Category Archives: News

ITM Optometry Department’s Low Vision Workshop Aims to Elevate Practical Training and Care

Delhi, March 2025 – The Optometry Department at ITM Institute of Health Sciences successfully organized a Low Vision Workshop, offering students a comprehensive hands-on training session on various low vision aids. The workshop provided an in-depth understanding of assistive devices designed to help individuals with low vision and blindness navigate their daily lives with greater independence.

The session was structured to ensure an interactive and experiential learning environment, where students actively participated in real-world case studies and practical activities. Discussions focused on how individuals with low vision manage routine tasks using specialized aids and adaptive techniques. Through engaging demonstrations, students explored different types of low vision devices, including magnifiers, telescopic glasses, electronic aids, and contrast-enhancing tools, which play a critical role in improving visual accessibility.

Highlighting the significance of the workshop, Dr. Sankalp Rao, Director at ITM Institute of Health Sciences, stated, “Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments is essential for future optometrists. This workshop provided students with the opportunity to work with assistive devices and gain practical insights into how they can improve the quality of life for people with low vision. At ITM, we are committed to offering a hands-on, patient-centric approach to optometry education.”

The workshop also included interactive problem-solving sessions, where students analyzed case studies and discussed effective solutions for managing different degrees of visual impairment. These exercises allowed participants to think critically and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, preparing them to offer comprehensive care to patients in their future careers.

The event was a valuable learning experience, reinforcing ITM’s commitment to providing high-quality, experiential education in optometry. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice, ITM Institute of Health Sciences continues to equip students with the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of vision care and rehabilitation.

Shikhar Dhawan Speaks Out on Love, Letting Go, and His Enigmatic New Relationship

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flamboyant strokes on the field and his charismatic personality off it, became the center of attention at the Times Now Summit 2025—but not just for his cricketing insights. While his interactions with former teammates delighted fans, it was his presence alongside a mystery woman that set social media abuzz. Identified as Sophie Shine from Ireland, the viral pictures and online chatter fueled speculation about Dhawan’s love life.

The cricketer, who has been noticeably avoiding the topic, finally broke his silence when asked about moving on from his past relationship. In a candid and heartfelt response, Dhawan said,

“Yes, I have moved on. I wouldn’t say I was unlucky in love—rather, my choices came from inexperience. But now, I have experience, and that will come in handy. It was a learning curve for me. There were good moments, there were bad moments, and I am grateful for all of them.”

As the conversation got more playful, Dhawan was asked the million-dollar question—is he ready to love again?

With his signature smile, he quipped, “I am always in love!”

Pressed further on whether he is seeing someone, Dhawan expertly dodged the question like a well-pitched bouncer.

“See, I know how to dodge bouncers in cricket, and I know you’re throwing one at me now. But I won’t get caught!” he laughed, refusing to drop any names.

When nudged with the Punjabi phrase, “Changi kudi hai?” (Is she a good girl?), Dhawan responded with a cryptic, “For the wise, a hint is enough.”

Despite multiple attempts to get a name out of him, the cricketer remained tight-lipped, playfully declaring, “The most beautiful girl in this room is my girlfriend. Now, you figure it out!”

And when asked the big question—is there a wedding on the cards?—Dhawan remained unfazed.

“When I feel like it, I’ll do it. What’s the rush?” he shrugged, before confirming that there is no wedding date fixed for now.

Inputs on World Backup Day

Vishal Salvi, CEO of Quick Heal Technologies Limited.

 “In today’s digital-first world, data is the backbone of our lives and businesses. Its loss—whether from cyberattacks, system failures, or human error—can be catastrophic. Globally, ransomware attacks have been rising alarmingly, with the 2024 Seqrite India Threat Report, prepared by our researchers at India’s largest malware analysis facility, revealing ransomware now accounts for 1 in every 595 detected threats. Modern ransomware isn’t just about locking systems—it’s increasingly designed to steal sensitive data, amplifying the risks of financial losses, operational paralysis, and irreversible damage to customer trust. This dual threat of data theft and system lockdown calls for a robust backup strategy reinforced by data encryption, access controls and regular updates for optimum cyber resilience.

 At Quick Heal and Seqrite, we are committed to making cyber safety a fundamental right. With innovations like AntiFraud.AI which alerts consumers if their data is breached and guides them on next steps, and as well as our enterprise solutions like Seqrite ZTNA, Seqrite Data Privacy, and Seqrite EPP range, we empower both individuals and organizations to stay secure. This World Backup Day let’s prioritize multi-layered protection and a security-first mindset—because preparation today prevents disruption tomorrow,”

Shankar Iyer, Director – Business Strategy, India, Infobip

 “In today’s digital-first world, data is the backbone of business success. At Infobip, we champion privacy-first solutions that enable businesses to protect, manage, and recover data seamlessly. On World Backup Day, we emphasize the critical role of secure data management — regular backups, end-to-end encryption, and AI-powered fraud prevention are essential strategies to safeguard sensitive information.

 In India, with the implementation of the DPDP Act, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to data protection, ensuring compliance while strengthening customer trust. By investing in resilient infrastructure and robust cybersecurity frameworks, companies can not only mitigate risks but also drive long-term growth. Data protection is not just a regulatory necessity but a strategic advantage in an evolving digital ecosystem. As businesses scale, ensuring data integrity will be key to building a secure and transparent future.”

Zaiba Sarang, Co-founder, iThink Logistics

 Data isn’t just information—it’s the backbone of operations. Losing it means losing control over supply chains, customer trust, and business continuity. On World Backup Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding digital memories with intelligent storage and proactive backups, ensuring resilience against cyber threats and downtime. A strong backup today secures a seamless tomorrow.

Parag Khurana, Country Manager, India at Barracuda Networks

 “World Backup Day is an annual reminder of the importance of backing up and protecting data from loss and theft. The universal messages of making regular backups, keeping offline copies and more are as important as ever – but in India’s increasingly digital landscape, there are other aspects of effective backup that are worth thinking about on World Backup Day. They may not be as obvious, but they are just as important.

 “This includes backing up identity and access management systems like Microsoft Entra ID. Without proper Entra ID backup, employees may lose access to essential applications, severely compromising operational efficiency.

 “Organisations should also avoid ‘restoring blind’ in case this introduces previously undetected malware into the network, by having a solution in place that can scan backups for malware before restoration. Additionally, regular testing of backup systems is crucial. The worst time to discover that there is an error in your configuration, or that a setting is incorrect, is right after a ransomware event or when you really need to restore something and can’t. Even with easy-to-use systems, companies need to be familiar with how their backup works and should be comfortable with restores – before the pressure is on.”

Ankura Hospital joins expecting couples to celebrate Parenthood

Hyderabad, March 29, 2025 – Ankura Hospital, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to maternal and child wellness, successfully organized its inaugural Mega Baby Shower, an exclusive event celebrating the journey of parenthood. The event, held recently at the prestigious Hyderabad International Convention Centre(HICC), witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 150 expecting couples participating in a day filled with joy, learning, and community bonding.

Designed to support and empower expecting parents, the Mega Baby Shower provided an engaging platform for attendees to gain expert insights on pregnancy care, newborn wellness, and parenting. The event featured interactive health sessions led by experienced medical professionals, alongside an array of engaging activities, including rejuvenating yoga exercises, energetic Zumba sessions, relaxing nail art, and a professional photoshoot to capture these cherished moments.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Krishna Prasad Vunnam, Founder and Managing Director of Ankura Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm, “At Ankura Hospital, our goal is to make every stage of the pregnancy journey special and memorable for expecting families. This Mega Baby Shower was a testament to our commitment to holistic maternal care, offering parents-to-be a supportive environment filled with expert guidance, warmth, and encouragement. We believe such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering families and fostering a joyful transition into parenthood.”

Beyond informative sessions and engaging activities, the event also featured an exciting lucky draw, where select winners were awarded exclusive prizes, including a complimentary delivery package at Ankura Hospital and luxury room upgrades during their stay. This thoughtful initiative added an extra layer of excitement and joy, making the experience even more memorable for the participants.

ASME Foundation India Ignites the Future of Innovation at EFx India 2025

Bengaluru, March 29, 2025: In a celebration of ingenuity and sustainable innovation, ASME Foundation India, the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in collaboration with REVA University, has brought together the country’s brightest engineering minds for EFx India 2025. The three-day festival, running from March 27 to 29, has

drawn over 700 students from top-tier engineering institutions across India, providing a platform to showcase technical acumen, compete in high-stakes challenges, and engage with industry leaders shaping the future of engineering.

Ms. Maria Cardwell, Executive Director & Chief Engineer, Boeing India, and the event’s Chief Guest, underscored the high expectations placed on India’s engineers. “The demand is immense, and that pressure shapes the way young engineers approach their craft—compromise, negotiation, and incremental success are part of the journey to groundbreaking innovation. When you’re in the workforce, there’s little room for failure. That’s why ASME, Boeing, and many others invest in initiatives like EFx.”

Empowering Engineers through Innovation and Collaboration

As one of ASME’s premier student engagement initiatives, EFx has, over the past seven years, attracted more than 10,000 participants from 400 institutes spanning 20 cities, reinforcing India’s reputation as a global powerhouse for engineering talent.

This year’s edition goes beyond competition, featuring expert-led masterclasses on cutting-edge topics—biomimicry, GD&T in manufacturing, welding and NDE applications, remote imaging for material assessment, and sustainable engineering—offering students critical industry insights and practical expertise.

“EFx India has returned after two years to reignite experiential learning,” said Mr. Madhukar Sharma, President, ASME India Pvt Ltd. “Engineering is not just about technical skills—it’s about resilience, collaboration, and navigating real-world constraints. Here, students don’t just learn; they innovate, fail, and ultimately, succeed.”

Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Founder and Chancellor, REVA University, emphasised the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. “I have always wanted students to gain real-world exposure. EFx competitions provide practical learning that goes beyond classroom and lab projects. I sincerely thank ASME India and the ASME India Foundation for this opportunity. I want my students to become job providers, not job seekers. If universities foster collaboration between research, academia, and industry while providing practical exposure, I believe my vision of producing job providers will become a reality.”

The Next Era of Indian Engineering

ASME Foundation India operates with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between academia and industry while fostering equitable access to engineering education and career opportunities. Its initiatives rest on three foundational pillars:

• Education that Inspires: Partnering with organisations such as CSRL, ASME Foundation India nurtures problem-solving abilities and hands-on learning in mechanical engineering.

• Careers that Matter: With a robust network of over 6,000 members and volunteers, ASME India facilitates mentorship, leadership development, and industry networking.

• Ideas that Innovate: Actively engaging underrepresented communities, particularly women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ASME supports engineering-driven solutions that enhance livelihoods and drive economic empowerment.

“ASME Foundation India is committed to empowering the next generation of engineers,” said Ms. Avni Malhotra, Deputy Director, ASME Foundation India. “Through EFx competitions, student initiatives, and philanthropic programs, we are equipping young talent with the skills to tackle global challenges head-on.”

Dr. Narayanaswamy KS, Registrar, REVA University, echoed this sentiment: “Real-world problems demand professional solutions. ASME’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence is making a tangible difference.”

Ananya’s Arrival at the Wagle Household Creates Waves in Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’

Mumbai , March 29, 2025: Sony SAB’s show ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey’ has always brought alive the challenges, successes and emotional moments in the lives of middle-class families. The recent episodes dealt with issues like parenting complexities, career dilemmas and teenage rebellion in a light-hearted manner. Now, the story takes a new turn when the Wagle family has to face an unexpected guest, Ananya (Saumya Shetye).

This week, the peaceful Sai Darshan Society is thrown into a tizzy when Ananya moves in with the Wagle family for a while. Her high-class lifestyle and habits challenge the Wagle family’s simple lifestyle. From cappuccino machines to community celebrations, their differences sometimes cause tension and sometimes laughter. Meanwhile, another big problem arises outside the house. A building of Ananya’s father’s new real estate project ‘Ananya Smart City’ collapses, landing them in controversy. The incident brings media attention to Ananya and the Wagle family and they too get involved in the chaos.

Will Rajesh be able to protect his family’s privacy and deal with the media?

Sumeet Raghavan who plays Rajesh Wagle in the show said , “This week’s story is a mix of misunderstandings, emotions and real life problems that every family can relate to. Ananya’s entry brings a new storm in the Wagle family, leading to a fun clash between their simple and lavish lifestyle. It is always refreshing to have young energy on the set as it adds a new perspective to the scenes.”

NCLT Approves Merger of Cohance Lifesciences and Suven Pharmaceuticals, Strengthening Pharma Presence

Hyderabad, March 29, 2025: Suven Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), today announced that the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), vide its order pronounced on March 27, 2025 (the “Order”), has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation between Cohance Lifesciences Limited and Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited.

As per the terms of the Scheme, the merger will become effective from the opening business hours of the first day of the month immediately following the month in which all conditions specified under the Scheme are fulfilled, including receipt of approval from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, where applicable. The effective date will be duly intimated to the Stock Exchanges for public disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations. As previously communicated, the Company expects to complete the amalgamation process by Q1FY26.

The amalgamation is expected to create a future-ready, diversified CDMO platform with a technology-led focus across three high-growth verticals—Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Oligonucleotides, and Small Molecules. The combined entity will operate as an integrated, end-to-end partner to global innovator pharmaceutical companies, further supported by strong capabilities in the Specialty CDMO and API+ business segments. The merged platform is expected to enhance scale, broaden customer offerings, and drive operational synergies that will fuel long-term growth.

Mr. Vivek Sharma, Executive Chairman of Suven Pharmaceuticals, said, “The NCLT approval marks a milestone moment for both the companies, as we embark on a transformative phase. This merger enhances our global capabilities, particularly in the growing and highly specialized areas of ADCs. With Cohance’s unique technological platform in ADC, we are well-positioned to become a $1 billion revenue company in next five years with higher CDMO contribution.”

Commenting on the proposed merger, Dr. V. Prasada Raju, Managing Director of Suven Pharmaceuticals, said, “The approval of the merger marks a significant milestone in our journey to build a differentiated and innovation-led CDMO platform from India. The combined capabilities of Suven and Cohance position us strongly in high-growth areas such as Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Oligonucleotides, and complex Small Molecules. These segments represent the future of pharmaceutical innovation, and our integrated approach—spanning development to commercial manufacturing—aims to deliver high-impact solutions to global innovator clients. We are also excited about the broader synergies this merger will unlock across our Specialty CDMO and API+ business segments, enabling us to drive long-term value creation.”

RFDL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan Overpowers Muthoot FA; Classic FA Makes Dramatic Comeback Against Sreenidi Deccan FC

Mumbai; March 29: Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged Muthoot FA by 2-1 in a close encounter, while Classic FA produced a fantastic comeback to defeat Sreenidi Deccan FC 3-2 in their Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024-25 National Group Stage match at the Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai on Thursday.

Ahead of the first game between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Muthoot FA, the two sides aimed to maintain their winning momentum having registered wins against Mumbai City FC and Classic FA respectively. The Mariners started the game on the strong foot, capitalising on a mistake from Muthoot FA to take a crucial lead in the game. Their Player of the Match against Mumbai City FC Vian Murgod, pressurized the opposition defence to win the ball in a dangerous position and poked it past the Muthoot FA goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The Kerala-based side got one back before the half-time break when Umer Muhthar brought Abith K B down inside the box and the referee pointed towards the spot. The Muthoot forward coolly placed the ball in the bottom right corner to bring the scores level.

Mohun Bagan, however, looked more robust in the second half and earned a penalty right after the restart when Amandeep was fouled inside the box by Muthoot FA goalkeeper Mohammed Anas while attempting to clear the ball. Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh, who was a livewire in the attack throughout the game, stepped up to take the spot kick and put his side back into the lead by scoring the penalty. The Mariners held on to their slender lead and ensured a 100% record in the competition.

In the afternoon kick-off, Classic FA registered an emphatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in their second match of the RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage. The Telangana-based side had taken an early lead in the 10th minute through Levis Zangminlun. Lalfamkima’s attempt from close range was parried by the Classic FA goalkeeper, but Levis managed to score from the rebound. It wasn’t long before Thangjam Roshan Singh setup Bharat Lairenjam inside the box in the 22nd minute. The latter made no mistake in tapping it in and making it 1-1 as the two sides headed into the break.

Late drama ensued in the game when Sreenidi substitute Embokhlang Nongkhlaw made the most out of a piercing through ball from Jay Paominlal Singson to give Sreenidi the lead again in the 85th minute. But Classic FA came all cylinders firing in the remaining minutes of the game to produce a remarkable turnaround. Md. Arbash’s free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time was spilled by the Sreenidi goalkeeper and Blessing Keishing was in the right place at the right time to smash home the equalizer.

The Manipur-based side, full of confidence after the equalizing goal, produced a late wave of attack causing trouble to the Sreenidi goalkeeper. Captain Yendrembam Rohit Singh managed to poke the ball in following a melee inside the box to make it 3-2 and win it for his side deep into the stoppage time.

After the game, Sreenidi Deccan FC Reserves Team Head Coach Alvaro Mota quoted, “We have a very young squad here with an average age of 18. Our goalkeeper today is just 16. So the key for our side is to learn from mistakes and not repeat them. Today was a tough loss for us. I need to credit our opponents, Classic FA, for hanging in there and not giving up till the end. We tried to put up a good show and correct our markings. But the boys will learn a lot from this experience.”

Earlier on Wednesday, NorthEast United registered a narrow 1-0 win over FC Goa to grab their first three points of the RFDL National Group Stage. The Highlanders, though, left it late to take the lead in the game. Following a short corner, skipper Fredy Chawngthansanga delivered a pinching cross into the box and Mukul Panwar headed it onto Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam who was through on goal. The midfielder comfortably took a touch and beat the FC Goa goalkeeper from close range to win it for NorthEast United FC.

NeoSapien Triumphs at Panasonic Ignition Accelerate Awards for Innovation and Impact

Panasonic, a global leader in technology and innovation, has long been at the forefront of shaping the future. Through its Panasonic Ignition Challenge, the company has created a launchpad for startups that are redefining industries and pushing the boundaries of possibility. This corporate accelerator, backed by Beyond Next Ventures, Dentsu, and Zinnov, is designed to support high-potential startups with mentorship, business collaborations, and investment opportunities.

In its latest edition, the Panasonic Ignition Challenge saw 163 startups vying for a place at the top. After a rigorous three-month journey, NeoSapien emerged as a standout, winning the prestigious Panasonic Ignition Accelerate Award for its groundbreaking work in enhancing human intelligence through technology.

Founded by Dhananjay Yadav and Aryan Yadav, NeoSapien is on a mission to reshape the way humans interact with technology. By leveraging cutting-edge advancements, the company is bridging the gap between artificial and human intelligence, making innovation more intuitive and impactful.

“We’re not just creating technology—we’re crafting a smarter, more connected future,” said Dhananjay Yadav, Co-founder, NeoSapien. “Winning this award reaffirms our commitment to making advanced intelligence accessible and transformative.”

ITDC Concludes Thought-Provoking Seminar on Vedic Culture at The Ashok, New Delhi

Chandigarh, March 29, 2025: India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organized a seminar and ceremony on The Importance of Indian Vedic Culture at The Ashok, New Delhi. The event witnessed the participation of 53 PSUs, underscoring a collective commitment to promoting Hindi and preserving India’s cultural heritage.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Director, (Finance), and senior officials of ITDC, followed by addresses by distinguished speakers, reflecting on the relevance of Vedic culture in modern times. It emphasized the role of Vedic knowledge in shaping social values and its enduring significance.

The highlight of the seminar was Hindi Kavi Sammelan (poetry session), captivating and humorous recitations.

The seminar concluded with an inspiring address by Member Secretary, Narakas Upakram-2, who underscored the importance of integrating Hindi and regional languages in official communication. He shared his personal experiences and urged the participating PSUs to enhance the use of Hindi in their daily operations.

The event was a resounding success, reflecting ITDC’s dedication to preserving India’s cultural heritage while advancing the use of Hindi in official and public discourse.