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NIIT Launches ‘Career Edge Scholarship’ to Empower Final-Year Engineering Students for Thriving Tech Careers

New Delhi, January 18, 2025: NIIT Limited (Ticker Symbol: NIITLTD), a leading skills & talent development corporation, today launched the ‘Career Edge Scholarship’ to empower BE/BTech students in their final semester. This initiative addresses the pressing need for employability by offering merit-based scholarships to enrol in NIIT’s flagship Full-Stack Development with GenAI Honours Program.

The scholarship equips final-year engineering students with in-demand skills in Full-Stack software engineering integrated with GenAI, bridging the gap between campus and corporate life while addressing placement uncertainties.

The total fee of the Program is Rs. 1,10,000 + GST. Eligible students need to pay only Rs. 10,000 + GST as admission fee and may receive scholarships upto 100% based on their academic performance and outcome of personal interaction with them. Registrations are open from January 14 to January 31, 2025, with programs commencing by or before February 28, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to BE/BTech students with a minimum of 50% aggregate in 10th and 12th Standard, a cumulative score of 50% or above in the first seven semesters, and no backlogs.

This outcome-driven program builds holistic skills combining technical, engineering, and professional expertise. Through 100+ challenges, 10 projects, and drill-based practice with over 10,000 lines of code, learners gain hands-on experience in coding, object-oriented programming, databases, and full-stack development.

Starting with fundamentals, the program progresses to advanced topics like building end-to-end web applications using Java, React, RESTful APIs, and Spring Boot. Learners also leverage GenAI tools to streamline workflows, generate test cases, and optimize solutions. Spanning 34 weeks, the program prepares students for in-demand roles such as Software Engineer, Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, and Full-Stack Developer.

Students who enrol in this program acquire the same skills that top employers look to build in their entry-level hires, ensuring they are day-one ready.

Pankaj Jathar, CEO, NIIT Limited, commented “At NIIT, we recognize the challenges faced by final-year engineering students as they prepare to enter the workforce. The Career Edge Scholarship for NIIT’s flagship Full-Stack Development with GenAI Honours Program is our way of bridging the gap between their aspirations and opportunities. With a stellar record of placing 100% eligible learners since its inception, this program equips students with the multi-skills that the organizations actively seek, preparing them for diverse roles in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.”

Industry 5.0 to Focus on Personalised Manufacturing with Advanced Technologies for Customised Offerings

Kolkata, January 17, 2025: Industry 5.0, which is focused on integration of advanced technologies such as AI, AR, big data analytics into processes, will help make manufacturing industry more “human-centric, sustainable and resilient”.

“By utilising big data generated by IoT and utilising AI-based software for improving productivity, the manufacturing industry can offer differentiated and customised offering to consumers. Integrating green technology and optimising AI is the way forward. This era promises to be an exciting future of growth, innovation and global competitiveness for MSMEs,” Mr Sanjeev Rastogi, Director – Production, Braithwaite & Co, said. He was speaking at the 3rd Edition of Manufacturing and MSME Conclave Industry 5.0 – The Future of Manufacturing & MSMEs, organised by Assocham here on Friday.

SIDBI has been working in a focused way to address the challenges being faced by MSMEs. “We have been working on green financing for nearly 10 years by adopting a cluster approach. We have been conducting energy audits in specific clusters and based on energy audits we have been able to identify where carbon emissions can be reduced. We have been financing those requirements of MSMEs to help them fine tune their production, machineries and technology etc,” Mr Pramod Kumar Vijayvargiya, General Manager, SIDBI said.

Mr Subrata Roy, Chief Operating Officer, Vesuvius India Ltd, said, by leveraging machines to focus on conducting monotonous tasks, the human capital can shift their focus on value-added activities such as product design, quality control and innovation. This will not only improve operational efficiency but also help enhance the overall work experience making jobs more engaging and fulfilling.

“One of the key things about Industry 5.0 is the emphasis on personalised manufacturing. Consumers today demand products tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Industry 5.0 makes this possible by combining AI, ML and human experience and manufacturers can produce customised products with same efficiency and cost effectiveness as done in mass production. Using these, MSMEs can gain a competitive edge by offering bespoke, high-quality products that meet the unique needs of individual customers,” he said.

According to Mr Sudipta Mukherjee, MD, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd, Industry 5.0 is more about adopting an informed, aligned and recognised approach as things in insolation might not have the multiplier effect which an inclusive approach might bring.

A majority of Indian MSMEs are currently operating at Industry 2.0 or Industry 3.0 levels, characterized by mechanization and basic automation. These levels are far behind the advanced integration and automation seen in Industry 4.0 and the emerging trends of Industry 5.0, which emphasize human-centric solutions and sustainable practices, Mr Akhilesh Jain, Chairman, MSME Sub Council, Assocham Eastern Region Development Council, said.

“Compared to other major economies like Germany, USA, Japan and South Korea, where more than 40% MSMEs have already integrated IoT and automation technologies into their operations, only 15% Indian MSMEs have achieved this feat. One of the main challenges is that most of them are not fully aware of the benefits of upgrading their back-end processes. It has been found that almost 60% of MSMEs have cited lack of awareness as a major barrier to adopting new technologies. In this context, today’s program would be highly beneficial for MSMEs willing to enhance their efficiency and productivity. Other challenges related to lack of adequate Government funding, skilled workforce, technological infrastructure, etc., need to be addressed as well,” Mr Jain pointed out.

Sikandar Kher explores the darkest complexities of human nature as Akram Khan in Amazon MX Player’s Chidiya Udd

Mumbai, 18 January 2025: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service is all set to present their latest crime drama – Chidiya Udd. The show explores the unknown territories of the underworld of Mumbai, inspired by Aabid Surti’s novel Cages. This intense series exposes the raw, unbridled truth of the city’s underbelly, where the lines between crime and survival are blurred. Starring Jackie Shroff, Bhoomika Meena, and Sikandar Kher, with masterminds in the director’s chair of Ravi Jadhav and producers Harman Baweja and Vicky Bahri, Chidiya Udd promises to be a heart-stopping journey through the darkest alleys of the city.

Known to the world for his scintillating performances Sikandar Kher steps in, depicting the character of Akram Khan, son of Qadir Khan, the be-feared gangster of Mumbai’s underground. Fired up by raging ambition and an insatiable hunger for power, he is hell-bent on taking the throne of Kamathipura, but his ascent involves some very treacherous inner demons and explosive conflicts. As he walks through the perilous landscape of his complicated relationship with his father, Qadir Khan, Akram must face the dark depths of his own psyche, where insecurity, vulnerability, and seething resentment against Babu Rao simmer just below the surface. With every step, Akram’s quest for validation and supremacy pushes him further down a hazardous path, so much so that he tests his limit of will, loyalty, and his own soul.

Reflecting on his character and the series, Sikandar Kher shared, “Akram Khan is a man deeply shaped by living in the shadow of his father, which has left him deeply insecure, as he’s never truly received the kind of love or softness a son craves. That insecurity fuels aggression and jealousy, but beneath it all, there are moments of vulnerability, which add depth to his persona. Bringing Akram to life was an intense and rewarding experience, thanks to our incredible director, Ravi Jadhav, who made every moment on set a joy. I was fortunate to share the screen with incredible co-actors—Jaggu Dada, whose wisdom and warmth feel like a tight hug; Mayur, a powerhouse of talent; Bhoomika, who is pure fire on set; and Mitaji, whose effortless brilliance elevated every scene.”

Media & Entertainment Industry Vertical Contributes Rs. 3 Lakh Crore to the Economy: Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secy, I&B

New Delhi, January 18, 2025 – “The media and entertainment industrial vertical is close to about three lakh crores of an economy that we have, growing at a rate which is much faster than the rate at which our economy is growing,” said Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, during an address on “Reimagining Media: How Digital Innovation is Changing the Game” at the 19th India Digital Summit (IDS), today.

 The two-day IDS 2025 is being organized by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and is Supported by Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.

Shri Jaju also highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the formation of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and the “Create in India Challenge”, which is being organised as part of the Waves Summit upcoming in February 2025. Speaking about the “confluence and inter intersection between art and technology” he spoke at length about the Create in India Challenge Season 1. “These challenges are across various verticals in the media and entertainment landscape. Many of these challenges are also global challenges. All these challenges are being shepherded by the industry and I’m very happy to tell you that we’ve been getting very good participation from the creators across the length and breadth of our country,” Shri Jaju added.

  Shri Jaju discussed the need for regulatory reforms, including light-touch regulations and amendments to the Cinematographic Act to control piracy and promote accessibility.

 Regarding the industry’s challenges, Shri Jaju acknowledged weak news and misinformation. He commented, “There are challenges regarding AI-driven recommendations, which can also inadvertently lead to algorithmic biases. We are also aware of the inequitable returns that many creators face from digital platforms. There are copyright concerns and content quality that impact children, especially the content that promotes disharmony and sexual violence.” However, Shri Jaju expressed confidence that the industry can overcome these challenges and become a global leader in media and entertainment.

IDS 2025, held from January 16-17, recognises digital excellence and outstanding marketing achievements annually across various business and technology sectors. This year’s theme is Bharat’s Digital Path—Empowering Future Innovators.

 IDS is being Powered by NPCI. Amazon.in and MPL are Platinum partners. Among Gold Partners are PhonePe; Australia Trade and Investment Commission; IDA Ireland; Paytm ads, Jagran New Media and Exotel. Route Mobile is the Cloud Communications Partner. Silver Partners include AWS, ShareChat, Shiprocket; Times Internet, and TV9 Network.

Glaucoma Awareness Month: A Closer Look at the Silent Thief of Sight

By-Dr. Ashwin Santosh Shetty, Consultant – Ophthalmology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

January is recognized as Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading knowledge about this sight-threatening disease. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making awareness and early detection crucial. This article explores its causes, prevention, diagnostic methods, notable cases, and how the healthcare industry is addressing this condition.

Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. According to the World Health Organization, it is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting millions of people.

Causes of Glaucoma
While the exact cause of glaucoma remains unknown, several risk factors contribute to its development:
1. Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP): The primary risk factor is increased pressure in the eye due to improper drainage of aqueous humor.
2. Age: People over the age of 60 are at a higher risk.
3. Family History: Genetics play a significant role; a family history of glaucoma increases one’s likelihood of developing the disease.
4. Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at higher risk for certain types of glaucoma.
5. Existing Health Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases can contribute to the development of glaucoma.
6. Prolonged Use of Steroids: Extended use of corticosteroids can also increase the risk.

 Prevention: A Proactive Approach
While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:
• Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams, especially for individuals over 40, can help detect glaucoma early.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk.
• Eye Protection: Wearing protective eyewear during activities that could result in eye injury is essential.
• Managing Other Health Conditions: Keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control can mitigate risks.

 Diagnosis: Spotting the Silent Thief
Timely diagnosis is critical to preventing vision loss. Common diagnostic tests include:
1. Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.
2. Optic Nerve Examination: Assesses the optic nerve for signs of damage.
3. Visual Field Test: Detects peripheral vision loss.
4. Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which can influence IOP readings.
5. Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle in the eye to identify blockages.

 Industry Cases and Innovations
Several prominent cases and advancements highlight the importance of addressing glaucoma:
• Celebrity Advocacy: Public figures like Bono have raised awareness about living with glaucoma.
• Technological Innovations: The introduction of advanced diagnostic tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has revolutionized early detection.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): New surgical techniques provide safer and more effective treatment options.
• Awareness Campaigns: Organizations like the Glaucoma Research Foundation actively promote education and resources.

Glaucoma Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of eye health. By spreading awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting advancements in research and treatment, we can collectively combat this silent thief of sight. Remember, early detection is key—an eye exam today could save your vision tomorrow.

STAGE OTT Hosts Rohidi Music Festival in Sheo, Barmer: A Grand Tribute to Rajasthan’s Musical Heritage

Jan 17, 2025 Sheo | Barmer, India

STAGE OTT hosted the Rohidi Music Festival, a grand celebration of Rajasthan’s cultural and musical heritage, in the picturesque desert town of Sheo, Barmer. This landmark event brought together over 400 Manganiyar artists who showcased the timeless rhythms, soulful vocals, and traditional instruments that define the region’s rich folk traditions. The festival began with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the stirring performance of Dharti Dhora Ri, setting the tone for an evening filled with artistry and cultural pride.

Among the highlights were spellbinding performances by Virasat Lok Sansthan, the Joga Dhol Party from Bisala, and Akala Dariya, who mesmerized the audience with the iconic track “Ghani Re Ghani Khamba” from the movie Padmavat. The event also featured an extraordinary lineup of celebrated artists, including Padma Shri awardees Ustad Sakar Khan’s family and Ustad Lakha Khan, alongside other luminaries such as Shakur Khan, Jasu Khan Bissu, Jasu Khana Meer, Hakam Khan Nimbla, Moti Khan, and R Khan. Their stellar performances not only captivated the audience but also honored the Manganiyar community’s centuries-old legacy.

The Manganiyars have long been the storytellers of Rajasthan, weaving music into every aspect of life, from births and weddings to festivals and harvest celebrations. Their music, which is passed down through generations, reflects a deep connection to the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region. The Rohidi Music Festival beautifully celebrated this rich tradition, emphasizing how music in the Manganiyar community transcends mere entertainment to become an integral part of their daily lives and rituals.

Mr. Vinay Singhal, CEO & Co-Founder, STAGE OTT and Mr. Parveen Singhal, CCO & Co-Founder, STAGE OTT, reflected on the success of the festival, stating, “The Rohidi Music Festival was an opportunity to showcase the vibrant soul of western Rajasthan. By bringing together esteemed artists, we aimed to present the heart of Rajasthan’s folklore to a larger audience. This festival was not only a celebration of music but also a step toward empowering local communities and preserving their cultural treasures.” The event served as a platform to uplift Manganiyar artists, creating economic opportunities while fostering pride among performers and attendees alike.

The Rohidi Music Festival was a historic cultural gathering, blending tradition with a vision for progress. STAGE OTT demonstrated its unwavering commitment to preserving Rajasthan’s cultural legacy while supporting its local artists. The event set a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at celebrating and promoting the rich artistic heritage of the region.