10, Jul 2025
Tufts University’s India Visit Forges New Academic Alliances
Delhi, July 10, 2025: In a significant step towards strengthening Indo-US academic ties, Tufts University, a globally recognized U.S. educational institution, has announced a landmark partnership with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The announcement was made on June 23 during a visit by the Tufts leadership team to India.
Both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance global scientific collaboration through this strategic partnership. The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Sunil Kumar, the 14th President of Tufts University and a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
President Kumar was joined by Professor Christina Economos, Dean of the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Under her leadership, the two institutions have created the Interdisciplinary Centre for Nutrition Science and Medicine (ICNSM). This Centre will be housed at IISc and provide nutrition education and research opportunities to medical students and faculty at both institutions. These efforts will address a wide range of diet-related concerns in India, the U.S., and around the world – including but not limited to anaemia, malnutrition, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, among others.
“It is widely recognized that food choices and nutrition play a critical role in preventing, managing, and treating diseases, and continuous research and discovery optimizes care,” added Dean Economos.
The newly signed MoU and the establishment of ICNSM stand as a testament to the shared commitment of Tufts and IISc to advancing knowledge, addressing global challenges collaboratively, and driving constructive societal transformation. ‘’Our work on nutrition is the first of what we envision as a range of possible initiatives that our two institutions hope to pursue together,’’ said President Kumar.
The Tufts delegation also included Dr. Bernard Arulanandam, Professor at the School of Medicine, Vice Provost for Research, Dr. Kyongbum Lee, Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Erin Hennessy, Professor at the Friedman School, and Dr. Matt Panzer, Professor at the School of Engineering. Drs. Kumar and Economos engaged in extensive discussions with academic and business leaders in India, sharing valuable insights, bringing diverse perspectives to help shape the future of the global education landscape, and exploring impactful partnerships. The team also engaged with Tufts alumni and parents, strengthening personal connections.
Since its inception, Tufts University has earned a distinctive reputation for promoting interdisciplinary and student-focused learning to nurture visionaries and change agents. The university is committed to global engagement and inclusive research across its campuses.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Jul 2025
NETSCOUT, Inspira & Cloud.in Champion AI Skills on World Youth Skills Day
On July 15, 2025, the world marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day. This year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” highlights the urgent need to equip young people with future-ready capabilities—from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to cloud computing and virtual collaboration. In India, where more than 65% of the population is under 35, bridging the skills gap is not just a development priority—it’s a national imperative.
Vinay Sharma, Regional Director, India and SAARC, NETSCOUT
NETSCOUT has a long history of bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation with Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) skillset development by reaching out to communities that are often underrepresented in technology. As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, we believe it is crucial to empower our youth with AI and digital skill sets in an increasingly digital world. NETSCOUT supports these efforts because it is the right thing to do and part of our caring culture and pride in being Guardians of the Connected World.
Lalith Sharma, President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Inspira Enterprise
In today’s digital-first world, digital proficiency, especially in AI, is a catalyst for career growth across industries and functions, including cybersecurity. AI literacy goes beyond writing complex algorithms, well into understanding the implications of AI on cybersecurity, the working of AI systems and techniques in building resilient systems, and securing generative AI (GenAI). On this World Youth Skills Day, we are committed to providing skills to teams on navigating the convergence of AI and cybersecurity. AI has significantly redefined cybersecurity and continues to offer immense potential for deeper, more proactive defense capabilities. However, the shortage of skilled security professionals for implementing and managing AI systems is still a challenge and has to be addressed through targeted training programs. Besides, AI-driven security solutions can also help in closing the skills gap with self-service security models. Such advancements are compelling organizations to reevaluate the skills and capabilities they value in the workforce.
Rahul S Kurkure, Founder and Director of Cloud.in
As GenAI and digital technologies become core enablers of innovation, businesses are increasingly turning to Cloud and AI Solution Providers not just for operational support, but for strategic transformation. This evolution calls for a new breed of professionals – cloud-certified talent with deep expertise in AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making. At Cloud.in & Hostin Services, we are proactively addressing this demand by upskilling and reskilling our teams with future-ready digital capabilities. Through initiatives like HostinAcademy.com and Evalix.AI, we’re nurturing talent from the ground up – offering hands-on training and intelligent assessments in cloud and AI technologies. As we commemorate World Youth Skills Day, we reaffirm our belief that the future lies in empowering youth through strong industry-academia collaboration, fostering an AI-literate generation ready to shape the digital economy.”
10, Jul 2025
Staqu’s JARVIS Boosts Retail Experience and Sales for Salt Attire
Gurugram, India, 10th July, 2025: Staqu Technologies, India’s leading AI-powered video analytics company, has announced the successful deployment of its flagship platform JARVIS at Salt Attire, a women’s workwear-focused retail brand. With this strategic collaboration, Salt Attire is using real-time analytics to better understand female shopper behavior, optimize store performance, and drive higher conversion rates.
By deploying JARVIS, Salt Attire now tracks female footfall-to-sales ratios, conversion trends, and customer dwell time across its stores. These insights are enabling the brand to take a data-driven approach to staffing decisions, improve in-store layouts, and ensure prompt customer assistance — resulting in a more seamless and engaging shopping experience.
Atul Rai, Co-founder & CEO, Staqu Technologies, said: “Retail is no longer just about product placement, it’s about precision, timing, and experience. Our partnership with Salt Attire demonstrates the power of AI in decoding customer journeys and optimizing every touchpoint. By leveraging JARVIS, Salt Attire is setting a new benchmark for how tech can personalize retail in niche categories like women’s workwear.”
Salt Attire is also using JARVIS to monitor how quickly staff can assist shoppers after they enter the store and how store design can be adjusted to increase customer engagement and dwell time.
Dipti Tolani, Founder & CEO, Salt Attire, added: “As a customer-first brand, we want every woman walking into our store to have a smooth, efficient, and personalized experience. With JARVIS, we’re able to track what’s working — from how long customers stay to whether they’re getting help when they need it. This level of visibility helps us continuously evolve our in-store journey to better serve the modern working woman.”
With this deployment, Staqu continues to strengthen its position as a partner of choice for forward-thinking retail brands looking to infuse intelligence into every layer of store operations.
10, Jul 2025
1,400 Job Offers, 83% Success Rate: Sunstone Raises the Bar in MBA Placements
New Delhi, 10 July 2025 — Sunstone, one of India’s most prominent higher education services companies, has reached a landmark milestone by securing 1,400+ confirmed job offers for its MBA and PGDM Class of 2024 on 30+ campuses across India. The audited placement report, confirmed by Brickworks Analytics—the same firm that audits top IIMs—highlights Sunstone’s student-centric, results-oriented education philosophy.
Sunstone again redefines management education with a focus on employability at its core. With 578+ recruiters from 24+ industries, including marquee recruiters such as Reliance Retail, PhonePe, Axis Bank, and Aditya Birla, 83% of students who were eligible got placement offers—many beyond entry-level positions. The best offer made was that of ₹26 LPA, with 8+ students securing international offers, marking a change in access to global opportunities for students.
What makes this placement unique is not only the numbers, but also the access to opportunity that it provides for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Patna, Guwahati, and Coimbatore. A large number of the Class of 2024 were first-generation postgraduates, demonstrating Sunstone’s role in social mobility and career transformation.
“In a landscape where ROI is increasingly scrutinised, Sunstone offers a 63% better ROI compared to private institutions and provides 7X more recruiter access than many Tier-1 private management colleges,” said Ashish Munjal, Co-founder & CEO of Sunstone. “We are committed to an education model where learning outcomes are directly tied to employability. Our placement results this year are not just numbers—they’re proof that transformation is possible, scalable, and inclusive.”
Beyond placements, Sunstone is oriented towards real-world readiness. Students are certified in industry-specific tools like Google Ads, SEO, and Power BI and get hands-on support through mock interviews, resume building, and mentorship sessions. Initiatives such as the Dream Job Policy, through which students can seek up to 3 more appropriate positions even post-placement, and programs like Launchpad (a startup incubator) and the Global Immersion Program provide exposure and international experience.
With its innovative Sunstone Coins system, students are even incentivised for active engagement in the learning process – redeemable against fee for tuition – making the learning experience not only meaningful but measurable too.
Sunstone’s 2024 placement figures validate its status as a new-age pioneer in employment-focused MBA education – one that is inclusive, practical, and future-focused.
10, Jul 2025
ECE Engineering School (France) and Presidency University (Bengaluru) announce a strategic academic partnership
Mumbai,10th July 2025: ECE Engineering School, a leading French institution renowned for its expertise in technological innovation, has signed a strategic academic partnership with Presidency University, one of Bengaluru’s top-tier private universities. This collaboration is designed to enhance student mobility, foster academic cooperation, and expand international opportunities for both students and faculty.
At the centre of this partnership are semester exchange programmes. They will give five Bachelor students from each institution the opportunity to study abroad and immerse themselves in a new academic and cultural setting every year. Indian students will benefit from ECE’s applied, innovation-oriented curriculum, which is closely connected to research and industry. Meanwhile, ECE students – the first of whom will arrive in Bengaluru this August – will experience Presidency University’s forward-looking academic environment and its diverse educational community.
In addition to semester exchanges, the agreement introduces the development of dual Masters degrees and pathway programmes in key disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Management, Technology and Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, and Sustainable Energy.
While Dual Degrees enable students to earn qualifications from both institutions, the Pathway programme lets students from Presidency University to start their Masters studies in India and complete them in France, with academic credit recognition and aligned curricula easing the transition. For Indian students, these options are particularly appealing in the context of France’s favourable post-study work visa policies, which allow up to two years of professional experience in the country after graduation, combined with a high-quality education at a globally competitive cost.
“We are delighted to launch this collaboration with Presidency University,” said Ana Barbaric, Head of International Relations at ECE Engineering School. “International mobility is a core part of the ECE experience. All our students are required to spend at least one semester abroad, and we are proud to welcome students from our global partners to our campuses in France, contributing to a truly international learning environment.”
“This partnership with ECE Engineering School marks an important step in Presidency University’s international strategy,” said Dr. Sivperumal, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of International Relations Affairs at Presidency University. “It opens exciting new avenues for our students to experience global best practices in engineering and innovation, while also bringing international peers into our vibrant academic ecosystem. We believe such collaborations equip our students with the global perspective and cross-cultural skills essential for success in today’s interconnected world.”
This collaboration comes at a moment of expanding Indo-French educational ties. While some countries are tightening student visa regulations, France is actively encouraging Indian student mobility. The French government has set a national target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030. This reflects a shared commitment to academic exchange and mutual growth.
At the same time, India and France are increasingly aligned on global technological issues. Following the recent AI Action Summit co-chaired in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries are promoting a “third way” in artificial intelligence. This approach emphasises ethical, inclusive, and transparent development. While private Indo-French AI collaborations are still emerging, academic partnerships like the one between ECE Engineering School and Presidency University Bengaluru help lay the groundwork for a shared innovation ecosystem rooted in the public good.
10, Jul 2025
Sattva Group Unveils Ambitious Campus in Vizag
10, Jul 2025
Dunedin City Council selects HCLTech to lead a 10-year strategic digital transformation
DUNEDIN, New Zealand and NOIDA, India, July 10, 2025—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has signed a 10-year strategic partnership with the Dunedin City Council (DCC) to modernize and manage its IT services, driving digital transformation, improved service delivery and stronger community engagement.
HCLTech will transform the Council’s IT services across cybersecurity, hybrid cloud, service management, IT asset management and network services, enhancing support, scalability and security. Council staff will gain access to modern omnichannel tools, phased self-service and responsive onsite support, helping them work more efficiently and making digital services faster and more intuitive for residents.
HCLTech will leverage advanced automation and AI platforms to automate routine tasks, reduce downtime and provide 24/7 virtual support.
“This partnership supports the Council’s five-year IT Strategy and was established through a rigorous procurement process. HCLTech has proven strengths in delivering smart, innovative IT services to the public sector,” said the DCC General Manager of Corporate Services, Robert West.
Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand at HCLTech, added: “We are proud to support Dunedin City Council in setting new standards for public sector innovation. Our shared vision will deliver lasting value to the community.”
10, Jul 2025
JIS Education Expo 2025 – Siliguri Edition Carries Forward the Legacy of Inspiration and Academic Empowerment
Siliguri, 10th July 2025: The JIS Education Expo 2025 – Siliguri Edition culminated in an impactful day of knowledge exchange and academic interaction, as students, educators, and parents from across Siliguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Raiganj etc., gathered at Dinabandhu Mancha to explore the vast educational opportunities offered by JIS Group Educational Initiatives.
The event was graced by the presence of renowned actor Abir Chatterjee and Bidyut Majumder, Deputy Director, Business Development, JIS Group.
Following the enthusiastic response in Kolkata and Durgapur, the Siliguri edition further cemented the JIS Group’s commitment of reaching out to students in diverse regions, with quality educational guidance and access. Schools from various districts of North Bengal participated in the day-long expo, making it a successful confluence of aspirations and possibilities.
Organised by JIS Group Educational Initiatives, the Expo presented a wide array of academic programs—spanning diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels— through interactive stalls hosted by various JIS institutions. These stalls facilitated direct conversations between students, parents, faculty members, and academic counsellors, fostering clarity on subject choices, institutional strengths, and future career pathways.
A special segment of the event was dedicated to felicitating Class 10 and 12 toppers from Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri & Raiganj. The ceremony stood as a proud celebration of academic distinction, aiming to inspire students to continue striving for excellence.
The free of cost personalised counselling sessions were another key highlight of the Expo, garnering remarkable response. Expert academic advisors offered guidance on stream selection, aligning personal interests with professional courses, and making informed decisions in a dynamic educational landscape.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “The JIS Education Expo 2025 reflects our mission to make quality education both accessible and aspirational across all regions. It is a platform not just for showcasing our institutions but for empowering students with the knowledge and direction they need, to make informed choices. After the overwhelming response in Kolkata and Durgapur, we are equally moved by the enthusiasm and warmth Siliguri has shown today.”
The Siliguri edition of the JIS Education Expo 2025 successfully continued the legacy of connecting dreams with direction and opportunities, further reinforcing JIS Group’s stature as a beacon of holistic education in Bengal.
10, Jul 2025
Aster CMI Performs Complex Tracheal Resection and Anastomosis to Cure Chronic Breathlessness
Bengaluru, July 10, 2025: In a rare and complex surgical feat, doctors at Aster CMI Hospital have successfully performed a complex tracheal resection and anastomosis to cure a 56-year-old man from Anantapur who had been battling severe breathlessness for over 16 months. The man, who was nearly immobile due to continuous breathing difficulties, has now made a full recovery and returned to normal life.
The patient initially developed a severe respiratory infection that required ventilator support and tracheostomy. However, once the tube was removed, he began suffering from irreversible narrowing of the windpipe. This condition left him gasping for breath even at rest and required multiple stenting procedures over the months to temporarily open his airway.
Dr. Narayana Subramaniam, Lead Consultant – Head and Neck Surgery & Oncology, Aster CMI Hospital, said. Despite undergoing stenting four times, his relief was short-lived. The narrowing was located retrosternal (behind the chest bone), making traditional surgical access risky. But through careful upper neck mobilization, we were able to access and successfully reconstruct the airway without having to split the chest open for access. We put in a temporary stent across the repair which was soon removed.
Tracheal surgery is rarely done due to the complexity and the surgical expertise required. This case also underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in tackling challenging airway conditions. The patient’s life has been transformed. He is now able to walk, move freely, and live without oxygen support or limitations.
The surgery, performed in collaboration with Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology and Dr. V Arun, Lead Consultant – Anesthesia, involved removing the narrowed portion of the trachea and seamlessly reconnecting the healthy ends. Post-surgery, the patient was discharged within five days and is now living symptom-free, with no trace of breathlessness or airway obstruction.
SGS Lakshmanan, Chief Operating Officer, Aster CMI Hospital, commented:
“This case highlights the strength of collaborative, multi-disciplinary care at Aster CMI. Performing such a rare and complex airway surgery required exceptional coordination between our surgical, pulmonology, and anesthesia teams. We are proud to have helped the patient reclaim a normal life, and this reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced, compassionate care for even the most challenging cases.”
10, Jul 2025
ATGC Biotech Recognised with Innovation Leadership Award 2025 for Transforming Crop Protection through Deep-Tech Innovation
NATIONAL | 10th July, 2025 : In a defining moment for Indian agri-innovation, ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the Innovation Leadership Award 2025 by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, during the prestigious 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave organized by Agriculture Today in New Delhi today.
The Agriculture Leadership Award 2025 was presented to ATGC Biotech Pvt.Ltd for Innovation Leadership in sustainable pest management with cutting edge pheromone technologies. The award was selected by the National Awards Committee, under the Chairmanship of Former Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam, recognizing ATGC’s pioneering role in IP-led, BioE3-aligned biomanufacturing—a transformative leap toward ultra-low-dose, waterless, and residue-free crop protection powered by synthetic biology and material science. With 26 patents, and 50+ commercial-stage products ATGC is driving India’s emergence as a global biotechnology powerhouse and a BioE3-compliant leader in climate-resilient agriculture. With strategic R&D support from BIRAC and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), ATGC is powering India’s transition from volume-based agrochemicals to precision, carbon-smart crop protection.
On receiving the award, Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Chairman & Managing Director, and Dr. V.B. Reddy, Executive Director, of ATGC Biotech said, “This award is a celebration of Indian science and its capacity to lead with purpose. We thank Agriculture Today for honoring deep-tech innovation, and express our sincere gratitude to BIRAC, DBT, and DST for enabling our platform to go from bench to field, from grams to global.” They further added, “This recognition reinforces the critical role of agri-innovation in advancing India’s strategic priorities—where food security, climate resilience, and global competitiveness converge through science and sustainability.”
For over a century, agriculture has leaned on chemical-based solutions to secure food systems. Today, ATGC adds a new layer of intelligence—shifting from reaction to prevention, from control to communication. ATGC has developed innovative solutions like CREMIT PBW and Akarsh ME, deployed across 200,000+ acres, cutting down chemical sprays and water use while decarbonizing the agri-supply chain. CREMIT PBW empowers cotton farmers with a sustainable, pesticide-free approach to managing pink bollworm, while Akarsh ME offers fruit growers an eco-friendly, highly effective solution for fruit fly control ensuring maggot-free harvests and residue-free fruits. ATGC’s core promise is to safeguard crops using just grams of active ingredient per acre per month, with no water and minimal application. It’s a new paradigm. A smarter, scalable solution for a climate-conscious world.
In 2024, the World Economic Forum highlighted ATGC as a global case study for scaling pheromone tech in row crops like rice and cotton. The company is the only non-US supplier to USDA’s “Slow the Spread” program, with 44 new molecules under registration across 20+ countries.
