential to prioritize investments in education. I urge the government to allocate a larger share of GDP to education, increase funding for STEM initiatives, enhance digital learning infrastructure and promote skill-based education. By simplifying regulatory processes and encouraging international collaborations, we can create a world-class education system that equips our students to excel on the global stage. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking in our schools will be crucial to developing the leaders of tomorrow. I also hope the budget will address the need for equitable access to quality education, ensuring no child is left behind. I look forward to a budget that lays the foundation for a brighter future for our children.

Ramadass Selvaraj, Chief Operating Officer at Pathfinder Global

‘We are looking forward to the Union Budget 2025, as it presents an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the growth of the quick commerce sector and empower small retailers, including Kirana stores. The retail landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and we anticipate the introduction of regulatory actions that will support the integration of advanced technology, particularly for small businesses. With the rise of digital-first platforms, it’s more critical than ever to ensure small businesses are equipped with the right tools to stay competitive. We expect the government to focus on policies that enhance the adoption of AI, streamline operations, and create more efficient supply chains for these retailers.

We believe the Union Budget will pave the way for small retailers to embrace these transformative technologies, enabling them to elevate customer experiences, optimize their operations, and remain relevant in this fast-evolving market. As the retail sector shifts towards a hybrid model that blends digital and physical experiences, the industry must empower retailers to leverage technology and adapt to this new era of retail. We are confident that these changes will level the playing field and foster sustainable growth across the sector.’

Strate School of Design- Mr. Thomas Dal, Dean

 “As we await the forthcoming 2025 Budget, the design sector anticipates exciting developments to further fuel creativity and innovation. As the design industry has historically been a major contributor to economic growth, we expect governments to continue to support it, particularly in the area of digital infrastructure and technology-driven solutions.

As demand for innovative design solutions worldwide grows, we hope the budget focuses on investments that strengthen design education and create opportunities for international collaborations. Investment in a holistic and interdisciplinary approach through institutions that promote cross-disciplinary learning will be fundamental in creating future-ready designers who can meet the challenges of an ever-evolving market. Such policies not only would channel the best of design thinking into tech and business domains but also unlock the full potential of creative industries at large, enabling enhanced innovation and competitiveness in a wide range of industries.”

MBA ESG- Dr. Srinivasan K, Director

 “As we look ahead to the 2025 budget, we are optimistic about the future of higher education and its role in preparing students for an evolving workforce. We hope the government will give more priority to policies that support industry-aligned curricula and infuse emerging technologies into the way students learn.

MBA ESG operates on the benefits of scholarship funding and global alliances and focuses on enhancing and making quality education accessible to all. India needs to double down on its private institutions, especially those that offer specialized MBA courses to enhance its standing as a global hub for business education. Overall, preparing graduates with skills that are in demand in the changing marketplace will definitely better align education services with the needs of the economy of the future, thus giving students a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market.”

CTO and Co-founder of Vantage Circle, Mr. Anjan Pathak

“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, we hope to see measures that drive inclusive growth, particularly in regions like Northeast India, which hold immense potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. Strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding support for MSMEs, and enhancing access to emerging technologies like AI-driven automation and blockchain could significantly boost regional development and economic progress. Additionally, we look forward to incentives that encourage R&D and digital skill development, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. Prioritizing cybersecurity and long-term financial support for technology adoption will be pivotal in ensuring sustainable growth and innovation across the nation.”

Akash Khurana, President and CEO, Krisumi Corporation

As the Union Budget for 2025 approaches, the government, with its view to push growth, is anticipated to introduce a slew of reforms which may boost economic activity and bring efficiency to different sectors, including real estate.

The real estate sector, being one of the largest contributors to the GDP, could serve as a catalyst in augmenting growth. Since the tax deduction on housing loans has remained stagnant at ₹2 lakh per annum, it is imperative for the government to increase the threshold to ₹5 lakh. This will propel the demand for housing further.

We also anticipate the government to continue its thrust on infrastructure development, as it has a multiplier impact on the economy. With the government’s focus on sustainable development, some kind of incentive for green and eco-friendly housing could boost the supply of sustainable units.

Rajul Kothari, Partner, Capital League

“The recent tax changes for debt funds have severely impacted retirees seeking safe, non-volatile investments to beat inflation on a post-tax basis. With long-term capital gains tax on pure debt funds now equivalent to fixed deposits at a marginal rate of tax, retirees are forced to consider hybrid funds with a minimum 15-20% equity component to achieve tax-efficient returns. This exposes them to unnecessary risk. To address this, I urge the government to exempt long-term capital gains tax for investors above 60-65 years at the time of redemption. This would encourage the use of pure debt funds and products, providing retirees with a stable and low-risk investment option, uncorrelated with the volatility of equity markets.”

 Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship

India has made notable strides in skill development and workforce participation in recent years. Over last 3 years there growth in apprenticeship is around 30% and the number of employers engaged with apprentices had doubled up to 40000. Also, the registered industries on apprenticeships is reaching 2 lac mark. This is a great feat achieved. However, with the transformation of work, workforce and workplace due to advent of AI and new sectors which required specialised workforce for skill based job roles, we need unprecedented growth is skilling initiatives. As we approach the 2025 budget, there is a pressing need to build upon these achievements and this year, we expect the budget to prioritize skill-based employment generation and inclusive growth, with a central focus on increasing women’s labor force participation. The government must prioritize promoting increased participation of women in the workforce through apprenticeship platform that gives opportunity to women and especially women to upskill and gain relevant hands on experience to be employable in formal sector. targeted financial incentives and policies to be implemented that encourage employers to engage with women apprentices. The employers could be incentives for building supportive infrastructure such as creches, safe working spaces, dedicated transportation facilities, and accommodation for migrants ensuring safety and welfare. Mobilization is a critical element for skill development. Furthermore, improving access to apprenticeships in underserved areas is crucial. We recommend the introduction of a one-time allowance for candidate mobilization, ensuring that apprenticeships reach individuals in socio-economically disadvantaged people, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.

To further support migrant workers, the government must focus on creating hostels, affordable accommodation facilities, and other essential support systems to ensure their smooth integration into the workforce and society.Additionally, addressing the subsidy parity between the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is essential to ensure equal financial support for both employers and apprentices, making these programs.Streamlining and simplifying the regulatory framework and unifying apprenticeship guidelines will further reduce administrative burdens, increase efficiency, and allow these programs to scale effectively. Moreover, the introduction of industry-friendly UGC guidelines for work-integrated education programs will ensure that the skills developed align with industry demands and remain future-proof. This will encourage industry-academia collaboration, recognise establishment of industries as a new and effective classroom for learning which is much needed.Furthermore, expanding work-integrated learning programs and internships is vital to bridging the gap between education and employment. We suggest that the budget significantly enhance the PM Internship Scheme, providing youth—especially those from disadvantaged educational backgrounds—with the chance to gain industry-relevant experience. By equipping school dropouts, and undergraduates with targeted skill development opportunities, the government can help them re-enter the workforce, reduce dropout rates, and create clear pathways to long-term employment. For undergraduates, these opportunities can include work-integrated learning programs, degree apprenticeships, and industry-specific certifications that allow them to gain hands-on experience while completing their education. Also, linking PMIS with NEP, by recognise the internship component, which is taken up in industry, under UG programs offered by HEIs. Expand the internship opportunities beyond the Top 500 spenders in CSR, include Medium enterprises as well. Alongside, the budget must allocate funds to create robust digital infrastructure to enhance skilling platforms for seamless operations and scalability of execution of apprenticeships, and other skilling initiatives including launch of mobile application. To further strengthen these initiatives, streamlining regulatory processes and promoting public-private partnerships will be crucial in creating a more inclusive, accessible, and efficient skilling infrastructure.The growth of MSMEs, which are crucial to the Indian economy, can be further supported by expanding access to apprenticeships and work-integrated learning programs, allowing them to develop a skilled workforce while contributing to broader economic goals.

FanCode Brings Inaugural World Pickleball League to Viewers with Exclusive Streaming

Mumbai, January 20, 2025 – FanCode, India’s leading digital sports destination, is set to exclusively stream the highly anticipated debut season of the World Pickleball League (WPL). This collaboration underscores FanCode’s commitment to expanding its diverse sports offerings and catering to India’s rapidly growing community of pickleball enthusiasts. The league will take place from January 24th to February 2nd at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe. Known for its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements, pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, captivating players and fans of all ages with its engaging and dynamic gameplay.

The World Pickleball League promises to deliver thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unparalleled viewing experience. Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of FanCode, expressed his excitement: “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”

Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO, World Pickleball League “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favorite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. FanCode has become a go-to source for everything related to sports, and by streaming the World Pickleball League, we aim to make the sport a household name. We are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport and look forward to kicking off the league with great excitement.”

The league’s glamour quotient is further elevated by star-studded team ownership. Teams include the Chennai Super Champs, owned by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu; the Bengaluru Jawans, co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee; Pune United, co-owned by actors Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh along with corporate leaders; and Team Mumbai, owned by Swiggy. This blend of celebrity and corporate backing adds to the league’s excitement and broad appeal.

With pickleball gaining traction across India, the World Pickleball League is poised to further fuel the sport’s growth and captivate audiences nationwide.

IIT Kanpur and Citadel Securities Pave the Way for GPU Innovation with New Research Lab

Kanpur, 20 January 2025: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), India’s top institution in science and engineering, and Citadel Securities, a leading global market maker, today announced a new partnership to build the “Translational and Transformative Training and Investigations Lab” (T3i Lab) at IITK. The lab will be part of IITK’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and will be supported by a Citadel Securities CSR grant as part of the firm’s work to improve access to high-quality technical and computing education around the world.

The T3i Lab will provide students with access to world class research facilities and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), a costly resource that is in high demand in India. The Lab will focus on enhancing research and education in High-Performance Computing, Data Science, Data Visualization, Translational AI, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Systems. It will also promote innovation in Computer Architecture Design and Hardware Security, supporting IITK and its students in staying at the forefront of emerging research and development in these critical areas.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, commented, “The establishment of the advanced GPU Lab at IIT Kanpur through this partnership will significantly boost our research and innovation ecosystem by enabling our students and faculty to pursue solutions with far-reaching impact. On behalf of the institute, I express our gratitude for CitSec’s commitment to supporting this vision and anticipate technological advancements that will shape the future of technology.”

Mr. Adi Singh who currently manages India trading at Citadel Securities, added “We are proud to support India’s AI research and talent development through the T3i Lab. This initiative underscores Citadel Securities’ commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the local communities where we live and work.”

Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni at IIT Kanpur, said, “The establishment of this lab will provide our students and faculty with access to world-class resources and enable cutting-edge research in areas that are crucial to the future of technology. We are grateful to CitSec for their generous support and look forward to seeing the tremendous impact it will have on our academic community.”