19, Apr 2026
“AI is not a replacement, but a powerful second opinion”: Dr Soma Raju
Hyderabad, Apr 19: TEDxHyderabad 2026 held on Sunday at Akshaya Convention, Vattinagulapally, near Financial District, Gandipet, Hyderabad, bringing together a powerful lineup of 14 thinkers, creators, and changemakers under the theme “FIRE-UP.” Over 1,200 attendees, including prominent personalities such as Allu Arvind, witnessed inspiring ideas and journeys. Four curated performances added vibrancy to the day-long event.
Now in its 11th year, the TEDxHyderabad community has impacted over 7,000 individuals and continues to be a platform for ideas that drive real-world change.
The event opened with a dynamic percussion performance by Vikram Venkatapuram, setting the tone for a day of powerful storytelling.
Dr. M. Subrahmanyam, founder of Sparsh Hospice, spoke on compassionate end-of-life care. “When cure is not possible, care must step in. Every soul has the right to die with dignity,” he said, highlighting how his initiative has served over 15,000 patients. He emphasized the urgent gap in palliative care, noting that while 15 lakh cancer cases emerge annually in India, less than 5% receive such care. “Death is not the failure of medicine,” he added.
Pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh shared her eight-year legal battle against misleading ORS products. She warned against deceptive marketing practices, stating, “Misinformation in something as basic as oral rehydration can cost lives,” and called for greater public awareness and regulation.
Karate coach Ritesh Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh highlighted the power of “skill as service.” Over 25 years, he has trained more than 67,000 individuals, especially young girls, in self-defense. “I may not have wealth, but I have a skill—and I chose to give it away,” he said, urging society to value sports and confidence-building.
Uttam Kumar brought attention to the realities of deafblindness, reminding the audience that for over 500,000 Indians, this is everyday life. He emphasized that the real barrier lies in societal design, not disability, calling for inclusion with dignity.
Dr. Soma Raju spoke about innovations in medicine, including the Kalam–Raju stent, developed with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, making cardiac care more affordable. He also highlighted the role of AI, stating, “AI is not a replacement, but a powerful second opinion,” and outlined five pillars of healthcare integration.
In her powerful talk, Dr. Suravi Kumar challenges the way we think about menopause—not as an ending, but as a critical turning point for brain and long-term health.
Environmental storyteller Uday Krishna captivated the audience with stories of India’s heritage trees. Having travelled over 40,000 km and helped save over 5,000 trees, he urged people to rethink how cities measure wealth. “The true wealth of a city stands quietly in its trees,” he said.
Shezzi M shared her unconventional journey from finance to radio, emphasizing courage and authenticity. “Fortune favours the brave,” she remarked.
Education innovator Pavan Goyal challenged rote learning systems, stating that 80% of students struggle with memorization. “What matters today is not what you learned, but what you built,” he said, advocating for innovation-driven education.
Cybersecurity expert Krishna Sastry Pendyala warned about the future of digital risks, emphasizing that trust in technology is critical. “The real danger isn’t technology—it’s treating cybersecurity as an afterthought,” he noted.
Srikanth Badiga spoke about dignity in death, sharing the inspiration behind Mahaprasthanam crematorium. “Cremation grounds are a mirror of society,” he said, highlighting the need for humane infrastructure.
Hemakshi Meghani, co-founder of the Indian School of Democracy, called for principled political leadership. “We don’t just need better politicians—we need deeper politicians,” she said, urging citizens to actively engage in shaping democracy.
Rajiv Chilaka, creator of Chhota Bheem, spoke about building a global animation brand from India. Quoting Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, he noted that over 27 million households outside India watched Mighty Little Bheem. “If you are afraid, don’t do it. If you do it, don’t be afraid,” he advised entrepreneurs.
The day concluded with Rajni Bakshi, who reflected on nonviolence and humane economics. “If violence is a choice, so is compassion—we must consciously choose the world we want to build,” she said.
The event also featured other captivating performances, including sitar by Ramprapanna Bhattacharya, handpan by Vikrant Dhadwal and Trilok Chander, and a fusion set by “A Sonic Voyage.”
At the engagement zone, artists Swathi and Vijay drew attention with their “End Begging Mafia” campaign through evocative art on construction debris, while Navid Ahmed showcased “Planterior Design,” integrating plants into interiors, with over 240 projects completed.
Viiveck Verma, Curator & Licensee, said, “TEDxHyderabad has always been about ideas that inspire action. FIRE-UP reflects the urgency of turning ideas into impact.”
Ramesh Loganathan added, “It’s the diversity of ideas and people that creates lasting conversations beyond the stage.”
TEDxHyderabad, active since 2015, has curated 29+ events, engaged over 20,000 attendees, featured 113 speakers, and garnered over 15 million views globally.
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- By Neel Achary
19, Apr 2026
Where Heritage Meets Intelligence: How AI Is Reshaping India’s Artisan Economy
In a notable shift toward inclusive digital transformation, the Ministry of MSME has trained more than 2,500 artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in the use of artificial intelligence tools—an initiative that signals a deeper integration of technology into India’s traditional sectors.
At its core, the program reflects the government’s broader “AI for Social Good” vision, highlighted at the IndiaAI Impact Summit. But beyond policy language, this effort stands out for its execution: it brings advanced digital capabilities directly to grassroots entrepreneurs, many of whom operate far from the formal tech ecosystem.
The training was designed with accessibility in mind. Delivered through hands-on sessions in simple, locally relevant formats, it avoided the typical barriers associated with digital adoption. Participants were introduced to platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Indus, with a focus on real-world applications rather than abstract concepts.
What makes this initiative particularly significant is its business orientation. Artisans were not just taught what AI is—they were shown how to use it to improve branding, refine product design, enhance packaging, and develop more effective marketing strategies. AI-generated product descriptions and visual content, for instance, offer immediate value in an increasingly digital marketplace.
The scale of the program is also worth noting. Spanning multiple states, including Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, the initiative reached 2,543 beneficiaries nationwide. This wide geographic spread underscores both the demand for such interventions and the feasibility of implementing them at scale.
From a market perspective, the implications are substantial. By equipping artisans with AI-enabled tools, the initiative aims to increase product competitiveness, expand access to new customer segments, and improve operational efficiency. In effect, it positions traditional crafts within a modern value chain—one that is increasingly driven by digital visibility and speed.
More broadly, the program addresses a persistent structural challenge: the digital divide among micro and small enterprises. By lowering the barrier to entry for AI adoption, it enables artisans to participate more actively in both domestic and global markets.
The long-term impact will depend on continuity—whether such training evolves into sustained digital engagement. However, as a first step, the initiative demonstrates a viable model for combining heritage with technology, not as a replacement, but as an enabler.
For India’s artisan economy, that distinction could prove critical.
19, Apr 2026
India’s First Advanced 3D Chip Packaging Unit Launched in Odisha, Boosting AI and Semiconductor Ambitions
Bhubaneswar, April 19 (BNP): In a major step towards strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the foundation stone for the country’s first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The project, promoted by 3D Glass Solutions, marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in high-end electronics manufacturing under the vision of Narendra Modi.
The ceremony was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Speaking on the occasion, Majhi described the project as a “historic milestone,” noting that Odisha would host one of the world’s most sophisticated chip packaging technologies. He added that global technology players such as Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Applied Materials have shown interest in advanced packaging technologies, reflecting growing investor confidence in the state.
The facility, with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore, is expected to manufacture 70,000 glass panels annually along with 50 million assembled units and 13,000 advanced 3D modules. It will cater to emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, 5G/6G communications, defence electronics, and aerospace applications.
Vaishnaw said the project would significantly strengthen India’s semiconductor value chain and highlighted that the country’s electronics manufacturing sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade. He added that Odisha is evolving from a minerals-based economy into a hub for advanced technology sectors, including semiconductors and IT.
The project is being implemented through the Indian arm of 3D Glass Solutions and is expected to begin commercial production by August 2028, with full-scale operations targeted by 2030.
Officials said the initiative would generate large-scale employment for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and skilled workers, while positioning Odisha as a key player in India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing landscape.
18, Apr 2026
Outpost24 Launches AI Pentesting as Enterprises Deploy AI Faster Than They Can Secure It
STOCKHOLM / PHILADELPHIA, April 18, 2026 — As AI models grow powerful enough to autonomously discover thousands of software vulnerabilities, the same technology is being embedded into enterprise applications at an unprecedented scale, often without any security testing designed for AI-specific risks. Outpost24, a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions, today launched AI Pentesting, an expert-led adversarial testing service that helps mid-to-large enterprises find and fix security weaknesses in their AI-powered systems before attackers or autonomous AI models do.
The new service extends Outpost24’s established penetration testing practice, drawing on more than five years of CREST-certified expertise and following OffSec’s AI-300 Advanced AI Red Teaming methodology. The launch comes as regulatory pressure intensifies, with the EU AI Act moving into its 2026 implementation phase and emerging models such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework raising expectations for AI security due diligence.
The OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications has formalized a category of attack vectors, including prompt injection, data leakage, unsafe output generation, and the exploitation of agent workflows, that existing application security tools were never designed to detect. Dynamic scanning, static code analysis, and API testing assess deterministic application logic; they cannot evaluate how a Large Language Model reasons, how it responds to adversarial inputs, or how it interacts with external tools and sensitive data it may access. The result is a widening blind spot that carries both operational and compliance consequences for any organization deploying AI at scale.
AI Pentesting applies the same human-validation methodology behind Outpost24’s established penetration testing practice, adapted for the behavioral complexity of AI systems. Testing spans the full AI attack surface, including the model and prompt layer, RAG pipelines, agent workflows, and the supporting APIs and interfaces that connect them. Engagements begin with system discovery and mapping, then move through adversarial testing and access-context validation before concluding with analysis and audit-ready reporting. Unlike automated scanning tools, which identify known patterns but cannot simulate creative adversarial thinking, Outpost24’s specialists follow OSAI+ guidelines to evaluate application behavior under real-world adversarial conditions, informed by the work of the Outpost24 Threat Intelligence Team. Clients receive actionable findings ranked by severity with remediation guidance specific to AI and LLM architectures, delivered through Outpost24’s single platform alongside the company’s broader portfolio of security testing capabilities.
“As organizations embed AI systems and LLMs into customer journeys and internal workflows, they create a new attack surface that traditional application testing was not built to measure. Prompt injection, sensitive data exposure, and unsafe agent behavior are only part of the picture. Closing that gap requires adversarial testing that treats AI behavior as part of the security boundary,” said Omri Kletter, Chief Product Officer at Outpost24.
“We are seeing a pattern that should concern every security leader: AI systems deployed with implicit trust in their inputs, minimal access controls between models and internal infrastructure, and zero adversarial testing before production. Twenty years ago, we learned these lessons the hard way with web applications. The difference now is that the barrier to exploitation is dramatically lower, because an LLM can be manipulated through natural language rather than crafted code,” said Martin Jartelius, AI Product Director at Outpost24.
18, Apr 2026
Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz; Global Oil Prices Dip, Fuel Costs May Ease
New Delhi, April 18(BNP): Iran’s decision to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has led to a sharp decline in global oil prices, raising expectations of a possible reduction in petrol and diesel prices.
Following the announcement, international crude oil prices dropped by around 10 per cent, as the resumption of commercial shipping through the key maritime route eased concerns over supply disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes, had faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in the region. Its reopening—linked to a temporary ceasefire—has improved market sentiment and stabilised energy supply expectations.
Market analysts indicate that the decline in crude oil prices could translate into a reduction of fuel prices, with estimates suggesting a possible drop of around 10 per cent, depending on domestic pricing mechanisms and currency factors.
However, experts caution that the situation remains fragile, with uncertainties over the durability of the ceasefire and security of shipping routes. Any renewed tensions could again impact global oil supply and price trends.
The development is being closely watched by oil-importing countries like India, where changes in global crude prices directly influence retail fuel costs.
18, Apr 2026
FSSAI Directs States to Enforce Ban on Calcium Carbide for Fruit Ripening
New Delhi, April 18(BNP): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce regulations against the use of prohibited artificial fruit ripening agents.
According to a recent update shared by the authority, states have been instructed to ensure stringent checks and prevent the use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas.
FSSAI reiterated that calcium carbide, commonly known as ‘masala’, is banned due to the serious health risks associated with its use. The chemical releases acetylene gas, which may contain harmful impurities and can adversely affect human health.
The regulator has asked state authorities to intensify surveillance, conduct regular inspections, and take strict action against those found violating food safety norms.
FSSAI also emphasized the importance of adopting safe and approved ripening methods, such as ethylene-based techniques, to ensure consumer safety. Consumers have been advised to remain cautious and avoid purchasing fruits that appear artificially ripened.
The move is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to curb unsafe food practices and ensure the availability of safe, quality food across the country.
18, Apr 2026
Experience the pure joy of music through innocent voices with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, premiering from today on Zee Kannada
Bengaluru, April 18 (BNP): Following the grand success of Dance Karnataka Dance, Zee Kannada is all set to bring back the magic of music with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs. Known for nurturing exceptional young talent, the much-loved singing reality show returns to captivating audiences once again. Featuring contestants aged 3 to 15 years, this season promises heartwarming performances, inspiring journeys, and unforgettable musical moments from the youngest voices across Karnataka.
Get ready for an extraordinary musical journey as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs premieres on April 18th, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 PM. This season will showcase incredible young singers who will mesmerize audiences with their talent, passion, and dedication. With a perfect blend of entertainment and emotion, the show will celebrate the spirit of music while giving a grand platform to budding singers.
The judging panel features the much-admired trio of Rajesh Krishnan, Arjun Janya, and Vijay Prakash, whose expertise will guide and nurture the contestants to shine on stage. Adding charm and energy to the show, popular anchor Anushree returns as the host, ensuring an engaging and entertaining experience for viewers.
Audiences can also look forward to an enhanced viewing experience beyond television, with Zee Kannada sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, contestant journeys, fun interactions, and special highlights on its social media platforms. From unseen rehearsals to candid judge reactions, this digital content will offer fans a closer glimpse into the world of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, making the experience more engaging and immersive.
Celebrate music, talent, and dreams as Karnataka’s next singing superstar takes center stage! This season is set to captivate music lovers and create unforgettable memories for all!
Don’t miss the launch of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs from today, every Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 PM, only on Zee Kannada!
18, Apr 2026
Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center Leads the Way with New Jersey’s First MAMMOMAT B.brilliant Mammography System
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey April 18: Mountainside Medical Centeris raising the standard for breast imaging with the installation of MAMMOMAT B.brilliant from Siemens Healthineers. This new system combines exceptional image quality with remarkable speed and comfort to support earlier and more confident detection.
Powered by PlatinumTomo technology, MAMMOMAT B.brilliant captures a 50-degree image sweep in just five seconds1. This allows radiologists to see more tissue detail in less time, helping to improve accuracy and reduce the need for repeat imaging.
“We’re committed to offering our patients the most advanced care possible,” said Tim O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer, Mountainside Medical Center. “MAMMOMAT B.brilliant delivers an outstanding balance of image clarity, speed, and comfort, which makes a real difference in both diagnosis and patient experience.”
Confidence in every scan
The system’s wide 50° angle and UltraHD image reconstruction provide highly detailed views of breast tissue structures. This level of clarity supports earlier detection and greater confidence in every exam.
Designed for comfort
MAMMOMAT B.brilliant features personalized compression that adapts to each patient’s anatomy, minimizing discomfort while maintaining image precision. Faster scans also mean less time under compression, creating a more comfortable experience overall.
“Our goal is to make mammography more comfortable and accessible to our patients,” says O’Brien. “This technology helps us provide the best possible care in a faster, more comfortable way.”
With the addition of MAMMOMAT B.brilliant, Mountainside Medical Center continues to invest in advanced technology that supports accuracy, comfort, and confidence in breast cancer screening.
18, Apr 2026
American Academy of Ophthalmology Appoints Bennie H. Jeng, MD, as Editor-in-Chief for Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology today announced the appointment of Bennie H. Jeng, MD, as Editor-in-Chief of its flagship journal, Ophthalmology. Dr. Jeng is the chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on the editorial boards of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Science. In a forthcoming editorial, Dr. Jeng vowed to harness the efficiency of artificial intelligence to help curate the highest-quality, clinically relevant research for the benefit of all patients. Dr. Jeng also announced a new partnership with The Lancet.
Dr. Jeng, who currently serves as the Academy’s Secretary for Annual Meeting, is a longtime Academy volunteer. Dr. Jeng has served on several Academy committees, including the Special Interest Team, the chair of the Self-Assessment Committee, the Ophthalmic News and Education Network (ONE) Editorial Board, the Research, Regulations, and External Affairs Committee, and the Awards Committee. He also served two terms on the Academy Council, as well as on the editorial board of EyeNet Magazine.
As artificial intelligence becomes an unavoidable part of scientific publishing, Dr. Jeng said the editorial board will continue to curate the most important research in ophthalmology with outstanding judgment, ethics, and foresight to make it the source of truth it is today.
“While all of our jobs will be harder as we tackle obstacles and hit curveballs served up by AI, our publisher will continue to help detect materials generated with “too much” AI assistance,” Dr. Jeng said. “These tools must never be used as a substitute for the critical thinking, expertise, and evaluation that only humans can do. This is where our editorial boards must step up and weigh in. Excellence is pursued through unbiased peer review, the advancement of innovation and discovery, and the promotion of lifelong learning. This unbiased peer review must not be outsourced to AI; it must be conducted by actual reviewers and editors.”
Additionally, Dr. Jeng announced that Ophthalmology will soon launch a new partnership with The Lancet.
Under the partnership, Ophthalmology retains right of first refusal for research presented at the Academy’s annual meeting, with one new exception. Authors who first submit to The Lancet would satisfy the Academy’s requirement for first submission to Ophthalmology.
If the research is not accepted by The Lancet, manuscripts will transfer directly to Ophthalmology with no reformatting required. This transfer pathway reflects a general agreement with The Lancet for all ophthalmologic research submitted to The Lancet not just annual meeting submissions, all of which now have the option of a direct path to Ophthalmology without reformatting.
“This partnership joins together two global leaders in clinical science publishing that both share a commitment to disseminating the most rigorous and impactful science,” Dr. Jeng said. “Ophthalmology remains committed to the highest standards for the most meaningful work as we strive to improve care for our patients through discovery and dissemination.”
18, Apr 2026
Husker Research Provides Irrigation Rules to Save Water, Increase Profits
As water supplies shrink and food demand grows, new interdisciplinary research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers a practical way for farmers to manage irrigation more efficiently while protecting their bottom line.
“Agriculture uses about 70% of the world’s freshwater, and nearly 40% of food production depends on irrigated land,” said Erkut Sönmez, associate professor of supply chain management and analytics at Nebraska. “With water supplies declining in many regions, finding more efficient ways to irrigate crops has become critical.”
To determine the soil moisture thresholds that signal when irrigation should begin and end under varying weather and soil conditions, Sönmez teamed up with Derek Heeren, professor of biological systems engineering and irrigation engineer at Nebraska, and Baris Ata, Sigmund E. Edelstone Distinguished Service Professor of Operations Management and Applied AI at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
Their paper, “Dynamic Irrigation Management Under Weather Uncertainty and Soil Heterogeneity” published in the journal Manufacturing and Service Operations Management in March.
“We introduced simple, smart irrigation rules that help farmers decide exactly when to water their crops and when to stop,” Sönmez said. “Instead of relying on guesswork, farmers can monitor soil moisture and irrigate only when it drops below a certain level and apply an optimum depth of water. The system works much like a thermostat, automatically maintaining the right balance.”
The researchers found their irrigation strategies can increase farmers’ profits while reducing water use compared with traditional practices.
“Even more importantly, the benefits grow stronger as water becomes scarcer, making these methods especially valuable in drought-prone regions. For farmers looking to stay profitable while conserving resources, these results point toward a new sustainable solution,” Heeren said.
Sönmez also noted how the research demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Our research combines ideas from supply chain management and agriculture to help farmers make better decisions,” Sönmez said. “In particular, we adapted inventory management policies used to manage products in a warehouse to instead manage water in the soil, which has never been done before.”
To test the approach, the researchers compared their irrigation policies with traditional practices through extensive computer simulations using historical farm conditions, soil characteristics, weather patterns and economic factors.
“The next step is to take these insights from the computer to the field and repeat our comparison on actual corn and soybean fields in upcoming growing seasons,” Heeren said.
Beyond irrigation, the researchers plan to apply similar analytical and data-driven approaches to help farmers in other areas of farm management, such as nitrogen fertilizer.
“This work shows how methods from one field can be applied in entirely new ways,” Sönmez said. “I look forward to continuing to combine these disciplines to improve efficiency and sustainability across a wide range of agricultural applications.”
